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  1. - Top - End - #151
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Sieghard

    "She's fine," Sieghard told Karolina. He waited until she was gone before speaking again. "No family at all? If it's something you don't want to talk about, I understand, but what about your parents? Did something happen to them?"

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    Not getting my hopes up, but untrained charm to get her to open up a bit.
    (1d100)[34] vs 27
    (1d100)[24] reroll

    If this doesn't work, Sieghard won't bother her any further.

  2. - Top - End - #152
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Sieghard & Ludo

    "It was horrible," said Rhadegund in a dull monotone, still mopping as she spoke. "When I was just a little girl, this man burst into our house. He had all these scars, and armour, and a big sword, and he started interrogating my parents about their family." She stopped mopping and looked Sieghard in the eye. "And he talked to them for so long that they actually died of boredom."
    Last edited by LCP; 2019-11-25 at 05:49 PM.
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    Ill Met By Morrslieb

    Dark Heresy 1E - Wake of the Byzantium
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  3. - Top - End - #153
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    At the Fat Fish

    Adelbert got the feeling Elsa would not be the most animated of talkers tonight.

    'Urgrim and...uh, Beatrix are going to speaking at the Conclave. They have both had encounters with the enemy and I think their experiences and skills will add a lot of insight,' Adelbert explained to the other clergy, before taking another draught of his ale.

    He turned to the priestess of Rhya. 'Hechsler, the wizardess and myself are Imperials and Urgrim's people are locals. What about you Jocasta, where do you hale from?'

  4. - Top - End - #154
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Sieghard

    Sieghard smirked. The girl could be funny. "Better than what happened to mine," he said, matching her tone. "Bandits pillaged my village and butchered them."

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    So much for that. Seems like even when Sieghard rolls well, the person he's trying to charm is immune. Kinda figured she'd be harder than normal.

    If she reacts to what Sieghard said, he'll keep going, otherwise he'll walk away leave her to her work.

  5. - Top - End - #155
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    At the Fat Fish

    'Urgrim and...uh, Beatrix are going to speaking at the Conclave. They have both had encounters with the enemy and I think their experiences and skills will add a lot of insight,' Adelbert explained to the other clergy, before taking another draught of his ale.
    "I'm sure they will," said Hechsler, raising his tankard to Urgrim. "It's an honour to have one of the mountain folk attend our council." <Strength to your arm,> he added, in clumsy but serviceable Khazalid.

    He turned to the priestess of Rhya. 'Hechsler, the wizardess and myself are Imperials and Urgrim's people are locals. What about you Jocasta, where do you hale from?'
    "I was born in the Downs," said Jocasta, who seemed to be matching Hechsler so far in the drinking. She was clearly accustomed to it. "Near the edge of the Thornwood. Nowhere, really."

    "There'll be priests from all over, that's for sure," added Hechsler. "Last time was bad enough - this time it's over who gets the leadership the Temple itself. Is it right the Morrites aren't staking a claim?" he asked Adelbert. "Who do you suppose it'll be?"



    Sieghard & Ludo

    Rhadegund looked like she was trying to come up with a sarcastic retort, but murdered parents were difficult material. Her eyes slid around the hostel, looking for a way out.

    "I really have to go... clean... the dog," she managed, after a long hesitation. She affected a sudden smile. "Nice talking to you!"

    Putting her head down, she hurried off towards the kitchen.
    Last edited by LCP; 2019-11-25 at 08:37 PM.
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  6. - Top - End - #156
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    The Fat Fish

    —And to yours Urgrim replied, in his best approximation of an Imperial Khazalid accent.

    "It's the, hm, cooperation that gives the Temple strength," he continued in Reikspiel. "Whoever leads you, you act for the good of the people?" It didn't sound quite like a confident statement - at least partially a suggestion.
    Last edited by Thragka; 2019-11-25 at 09:26 PM. Reason: unrelenting idiocy
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  7. - Top - End - #157
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    At the Fat Fish

    "I'm hardly an expert," said Hechsler, shrugging his shoulders. "Outsider and all."

    "We speak for the gods," said Jocasta. "Our voice is stronger together than apart. Whoever reigns in Savonne, or elsewhere, the Temple helps to let our voice be heard." She looked to Adelbert. "But Father Schreiber has read the laws. He knows it better than either of us."

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    Just to let you guys know, I'm not building to any kind of scene here at the Fish - this is just meant to be a pre-Conclave opportunity for you to discuss what you want out of the Conclave. Let me know when you're ready to move on.
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    Dark Heresy 1E - Wake of the Byzantium
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    WFRP 2E - The Bloody Crown
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  8. - Top - End - #158
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Fat Fish

    Adelbert looked surprised at Heschler's question, and even more at Jocasta's statement of confidence.

    'I... wasn't aware the Morrites might be sitting out their claim. To be honest I have no idea who will end up leader. Father Hieronymous has seniority I suppose, though I'm worried the Azrillites might be strong enough to elect that idiot Barbaro. Currying favour with the Tilean.'

  9. - Top - End - #159
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    At the Fat Fish

    "Barbaro?" said Hechsler. "He's an outsider, like me. They might allow us a vote, but I doubt they'd allow us to run the show." He hiccuped. "There's six statues in the Temple. Five cults that've always ruled here. If it isn't one of them I'd be v... very surprised."

    Jocasta said nothing - like Adelbert, she seemed to not have the antennae for clerical politics. Hechsler seemed eager to hear their appraisal of the situation, but as the evening wore on and the Sigmarite grew drunker, it became clear he wasn't going to get what he was after - or at least, he wouldn't remember it if he did. Bidding Elsa and Urgrim goodnight, Adelbert rose to escort Hechsler back to the Temple.



    Wellentag, 16th Nachgeheim

    The Conclave began bright and early the next morning. Entering the Temple through the front gates, Elsa hesitated as she saw the familiar figure of the stone jackal lolling at Morr's feet. Images of what Morrslieb had seen in his final minutes flashed unbidden through her head.

    The priests were gathering in the bowels of the Temple - all thirteen of them, sitting or standing or milling aimlessly about as they waited for the proceedings to begin. On seeing Elsa enter, Barbaro hurried over and led her aside, speaking sotto voce so the others would not hear.

    Elsa Only
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    "I didn't know you were going to be here, signora," said Barbaro. His manner with her wasn't as easy and smiling as it had once been - ever since his unfortunate encounter with the witch hunter, the Myrmidian had seemed distant and wary. "Do you know the plan? Abbot Tomas is our man."


    The less-than-authoritative tapping of a gavel signalled Hieronymus calling the Conclave to order. One by one, the priests took their seats. Father Bonifatius was the last to sit down - the ancient Morrite moved like an arthritic snail.

    "Friends - thank you all for coming here," said Hieronymus. "I wish my reasons for summoning you were happier. Mother Raqiyah is dead, as are many of our brothers and sisters in faith. Brother Liebrecht, of Morr. Brother Jakub, of Azriller. Father Balios, of Taal. Mother Constanza, of Shallya. And the caballera D'Evangelisti. Let us observe a minute's silence for those we have lost."

    The assembled priests bowed their heads. When the minute was up, Hieronymus raised his head and rapped the gavel again on the table.

    "These deaths were not coincidence. They were murdered, and the Temple was... desecrated, by a single enemy. An enemy who, if he had escaped with what was entrusted to us, might have committed unspeakable blasphemies." He looked to Adelbert, as if for reassurance. "I speak, of course, of the vampire Nakht-Horeb."

    A ripple of murmurs ran around the table. Bonifatius looked confused.

    "Eh? What?" He looked to Brother Cezar. "What did he say about Nahorek?"

    "Nakht-Horeb, reverend father," said Cezar, patiently. "Nakht-Horeb."

    "Never heard of him," groused the old priest.

    "There are those here who have faced him, and fought him," continued Hieronymus. "Father Schreiber is one - and our guests, Master Jotunnsson and Magister Hildebrand." He looked to the three of them. "Perhaps before we continue, you could tell the Conclave what we know of this creature."
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    The Hour After Midnight
    The Lord of Lost Heart
    Ill Met By Morrslieb

    Dark Heresy 1E - Wake of the Byzantium
    Episodes: I, II, III, IV, V

    WFRP 2E - The Bloody Crown
    Threads: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X

  10. - Top - End - #160
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    Adelbert stood up, turning to regard each of the priests (and Elsa and Urgrim.) He grimaced with distaste at the presence of Barbaro but quickly moved on.

    'Brothers and Sister, Father Hieronymus has already explained the terrible foe we face. I shall attempt to go further.'

    He paused momentarily to allow this to sink in. 'The creature Nakht-Horeb is a vampire, an ancient undead abomination from the days of barbarian Nekhara. As Sister Jocasta, Master Jotunnsson and Magister Hildebrand can all confirm from bitter personal experience he is incredibly powerful both as a physical being and as a dark and terrible sorcerer. He is responsible for the deaths of too many of our finest. He associates himself with the image of a jackal-like beast and is capable of changing his shape into a shadowy form of such a monster.'

    'I can see from some of your faces that you are wondering how I came by such information. Alas Nakht-Horeb does not act alone; he is accompanied by a pet conjurer, a mortal man by the name of Klammenberg with some skill with illusions. It was Klammenberg himself, no doubt to curry favour with his repulsive master who boasted of the vampire's past and lengthy lifespan. More facts have been discovered by Master Jotunnsson and Magister Hildebrand who can no doubt tell you in their own words what they think.'


    He paused, his grim expression fading into a look of resolve.

    'Make no mistake we are faced with a great and terrible foe but one we can and shall beat. When he attacked this temple he was at the summit of his magical powers and determined to steal our artifacts. He fled, licking his wounds. We saw for ourselves; he is strong but he can be hurt and what can be hurt can be killed. The gods are with us, our own strength of soul and sword are with us and knowledge is with us.'

    He turned to Elsa. 'Magister Hildebrand, you are gifted in the ways of magic and I know first hand few have suffered more against Nakht-Horeb. I would ask you to speak now on the nature of the vampire - and how we can destroy him.'

  11. - Top - End - #161
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    Elsa had come dressed in her austere, military-looking outfit she had had made at great expense, but though she tried to look grim and authoritative, she mostly seemed tired and beaten down since Morrslieb's death.

    Spoiler: Elsa only
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    "Do you know the plan? Abbot Tomas is our man."
    "I... wasn't really aware of a plan," Elsa admitted. "I'm here as an advisor on arcane matters, not to play politics. I highly doubt I have a vote or even much of a voice on anything religious."


    "Perhaps before we continue, you could tell the Conclave what we know of this creature."

    Elsa spoke up: "He is a very ancient being, dating back to the days of Lahmia; of which I know little, as history is not my field. He was once defeated by our distant precursors, and imprisoned under the Red Pyramid for millennia. He was awakened on last Hexensnacht by his mortal servant, a wandering shadowmancer and necromancer by the name of Klammenberg. Nakht-Horeb possesses frightening arcane power, including the ability to take the form of a jackal and summon a rainstorm. The goal of his attack on the Temple last Geheimnisnacht was to get his hands on the Book of Nagash. He failed, but came far too close for comfort. We also know him to be in league with the wretched people of Rivermouth, who have since relocated to a ruin in the swamps near Ravenskird."
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    Oh wow. I will never again underestimate [our characters'] ability to turn friendly conversation into a possible life or death situation.
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    Ludo has a crowbar, if that helps.

  12. - Top - End - #162
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Elsa Only

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    "The Captain didn't send you?" said Barbaro, thrown off-balance a little by Elsa's reply. "Well... very good then. We'll both just... do what we came to do."

    He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice further. "The Captain wants someone we can trust to follow his lead. The Lady Sforza wrote to him with all kinds of complaints against these priests. The Putbad monks, they know which side their bread is buttered." He paused. "That is the expression, yes?"


    Elsa spoke up: "He is a very ancient being, dating back to the days of Lahmia; of which I know little, as history is not my field. He was once defeated by our distant precursors, and imprisoned under the Red Pyramid for millennia. He was awakened on last Hexensnacht by his mortal servant, a wandering shadowmancer and necromancer by the name of Klammenberg. Nakht-Horeb possesses frightening arcane power, including the ability to take the form of a jackal and summon a rainstorm. The goal of his attack on the Temple last Geheimnisnacht was to get his hands on the Book of Nagash. He failed, but came far too close for comfort. We also know him to be in league with the wretched people of Rivermouth, who have since relocated to a ruin in the swamps near Ravenskird."
    "The Red Pyramid," said Hechsler. "If I had a pfennig for every ghost story I'd heard from Raven Hills men about the Red Pyramid, I'd have... well, not quite a schilling. But not far off." He looked around the table. "Where are the Raven Hills men? Didn't they send someone last time?"

    "Last time, they sent one of the Jarl's retinue," said Hieronymus, "because their priest was missing. I suppose, in his continued absence, we must assume this remains the case."

    "Father Bonifatius muttered something about 'savages' that wasn't as inaudible as he thought.

    "And you say he takes the form of the jackal?" asked Abbot Tomas, furrowing his white brows as he leaned forwards over the table. "Of Nahorek?"

    "The form of a jackal," said Hieronymus, seizing instantly on the point of grammar. "Not the jackal. I'm sure none of us here would imply that Nakht-Horeb is Nahorek..."

    "Wouldn't we?" asked Jocasta. "Why?"

    Hieronymus looked to Brother Cezar, who politely cleared his throat before he spoke.

    "Nahorek has been worshipped in the Reaches since... time immemorial. Nahorek is a benign spirit, a servant of Morr..."

    "And how long ago was the pyramid built?" asked Jocasta, her tone challenging. "Forgive me, brother, but I saw him change, when he attacked us in the sanctum. He was not a jackal. He was to a jackal what a daemon is to a man... a thing of darkness and dust, and terrible power." She paused, looking around at the others' faces. "I mean, and then there's the name."

    "Nackt-Horeb," said Hechsler, rolling the syllables around in his mouth. "You have to admit, it sounds alike."

    "Preposterous!" spluttered Bonifatius, a little colour returning to his aged face. "These are matters of Morrite doctrine! They are not for other cults to judge."

    "And would your brothers and sisters in Luccini agree with your judgement, father?" asked Barbaro. "Or is this a point on which your doctrines diverge?"

    It was a surprisingly pointed question from the Tilean. An awkward silence fell as Bonifatius grasped for an answer...
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    WFRP 2E - Tales of Perilous Adventure
    The Hour After Midnight
    The Lord of Lost Heart
    Ill Met By Morrslieb

    Dark Heresy 1E - Wake of the Byzantium
    Episodes: I, II, III, IV, V

    WFRP 2E - The Bloody Crown
    Threads: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X

  13. - Top - End - #163
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    'Given the well known relationship between the Tilean and Estalian branches of the Cult of Myrmidia I hardly think you are in a position to criticise interpretation of doctrine within a different cult Father Barbaro,' Adelbert drawled.

    'In any case Father Hieronymous's point is inarguable. Why I am reliably informed that in our own times a Norscan woman present in the Reaches could take the form of a wolf, a story which I am sure many of you have heard. I trust no one here is going to claim she was really Ulric?'
    Last edited by RossN; 2019-11-27 at 10:42 PM.

  14. - Top - End - #164
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Quote Originally Posted by RossN View Post
    'Magister Hildebrand, you are gifted in the ways of magic and I know first hand few have suffered more against Nakht-Horeb. I would ask you to speak now on the nature of the vampire - and how we can destroy him.'
    "We know him to be harmed by silver," said Elsa. "We also know he's been defeated once before, and we're working on finding out how. Perhaps we can make it permanent this time."

    She did not see fit to mention the spear in the presence of the priests. What would priests even do with a spear? The fewer people knew about it, the better. If Nakht-Horeb knew that the spear was in enemy hands, he would be sure to steal it, just to make sure it could not be used against him again.

    On the matter of Nahorek and Nakht-Horeb, Elsa said hesitantly: "It is possible that two local figures were conflated over the ages. That some characteristics of one were ascribed to the other."

    While on a personal level she fully believed Nahorek and Nakht-Horeb might be one and the same, perhaps it would be best not to have a religious dispute right now. Their problem was a 'mundane' one, insofar as necromancy could be considered mundane.
    Last edited by -Sentinel-; 2019-11-28 at 10:03 AM.
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    Running:
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheSummoner View Post
    Oh wow. I will never again underestimate [our characters'] ability to turn friendly conversation into a possible life or death situation.
    Quote Originally Posted by LeSwordfish View Post
    Ludo has a crowbar, if that helps.

  15. - Top - End - #165
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    The other priests looked less than convinced by Adelbert's assessment of what was 'inarguable'.

    "Is there anywhere but the Reaches where this spirit is worshipped?" demanded Barbaro. "Anywhere but the land where, you say, this creature was buried, Myrmidia knows how many years ago?"

    "He is not worshipped everywhere, even here," said Hechsler. "In the Raven Hills they say Nahorek is a dark spirit. An enemy of Morr."

    "Well the Raven Hills are not here!" croaked Bonifatius. "This is the Conclave of Savonne! We should not be troubling ourselves with the, the second-hand opinions of bandits and sheep thieves."

    "Magister Hildebrand says he has fallen in with the Rivermouth people," said Barbaro, "What do the Rivermouth people believe?" He looked to Adelbert. "Schreiber, you have had personal experience of their practices, yes? So Captain Sforza has told me."
    Last edited by LCP; 2019-11-28 at 10:33 AM.
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    WFRP 2E - Tales of Perilous Adventure
    The Hour After Midnight
    The Lord of Lost Heart
    Ill Met By Morrslieb

    Dark Heresy 1E - Wake of the Byzantium
    Episodes: I, II, III, IV, V

    WFRP 2E - The Bloody Crown
    Threads: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X

  16. - Top - End - #166
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    Adelbert's expression darkened at Babaro's demand. 'I suggest Father Babaro that you choose your words - and your logic with more care. The goddess Azriller is native to these lands as the good brothers could remind you. The divine Sigmar is patron of the country I hail from, as do Father Heschler and Magister Hildebrand. In your own Tilea I believe that Lucan and Luccina are unique to Luccini.'

    He leaned forward. 'Furthermore I would remind you that Father Bonifatius represents the clergy of Morr, and this temple though a rightful home to all the gods has always been associated with that god. In a debate differences of opinion are to be expected Father Bonifatius, and indeed Brother Cezar are entitled to a certain level of respect.'

    'Now, as regards your question to me I do indeed believe the people - if one may call them that - of Rivermouth are in thrall to the vampire Nakht-Horeb. What they believe on the other hand escapes me completely, possibly as I too busy being tortured to ask them polite questions about their faith.'

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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Barbaro had no reply to that. Adelbert's talk of respect clearly resonated with the others around the table - Bonifatius puffed out his scrawny chest, while Hieronymus looked quietly pleased.

    "The real question is what we do now," said Jocasta. "This creature is intelligent. He hunted us, one by one, and struck when we were weakest. If we leave him be, he will be back, with a new plan."

    "The Temple hasn't kept men under arms for centuries," said one of the Azrillite brothers. He looked to Hieronymus. "Isn't that in the Laws? Let the princes fight; we hold to the peace."

    "Then perhaps you need to change the Laws, brother," said Hechsler. Clearly growing impatient, he didn't see the flash of horror in Hieronymus' face at the mention of such a thing. "They may have served before, but they will not serve you now. Sigmar teaches us to fight the darkness, not leave others to fight it for us."

    "Though there are others who will fight," Barbaro chimed in. "The Captain's army has returned from the north. He is a godly man. His soldiers are godly men. You can be sure they will not stand idle."

    "The marsh is nigh impenetrable," cautioned Tomas. White-bearded and dark-eyed, the abbot was old but not decrepit; when he spoke, he had an air of fatherly calm. "I remember many princes who promised to sweep it clean of bandits and the like. None of them succeeded."

    "They were not Muzio Sforza," said Barbaro - but the other priests didn't seem to share his confidence.

    "What about your own order, father?" asked Stefania, turning back to Bonifatius. "Don't the cult of Morr have men who know how to destroy this kind of creature?"

    Bonifatius began to wheeze and mumble about the undead in an authoritative but unhelpful manner. Cezar gently cut him off.

    "The Fellowship of the Shroud make it their business to seek out the undead," said the younger Morrite. "But the nearest chapter house is a long way north of us. We can send for help, but I fear it will be some time before it arrives."
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    The Lord of Lost Heart
    Ill Met By Morrslieb

    Dark Heresy 1E - Wake of the Byzantium
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    WFRP 2E - The Bloody Crown
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  18. - Top - End - #168
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Wellentag, 16th Nachgeheim – the Conclave

    Urgrim cleared his throat. "There's one living record," he spoke, "of the last time Nakht-Horeb walked. It's in the history of Clan Dwimmulson, whose ancestors have lived beneath the Rock since those historic times. They knew him as Varag Kol: the Black Hound.

    "I'm not a Dwimmulson, and I haven't asked leave to recount this history. But I'll share it nonetheless, because it's almost all any of us can know about this enemy. He came north from Nehekhara with the walking dead, and waged war on the humans and dwarves of the Reaches. It is said he was slain with a runic weapon, after a terrible conflict. Alas, there's no hint of what happened to that treasure. On his defeat, so that his followers could not revive him, Varag Kol's remains were entombed in the Red Pyramid, the gates sealed with dwarven runes and blessed by human priests. Since then, three and a half thousand years have passed.

    "Back in Sommerzeit, myself and six Dwimmulson rangers went west to inspect the Pyramid, after clan elders grew worried something was amiss. Our fears were, unfortunately, confirmed. The Pyramid was breached. Some fell ritual, blood sacrafice, had been performed in the burial chamber, and the tomb was empty." He paused. "I can personally confirm also that gold treasures from the burial chamber were in the house where we fought Klammenberg and the vampire. Of your gods, I cannot speak, but it is undeniable that Varag Kol was real, and walks again.

    "Rinn Elmendrin of Clan Dwimmulson knows all this keenly, and sorely wishes to cooperate with the human folk of the Reaches in this dark hour. You know she has already provided the ironbark chest guarding the Book, which resisted Varag Kol's strength two weeks ago. Any aid the clan can provide in the safeguarding of the Book, I'm sure she'll happily lend." He glanced meaningfully to Elsa and Adelbert.

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    I summarise to post, but of course Urgrim will share all the details he's ever given before with the Conclave, should they want to question him further.
    Last edited by Thragka; 2019-11-29 at 05:34 PM.
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Urgrim's account sent a ripple of fearful murmurs through the assembled priests. Barbaro made the sign of the eagle over his heart; only Bonifatius, who had probably only heard one word in three, remained unconcerned.

    "Three and a half thousand years," marvelled Hieronymus. "The Dwimmulson records go back that far?"

    "What manner of creature can return after that long in the grave?" asked one of the Azrillites, much more afraid than impressed. "If the dwarfs of old couldn't finish him for good, what can we do?"
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Quote Originally Posted by LCP View Post
    "Three and a half thousand years," marvelled Hieronymus. "The Dwimmulson records go back that far?"
    "Thereabouts," said Urgrim, shooting the old man a curious look. He'd told the wizened Verenan as much weeks ago. "As it happens, though, there may be one other record of Varag Kol's previous life. But on that I must defer to Father Schreiber and Magister Hildebrand."
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    Conclave

    Adelbert did not look happy. 'There may be another source of information in the ancient ruins on the edge of the Bracken Mere. They date to the same era as the vampire and having been there previously I believe there are elements there that could prove helpful.'

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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    "It's true," Elsa confirmed. "The ruined city may belong to the same people who originally defeated Naho— Nakht-Horeb. But it's an extremely dangerous place. We haven't been able to explore much of it."
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Hieronymus cleared his throat and gave Adelbert and Elsa a discouraging look. With the two Morrites present, any mention of Meskhenet might be dangerous ground.

    Barbaro, of course, knew what they were talking about - and didn't seem particularly convinced. "If they defeated him the first time, they didn't do a very good job of it. Here he is again, no?" He shrugged. "Is there any proof that we need to go hunting for secrets to defeat this creature? Most things die when you put enough steel in them. Even vampires." He gestured to Elsa. "And Magister Hildebrand has already told us the thing fears silver."

    "Knowledge is always precious, Father Barbaro," said Hieronymus. "We should not pass up any opportunity to gather more."

    "But perhaps our priority for now should be hunting down the vampire himself," said Ioana. "Not delving into its distant past."

    "None of this can be decided before we do what we came here to do," said one of the Azrillite brothers. "These decisions are the High Priest's to make. We must elect a new one, now that Mother Raqiyah rests with Morr."

    Hieronymus gave a sombre nod. "That is why we have gathered. By tradition, the leadership of the Temple has fallen to the Cult of Morr - but I understand that given their losses, our brothers of Morr are willing to pass the mantle." Cezar nodded, while Bonifatius looked discontented. "Before we proceed, however, we must hear who this Conclave nominate for consideration, and why." He spread his hands open-palmed towards the table. "May the gods guide us truly in our choices."

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    The floor is open for you to put forward who you think should be the next High Priest - though of the PCs, only Adelbert will have a vote.
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    Adelbert rose to speak. 'Brothers and Sisters, before we consider this vote I wish to make a proposition that Sister Jocasta be allotted two votes solely for this election. We have no cleric of Taal present, yet He is and always been honoured here. Given the unnatural evil we face I think we should honour the god of natural world by allowing someone to speak in His name. Sister Jocasta represents Rhya, who has always been partnered with Taal. I think, should she be willing, that she cast Taal's vote too.'

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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    "...Something of an... irregular request," said Hieronymus. "I suppose the proper thing to do would be to put it to a vote."

    There was a brief pause in the proceedings while the various cults discussed their position between themselves. When it came time to count the votes, the request was granted, by a margin of six to two. Many of the priests, including Jocasta herself, abstained.

    "Then I suppose it is decided," said Hieronymus, not sounding displeased with the outcome. "Sister Jocasta speaks for both Rhya and Taal."

    OOC:
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    Votes:

    For
    Father Schreiber
    Sister Ioana
    Sister Stefania
    Father Hechsler
    Brother Grigore
    Brother Cezar

    Against
    Father Bonifatius
    Father Barbaro

    Abstain
    Father Hieronymus
    Sister Jocasta
    Abbot Tomas
    Brother Konstantin
    Brother Oswald
    Last edited by LCP; 2019-12-02 at 10:25 PM.
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    Adelbert bowed his head in acknowledgement. 'Thank you. Brothers and Sisters we are faced with an unprecedented crisis. Our ranks are depleted, our foe both powerful and terrible and the general people afraid. What is needed in this hour is the guiding hand of wisdom and experience, respect for what has gone before yet shrewdness to adapt to change. It is my belief that Father Hieronymus best embodies those qualities of any of us I hereby nominate Father Hirenymus for leadership of this Temple.'

    He turned slightly so that he could better address the room. 'It is true we are both servants of the Lady Verena, and I admit the fact that I know Father Hieronymus that has influenced my nomination. Still, who can question the years of service he has already given this Temple? Or the breadth of his knowledge? Father Hieronymus belongs to no faction, no outside interest. He serves our goddess and he serves our Temple and we can rely on his sense of duty and responsibility. In a war and a crisis - and we are suffering both Brothers and Sisters - such characteristics are worth more than gold and worth more than swords.'

    He sat back down.

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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Adelbert's nomination seemed to go down well, with many around the table nodding along to his argument. When Adelbert sat back down, Grigore looked to Hieronymus.

    "Father Hieronymus... do you accept Father Schreiber's nomination?"

    "Leadership of the Temple is not something I ever looked or wished for," said Hieronymus. "But it would be my privilege to serve." He looked around the table. "Does anyone else wish to make a nomination?"

    Pushing back his chair with a loud scrape, Barbaro stood. "I do," he said. "Father Hieronymus has many qualities to recommend him. He is a man of learning, a man of wisdom. But are these the qualities we need?" He looked around the table. "He was here, in the city, yet all the books in his library did not predict the attack that cost Mother Raqiyah her life. The time for introspection and study is past; the Temple needs a High Priest who knows how to lead."

    Puffing out his chest, he took in a deep breath.

    "For this reason, I wish to nominate the Abbot Tomas. He is as experienced as any of us here. He knows what it is to be a leader of men. And he has the full support of Captain Muzio Sforza," he added, causing a murmur to run around the table, "whose assistance we will surely need."

    Hieronymus raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Abbot Tomas," he asked, leaning across the table to look his white-bearded counterpart in the eye, "do you accept this nomination?"

    Tomas nodded, his expression calm and equanimous. "I do."
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Conclave

    Adelbert frowned and glanced at Elsa and Urgrim to see if they anything to say.

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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    Wellentag, 16th Nachgeheim – the Conclave

    Urgrim pulled a curious face, and then raised a hand. "Is it usual for your princes to speak for the gods in this Temple?" he asked, trying to hold an innocent tone. "Forgive me – I'm honoured to be your guest here, but I'm ignorant of many human customs."

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    I'll make a Charm roll in an attempt, as indicated, to make this seem an innocent question, and not dirty political mudraking. Charm32 - (1d100)[54]
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    Default Re: [WFRP] The Bloody Crown XI

    "Captain Sforza does not speak for any god here," said Ioana, rather sharply.

    "A sentiment with which I am sure the Captain would agree," said Barbaro. "But it is the gods' way to work through mortal men, and Captain Sforza is the man we need beside us to fight this darkness." He switched to Classical and adopted an oratorical tone. <For lo, did blessed Myrmidia not entrust her spear and shield to the faithful Lagario?> Adelbert hadn't heard that point of Myrmidian doctrine before; he suspected Barbaro was making it up.

    "This is a weighty decision," said Oswald of the Azrillites. "Might I suggest we take the night to think on it, and commune with our gods?"

    "An excellent suggestion," said Hieronymus. "If it pleases the Conclave, we will reconvene at sunrise tomorrow for the counting of votes."

    OOC:
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    Let me know if you guys have anything more you want from this scene. Otherwise, you have the rest of the day, and the list of priests who will be voting - let me know which of them you wish to speak to before the vote, if any.
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