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The rain seems to be relentless early in the morning. After traveling along one of the many roads that crisscross the Upper Reik River, Donovan and Sasha find their way north blocked by a fallen bridge. There is no way across this part of the river, particularly while it is raining so heavily.
They are about to begin searching for an alternate route that will all them continue their journy to Nuln when a gruff voice breaks the monotonous pounding of the rain against their slickers. "Fine morn'in idn't it? Reminds me of Karak-Kadrin durin' the dry season. Still I wouldn't try crossin' that river right now were I you. Like as not
you'd be swept back the way you came."
As they peer through the rain, looking for the source of the rough but friendly voice, Donovan spots a Dwarf sitting under a small square of canvas strung up between four
trees. Surprisingly, he looks relativly dry, which is more
than can be said for his donkey which is tethered nearby. Beside him sits a muscluar human woman wrapped in a blanket. She looks soaked to the skin and is not at all happy about it. A mail shirt, mace and shield lay nearby. She manages a smile as Donovan and Sasha approach.
Behind the thunder and rain Sasha notices a voice calling out. It would appear to be comming from the river itself. Shortly, a small riverboat appears around a bend, it is heading upriver. Four men scramble from side to side, fending off driftwood and lashing down cargo and equipment while a man with a Estalain accent stands at the helm, barking orders. A sixth man can be seen on the deck, he sits on a rolled sail, under a tarpalun holding a pewter tankard and a pipe. From time to time he laughs at the panic that seems to have gripped the crew. He makes no move to help them secure the ship. The boat seems to be attempting to pull in at the bank of the river. Though the
river is flowing so fast, it is not clear if they will stop at the riverbank or crash into it.
The big female considers ignoring them, then gets up with a long-suffering sigh. All she wanted was to sit out the rain, and now she is expected to slop around in the river and get even wetter, if such a thing is possible. Her pale hair plastered flat to her head, she trudges grudgingly to the riverbank to help.
Sasha contemplates for a moment, watching the other woman walks to the riverbank, and then follows. She is used to the tediousness of domestic chores but not yet aclimated to these heavy physical labors of travel. Still, with her weight behind the ropes this ship just might have a chance of docking.
Donovan looks down at the river boat . Then looks back to the dwarf . "Aye the mornin tis fine enough, as cold, wet, pissin down the bloody rain mornins go . " He says with a smile . " Come friend lets help the ladies . I'm sure a stout fella like yerself will be a lot more useful here than a runt like me come on ." He hops off his horse and walks down to the river . "Ahoy cap'n toss yer line . We'll do what we can ! "
Morgus slowly rose from his seat under his tarp, slung a smaller one about his shoulders and slopped thru the mud behind the 2 women and the man. He was thinking," Hell, Ey been vorkin' these here hills fer goin' on two yars, neber seen this many humans. Now, in this goblin flusher of a rain Ey sees more than ey can count. Shit, ey best move
on, this place is gettin' grown into, or else this old fart's in the wrong place at the wrong time!!" Morgus takes the big barge rope from one of the women-folk. His big, well calloused hands grabbed the line and he towed at the barge like he was their draft horse. All the while he grinned as he thought of the woman he touched. "She smell
dam' good. Ey likes th'smell of women: nothin' like me!"
The combined strength of the four people from the shore makes the 'docking' procedure a little less difficult for the captain of the riverboat to complete. Even before the boat has stopped a young boatman leaps from the deck and lands lightly on the shore. Untying a rope from around his waist he ties the bow of the riverboat off on a large tree, then runs to do the same at the stern.
He looks at the sorry looking band facing him and ays: "Thanks for your help, I was getting a bit worried that the cap'n wasn't going to stop. My name is Hans, first mate on board the Isabella." He points to the boat, still crashing against the riverbank. The three others run around the deck lashing down the boat's single sail, and other
equipment. Hans takes a look at the large Estalian at the wheel, and runs to help them.
After securing the moorings De Silva goes to the railings and hails the rain soaked wretches. "My thanks to you friends. you have made the day easier for my crew and I". Seeing that there are ladies present De Silva continues. " Please ladies, come aboard and get out of the rain. your escorts as well. My cook has a hearty stew ready and some warm spiced wine will do us all some good."
With a smile the portly redhead offers a nod and a small curtsy to De Silva, "Greetings, sir, I am Sasha. I am grateful for your offer of food and wine". Sasha shoulders her travel pack and boards the ship with a speed and lightness that belies her size. Unfamiliar with the
Dwarven-folk she is relieved that for the time-being Morgus has stayed on land. Sasha turns and looks toward shore,
she is suddenly unsure whether to wait for Donovan or follow the lure of food and wine.
The blonde fighter agrees instantly, and hurries back to where her gear is waiting. She gathers it up haphazardly and dashes back to the boat. "De Silva," she shouts over the storm, "I thank you for this offer. In return, I give you a name for a name! I am Hjordis, I am telling you this." She bounds across to the deck and moves to
wherever the food is. She's big, but not clusmy; a strapping
specimen, born for warring.
Morgus looks at the sailor, the boat and the crew then says, "Thankee sailor boy, but my gear, my tools, my Josephine all be out yar under my tent. Ey best stays wid it rat now. Maybe you let Morgus come on board later,ehhh ?" and with that he skitters back thru the mud to the lean-to...
After securing his steed to a nearby tree , Donovan hurries back to the ship . Just in time to hear ... "allow me to introduce myself ladies. I am Capitan De Silva. master of this boat. are you travelers? A pilgrimage perhaps?" pulling out a pair of stools at the table he offers them to the ladies. "ah, enough questions for now please have
a seat. and enjoy our modest hospitality." Turning to the Mate he says "Hans break the men for lunch once she is secure. and post a watch. oh and have someone run a bowl of stew and some wine to our Dwarven friend on shore."
" Hellova boat ye got here Capn. 'Tis a fine vessel to be sure ." Donovan blurts out as he enters the scene. "Names Shrike . I'm the Warden of the road to Nel . Coarse I haven't been there for a while , since I met Sash here . I thought it might be time to see a little of the world like me brothers did . Not that I have to tell you eh ? I'll bet you've seen many a distant shore in your time.Yeah..this
boats a nice one " he adds looking around . " So, I believe you mentioned somethin about wine . "
He finishes, smiling. Donovan is physically unimpressive as an individual he's not very tall , and he's quite lean . His Long dark brown hair hangs loose over his shoulders. His blue eyes starkly contrast his dark ,almost olive skin , and are always moving . His most prevalent feature however is his oversized lips , Mostly because he is almost always smiling . He is almost like a fox , always moving and checking things out , and interested in everything . Apart from talking a little too much , Donovan generally gets along with everyone he meets .
Hjordis, already seated and eating happily, nods interestedly throughout Donovan's oration. Apart from the occasional "hm!" "uh-huh!" and "mm?" she says nothing. Strangely, her 'nothing' is a great deal friendlier than most people's conversation!
A tall man with big shoulders and small waist enters the room his short blond hair is still wet from the rain, in one of his callous covered hands he carries a pewter tankard, there is a hint of a smile on his thin lips. Greetings, fellow travellers I am Adolphus of Nuln, a wanderer for no particular reason. Hjordis smiles and waves a spoon in greeting. She finally pauses in her lunch long enough to greet the others properly. "Good morning to
you both - it is a fine day for meetings! I am Hjordis, I'm
telling you this!" She pours herself a measure of wine, and considers asking for more stew.
Aye,tis a pleasure lass.........Telling me what then ?" Donovan replies, confused. Sasha rolls her eyes. "AAAAhahahahahahahahahaha!" she roars, "My name is what I tell you good fellow. Forgive me if my words come strangely."
"Ohhh, Not at all darlin' . The mistake was mine, and the foriveness for me to ask ." Donovan replies with a sheepish grin. Most of the wet adventurers take De Silva up on his offer of a dry room and a hot meal. The swaying of the boat is a little disconcerting, but it certainly beats sitting in the mud and rain outside.
Your spirits lift considerably at the warmth of the cabin and the smell of hot food. The Isabella has a single cabin that takes up most of the stern of the boat. Stepping into the cabin they are greeted by a tall heavy-set human, he introduces himself as Franz and motions for them to sit at a small table in the center of the room. The cabin
is warm despite the rain that leaks in through roof. The source of the heat is a brassier with a small fine burning within it. Over the brassier is a cooking pot. Franz then passes among the adventurers dishing out a hot and quite tasty stew and chunks of hard bread. Hans runs to take a bowl of stew to Morgus.
As the adventures eat a second man enters the cabin through a trapdoor in the floor. He is well dressed for a common boatman, but his hands reveal that he indeed works on the Isabella. Upon seeing Sasha and Jhordis his face brightens and he swaggers over to the table. Picking up Sasha's tankard, he inspects the contents. In a very serious tone he says, "My name is Henri ladies, and ale such as
this is perhaps best fed to hogs and dwarfs, for only the
likes of them would stomach it well. For a pair of refined ladies such as yourselves I would recommend a glass of Bordeleaux's finest merlot. I happened to find several bottles when last I was in Bretonnia."
He casually walks over to one of the sea chests that line the hull and returns with a bottle of red wine. The label bears the city crest of Bordeleaux. He takes Sasha's tankard and empties it out a porthole; half fills it with wine and hands it back to her. He extends the bottle to Jhordis saying: "And you Mademoiselle, will you take a little also?" "Gladly. My name, however is Hjordis, not Jhordis," she laughs. Her name has been subject to all manner of butchery in her time, and she doesn't mind
in the least - she answers to almost anything these days!
Giggling slightly at such male attention, Sasha accepts the wine. Hans returns to the cabin and barley able to contain himself, begins asking the adventurers all manner of questions. He says: "I am Hans, first mate of the Isabella. We are bound for Nuln. Are you also heading for Nuln? I bet you are the other fellow, Adolphus, is going to Nuln, he's an adventurer like you. There is a lot of opportunity
to earn fast money for adventurers in Nuln...well so I have heard anyway. Cap'n De Silva wouldn't let me find out for myself, says I'm too young, but I've fought beastmen and goblins wot have tried to take the Isabella. Hey, I know, you should ask cap'n to take you to Nuln...it isn't far, and the roads will be washed out anyways. Then you could tell me of your adventures. I used to be a marine like
cap'n...but I jumped ship when cap'n left the service...He's a good fighter the cap'n...'n' brave too, I once saw him kill 3 pirates with a single stroke of his sword...well 2 anyways, the other lived a bit."
" That sounds well and good lad . But I expect your capt'n will be requiring some payment for the ride . besides I have my poor horse to consider . I can't very well just let her go ." Donovan says to the young sailor .
Adolphus sits in a chair, pushes it back from the table and looks towards de silva. captain, do you mind if I light my pipe its been a fair time since I was last able to light it. "Only if you would allow me to join you Senor." De Silva says as he produces a pipe of his own. Turning his attention back to the others. "is it the intention
of you all to travel to the city?" "It would be my pleasure captain." Adolphus produces a smallish bag of pipe tobacco and offers some to De Silva. Inside the pouch is a soft brown resinous mass, it appears to be of fine quality. Sasha nods "I believe I would like to go there- is it a very big city? Do tell us what you know of Nuln. How long before the roads to Nuln would be dry enough for travel? De Silva replies:"Actually Senorita, I have never been to
Nuln. this will be my first time. I have a cargo of grain to
unload there. but of the city I have no real knowledge. I believe one of my men has been there before though."
The muddy riverbank was cold and the wind now whipped at Morgus' fire. He was drifting in and out of a dozy sleep now that his belly was full. He dreamed of women: big ones, little ones, short ones, fat ones, tall ones even one that was sorta bald headed. Years of loneliness crept into his
dreams like this, and despite his dour facade, his dreams told all. It was time for Morgus to find a mate. He might call himself on an adventure, or just off to find new
work, but his dreams revealed all. With a twitch, Morgus awoke and was happy to smell the rich smell of pipe tobacco. "Hot damn, gotta git me some!" said the dwarf as he scuttered across the muddy ground and jumped onto the
riverboat. Gathering himself up at the door to the cabin, Morgus knocked, then entered. " 'Scuse me, Capitan sur, ey wanted to proper thankee fer the vittles. They wuz extre good, ey tell yew. " Morgus eyes light up as he sees the two men smoking, and he imposes himself once once,"
Capitan, sur, might ey beg a bit o'that terbaccie off yur. Ey shore could use a peaceful pipefull t'nite, if yew could be so kind?" "Why certainly Senor." DeSilva now produces his own pouch. and after recieving it back from Morgus he places it on the table as an open invitation for the others
to refill as they wish. "Now please friends enlighten me on your travels." he says to his visitors. Henri replies: "Ahhh Nuln, Nuln is one of the largest cities of the Empire. Not quite as grand as Brionne or Couronne of my native Bretonnia, but it is a beautiful city. It was once the capital of the Empire. Rumour has it that Sigmar Heldenhammer himself was crowned Emperor within her walls.
It is a city of learning; it has many universities and workshops. Inventors are as common as footpads in Nuln they say. And also the people of nuln still have a fierce competitive spirit when it comes to altdorf as we feel that nuln is the more important and significant town. It is also a great city of commerce. She is the meeting place of four
provinces, Reikland, Sudenland, Averland and Stirland. The markets are always full; at least they were when last I was
there. All manner of goods can be purchased in Nuln...and services. Perhaps when we dock you will allow me to show you around?" The rain is easing slightly, but the roads will remain boggy for several days.
Henri passes through the adventures until he reaches Hjordis' side, he fills her tankard from the bottle he holds and says: "Nuln also has many fine taverns and inns.
They get a lot of visitors there because of the markets. Perhaps you and I will pay them visit mademoiselle? I would be happy to show you the sights." Hans scoffs at Henri's words and says: "You blowhard, you've probably never even got past the wenches in the first tavern you came too, let
alone saw the markets of Nuln. Adolphus is from Nuln, he told me so, what is Nuln like Adolphus? Tell us..." Henri gives Hans a stern look and is about to reply when a loud voice from the deck above is heard: "Six bells and all is well." The announcement is followed by a series of strikes
on a brass bell. Hans, Adolphus, Hjordis, De Silva and Morgus notice that the bell sounded only four times.
"If you would excuse me for a moment my friends. Hans topside." Desilva grabs a fire axe that is leaning next to the door as he exits. Hjordis will be the first to admit there are smarter women alive, but this looks bad! She looks
around for her mail shirt and shrugs it on to be safe
Following de silva, Adolphus takes a pistol from its belt loop. "hmm could be bandits this ought to be
interesting" there is a large grin across his face.
Morgus had just settled in good in a well warmed corner, huge dwarven arkane pipe in hand, and was about to pull his shoes off and stretch out his furry flat feet, when he was aroused from his comforts by the commotion about. "Hell's bells, ey best go see meself tew. Nuthin' better have
happened ta ma Josephine, else ey'll skin some fool ifs ey
catch 'em!" With that udderance, he shuffles out barefooted onto the upper deck, his dagger at the ready ...
Donovan's grin drops as De silva and Adolphus run out of the cabin . He had been enjoying himself listening ( for a change ) to these fellow travelers . Now , however there seemed to be some kind of trouble ,and that meant it was time to go to work . He slid his bow from the shoulder it almost never left . It's comfortable grip was like an old lover . He nocked an arrow , and followed the other two
men . The cabin was too confined , close quarters combat wasn't his style . As he exits the room he listens intently for an enemy . Since the theme of the moment seems to be fighting, Hjordis secures her mace and walks to the
deck, pausing before completely exiting to check the situation out. Henri bows slightly to Hjordis and say: "It appears we shall have to postpone our discussion fair
one, duty calls it seems. Though, knowing Erik it is probably nothing." Henri buckles on his rapier and parrying dagger, collects a crossbow from a peg on the cabin wall
and hides it under his rain poncho. He moves toward the door. Hans opens his waistcoat and primes his pistol, replacing it in its holster he follows De Silva out the cabin door. Franz remains in the cabin with the others. De
Silva steps out on the deck to be met by Erik, the fourth hand on the Isabella, he appears to be checking lashings on the sails, but the others can plainly see that they are all tight and squared away, his crossbow is loaded and ready to fire, it lies at his feet out of sight. He says to De Silva in a hushed tone: "Beastmen cap'n, on the opposite bank, in the brush. Two that I can see, sounds like there could be more, but its hard to tell with the rain and all. They've been there for a few minutes, not moving about much, just watching..." The rain makes it very difficult to see with any clarity, but Hjordis, and Morgus can see two figures squatting down in the undergrowth on the bank
opposite the Isabella. Both figures are covered in thick, coarse hair. One has a goat-like head and tentacles where its arms should be. The other has a bull's head and
one of its arms ends in a crab-like claw. Both figures wear pieces of mail shirts sewn to a leather jack, and carry crude looking spears with heads of granite. As there appears to be no imminent danger Donovan well seek a high
lonely spot to perch . Above the cabin perhaps ?
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"My condolences on the loss of your mount, Morgus." De Silva says to the dwarf. turning to his men "cut the lines and prepare to cast off! Hans you and Henri fetch crossbows and keep a sharp eye." he walks over and grabs up a wicked looking boarding pike. Turning to his guests. "you may
wish to retire to the cabin ladies. these beasts aren't expert shots but they do know how to use bows."
Hjordis, 5'11" and built like a tank, smiles in mirth, gives a glance to the beastmen on the shore and agrees to be 'ushered' to 'safety.' Morrgus is bewildered for a second by DeSilva's words, then with a gasp he cries
" Nooooo- not meJosephine....and...me gold!! No mudder-friggin' beastie boy is gonna steal all ey got and lib
anudder day." Morgus is running to the edge of the boat to jump off, as he slips on the deck and slams into the bulkhead, knocking himself out... as it is still raining Adolphus puts away his black powder weapon and makes sure the powder shouldn't get wet and draws a well used sword. his shield is leaning against his leg and he is
looking around for enemies after going on to the deck.
Donovan can hear movment in the brush from the eastern bank. The rain obsures the sounds too much to make an accurate guess of how many there are hidden on the bank. Donovan can also see the two beastmen. The tingling sensation down Hjordis' spine is not unknown to her, in
the past it has often warned her of danger nearby. As she turns to enter the cabin she sees a wet beastman covered in green scales standing about 10 feet behind Adolphus. It has four tentacles instead of arms and its feet are webbed flippers. Upon an almost human head it has a crown of
eyes. Several eyes on stalks turn from side to side as it looks in all directions at once. It makes no sound as it approaches Adolphus.
Below, Sasha has the feeling that something terrible is
above her. Hans is about to cut the bowline on the Isabella when he too notices the aquatic beastman on the cabin roof. He shouts a warning to the others and draws his pistol, ready to shoot at the beastman. DeSilva will remain ready with boarding pike in hand to fend off any other boarders. from boarding on board Oh, she plans on mushing its skull with her nasty ol' mace. Donovan will shoot an arrow
at the Beastman. Unless someone or something awakens Morgus, the dwarf will comtinue to have dreams of
big-busted women thanks to his concussion from the bulkhead...
Still keeping an eye for other raiders De Silva will try to rouse the stunned dwarf. When adolphus notice the beastman i will put my shield in front of it and hit it with my sword. A feeling of dread grips Sasha, a battle is about to be fought. It seems that the creature that is
nearby must be quite terrible, judging by the intensity of fear that Sasha feels. She wonders if she should hide. In an effort to be brave, Sasha creeps partway up the stairs- but first grabs a loaf of bread from the table and stuffs it into her shoulderbag. She will watch and wait- and nibble on some bread. Some people relieve anxiety by smoking or drinking. Sasha eats.
Being skilled at both moving quickly and climbing, Hjordis has no problem in reaching the aquatic beastman. She swings her mace at the creature as hard as she can. Unfortunately, the swing is wide, and it misses its mark.
"By the Norns!" the warrior cries, "How can a woman fight when the very ground I stand on rocks beneath me? Uller guide my hand!" Hjordis is hell-bent on mashing up this fine example of 'Multous Tentaclis," and she'll keep
at it until one of them shuffles off this mortal coil.
Warned by Hans' cry and Hjordis' charge, Adolphus turns and swings his sword at the beast. His swing also misses. Hans raises his pistol and fires, there is a click as the powder fails to ignite, Hans curses the damp weather and drops his pistol. He draws his sword. Donvan's arrow files true
to its target and buries itself deep in the beastman's chest, it howls with pain but the arrow does not appear to slow it down. " C'mon ya bastard die already ." he says to himself as he prepares to fire again . Henri's crossbow bolt strikes it also; the creature is visibly shaken. De Silva abandons his position at the side of the boat to awaken Morgus, he shakes him gently, too no effect. Drawing back his right hand he slaps the sleeping dwarf soundly on the cheek. Morgus sits bolt upright for a second,then attacks De Silva, flailing away with his fists and issuing a torrent of curses in Khazalid. De Silva avoids any damage from the dwarfs attack and eventually, Morgus
regains his senses.
Morgus is suddenly wide awake, and pissed as Hell. " Them Beasties!!" he screamed as he breaks away from De Silva and rushes hard at the Beastman's legs with his dagger slashing before him," Die, ya fish-eyed Bastard,Die!"
From within the stairwell, Sasha can see De Silva and Morgus wrestling, Hans drawing his sword and Erik preparing to fire his crossbow. The sounds of battle can be heard on the roof of the cabin. Sasha is crushed, very impolitely against the handrail as Franz pushes past her to join the fray. The beastman lashes out with its four tentacles. One tentacle narrowly misses Hjordis, the other waves aimlessly in the air. Two tentacles lash out at Adolphus; both
strike harmlessly against his shield. Erik fires his crossbow; the bolt strikes the beastman, but bounces off its thick scaly hide. Seeing that an experienced warrior is needed if this beast is going to be killed before the new year, De Silva attempts to Impale it with a mighty stab from his boarding pike.
Henri drops his crossbow, draws his rapier and parrying dagger and charges the aquatic beastman. He thrusts at it with the fencing sword, piercing one of its tentacles, the dagger also hits, but glances off the tough tentacle. Donovan nocks another arrow and taking careful aim sends another shaft at the beastman. The beastman is hit in the head, but the arrow glances off its scaly hide. Hans charges into hand to hand combat slashing at the beastman with his dagger. His attack misses, and the blade narrowly misses Adolphus. De Sliva thrusts at the creature with his pike. His first thrust thuds into the mast behind the creature as it sidesteps the attack; his second thrust
catches it savagely in the right leg. The blow shatters the creatures hip joint almost totally. Its left leg hangs limply: a mass of tattered and pulpy flesh with protruding
fragments of bone. By chance, one of the bone splinters has severed a major artery, and after a fraction of a second the beastman collapses, with blood pouring out from its mutilated hip spilling onto the deck. Death from shock
and loss of blood is almost instantaneous.
Adolphus is about to strike a blow when the beastman
collapses in a heap at his feet. Hjordis and Morgus also arrive in time to see the beast go down. The stench that comes from the slain beastman is almost over powering. Franz and Erik are busy reloading their crossbows.
De Silva views the remains and spits a curse in Estalian at it he then checks to see how his crew and visitors are faring. if there are no immediate threats he will begin preparations to cast off. Going down on one knee to make himself a smaller target, Adolphus looks around to see what the other beastmen are doing. The crew of the Isabella and the adventurers are uninjured, though those standing close to the beastman corpse are a little nauseous. The smell coming from within the beastman is almost overpowering. Hans retrieves his pistol, and takes a lookout post at
the stern of the boat. Henri sheaths his weapons and reloads his crossbow. Franz and Erik, have loaded crossbows are scanning the western riverbank for more targets. Upon De Silva's order to cast off, Erik places his crossbow on the deck and moves to the bowline. He calls out to De
Silva: "What about the livestock ashore cap'n. Do we leave 'em, or load 'em aboard?"
" Like hell you will laddie ! " Donovan shouts . Slinging his bow he runs ashore, and up to his horse . He then begins to untie it . "Load them but be quick about it!" de silva yells. "Hans get that stinking offal of of my boat!"
Adolphus knells on the cabin roof, behind the mast. He can see nothing, though his exceptional
hearing picks up the sound of many humanoids moving through the forest, toward the western bank of the Upper Reik. He would estimate at least 15 - 20 individuals. Donovan confirms this as he can see several beastmen starting to break cover at the edge of the forest. From her position on
the cabin roof, Hjordis can see them also. Three beastmen stand at the forest edge, each is covered in thick, matted hair. One has a beaked face; the other two have goat-like facial features and horns. All have cloven hooves instead of feet. They are carrying spears. Franz and Henri take
aim at the beastmen on the western bank. If anyone points them out, Mogus will also see them. Sasha remains in
the relative safety of the cabin stairwell, She can see nothing from here, though, she can smell the corpse above. Hans moves over to Adolphus, reloading his pistol, and says: "Its not like Beastmen to be this active so close to
a city, and during the day too. I wonder what has them so stirred up."
Sasha realizes that in a battle with creatures such as the beastmen that her best bet is to stay hidden. Having only a little knife as a weapon (more useful to cut bread, than hurt a monster...) and very little talent for hand-to-hand combat anyways, she doubts that she could win over the
beastmen with her sparkling personality. Now, if you need someone to dance by the light of the moon and navigate by the stars... well then, Sasha's your gal! Morgus is looking for his lean-to and Josephine. If the Capitan will allow him and the sailor to go get the livestock and gear he will be gone in a flash, just a bit more careful this time...
Morgus follows the man's lead, trailing Donovan's heels to the campsite. There he grabs the rope on Josephine's bit,slings a few bags on her back, grabs his bedroll
and starts to pull her back towards the boat...
Morgus and Donovan leap from the boat to the shore. Donovan hits the ground running, Morgus just hits the ground. The dwarf lies facedown in the mud. Possibly not the first time he has found himself this way, certainly not the last if the rumours of the Dwarven love of ales hold any truth. He
picks himself up and collects his belongings. In the meantime, Erik shoves a plank across to the shore, in order for Donovan and Morgus to lead their animals onto the
boat. Morgus and Josephine are aboard; Donovan is leading his horse over when Hjordis and Adolphus shout a warning almost in unison. The western bank is alive with howling beastmen...most just stand howling at the riverboat and those on board, however, five or so are loading slings.
Erik cuts the bowline and the bow of boat slowly begins turn out into the river. He then sprints to the stern, pausing only to push past Morgus and his donkey, to cut the stern line.
Donovan and his horse are only halfway across the gangplank, and the boat is definitely moving. Suddenly, several stones strike the boat. They smash with considerable impact into the hull. Erik, who was about to
cut the stern line is struck by a sling stone and is knocked to his knees. He holds a bleeding gash at his brow. Adolphus is also hit but the stone bounces off his breastplate. Hans grabs a boat hook and skillfully dodging sling stones, pushes the corpse of the beastman
overboard. He then hooks the amputated leg on the hook, shakes it at the beastman horde, imparts a few jeers at them and drops it overboard. Hjordis really wants to smash things. She is hoping more of the filthy beasts try their luck at attacking them. She stays alert for more dangers, ready to go where she is needed. Hjordis will hop over to help Donovan; drowning is a horrible death -
few deserve to be fodder for the Midgard Serpent, and this man does not seem to be one of them! deSilva will yell o everyone to watch for slingstones as he does he will attempt to cut the stern rope with the the axe.
Morgus ties off Josephine to a railing, then runs to try to help Donovan and his horse when he hears the commotion. He sees Eric, stunned and bleeding, as he reaches out to grab the horse's reins... Adolphus will go and cut the line using his sword. Henri and Franz both fire their crossbows at the Beastman horde across the river. Henri hits a
beastman in the head with a very lucky shot. The beastman wails with agony as the bolt pierces its eye, but does not fall. Franz misses entirely. Donovan, Hjordis and Morgus are attempting to get Donovan's horse onto the boat before the gangplank drops into the river. As two of the characters
are skilled at dealing with domestic animals, they manage to coax the horse across as the gangplank splashes into the Upper Reik. De Silva and Adolphus run to the stern to cut the line that hold the Isabella to the bank.
De Silva swings his axe, and it bites deeply into the Isabella's stern rail. The riverboat is free of the shore. However, the bow has turned out into the river. The boat is
now facing the horde on the western bank, and continuing to turn with the current to face down river. Adolphus holds his strike, seeing that De Silva has already cut the line. Another showers of sling stones strike the boat. Most crash against the timber of the boat, but one strikes Hjordis. Her
shield absorbs the brunt of the impact, but the metal rim of the shield leaves a purple bruise on her shoulder. Hans runs for the Isabella's wheel shouting: "Which way Cap'n...down river with the current or should I face 'er to Nuln?"
"Towards Nuln." de Silva says as he attempts to aid in the steering. Hjordis, still reeling with admiration for Henri's splendid eye-shot on the beastman, barely notices
the stinging bruise. However, she now treats the slingmen with more respect, keeping her shield well and truly up and ready. She looks over the top edge long enough to taunt them a second time! "COME, beasts!" she roars, "Face us, fallen children of Ullr!" Hjordis is spoiling for a fight; she's angry that her attempts to injure the first beastman failed so pathetically. Morgus helps to get Donavan's horse safetly aboard, then goes to check his Josephine ( and his gold and valuables!). He breaths a deep breathe of relief when his donkey and gear appear to be all
right.
He fumbles with his big pipe, then puffing away at it,Morgus climbs onto a box so he can see the Beastmen better. Joining in the fun of taunting them he calls
SHUNETATBAL-UNRAW-SHEMFA-DONKUS!!"*** and laughs until he almost falls... Donovan will tie his horse to something secure . Then he will join the others , and fire arrows at the beastmen until they are out of the range of their slings . Donovan manages to get three arrows off at the beastmen. One strikes a large pig-faced beastman, burying the arrowhead head deep in its left leg. It squeals
and drops to the ground clutching at its leg. The others frenzied by the smell of blood and their rage, swarm over it and tear it to pieces within seconds. The others are wide of their mark. Hans and De Silva grab the wheel
and with their combined strength manage to turn the boat in the right direction. Donovan's horse and Josephine are securely tied off on the deck of the riverboat.
Fortunately, all equipment was gathered and is in serviceable condition. Hjordis and Mogus hurl abuse and jeers at the beastmen on the bank. In response, several jump into the swollen Upper Reik and attempt to swim out to the Isabella, only to be swept downriver by the strong current. A final shower of sling stones hits the
riverboat. This time, thanks to Donovan's marksmanship and the beastmen's frenzy, there are only four stones. A stone strikes dangerously close to the unmoving Erik, a second hits De Silva. The stone strikes him on the right arm. Fortunately, it is a minor wound, not unlike Hjordis'. The marine barely notices it after the initial shock of being struck wears off.
The other stones strike the hull, each giving a loud crack against the wood. Sasha remains within the safety of the stairwell, peeking out from time to time to see the angry group on the shore. Her loaf of bread has become considerably smaller since the commotion began. Henri and Franz take up long poles from the deck and begin the hard task of moving the boat against the flowing river. Hans leaves De Silva with the tiller, and runs to help. Their knowledge of waterways more than makes up for the rainy
conditions and the Isabella is soon underway, leaving behind the horde of beastmen. Several follow the Isabella up river, howling and whooping as they run along the
bank. But the chase is soon abandoned. Erik continues to bleed from a nasty gash on his head. He has stopped moving
altogether. Adolphus begins to bind Erik's wound with a piece of the mans shirt.
The trip upriver is hard until the rain breaks and the sail is able to be hoisted. The crew of the Isabella is exhausted
from poling against the current. When the sail goes up they all breathe a sigh of relief and drop their poles on the deck. The Isabella is once again on track for Nuln and
adventure.
Hjordis throws back her head in a victory cry; a piercing, vaguely wolflike sound. Then she laughs and rubs her shoulder. "Truly, a battle is a fine way to meet new
comrades. Well fought, my friends."
"So," she continues, picking up a stray sling stone and tossing it idly unto the Reik. "It seems we sail despite our plans. The Fates favor us!" A grateful De Silva says. "well my friends I must thank you once again. The assistance you gave with those beastmen was timely indeed. please consider yourselves guests aboard my humble
craft. We head to Nuln."
The Isabella sails up river for most of the day. The trip, though pleasant since the rain stopped, is marred by the constant fear that beastmen may be lurking on the banks. As the boat approaches Nuln those aboard her can smell the city before they can see it. Looking into the river, Morgus can see the effects of the cities many foundries. The river is polluted by both the waste produced by the
cities cannon factories and the people themselves. Donovan and Adolphus can hear the pounding of the machinery from the factories that never close. The Isabella arrives at Nuln early in the evening. The city sits on the eastern bank of the Reik River. Though some of the more adventurous
have started to expand the city limits to the western bank as well.
Though the city is not at all the glowing example of humanities high culture you had expected, it is the very place to escape the tedium of everyday life. Just the place where an adventurer may find their fortune. De Silva brings
the boat alongside one of the many jetties. Hans and Henri throw ropes to the waiting dockers, the ropes are lashed around massive wooden uprights and the Isabella is pulled onto the jetty with a slight bump. Almost immediately, a huge human strides out of one of the small huts that dot the
wharf district. He begin bellowing at De Silva: "Isabella, that cargo was due here yesterday. Where the hell have you been? You know, your commission is going to be docked because you're late don't you? And that grain had better be in good condition, or you'll be the one that pays for it."
He storms off back to his office, bellowing at three ogres sitting on the dock nearby. The ogres get up and walk over to the Isabella to begin unloading the sacks from the
hold. A thin wiry man emerges from the harbourmasters office and announces himself as one of Nuln's customs officials. He draws out a clipboard and pencil and a thick wad of papers. As the customs official begins his
scribbling, you all see a man dressed in livery of some sort, look at the party and run off toward the mansion district. The official spends the next few hours questioning the adventurers about their movements, possessions and reasons for wanting entrance to Nuln. This
is certainly not the reception you had expected.
The customs formalities drag on and on, it is almost midnight by the time you are allowed to leave the boat and come ashore. Adolphus and Donovan's horses are stabled by the customs officer, along with Morgus' donkey. You are
expected to make other arrangements by noon tomorrow. Hans, Henri and Franz pick up Erik and between them the four of
them, can keep up with the rest of the party. Each man wears his weapons, except for Erik, who is finding it hard enough to walk. The party walks along the waterfront,
where there are several inns. Each one seems dirtier and seedier than the first, and all are full at this time of night. Just when the party is beginning to think they will have to spend the night on the Isabella, a man approaches
them. He is dressed in worn clothing of a common make [not unlike your own] and speaks with a wastelander ccent: "Ahhh new arrivals eh? Well you'll like Nuln I'm sure. But, I wouldn't be walkin' the streets at this time o' night if I were you. This late, if'n you don't know the city, you can git yourself in more than a bit of trouble. But you're in luck you are...yes...Grolsch Van Eyke, I am [he bows slightly]. And nobody knows Nuln like me. I c'n take you too an inn were you c'n get a clean bed, hot food and the innkeeper won't rob you blind, for a coupla shillings o'course. [pointing at Erik] 'ere, 'e don't look to good. What happened to 'im then? I can prob'ly find a half decent
physician in the mornin', if'n you needs one."
" Tis a very kind gesture Grolsch . I for one could use a hot bath and a warm bed . What say the rest of you ?" Donovan says. "very good, the sooner we get Erik here in a warm bed the better" de Silva says. "A warm bath sounds like a blessing from the Goddess to me" sighs Sasha. "Lead the way good man" she says to Grolsch Van Eyke. "Hjordis has been wet all day! I will skip the bathing for now. Let
us find somwhere soon;" she adds, patting the injured Erik as if he were a wolfhound, or something, "this one needs rest." Morgus is overcome with the stench of these humans. "Bahhh", he thinks, "no wonder th't ey lived
in the hills, only comim'ta a traderpost as ey needed." Though the dwarf was on a two-fold personal mission, this town stikes him ill. He will linger near the boat, help
Hans and DeSilva if needed, until he gets a better feel for this vile place... Morgus intents to stay on board the boat tonight. He will help Hans secure the craft and load/unload unthing they need to. Morgus will consider looking at
this vile human city in the light ofday...
Holding back his disgust for Nuln as much as he can, Morgus decides to stay on board the Isabella for the night and keep Hans company. He stands on the deck and watches as the rest of the party talk to Grolsch. He hopes that the city will look better by the light of day, but he knows there is no mistaking the putrid stench of human civilisation that rises from the river. De Silva is speaking to a man sitting on a coach near the harbourmaster's office. Donovan,
Sasha, the Isabella's crew and a begrudging Hjordis are about to accept Grosch's offer to lead them to an inn.
Hjordis and Sasha sense something is not quite right, but cannot put their finger on anything in particular. Adolphus is strangely silent, but accompanies the party. Just as Donovan is about to drop a few silver shillings in Grolsch's hand, a loud crack is heard and Grolsh spins away from the party a few steps and grabs at his face with both hands. He takes his hands away to reveal a bright red welt on his face. Donovan's sword is drawn before he realises it and he turns to face the direction of the attack, De
Silva also has drawn a dagger and spun around to face the rear.
Turning, the party can see the coachman De Silva was speaking too. He holds his whip in one hand and is about to leap down from his seat. He says, in a loud voice: "Nothbert, you pig. You leave these people alone. Get out of here before I call the watch. If I ever see you around here again I'll have you denounced as a mutant. And people will believe me over you, you know it." The coachman leaps down from his seat and say to the party: "I will take you too an inn folks, and you will be in no danger of getting a knife in you ribs before you get there. Nothbert has a reputation for showing new folks the sights. Most are never seen again. I'll take you to the 'Reaver's Return', its not a palace, but its dry, warm and you will be relatively safe there I think." The coach looks old,
but sturdy enough. It will seat six people inside, any extras will have to ride on the roof or hang onto the handrails on the outside while standing on the step.
"My thanks to you coachman, you do honor to your profession, might you also know where we could find a healer for my crewman?" De Silva asks. The coachman replies: "Yes, I think I know someone who can help you
with your injured man. He's quite a skilled herbalist in fact, folks around here call him Rufus. I will bring him to the 'Reaver's Return', I would expect his transportation cost to be met of course, whatever he charges you will be
for you to negotiate with him...he can treat your man there I'm sure.
Donovan Climbs up unto the roof of the coach . It wouldn't be the first time he had ridden atop one . " Shall we be on our way then ? " he says to the others . "very well." DeSilva replies. "Do bring this Rufus and I assure you
that both of you will be suitably compensated." Henri and Franz load Erik into the coach, then turning to De Silva
Franz says: "Now you have transportation, 'enri an' I will stay aboard tonight cap'n. You know where we'll be if'n you need us." "that will be fine Franz. please let Mr. Hans know where we will be staying." DeSilva replies Henri approaches Sasha and Hjordis and says: "It seems I am to be
otherwise occupied z'is night ladies. I would be 'appy to show you both around tomorrow though...[smiling and raising an eyebrow] who knows what the morning will bring?" Henri takes each ladies hand in turn and kisses the back lightly. He spins on his heal and walks back to the Isabella with Franz.
Hjordis laughs delightedly; she's fairly certain no one's ever done that before! She grabs Henri's chin and lightly kisses the top of his head, then laughs again and bids him goodnight. Sasha pulls her hand away, a bit forcefully, unsure of what to make of this. If this is the etiquette of
"upper society" she is not used to it. She sees Hjordis' laugh and marvels at her boldness.
Morgus helps Hans get the barge "battened dock" as the sailor called it, then checked on Josephine, his gear and his loot ( hidden away nicely). After twilight, Hans checks on him and has a handy bottle of rum with him. Morgus brightens up considerably at the prospect of rum for
dessert... After an hour or so of slugging the ole rum bottle and telling tall tales of exploits neither believed,
Hans hears a slight noise, and rises slowly to check it out. Morgus thinks," Oh, shiit, an' ey'm really ready to fite- yassur,ey'mm am!" Hans returns in a few seconds with a big grin. " Franz sent us a couple play mates to pass the time, old dwarf, lookee here..." and with that two painted ladies from one of the dives enters the galley where the two had been drinking. "Ey' hope ye brought drink, ladies, fore we're 'bout dry!!" and gives them a huge, ugly mug of a smile. Morgus has a real twinkle in his eye now...
Morgus and Hans have the Isabella 'secured' quite quickly, Hans and the others are expert boathands, and Morgus' help is appreciated as it means the work Erik would have done does not have to be split among them. The night passes, and the bottles of rum grow fewer. Franz and Henri retire to the cabin with their companions, leaving Hans and Morgus to
watch the boat. Hans has not had very much to drink, and Morgus is all but immune to the effects of the watered-down human spirit. Though it does taste rather good, for a human spirit. Around three in the morning a small party of humans [4] ride onto the dock. They rein in their horses at the Isabella's mooring. None of them look particularly happy. Two are dressed in servant's livery; the other two are dressed in fine, and probably expensive, clothes. One of the finely dressed men dismounts and shouts at the Isabella: "Adolphus, you bastard, come out. You have disgraced our name and I will have satisfaction. Did you think I would forget you coward? Come out and face me, I assure you I will put up a better fight than my younger brother. Come out coward, you die this night."
Morgus had been watching these people for a few minutes, hoping they would wander off into the night. With the shouting and threats to this "Adolphus", Morgus climbs onto a railing and hollers back: "Hey yew- ain't no friggin' Adolphus on this wreck. Shut yer yappin' and git outa here- folks are trying ta rest, and the rest o'us is tryin' ta find someone ta rest on. Now, git away- ga home..."
The nobleman stares at Morgus and says: "Ill tempered dwarf, you'd best learn your place before I have the watch teach it to you. Who do you think you are to speak to
me as if I were a commoner? I know Adolphus is aboard this wreak of a riverboat, my man saw him with his own eyes. Aldophus, come out, or do I have to drag you out by the hair, you coward." The noble whispers something to his companions and they immediately dismount and point their
crossbows at Morgus and Hans.
The noble also dismounts and walks over to the gangplank. As he gets closer you can see he is wearing a rapier and a broad bladed dagger. In fact, the dagger's sheath is wider than any you have seen before, even in the Dwarven settlements. He looks at Morgus and says: "I'm coming
aboard to search this 'vessel', stand aside or you will share in Adolphus' misery." The noble begins to walk over the gangplank. Hans is loyal but he's no fool. he will not make a futile stand with two xbows pointed at him. he will
however study the man closely. he will ask the man his name and by what right he does this.
The Nobel makes it about halfway across the gangplank and answers Hans' questions: "May Morr take your eyes, damned cabin-boy, I am Sylvester of Nuln. Heir to the Franciose trading company. And I take my revenge on the commoner Aldolphus by right of my Nobel birth. Do you also stand
against me?" Morgus has spent too many years in the wild, alone, to meekly back down. As the loud,drunken "nobleman" steps on the plank, Morgus jumps down from his perch,
shouting at the man... " Yew bone-headed son-of a red-light whore, there ain't no damn Adolphus on this tub...and b'fore ey let yew search, yew gots t show me that yew can swim!!" With this Morgus shoves the end of the plank off the deck. Then he and Hans duck for cover. Morgus laughs
softly, hoping to hear the sound of a big "splash"...
Sylvester gets the last sentence out just as Morgus shoves the gangplank off the Isabella's deck. Sylvester makes an attempt to leap clear of the falling plank, but is unsuccessful. He makes a loud splash as he hits the water. One of his attendants drops his crossbow and races to the edge of the wharf. He can nothing for the moment, but looks for a rope to lower to his master. Another, in a panic, fires his crossbow at Morgus, but the bolt is poorly aimed and it impacts into the mast. The other is standing there stunned, His crossbow hangs, pointed at the ground, he cannot believe what he has just seen.
Morgus and Hans use the confusion of the moment to crawl to the cabins, alert the rest of the crew of "pirates outside!" and arm themselves. Morgus returns to the deck
with his dwarven armor slung on, his bow and quiver ready if the "noble's" henchmen return fire. He cannot help but laugh at the floundering, sputtering peacock in the dirty water before him. Morgus adds to it by spitting in his
general direction...
Morgus reappears on the deck of the Isabella to see the nobleman climbing out of the river, aided by two of his hangers-on. He draws his sword and is about to run at Morgus when the rest of the crew makes their way on deck. Rethinking his position, he says: "If indeed Adolphus is
not here as you say, you can tell him that his days are numbered if he remains in Nuln. I have not forgotten his insult to my family, and he will pay for it with his
life." He shouts a few curses at Morgus and dwarves in general. He shoves aside the servants attempting to straighten his clothes, mounts his horse and rides away. Hans has the distinct feeling that you have not seen the last of him, and it will not be good for business, making enemies among the merchants.
Despite his bluster and noise, Morgus is relieved that the noble and his bodyguards left as they did, but he won't show it. Hans and the rest of the crew check the Isabella for damage or any other unwanted "guests" while Morgus checks on Josephine. " 'Tis awlrigh' gal. Nuthin' but a poppin'jay drunk and feelin' 'is oats is awl. Yew okay?" as he rubs on the old donkey's muzzle, then checks his valuables hidden on and about the animal. Returning to the cabin, he hears Hans' laughter as the boy recites the little adventure to those that missed most of it. As he finished, Hans looks at Morgus with a big grin and says, " Still, I wouldn't want to be this Adolphus tomorrow, ehh?"
"Bwwaahaaha, Me neither! Now whos gots some more rum?" Morgus asks. A few more hours pass, Morgus wakes up from a sitting, fitful sleep in the corner. A mostly empty bottle is still in his grasp. With a painful crack of his neck, the dwarf crawls upright, slugs down the last of the liquor, belches
as loudly as he can, then staggers over to the railing of the boat. As the new day dawns, rosey pink and orange over the eastern city walls, the ungodly stench of the city also rises. Morgus has smelled much worse, but human odors are foul; almost an insult to nature itself. This place is one
he will not miss when he gets to move on. " Ennybody awake uther then meself?' he hollers and laughs, then proceeds to drain his lizard into the steaming, already foul waters below...
The crew is up and about early, going about their chores. Hans is cleaning the deck with a well-worn mop. He says to Morgus in his usually cheery manner: "Ahhh, good morning Mr. Morgus. I trust you slept well, apart from the 'pirate attack' that is? I'm sure the cap'n will want to know about
it first hand when he returns. If it does not inconvenience you too much, could you hang around a bit? I would very much like to hear about the places you have been if you have time. If you can face it there are some beans and salted pork left in the pot, in the cabin." Hans leans on his mop and waits for Morgus' response. Morgus ears tilt at the mention of food. "AHHHH, that sounds good lad. Don't you worry none o'me,tho'...iffin eye can handle this watery soup you men call"rum", eye can handle poor grub. And
be proud ta eat it, YARRRRRHARR HARRR." "meybe tanight, iffin we's still here, eye'll go find us some proper drink!" and with that Morgus heads towards the cabin.
Morgus eats his fill, thanks Hans again, then heads out onto the deck to check on Josephine. He has no more food or hay for her handy, so he will wander off the Issabella as soon as he notices the marketplace is opened. There Morgus will attempt to buy some hay and fruit for himself and
Josephine. He is standing on deck watching the sunrise topple over the rooftops. Morgus watches as the sun rises over the cityscape. There are times when the view seems not
that dissimilar to the sunrise in the mountains of the world's edge, where the dwarven folk have built their strongholds. But the sounds of the city quickly snap him
out of his daydreams.
Hans waves as Morgus leaves in search of the marketplace. Even this early in the morning the streets are beginning to fill with people. People hurry to and fro, opening
storefronts or running errands. Even the beggars are already out in force. Morgus smiles in amusement as he sees a thin, wiry man tuck his legs beneath him, sit on a crude wheeled trolley and hang a sign around his neck proclaiming himself to be a veteran of a war against the orcs of the
wastelands.
MEANWHILE:
The coach clatters across the cobbled streets of Nuln. It makes its way through the dark streets at a somewhat unsettling pace. From time to time you think you can see
figures lurking in the darkness of alleyways and storefronts, you feel much safer having the walls of the coach between you and whatever roams the streets at night. Surprisingly, the coach is still in one piece when it
comes to a halt at the 'Reavers Return'. And, reassuringly, Donovan is still on the roof. The coachman asks for his fare and says he will return shortly with the herbalist. He holds out his hand, expecting a gold crown.
Hjordis grabs his hand and kisses it, then looks at her companions and winks. "Thank you for the ride, friend. I'm going inside. I'm tired of being wet." As she steps into the 'Reaver' you hear faintly, "the Gods seem to think Hjordis is a duck." The tavern is a two-story building; a welcoming glow can be seen from under the door. The smell of
hot food, fresh baked bread and ale is particularly strong, even though the door is closed. Through a window you can see a heavy set human with a beard standing behind the counter chatting with the patrons. Several barmaids move around the crowded commonroom carrying trays of food and
drink. The door opens and the noise from the commonroom spills out into the street.
A halfling, dwarf and three humans stumble outside, almost crashing into the party. They head off up the street singing bawdy songs and laughing. Above you there is a flash of lightning across the sky, shortly after a clap of thunder drowns out the barroom banter. Donovan Climbs down from the roof of the coach . He half walks half limps to the door of the Inn . All the while rubbing his sore backside . " I'll meetcha inside ." he says over his shoulder . His sole concern at that moment was finding something soft to sit on . Sasha grabs her bags and rushes after Donovan and Hjordis. Luckily De Silva is too concerned about the situation with his crewman to notice the rudeness of his former non paying passengers (especially since his boat rescued them from a beastman attack) .
he pays the coachman and promises additional coin if the healer is brought with haste. Adolphus will exit the coach and join my fellow travellers in the tavern, shaking the water off as I go.
The 'Reaver's Return' is warm and inviting. It is not as bad as some of the dockside inns you were considering, but it is by no means the cleanest tavern you have ever seen. There is a fire burning in the fireplace, where a bard sits, strumming a mandolin and singing a song that tells the tale of a 'Knights Panther' who bravely stood alone against a band of chaos mutants and defeated them. In
a corner of the commonroom a beautiful Estalian woman dances on a tabletop, whirling like a dervish, for several patrons nearby. A collection of shillings has begun to form at her feet. Other patrons sit in groups, talking loudly and drinking. A group seems to be gathering around a table of humans and one dwarf who are playing cards, the pile of coins in the center of the table is quite large, and several of the players hold their cards in one hand and
bare-bladed daggers in the other.
There are no empty tables. Although a woman dressed in a hooded white robe sits alone at a table, seemingly in a world of her own. A goblet of wine, hardly touched, sits on the table before her. The other patrons ignore her completely. The bar has a collection of rough looking types lined along it, though the innkeeper shoves two drunks aside as he sees you enter. He wipes his hand on his
apron, and lines up several pewter tankards in nticipation. He calls out to the party: "May I be of assistance? I have a selection of the finest ales and wine in the Empire, hot food; I even have a couple of rooms available if you are looking for a place to stay.
[pointing to Franz] Is he alright? He doesn't look well at all." Donovan trys to shake off the effects of the bumpy ride on his posterior . He leans close to Sasha,to compansate for the noise of the crowd . " Sash I'll see about some food and a room . " He then points to a table with a lone woman in white sitting at it . " That appears to be the only seats in the house . Go ask her if she'd be so kind as te share it . Tomorrow we'll see about getting back on the road to Talabheim." He then heads to the bar.
Hjordis carefully steps over the two drunks and leans on the bar. "Landlord, I will take you up on the ale and food. As for the rooms ... " she turns to the others to
confer over the rooms.
"Yes my good fellow, we need a room for my man here and myself. also hot spiced wine, food, and boiled water." deSilva replies. "I have sent a coachman to fetch a healer, when he arrives direct them to the room please."
" Aye , A room some food ansd ale for Sash amd meself. She's getting us a table now ." Sasha weaves her way around tables until she makes it to where the woman in the white robe sits. With a deep curtsy she says- "My Lady? My companions and I wish for a place to sit and eat. It has
been a long and difficult night... may we join you at your table?"
The innkeeper replies to the group: "Rooms are three crowns per night, I have 2 available. How long will you be taying? My name is Rudolf Grasser, I am the owner of the 'Reaver's Return'. [Rudolf waves to a barmaid] Marguerite will take your orders...now what shall you have to drink?" Rudolf will pour any drinks that are ordered then take De Sliva and Franz (and anyone else who wants to go) upstairs to the empty rooms. Rudolf takes you up to a dingy attic room. The stairs creak and groan under your weight and the banister feels a little shaky. But you arrive safely at the room.
Rudolf grins and says: "You got a nice view of the canal."
Rudolf opens a window, You cannot see the canal, but you can certainly smell it. The innkeeper stands at the door as if waiting for something. The woman at the table says nothing, she doesn't even look up when Sasha speaks. She simply raises a hand and motions for Sasha to sit down.
The woman's cowl is covering most of her face, on the left breast of her robe there is a symbol, you cannot be sure but it look like a bird of some type, perhaps a dove.
Sasha had thought that perhaps the lady in the white robe was an aquaintance of her Wizard Master, but after getting only a wave in response to her greeting she feels as if she's not quite welcome. She quietly retreats back to Donovan's side.
"Don, get us a room- we'll eat there..." she says Donovan flags down a barmaid . " beggin yer parden darlin but could
ye show us the way to Mr. Gasser and our companions . If she does Donovan will rent the other room Gasser has .
" Aye, ere you are then ," Donovan says as he pulls two crowns from his belt pouch ." One for miss Lenore and one for me self . We will be moving on in the morn ." After procuring a room with the Inn Keep Dovovan leaves the others and goes back down into the bar . He spies Adolphus standing at the bar and joins him . " Ah Mr. Adolphus the others are up with that poor sailor lad . Took a nasty shot , but the good Friar has it well in hand . " He turns to the bar keep . " Parden friend Might I get a wee drop of the creature ." He then looks back at Adolphus . " So Ye seem ta be a man of few words sir . Well that ok I can talk enough for the both of us ." He says smiling . He Scans the room checking out the patrons .
Roughnecks bandits and rogues . " Tis hard ta believe this is one of the better establishments eh ? " he says to Adolphus . " You have the look of a fightin man a bout ye . My father was a fightin man . A mighty Keslovite who
feared not man or beast . He was taken at a young age and sold into slavery . He fought in the battle pits of a bretonian nobleman . He doesn't talk much about it
though . Just about the revolt ." Donavan grabs a drink off the bar weither it's the one he ordered or someone elses doesn't matter . He's deeply into his story at this point . "One day my father had had enough of killing for the
Bretonian bastard. He walked out into the grand vinyards among the other slaves . He had a lot of freedom within the confines of his masters estate ye see . Anyway , he grabbed a hoe from one of the slaves , and tore his shirt off . he then tied it to the wooded handle, held it high above his head , and began to shout these words... . " Don began to raise his voice swept up in the story . "The ghost of Eurika I call unto the now ! To fashion a sword from the
steel of the plow ! And if blood must spill for freedom so dear . rally round the flag boys ...rally round and cheer ! I want to live my live by the southern stars! " " Well as I'm sure ye can imagine the Slaves were a might worked up .
and the overseers a might nervous . But before they could react my Father shouted " " If you want to be in my gang ....stand up with me!!" With those words in their
ears the slaves revolted . No one from the nobles plantation survived . They looted the grand manor and
burned it to the ground .
Then ran off into the night . My father ended up in Talabheim where he joined the imperial army . For sme reason even I don't know he just quit , and moved deep into
the forrests near Middenheim . Now he hunts game and grows potatos ." Don ends his story and looks over at Adolphus " So where did ye say ye were from ? " I live in Nuln these days and the drinks are on me. That is an interesting story about your father, my father was betrayed by some noble at Altdorf and forced to flee for his life and we came with him. Like your father mine will not talk about the incident that forced him to flee, every now and then a
noble with more money than brains comes in to one of these places and starts to disparage the common folk and then I teach him a lesson. Nobles, bah. Half of them couldn't find their backside with both hands on a dark night. Drink up.
"Aye, and thanks for the drink ." Donovan replies . "To our fathers he toasts. "
To our Fathers and confusion to our enemies. Shortly after the coachman reappears at the inn. He has another man with him. They are led up the stairs by a barmaid to the room where Franz is resting. The coachman finds De Silva and says: "This is Rufus of Nuln. He is one of the associates of the finest, most respected herbalists in town."
The coachman holds out his hand. De Silva will pay for one room for 2 nights. he will also pay the coach man and ask if he would be vailable in the morning for hire? The coachman takes his coin and replies:"I am indeed available,
within the limits of the city of course. Would you require the coach for the entire day?" De Silva says. "I am not sure if the whole day will be necessary but surely till the noon hour."
The innkeeper takes the coins and swiftly pockets them. You have secured yourself a room for the next 2 nights. The door and windows of both rooms have bolts fitted to them, none a presently bolted. Each room contains two beds, a table, 2 chairs, a bowl and jug of water. It is in a state of disrepair, but is about as clean as it will ever get. Franz is sleeping on one of the beds. There is no adjoining door between the rooms. The coachman takes his coin and
replies: "I am indeed available, within the limits of the city of course. Would you require the coach for the entire day?" Hjordis stumbles in happily, waving a mug and splashing ale all over the place.
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