Scourge of Chaos: WFRP 2e (IC)

[Mada]

Dell and his company have brought on several Imperial natives to help protect this shipment and guide them through the lands. The caravan is long and contains several wagons for travel.
There are many mundane items to be expected on such a shipment such as food-goods, souvenir trinkets and construction materials.

One wagon in particular is more enigmatic. There's a covered design to allow people to travel inside and there's been no mention of what it contains. One particular esteemed elf, Malor (for short), remains inside the wagon at all times, his food and water is brought to him and he gives instructions from his covered position as the leader of the caravan.

Jess and Urgrim have found themselves hired on as part of this protective group and have been travelling with the elves for some time now. They're not the most social bunch, mostly keeping to themselves and there's an air of exclusion from their ranks. They are however quite polite and thankful whenever asking something of the non-elven members. The imperial races are mostly handling the rear and front guards while the elves manage the central defences near the wagons.

As they arrive into Liekse, there's an air of calm. The wagons are set to go to a designated rest stop and spend the day and night here.

Gretchen has found herself recently released from the custody of the roadwardens and is on one of the main roads. A large caravan manned by more elves than she's seen in her life (if any) is strolling through town as she hears a series of sounds...

Jean, Patrick and Gustav on their travels have recently found themselves in the town of Liekse, for a much desired rest stop. Coincidentally, they find themselves on the main road as this caravan is passing through.

Jess and Urgrim, having fulfilled this section of their contract are welcome to opt out of this journey at this time. They have just left the roadwarden posting to collect their payment and are standing beside the halfling lady as the next event unfolds.

A few minutes after arriving, Dellen, who's near the enigmatic wagon hears a series of thuds coming from said wagon, followed by a gargling sound as the dirty white sheets covering the wagon become stained with streaks of red. A figure dashes out of the flap and sprints away down an alleyway, being given chase by one of the elven warriors. "STOP THAT MAN!" He bellows in heavily accented Riekspiel. An alarm is sent through out the caravan.

All seven of our adventurers were nearby and saw the man run off.

[atlastrembles]

Delleneren had been distracted, these Imperial lands were so different from the quiet forests and tranquil glades of his homelands. It's what he tells himself anyway, as he whips out an Elven curse under his breath as the assailant dodges into the nearby alleyway. In the half-second it takes for him to react, his companions - more senior and more alert - have already given pursuit.

Knowing he can be of no use in the pursuit directly because of his slow reaction time - he'd atone later, or be made to atone if he knew his superior's mood - Dell sizes up the building framing the alleyway. An instant later and he is sprinting towards it, already judging which small protrusions and masonry cracks he can use to climb to the top and be his kithband's eyes. He had always had good eyes.

Does Scale Sheer Surface work her to climb the building adjacent to the alleyway? [roll0] if you need an associated roll.

[dojango]

Gretchen had been idly watching the elves set up camp. It was strange; her husband had always gone on about them, about their magic and mystery. He had always wanted to see them in person. Gretchen had no patience for those stories, and reckoned that the elves sounded like a bunch of wanker toffs who thought they were better than everyone else. And yet, here she was watching them go about their business while he was stuck back at home, so many miles and months away. She was as surprised as the rest of them when the hue and cry was raised. While she wasn't about to throw herself into battle against one of the big folk, she decided to follow the man. Making sure to keep him a respectable distance ahead, she hopped down from the fence she'd been sitting on and began to follow him.

[farothel]

Gustav had been looking at the elves. He had never seen elves before, but he knew that they and dwarves didn't get along all that well, although he didn't know why. He also knew that elves also fought against chaos, so they were okay in his mind.

When he heard the shouting, he looked at the scene, saw the red, probably blood, on the wagon and started to chase the guy. He would try to cut him off somewhere.

[wilphe]

Patrick has been considering trying for a job as a caravan guard, he had money in his pocket but it wouldn’t last forever.

Of course catching a fugitive gives you a much better chance than just showing up and going “gi’uzz a job”

As such he pelts away in the footsteps of the fugitive

[Janwin]

As he counts the coins that made up his payment, Urgrim spots the chaotic events out of the corner of his eye.

"Doh Elgi! Had t' be a damned chase..."

With that, he sprints off after the fleeing figure as well.

...or more appropriately, "sprints". Because what his stubby dwarven legs are doing is anything but catching up to the person.

[Morovir]

Jean twisted his nose at the stench of the Imperial town. How could the Imperials stand to live in such a hovel? It was nothing compared to his home town of Larret. Now that was a town that people could be proud of. He was glad that his helmet obscured his features, though he had to admit that his vision was similarly restricted.

He had arrived in town a day earlier, and had stayed the night in an inn of dubious provenance. He had half expected his horse to have been stolen from the stable during the night, and was relieved to find it still there in the morning. He had been preparing to continue on his travels when he had seen the caravan of elves working their way along the main road.

Elves. He did not fight the sneer that crept upon his face. Filthy forest creatures, not fit to walk the same roads as honest men.

The altercation distracted his attention, and he curiously watched the man sprint down an alleyway, a motley band in hot pursuit. Though he cared nothing for elves, it was no good letting a potential murderer run loose. He rode his horse at a walk to the mouth of the alleyway and peered in, trying to gauge the direction that the man was heading in. He was not foolish enough to try and ride down a narrow alleyway on foot, nor was he particularly willing to dismount and continue the chase on foot. Best to stay on the main road, where his skill at horsemanship would be best put to use.

I'm somewhat sceptical of the ability to ride a horse down an alleyway in hot pursuit.

[Mada]

Dell: If there's a way to climb that wall, Dell definitely doesn't find it. With a critical failure that'll end with him on the ground and falling a "turn" behind everyone else. Does he wish to follow after?

Urgrim, Patrick and Gretchen: The two sprint off down the alleyway, seeing the tail of the elven cloak shift to the left further into town. Gretchen manages to easily tail behind them, keeping pace isn't tricky and with four bodies to follow she can easily establish which direction she needs to be going.

Gustav and Jean: Passing the alleyway, Gustav sees Gretchen round to the left and sprints down the road. Jean, taking a moment to contemplate tails behind and then overtakes him Gustav ducks down another alleyway while Jean sticks to the main road.

As the group follows the perpetrator, he goes to duck left back towards the main road but is cut off by Gustav, as he turns to run back another way, the Elven guard takes his chance and launches an arrow, hitting him square in the left arm. The man lets out a cry of pain before running back towards the main road, gripping his stolen prize tightly to his chest. Jean rounds the corner on his horse and he begins to dash left. The elf draws his sword and goes to move in close. As he approaches, the man pulls a stone out of his pocket and begins chanting. As the elf swings his blade, the human man grabs the arm and finishes chanting. There's an immense surge of arcane power, a red flame begins to erupt from the rock before a loud crack sounds through the air. The sound of splitting stone is followed by the flame turning purple. The man and elf scream as they are engulfed in flame, the package taken from the cart is dropped to the ground, the paper wrapping burning in the purple heat.

As the fire burns, their bodies begin to take different shapes. The elf's skin turns hard as scales begin to spread over his body, the legs of the man turn into that of a goat. The fire floods into their mouths and their eyes go a deep black. They turn, their gaze savage, unnaturally sharp teeth bared. The elf drops his bow and raises his blade, running towards Patrick and Urgrim, swinging his blade at the dwarf, his elven blood still burning his hatred for dwarves.
[roll0]
[roll1]

The man dashes towards Jean and Gustav, swinging a now clawed hand at the Sigmar initiate.
[roll2]
[roll3]

[wilphe]

Oh s###.

Patrick isn't sure what just happened, but he hopes someone can explain that after he kills whatever this is. He draws his sword and swings at the enemy

[roll0] WS 37
[roll1]+3

[roll2] WS 37
[roll3]+3

[Janwin]

Urgrim, seemingly completely unsurprised by the treachery of the elf, exclaims to Patrick, "By Grungni's beard! This be why y' never trust an elgi! Foul magics run through th' lot of 'em!"

If he was surprised by the sudden change in the elf or his changing sides, he certainly isn't about to show it.

He manages to raise his buckler just in time to deflect the blow from the elf which was aimed quite well at his head, and swings his axe in retaliation but fails to connect.

Free Action: Parry with Buckler (pretty much assuming we're armed since 1. we were guarding a caravan and 2. we've been chasing someone)
[roll0] vs TN 54 (44 WS + 10 Buckler)

Half Action: Aim
Half Action: Standard Attack
[roll1] vs TN 54 (44 WS + 10 Aim)

[farothel]

"Mutants," Gustav shouted as the clawed thing hit him in the chest. His clothes did little to block the blow, but he did move a bit and avoided getting scewered on the claw. Still it did hurt, but he put that aside to kill the hated servants of chaos. He took a moment to line up his shot, then he swung his hammer towards the creature that tried to attack him.


Shouting to see if I can attract more people to help out if needed.

Then I'll do the same as Urgrim
Aim (half action)
attack (half action): [roll0] vs WS 50
damage: [roll1]

IN case of Ulrics fury
attack (half action): [roll2] vs WS 40
damage: [roll3]

initiative for the following rounds: [roll4]

[dojango]

Gretchen stops up short and gawps as the man and the elf begin their transformation. That's why you don't get too close to weird stuff, she reckoned. Her hand is already moving towards her sling even as the mutants charge towards the men in front of her. She'd seen mutants and their ilk back in the forest, and had no intention of letting them put her in a cook-pot. She carefully marked out her target and flung her stone at the foul mutant. She supposed it would be rude to hit one of the lumbering oafs in front of her (at least before they turned into horrible mutants), and spoilt her release of the stone as one of them stumbled in her path.

Aim + fire: [roll0] v. 35 (45 +10 (aim) - 20 (firing into melee))
damage if needed. [roll1]

[atlastrembles]

Dell swallows a foul curse as he decides there's no way he can scale the wall - the trees and boulders of his home forest this Imperial architecture was not. As he turns to follow the rest of his kithband in pursuit, he hears the sound of battle break out elsewhere, a familiar screech and grunt of blade and flesh colliding.

He sprints back to the main road too late to see the transformation, but it doesn't matter as it was clear who threatened the caravan. Dell's eyes and nostrils burned in the acrid after-sense of the demonic mutation as he nocks an arrow, sights down the fletching and lets loose into the melee ahead, not having enough time to properly aim, but trusting his training.

I think I have this right, please correct if I've done something wrong since I've not played this system before.

Half Action - Move to get in range
Half Action - Fire - [roll0] - 20 for firing into melle
Damage if needed - [roll1] + 3

[DrK]

Jess


Apologies all. I've been on nights for the past few days so missed the threads going up


Jess standing beside the dwarf watches events unfold with a look of horror on her face. As the flames spread and the twisted remains of the elf and man attack her dwarven companion she looks on horrified. "By the twin tailed comet..." she mutters, spinning she stands by the dwarf reaching for her sword at her waist. Even as the mutated remains of the elf runs at Ungrim she shouts to distract the beast - "Try me beast" and standing shoulder to shoulder with Ungrim lunges at the beast.



Draw sword
Attack the mutant beside Jess and Ungrim
[roll0] TN 37+10 (outnumber) = 47
damage [roll1]

If Sigmar's fury [roll2] TN 47 and [roll3] damage

[Morovir]

Mutant! Jean cursed under his breath as he saw the creature going for the priest. He drove his spurs in, lowered his lance and charged.

Charge! [roll0] TN 59 (WS 39 + 10 Charge + 10 Outnumbered (GM discretion as to whether this applies))
Damage: [roll1] [roll2] (pick best for Impact)

[Mada]

A confusing cluster of attacks erupts between the nine people involved.

Gretchen and Dell find its difficult to get a shot into the melee, a rock and an arrow fly across the street, harmlessly landing in the dirt and in a tree respectively.

Urgrim manages to deflect the powerful sword swing, as the elf reels back from the impact, Patrick finds a chance to land a strike with his blade.
The elf is wearing leather and his skin seems harder than most, possibly on account of his new scales. Though he draws blood, the impact doesn't seem to have done much damage.
The sword comes swinging around again at Urgrim.
[roll0] TN 41.
[roll1]

The runaways beastial legs seem to give him an unnatural agility as he evades Jean and Gustav's attack.
His claw swings back around at Gustav again.
[roll2] TN 41.
[roll3]

Though they're heavily outnumbered, the two mutants seem overcome by a sense of bloodlust, their eyes unfocused and filled with rage.

[farothel]

"Ouch, you foul beast," Gustav shouted as the creature hit him again, this time on his arm as he instinctively tried to block it. Luckily for him there were more people arriving, but if he ever wanted to become a priest of Sigmar, he had to hold on and keep fighting. But maybe a bit more cautiously this time. But he did try to hit it again.


Half action: going into parry stance
half action: attack: [roll0] vs 50 (40 base + 10 outnumbered)
damage [roll1]

in the unlikely event of Ulric's fury:
[roll2] vs 50 (40 base + 10 outnumbered)
damage [roll3]

[DrK]

Jess

The warden reels back as the beast slashes and rains blows on Ungrim before she wades in. "Come on you beast." she urges the others on as well as she throws a massive over hand blow at the beast, the cramped street fight too close for her to draw the pistol.



Draw sword
All out Attack the mutant beside Jess and Ungrim
[roll0] TN 37+10 (outnumber) +20 AoO = 67
damage [roll1]

If Sigmar's fury [roll2] TN 67 and [roll3] damage

[wilphe]

With the enemy focusing on the dwarf Patrick tries to press the beast harder

[roll]1d100] WS 37
[roll0] +3

[roll]1d100] WS 37
[roll1] +3

[wilphe]

Let's try that again

[roll0] WS 37
[roll1]+3

[roll2] WS 37
[roll3]+3

[atlastrembles]

His hands shaking, Dell draws a steadying breath, aiming carefully before loosing another arrow into the crush of bodies.

Free Action - Rapid Reload - Longbow
Half Action - Aim
Half Action - Attack Into Melee - BS 49 + 10 - 20 (39) vs [roll0]
Damage - [roll1]

[Janwin]

"Ha! Ye missed!" The dwarf easily avoids the attacks directed his way by the elf, and counters with his own axe.

Half Action: Aim
Half Action: Standard Attack
[roll0] vs TN 64 (44 WS + 10 Aim + 10 Outnumbered)
Damage: [roll1] + 3

If Ulric's Fury:
[roll2] vs TN 64
Damage: [roll3]

[dojango]

Gretchen dropped a rock in her sling and began to whirl it. Carefully, she watched for an opening as the others fought and struggled...

Reload + Aim

[Morovir]

Cursing his lack of accuracy, Jean struck out again with his lance, abandoning caution.

All-Out Attack: [roll0] TN 69 (WS 39 + 20 AoA + 10 Outnumbered)
Damage: [roll1]

[Mada]

Patrick and Jess both strike true, the scaled elf mutant falling beneath their blows, blood gushing out of its wounds.
Urgrim sees his chance and charges forward landing a hefty strike against the thief.
Another arrow goes awry as Dell aims to not hit any of the assisting locals.
Jean dashes in and strikes with his lance.
The mutant aggressively flails at its attackers, swinging wildly and caring not for its target.
[roll0] --- 1-2 = Gustav 3-4 = Urgrim 5-6 = Jean
[roll1] TN 51: All out Attack
[roll2]

The bag on the ground ceases to burn and a shiny object appears to have survived beneath the ash and charred hessian.

[Janwin]

After the thief misses, Urgrim throws himself once again into the offensive, striking out with his axe. He keeps his buckler ready to defend, but takes the time to line up his attack.

"Fall, ye foul creature!"

Half Action: Aim
Half Action: Standard Attack
[roll0] vs TN 74 (44 WS + 10 Aim + 20 Outnumbered)
Damage: [roll1] + 3

If Ulric's Fury:
[roll2] vs TN 74
Damage: [roll3]

[farothel]

"Don't touch the object," Gustav shouted as he attacked the mutant again. He wanted this fight to be over as quickly as possible so he could try to figure out what was going on.


Half action: parry stance

half action: attack
[roll0] vs 60 (40 base + 20 outnumbered)
damage: [roll1]

if Ulric's fury:
[roll2] vs 60 (40 base + 20 outnumbered)
damage: [roll3]

[dojango]

"What in the name of Esmeralda..." muttered Gretchen under her breath. She stopped whirling her sling. Someone should check on the caravan, she thought, and she turned and dashed off back to where she had seen the thief emerge. She will go over to the wagon with the bloodstains and check to see if anyone is hurt...or worse.

[atlastrembles]

Dell continues to watch the melee, satisfied finally that they would win through after the first mutant is felled. Instead of risking another shot into the crowd of allies and onlookers, Dell nocks an arrow and draws it back, waiting to see if the remaining demon tries to make a run for it.

Half Action - Aim
Ready Action (Half Action) - Fire if the mutant escapes the melee.

[wilphe]

Patrick put his sword away and stands over the amulet, getting his gun ready in case it becomes necessary.

[Mada]

As Urgrim and Gustav swing their blows, the mutant is caught up in the aggressive onslaught, being felled by a strike from the dwarf's axe.
Pools of blood begin to stain the dirt in the street, the group, now unhindered by the chaotic combat realises that locals have come out of their houses and businesses to see what the commotion is about. A group of elves passes Gretchen by as they arrive on the scene from the caravan. Shortly after, a small squad of guards arrive as well. "You lot! Stand down!" A human male wearing chain armour and an imperial official vest steps forward. He remains unarmed, but the spears and swords of his subordinates keep him sell flanked. "Figures we let a bunch o' pointies into our town and now there's blood in the streets! Explain yerselves, now!" Should anyone keep their weapons drawn after a few moments the guards will start making aggressive steps forward.

An elven man in a robe rather than armour steps forward and addresses the guards. "There was a robbery from our caravan, these witnesses seemed to have stopped the thief..." he looks at the bestial legs and scaly skin of the two mutants, "... as well as one of our own. I too, would like an explanation." He seems to ignore the provocative comment of the guard from before. All eyes are on the six who remain at the scene of the fight.

Anyone who eyeballs the bag will notice it appears to be some sort of gemstone. It's half coloured with a deep, reddish purple and the other half is a vibrant green.

Gretchen will pass by a small group of elves before navigating down the alleyway and returning to the stained wagon. She can go largely unnoticed in what might be an area of sensitive information as there's a lot of chaos and running around. Peeking into the wagon, she can see two elves tending to a third, who has a large gash across his neck and a blank stare as he lays on the ground, lifeless. There's a large blood stain on the caravan and the glint of a knife that was left on the floor, covered in the essence of its victim. It appears to be fitted as a small portable bedroom, the bedside table seems to be open and overturned.

[wilphe]

Patrick slightly stiffens as the guard arrive and makes a report Sir. I was minding my own business when the elves raised a hue and cry. One of their number chased the perpetrator and then they both turned into these, things.

He looks at his feet

This may be responsible for that. I'd be grateful for someone in authority to take custody of it because I don't want to touch it, in fact I don't even want to be near it but I also don't want to leave it unattended for anyone to pick it up.

He slowly returns his weapon to the port

[dojango]

Gretchen stared at the elves. Huh, so they do bleed red, after all. "Hey!" she said. "That guy going to be alright? That other guy turned into a horrible mutant, so they kilt him! Blood and gross stuff all over. Just what are you guys up to? I have friends in the roadwardens, you know, they'll come looking for me," she said hopping back and forth on her feet.

[Janwin]

The dwarf lowers his axe as the combat is over, and looks up at the Imperial soldier and the elf, then turns to the soldier and begins recounting the tale.

"Well, lad, I were countin' me pay for guardin' these Elgi to this town an' this feller...", he gestures to the mutated human theif, "...comes dartin' out o' their cart. Now, normally I don' get inta thinkin' about what strange 'abits the Elgi do in their private, covered, secret wagons. It be better nae to. Thar be a bit o' a gurgle--sounds kinda like an Elgi dyin'--someone yells 'stop 'im, an' of course I give chase. Catch up to the man an he be doin' some chantin' with tha' foul Elgi gem." He gestures down to the smouldering bag. "Then the lad and the Elgi show their true, fel, foul nature and turn inta those beasts." He gestures to the two corpses. "So I put me axe inta th' both o' em."

Thus far he's pretty much ignored the elf, but then he glances up at him and back to the soldier. He lowers his voice a little, as though giving private advice to the Imperial official...but he's a dwarf, so it's not really lowered at all.

"Y' may wan' ta watch th' rest o' these Elgi. Their stone and one o' their group already showed their foul true selves. Who knows wha' th' rest o' them'll do with their magics."

[farothel]

Gustav put his weapon away and after a quick look at his wounds to see that they wouldn't bleed out on him in the next half hour or so, he turned to the guards and showed his symbol of Sigmar.
"I'm Gustav, initiate in the church of Sigmar," he introduced himself to the guards, "I heard those people…"

He pointed at some of the elves.
"... shout that there was a thief, so naturally I followed that man. I wanted to hold him and then sort things out. But suddenly he started shouting or chanting something and then the elf holding him and himself transformed into these mutants. Chaos mutations we can't of course not tolerate so we attacked with the known result. Which reminds me."

He turned back to the elves.
"What is that … gem," he asked, pointing to the stone on the ground, "I have a feeling that that gem was responsible, or at least helped, the transformation of those mutants."

[atlastrembles]

Dell lowers his bow as the remaining monster is felled, replacing his arrow in its quiver and approaching the gathered group. He reaches it in time with the rest of his fellow elves to overhear the wardens and the other combatants recalling the scrum. He adds the following, casting a disgusted glance at the dwarf.

My kith are not to blame for this madness - he was trying to catch the thief that stole from our caravan and was caught up in the foul magic. Even a dwarf should know that the Folk are no friend to Chaos, but perhaps he is drunk.

He turns to the robed elf and bows. Our lost one was always one of our swiftest; we will not forget his bravery here. In Eltharin, pitched low only for his ears, he continues What should we do?

[Morovir]

Jean wheeled his horse around to face the guards. Though he despised them, he realised that the most sensible option was to feign politeness until they left his presence.

"My good sirs, I am but a mere traveller through your lands from fair Bretonnia, seeking to do what I can to vanquish evil. I had been residing in yonder fine establishment, and preparing to continue on my way, when I viewed the incident that began in the cart of the forest-folk. Upon sight of this, I pursued on my steed, intending to confront the wrongdoer. My concerns were heightened upon the hideous transformation of the man and the elf. You know what mutants are, yes? I could not in good conscience let such creatures live, and so with the assistance of these unknown travellers, I rode in and smote them as an affront to the Lady."

He bowed deeply, though still mounted on his horse.

"And that is how we have come to this. I trust there is no quarrel here?"

[DrK]

Jess

The roadwarden looks at the dead mutant and salutes the dwarf. "Good striking Ungrim, a good beast to fell." as the town guard approach she is quick to sheathe her unbloodied blade from her ineffectual strikes and nods to the guards. "As the others said Sers. The mutants attacked and we had to defend ourselves." Whilst waiting for the guards to make a choice she looks at them all, hands well away from her sheathed weapons to portray no threat.

She looks at Gustav and Ungrim, "Once we are free to go, a drink perhaps to toast the victory?"

[farothel]

"Let's first get this solved," Gustav said, "then a doctor to bind these wounds, then we can see."
He turned back to the guards and the elves, the latter for some explanation about the stone.

[Mada]

Dellen and those who accompanied the caravan would be aware that the planned course was travelling from Laurelorn Forest through to Wurtbad, where the contents of the wagons would then be loaded on to boat and taken to Altdorf. Apparently there was something special in Wurtbad that needed to be seen to before getting to their destination of the Imperial Capital.

The head of the guards looks around at the collection of weirdos and then to the elves, he nods to each human and dwarf that gives an anecdote. Dell doesn't receive one. He turns to the elf who spoke before. "You bring something into my town that causes mutations, elf?" His tone of voice is sharped to sound like a personal attack, but he doesn't wait for a response. "My name is Captain Gundar, we'll be taking custody of whatever that thing is and holding it in the name of the his Majesty the Emperor while we find out what the hell it does."

Dell may read on his superior, an elf named Irion, a face of well concealed rage. To the eyes of an outsider he seems to have a very calm and understanding demeanour. "Very well, sir, if that is your request. I'll inform the leader of the caravan and we'll submit a formal request to have the stone relinquished to us as soon as possible. He looks down to the rock. "It is indeed, a magical stone. One that was requested by The Amber Order of Altdorf. However, it's not meant to be purple like that. Its natural colour is that green. Whatever the thief enchanted, he must have corrupted the stone somehow."

Gundar looks over the elf and grumbles something unintelligible, before turning to one of his guardsman. "Grab a cloth and pick up the rock... You six." He points to the group who fought the mutants. "You aren't to leave town. Not until we've cleared you. Anyone who does will be charged as an accomplice to this thief." He walks away. "Good day to you." One of the guards grabs a cloth from a pack and picks up the stone, seemingly unaffected.

Irion waits until the guards depart before turning to the group. "This is rather unfortunate. I need your help, please, if you are willing." He turns to Urgrim. "Though I'm sure my words will hold little value to one such as you, brave dwarf, we mean no harm, as Dellen as said. We combat the forces of chaos, we don't encourage them. That rock is important to the Empire and to those of us who would combat the forces of chaos. Now that it's been tainted, there's a few detours we must take. If you're not persuaded by patriotism, the caravan has plenty of gold to spare for your services."

Gretchen gets a couple of confused looks before she's approached by one of the elves. She has a kindly face and smiles upon the small halfling, kneeling down to be at eye-level. "You saw everything did you, miss? Come, you do not need to fear us." A hand is placed on the halfling woman's shoulder and the smile remains calm and sincere. "If if is as Irion fears, we might need your help. Would you like to help us little one? We can pay you handsomely."

[farothel]

"Before I make that decision, I will need some more information," Gustav said to the elf as soon as the captain of the watch had gone, "if you are working for the magic orders, I'm sure you have some written proof of that. And some more information about what the stone was supposed to do is also welcome, as well as why detours are now needed. Wouldn't it be better to bring it to Altdorf as quickly as possible and let the mage lords there detaint it?"

He looked at the rest of the group as well.
"Anybody knows a doctor in this town," he asked, "or if any of you is one, that would even be better."

[dojango]

When the elf woman puts her hand on Gretchen's shoulder, she subtly checks her boot to see if her dagger is still there. These elves are up to no good, she thinks. Still... "What can a poor little halfling do for the elves," she asks. "You're fierce and terrible, with strange magicks. Or so my husband used to say. Ain't it true? Gold ain't no use if you're being burned up by magic!"

[Janwin]

Urgrim nods to the human Captain when he instructs the group not to leave town.

When the elf then addresses the group asking for help, the dwarf grunts. "If an' when the Umgi release the stone and permit us t' leave, aye, I'll help ye destroy the stone.
Foul magics need t' be purged from these lands, an' someone needs t' keep 'is eye on ye Elgi t' make sure y' keep yer word this time."

He then turns to Jess. "Well, lass, looks like we 'ave some time now, at least 'til the Umgi o' this town figure ou' tha' we're na accomplices t' tha' thief. Drinks it be."

[wilphe]

I could be persuaded. You can't leave without the item and we cannot leave until the case is closed. Please tell us what is involved.

[atlastrembles]

...Irion waits until the guards depart before turning to the group. "This is rather unfortunate. I need your help, please, if you are willing." He turns to Urgrim. "Though I'm sure my words will hold little value to one such as you, brave dwarf, we mean no harm, as Dellen as said. We combat the forces of chaos, we don't encourage them. That rock is important to the Empire and to those of us who would combat the forces of chaos. Now that it's been tainted, there's a few detours we must take. If you're not persuaded by patriotism, the caravan has plenty of gold to spare for your services."

Dell salutes Irion and then turns to Gustav. There are healers among in this caravan, I believe. We would be glad to offer what assistance we can to you for helping us capture the thief.

[DrK]

Jess

Jess watches the guard captain, clearly unimpressed by his style but she nods in affirmative and dips her head on aquisence at the order.

As the Captain leaves she turns to the elf, a serious look on her face. "Chaos is rife magister, I will help. The Orders may unnerve me but they are a great hope to defy darkness". After agreeing to help she nods to Ungrim clapping a hand on the heavy set Dwarf's shoulder. "Come, let's find an inn. Anyone else is welcome." she points towards the nearest pub.

[Morovir]

Jean fought down the urge to strike the guard captain for his impudence. Him, a Knight-Errant of Bretonnia, in league with common criminals? He nodded tersely, though he did not dismount his horse.

Despite his distrust of elves, he decided that it would be prudent to remain close by to the caravan. In any case, some other horrific event that would warrant his skills may strike it as it had done before, and so he should be there. Yes, that was the best course of action.

[Mada]

The guards also took the bodies away.

Irion looks around at the group, he seems to have some hope based on the reaction from the six he's talking to. "The exact use of the stone is requested to be classified, as I can prove with the signed request of the Amber order, which is back at our caravan, as are some of our healers if you would like them to tend to your wounds." He nods to Dellen as he mentions the healers, acknowledging his statement earlier. "All I can say is that it's based off of our warding magic that we use to keep outsiders away from out settlements. Come, you can meet your fellows at the tavern they're going to, we'll get you patched up and show you our proof." He turns to walk away before turning again towards the mounted Brettonian. "Good knight, you've been quiet. Will you assist in our time of need?" There will be a gaze from all the elves, not to mention the onlookers. Many of the civilians nearby have gone inside, but some still watch on as the large gathering continues in the middle of the street.

The gaze of the elf by Gretchen's side doesn't falter. "We are used to being underestimated in these lands. In turn, we try not to do the same for others. There's many uses for one of your size and heritage. I'm sure your husband would be proud of you to help the world when it's in need, no?"

[farothel]

"I will join you for healing and verifying a few things," Gustav said, "after that some drinks in the inn are possible, as well as some food."

He followed the elf towards their wagons to check things out. While heading to Altdorf would be going back, he hadn't been given an end destination for his pilgrimage and helping to root out chaos was part of his duties in the church of Sigmar. He could also check with the temple hierarchy in Altdorf about the artefact. They would have more experience in dealing with these things, as well as probably connections with the orders of magic, to be better equiped for this kind of stuff.

[dojango]

Gretchen merely lets out a loud guffaw and a snort, as if the elf had told a great jest. But then she says, "I suppose I should send some gold home for the kids. I'll take yer coin, then. What would you have me do?"

[wilphe]

Patrick will go with the elves to see their proof and stick with whoever is being healed, doing his best to give the impression of being diligent and attempting to make sure they don't forget who he is

[atlastrembles]

Dellen follows Irion, Gustav, and the others who accompany the elves back to the caravan. He, too, was curious about the artifact that had caused all the bloodshed this morning. He hadn't been explicitly told what the caravan and his kithband were carrying or protecting and while he knew it was not his place to question his elders, he had to admit that after what he had seen today, it was getting more and more difficult to blindly obey.

[Morovir]

Jean looked at the elf, and inclined his head shallowly.

"I will protect the caravan from evildoers. That is the most that I will offer."

[Mada]

The elf woman smiles at Gretchen then nods. "I assume Irion will be back soon, he will have more information for you. But your family will eat happily for many moons."

Irion looks to Jean with a face of disappointment. "I fear the caravan is the least of our concerns good Knight. Come, maybe you'll find some more answers if you follow me..." With that, Irion leads the group back to the caravan. Gretchen, if cooperative be guided out of the wagon and lead to the rest of the group. "Ah!" Irion calls to the elf lady. "Ah! Alaria, this man has been injured, could you tend to him please? The woman nods as she steps away from Gretchen, shuffling her bag and guiding Gustav to sit on the end of a cart and gets to work with her kit. "Who's this lady, Alaria?"

[roll0] Wounds gained for Gustav.

As she works, Alaria briefly tells Irion that Gretchen has agreed to help in exchange for coin.
"I see, well, glad to have you on board, little one." Irion takes a deep breath. "Should you agree, we need you all to work out who that man was working for. There's no doubt he was sent by somebody, perhaps alone in order to keep things quiet. I can only hope they're here somewhere in the town. We can pay you all for your service. Not to mention, discovering the culprit behind this attempted theft may allow you to leave town once again."

He waits to gauge some reaction before turning to Gustav. As he turns, Alaria is applying some bandages to his claw-wounds. "As you may or may not have heard, forces of chaos have been making themselves known around the Empire and the surrounding regions. The Colleges are looking for some way to find a source, any time an expedition gets close, they're killed by the mutant creatures. The rock is a catalyst for magic that allows our settlements in Lorelorn forest remain all but unknown. Using similar magic, the college of Amber hopes to create some sort of device that allows a group of soldiers to move around enemy territory while remaining undetected. However, should an enemy of the Empire get a hold of it, they could send their dark-champions to cause havoc to any of the major cities."

[DrK]

Jess

Finding a suitable pub that welcomes her with a smell of pipe smoke, wood fires and rotgut ale she ducks in through the door and finds a suitable seat near the roaring fire. SHe pulls out her thin pipe and thumbs in a tiny wad of tobacco and holds it by the fire to light it before inhaling deeply. As a serving girl scurries off with a handful of pennies and an order for a round of ale she looks at Ungrim. "So my doughty dwarven friend, how does one of the Dawi end up on an Elven caravan?"

As the beer arrives she takes a long sip and smiles. "Hm, a well earned drink. Though an interesting afternoon with mutation and a magical stone... I wonder what the stone is and what the Magisters of the Amber College would want with it?"

[farothel]

Why is it Always magic, Gustav thought as the bandages were applied, it Always goes wrong at some point.
"Thank you for your assistance," he said to Alaria when she was finished. It was still hurting a bit, but that would go away on its own if he gave it a couple of days of rest.
"Some coin can Always be useful," he said to Irion, "I still have some, but I still have a long way to go and I have some shopping to do. I can ask around if anybody knows that guy and might know where he came from. As part of the church of Sigmar, I might persuade people to talk."

[dojango]

"Oi, that reminds me. Dinner time! Howabouts we head over to the pub for a bit of grub. You buying, chief? I bet we kin find some info at the pub. Everyone stops by there eventually, right? Maybe we should wash down the info with a pint of their finest, too. Hey, let's go down there and start buying rounds until people want to tell us everything they know!"

[wilphe]

The rock is a catalyst for magic that allows our settlements in Lorelorn forest remain all but unknown. Using similar magic, the college of Amber hopes to create some sort of device that allows a group of soldiers to move around enemy territory while remaining undetected. However, should an enemy of the Empire get a hold of it, they could send their dark-champions to cause havoc to any of the major cities

Ok, does the Captain know this? Because he has it now and if he is unaware of its importance and there are people who are trying to steal it, they are going to try again

[atlastrembles]

Using similar magic, the college of Amber hopes to create some sort of device that allows a group of soldiers to move around enemy territory while remaining undetected. However, should an enemy of the Empire get a hold of it, they could send their dark-champions to cause havoc to any of the major cities."

As Dell watches the human's wounds being tended and listens carefully to Alaria's explanation, he feels a cold grip seize his heart. If this magic can so easily be corrupted and twisted to Chaos, what does it mean for the safety of our woods? Could they be mutated, too, and turned against their own people?

With a steely resolve in his voice, Dell agrees with Gustav's suggestion and Patrick's line of inquiry. If Irion will allow it, I volunteer to accompany these humans and attempt to persuade the Captain here of the danger they are in. If the caravan moves on, I will stay behind.

[farothel]

Gustav was not sure if it was a good idea to tell the captain all that information, but he kept silent. That was something the elves themselves would have to figure out. As far as he was concerned, they would have to be very careful with the item. He would have to put a chat with the captain on his to-do list, but first he wanted to do some shopping and have something to eat.

[Morovir]

Jean snorted.

"A stone that makes people invisible! What a cowardly creation! No wonder it belongs to the elves."

His tone took on a more serious tone as he turned to face the elf.

"Is there any way of destroying this stone, so that in the worst case scenario it is denied to the forces of Chaos?"

[farothel]

With apparently no concrete number on the gold coming forth and as a priest he couldn't really ask, Gustav thanked the elven woman again for stitching him up and made his way into the town. There he asked around for a place he could buy some leather armour and maybe some other supplies. He was directed to one of the stores in the town and there he inquired about a leather jerkin and skullcap, as well as a waterskin. He had found that it would be interesting to have that as well. While they were taking his measurements for the armour, he casually asked about the young man who had stolen the stone. Did he come from the town or was he from somewhere else? And did they know him? He added that the church of Sigmar would have to know if there was a chaos infestation in the vicinity, as would the captain of the guard.


I assume that getting information out of them about the thief is going to be a gossip roll. If it's something else, let me know in the OOC topic and I'll roll that

Gossip: [roll0]

[wilphe]

Patrick will take his leave of the elves and tag along with Gustav

This all sounds very serious. But I need a job and I'd rather be paid for doing something that will benefit the Empire. I think I'd better see I can get some more ammunition. I think I might need it before this is over.

20 shots 12s

20 powder 60s

[Janwin]

Urgrim walks into the pub with Jess, gives it a quick look-over and then nods. "Aye, this'll do." He joins her at the table near the fire, accepts the ale ordered by his human comrade-in-arms, sits back and enjoys the relaxing and familiar environment. Every pub is the same, after all: lots of ale, lots of comradery, and every so often a good fight.

"Well, I've been runnin' low on gold since wanderin' down from th' mountains, an' I figure Elgi gold is as good as any gold. Per'aps even better, since it means they 'ave less gold o' their own after y' take it from 'em." He gives that a chuckle and takes a long drag from the ale provided.

"As t' the magics, by Grungni's beard, I wouldn't 'ave th' foggiest idea. It be foul Elgi magic, clearly. I would 'ave thought yer Umgi kin would be smarter than t' mess with tha'. Though Umgi certainly are curious, sometimes t' a fault."

He takes another drink and then asks, "'Ow about ye, lass? 'Ow'd ye end up in all o' this?"

[DrK]

Jess

Jess blows a careful smoke ring from the pipe and then takes a long sip from the flagon of ale as she listens to Ungrim's drawling accent. Nodding she grins and leans forward, speaking around a hunk of bread. "Aye, a strange situation with the elf folk out in the streets." At mention of her she gestures to the stable at the back. "I'm one of the Empire's finest wardens eh? A horse, a pistol and a 30 leagues of wilderness to range and patrol." She laughs a harsh laugh, "Doesn't bode well when I'm the 8th warden is as many eight days on these roads. Last lad lasted barely a week before he vanished. Found his horse..." and she gestures to the stable with the stalk of her pipe. "And a chewed bloodstained leg. I've been here for a pair of eight days now so I'm doing well. I was thinking I'll escort these elves down the road."

She eyes up the stout dwarf, "You seemed pretty handy with your axe so I'd welcome a dwarf at my back."

[atlastrembles]

Dell stays back for a few more minutes after the non-elves had departed for the pub. He has a few quiet words with Irion and Alaria and then, instructed to keep a gentle eye on the players caught up in this dangerous game, follows them to the bar they had ensconced themselves within.

Stepping carefully and cautiously, and trying not to let his nerves show, Dell quietly opens the door of the pub and eases himself inside. He scans the room before finding the other caravaneers and then approaches them. He nods a little stiffly and clears his throat.

Well fought today, the Kin's thanks to you for aiding us against Chaos. May I join you?

[Janwin]

Urgrim chortles at her words regarding the apparent life expectancy of road wardens. "Well, lass, I be glad I don' ride, then. May Valaya bless y' with a longer life than yer predecessor." He raises his mug in a toast, and then takes a deep, enjoyable drink of the ale. While the Umgi aren't good at a number of things, at least their ales are passable.

"Y' seemed pretty good wit' yer blade too. Seems our path be 'avin' us fight side-by-side in th' future, an' it be good t' know I've got someone capable beside me. So I guess let's save th' Elgi, like they always be needin', an' make a bunch o' coin along the way, aye?"

As the elf walks up to the table, Urgrim's expression turns from enjoyed banter with his new human friend to a cautious wariness.

"Aye, lad, pull up a chair. Y' wan' a drink?"

Before the elf has a chance to answer, Urgrim has flagged down the passing waitress and ordered a round of ale for the assembled group.

[dojango]

Gretchen shows up at the pub and climbs up on a stool and shouts out, "Next few rounds are on the elvish visitors! They want to thank the village for hosting them." More quietly to the barkeep, "Knife-ear by the name of Irion's good for it. Gimme a pint on his tab." Once (If) the barkeep pours her a pint, she'll wander over to where the others were drinking. "So, you put those weird mutants down? Good for ye. Seen enough of those bastards around the woods, don't want any in the towns. What do you reckin the muties were up to? They plotting something? Didn't see any in the woods meself lately, but that don't mean they ain't there."

[atlastrembles]

As the elf walks up to the table, Urgrim's expression turns from enjoyed banter with his new human friend to a cautious wariness.

"Aye, lad, pull up a chair. Y' wan' a drink?"

Before the elf has a chance to answer, Urgrim has flagged down the passing waitress and ordered a round of ale for the assembled group.

Dell nods a little stiffly at the dwarf's invitation and settles carefully into the chair, clearly ill at ease in these surroundings. A drink...uh, yes, my thanks Master Dwarf. he finishes as Urgrim orders without waiting for a response. Dell suppresses a grimace at this lack of manners. He reminded himself that the diverse races gathered 'round this table were indeed allies against Chaos despite their differences and would need to work together.

When Gretchen shows up and boasts about the elves' largesse, he frowns in her direction.

Should you wish to be paid, I encourage you not to spend our coin so liberally. Perhaps it would be better spent on a bath rather than ale, maybe?

[Janwin]

As the ale gets delivered to the elf, Urgrim raises his own mug in a toast and takes a drink. He then asks, "First time in th' Reik, Elgi?"

[atlastrembles]

As the ale gets delivered to the elf, Urgrim raises his own mug in a toast and takes a drink. He then asks, "First time in th' Reik, Elgi?"

Dell takes a hesitant sip of the ale. Although it tasted like muddy riverwater in comparison to the cordials and pure fruit wines distilled in the Elfwood, he raises his mug and acknowledges the dwarf's toast. Suppressing a grimace and trying to polite, he answers The humans tell us that the Reik surrounds our forests despite the Kin never having ceded any claim to our lands, so the answer to your question is both yes and no. This is the first time I've left the shade of our trees, however. These lands are...instructive.

[Janwin]

Urgrim raises his eyebrow a bit at the comment about forests.

"So...yer na' one o' those Elgi from the delicate towers, then? Hrmm. Didna' know there were a difference." He takes another drink of his ale, contemplating the strange turn of events.

[dojango]

"Bath? Why pay for that when the river's free? But this ain't just for fun. This is summat we call 'investigating'. Which is a fancy word for gossip. Gotta start gettin' these tongues wet ya know? You guys new to town too?"

[DrK]

Jess

Jess grins at the suggestion of the dwarf bathing "Master Elf, I don't think dwarve's bathe. The ones I have met always have an earthy tone to them. I had thought it was but part of the Dawi character." She grins some more, taking a long sip of ale. Listening to Dell speak of the forests rather than high elves she just looks non-plussed and drinks some more ale.

Glancing at Gretchen she waves over the one of the bar wenches to get another round. "As the halfling said. A Master Irion will supply the drinks" before turning back to the halfling. "So little one, you are far from the Moot. How did you get here and mixed up in a street fight with mutants, elves, dwarves and a magic stone?"

[atlastrembles]

Urgrim raises his eyebrow a bit at the comment about forests.

"So...yer na' one o' those Elgi from the delicate towers, then? Hrmm. Didna' know there were a difference." He takes another drink of his ale, contemplating the strange turn of events.

Our towers are the tree themselves, if that is what you mean. Are there not different dwarves as well Dell takes another sip, his tongue loosening with the Reiksale.

[Morovir]

Following on behind the rest of the group, Jean made sure to stable his horse and ensure that she was fed before joining them in the pub. Ordering a goblet of what these sorry backwater people called 'wine', he sat stiffly at the edge of the group, listening in without offering any opinions of his own. He wanted nothing more than to conclude this affair as soon as possible and go on his own way, where he could prove his knightly worth and virtue without the meddling of elves.