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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 9560754" data-attributes="member: 16069">LETTERS FROM THE OLD WORLD.The continuing adventures of the usual bunch of miscreants this time playing Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play 4th edition, and The Enemy Within Campaign, of course.SESSION #10b Good Fortune at the Schaffenfest.The PCsFergus McClean, Dwarf Scout (Guide) played by Bear.Looks Like: Rough and ready-for-anything Dawi- a bit unkempt; constantly muttering and grumbling at Seamus his imaginary dog.Sounds Like: Northern 'I wur down t'mine', although taciturn, and always grumpy.[spoiler= Backstory]Fergus is a short embittered (divorced) Dawi from the mining village of Schwartzstein in the foothills of the Grey Mountains. That is until he discovered his best friend Seamus with his wife Cherrie. Fergus left his village and his old life behind and set off in search of adventure, eventually taking up Scouting as a living. He has business in Altdorf and is at present journeying with three Manlings he has come to trust who are also on their way to the capital.[/spoiler]Frederich Hass, Human Witch Hunter (Interrogator) played by Jim.Looks Like: Thick-set, tall with a resting angry face, never too far away from a snarl, otherwise well turned out.Sounds Like: Whispering menace, accusatory- probing, but charming when he wants to be. Accent is brooding (intelligent) cod-Russian (like a clever but menacing Daktari). Note he sees the hand of the Ruinous Powers behind every untoward event.[spoiler= Backstory]Frederich and his brother Olek watched their parents burned alive, prior to this a normal childhood was in progress. The Cult of Sigmar (with the help of the state) who burned Ma &amp; Pa Hass then took the newly orphaned pair in and raised them to be model citizens. The orphans are Sigmarite through-and-through, Frederich the crusader, he likes the power that it brings; Olek the instrument (or else Prophet) of Sigmar. They're not zealots, not warped and broken inside, no... not at all.[/spoiler]Lothar Jurgen Muller, Human Witch Hunter (Interrogator) played by Kev.Looks Like: Neat, tidy, clean-cut, perhaps even a little dashing- the boy next door, but doable- and always with a smile on his face, and often in his eyes. Lothar carries his own embroidered place mat with matching knife and fork. Manners and civility are so important.Sounds Like: Civil, polite, formal, caring- and entirely without menace. He's a Paladin doing Witch Hunter, which may yet prove amusing.[spoiler= Backstory]Lothar is a baker's son from Ubersreik that just happened to become a Witch Hunter, he didn't just drift into it, he has a plan (perhaps). Lothar however came to Witch Hunting with the thought that he could perhaps be of help- to the Empire, to his family, to the poor wretches that have fallen into corruption, and possibly to help himself (a little) along the way. He is resolutely nice in a world full of fetid stink and terror.[/spoiler]Olek Hass, Human Artisan- Blacksmith (Apprentice) played by George.Looks Like: Seven (plus) feet tall, and not too skinny with it- lithe and muscled, he's a giant- with wild eyes.Sounds Like: A camp Nazi constantly unfolding, expounding, and explaining the mystery of ongoing events, and seeing the presence of Sigmar everywhere.[spoiler= Backstory]Olek and his brother Frederich watched their parents burned alive, prior to this a normal childhood was in progress. The Cult of Sigmar (with the help of the state) who burned Ma &amp; Pa Hass then took the newly orphaned pair in and raised them to be model citizens. The orphans are Sigmarite through-and-through, Frederich the crusader, he likes the power that it brings; Olek the instrument (or else Prophet) of Sigmar. They're not zealots, not warped and broken inside, no... not at all.[/spoiler]The to do list- it needs fixing.<ol>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">Wanted Bold Adventurers, the guys are still trying to catch up with Crown Prince Hergard von Tasseninck to get hired. The two (now one) Witch Hunters were sent to Altdorf specifically to take up this task by their master Fabergus Heinzdork. The Crown Prince (and his flotilla) were last seen sailing towards Bogenhafen.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">The bones of Johann Baumann, found on the road to Ubersreik, now carried by Oleg, need to be interred within the precincts of Morr.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">An inheritance and an estate for Kastor Lieberung- who looks a lot like Lothar Jurgen Muller who also possess an affidavit to say that he is Kastor Lieberung. For twenty thousand gold crowns and a castle, see the lawyers- Lock, Stock &amp; Barl, in Bogenhafen. Simple as.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">The bounty hunter Adolphus Kuftsos, he thinks Kastor/Lothar is a cultist, he's a very tough man is Adolphus, and he's coming for you (Kastor/Lothar).</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">The Purple Hand cultists, why did they want to speak to Kastor/Lothar, well... see above.&nbsp;&nbsp; </li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">SCHAFFENFEST! Tax free SHEEP!</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">Get a job or make some money.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ol">Find somewhere to stay.</li>
</ol>Here we go some more.MITTERFRUHL (Spring Equinox), 2512.Bogenhafen.“Come in, come in-we've been waiting for you.”SCENE 7. Mystic Meg.[ATTACH=full]393646[/ATTACH]Presuming Debs (on the right) guides the adventurers into the small and somberly attired tent, within, sitting crouched-over a faintly glowing crystal ball is a many-splendent semi-exotic-crone, with big teeth.Debs continues-“The spirits have shown us your faces. Come in, come in- you are expected.”Her voice is somehow comforting.Note, and the players just went in... they were a little confused, but... nothing new.And then suddenly the ball-fondling crone disappears beneath the be-curtained table at which she sits.The adventurers hear the following, in a sing-song but reedy Welsh voice, if you can-female and aged. This is Mystic Meg.&quot;Hello! Hello!&quot;&quot;Who's a lovely little doggie? Who is, then?&quot;It's at this point that Fergus remembers he has an imaginary dog, it's called Seamus, and right now Seamus is under the table with Meg.This is the spot the PCs decide, although only after some questions about fortune telling, the Church of Sigmar, the Empire, and, well... etc.Debs is back-“Sit down, Sir Dwarf-Mystic Meg sees all, tells all, your fortune is to be found here.”“From just five pennies, for the basic 'what's coming up soon-ish', all the way up to the deluxe prognosticationary extravaganza, that's 1s/4p. That's all it costs to know your future... to be ready for any hazard that even now... seeks you out!”Fergus wants the five penny look-see.Here it comes, and in the chatter Meg starts off Welsh and jolly, but then... well, just read the words.“You are a long way from home Sir Dwarf, although home has perhaps lost some of its luster.”Remember valleys Welsh, trill some of the word endings.“The road will be longer yet, although some of the way will require fewer steps, subject to the tide.”“There is... there is someone, or else something, that you seek.”“Know then that which you search for is even now close by, I would set my stock upon that.”“But what's this... I peer into the darkness and it's your future now that I see.”“There's lovely!”“It is a dark hole, with a dank smell- and the slosh of water nearby.”“Per'aps not so lovely, let's see...”“It is close in here... too close, it is closing in-”“A tide of DARKNESS seeks you out.”“SEEKS YOU OUT!”Note, capitalized words are being screamed (as best he can) by the DM.“I see your filthy, bloody body- face down, DEAD AS DEAD; in the putrid and turgid river.”Mystic Meg is on her feet, and snarling by the end, but only for a moment- then she sits back down and takes to sipping at her tea again, and petting Seamus when he comes close, with a last word for the ashen-faced departing Fergus-“I hope you didn't mind love- my big ending, it just felt right in the moment.”“Thank you, mum.” Fergus offers and retires to think about his life expectancy.Oddly enough after this scene all of the players with Dooms looked to see what they had rolled for these.“Who's next?” Debs asks, and then whispers to Mystic Meg- “Something cheery I hope this time Meg.”Debs is also as Welsh as Wales.Oddly, there are no volunteers, and so-Meg lances an arm out- points at Frederich Hass, and hisses, 'the burner is next...'Fred takes a seat, he wants the full experience.“The one schilling four pence extravaganza please Mistress Meg, or if I may call you by your first name- Mystic?”But Meg's already into it-“The past is such a cold place, until the great fire that lit up your life, and made you feel warm inside again.”“The warmth inside- like a fervor, like a fever, like a fury; you are still looking for the ones that must pay.”“The screams remind you that not all hope is lost...”Note, at this point Frederich has gone semi-TV-evangelist-audience, so when I say- 'The screams', he says- “The screams! The screams!”Meg goes on-“But what's this...”“Two men watch you, even now-”“Even now! Even now!”“The first is a big man, a great man, he is very very dangerous.”“Very Dangerous! Very... Hang on...”“The other watcher is much more careful, smaller- less easy to make out, he is changeable, and as black as the very pits of oblivion inside.”“Be ready, Burner.”“OR BE DEAD!”And next please.Meg hisses, 'the one that smells of the river... and other things besides.'Lothar takes a seat, and he too wants the full shebang.Here goes-“I smell bread, and smiles, and happiness.”“You are a fool for not recognizing contentment, and yet...”“GRAB IT!”Meg suddenly hurls herself to the right, off her chair and into the side of the tent.Presuming Debs is quickly to her side- “Meg! Are you alright love? What was that all about?”Debs turns to the PCs- “She'll just be a moment sirs, just one of her funny turns”.Meg is soon after ushered back to the table.And...“GRAB IT?”Meg suddenly hurls herself to the left, off her chair and into the other side of the tent there, flattening Debs in the process.And again Debs, with the help of some of the adventurers, gets Mystic Meg back on her feet.“Meg! Meg! What's going on?” Debs is concerned.Meg shakes her head, and then pushes her way past Debs and back to the table.She is determined.Debs again turns to the PCs- “She'll just be a moment sir, only one of her funny turns. Right as rain in a moment, mark my words.”Meg stares hard at Lothar, and then hiss-whispers.“The sign of the rose is red, red with blood- dripping red with blood.”Meg stares hard some more at Lothar, and then...“GRAB IT!”Meg suddenly hurls herself hard to the right again, off her chair and into the side of the tent again, this time with enough force to bounce her almost back to her seat.More remarkably she keeps on her feet.Debs is quickly to her side.Meg turns to stare past Debs, straight at Lothar, she points at the Boatman and yells- 'the first is the third.'Three or four times, and then she's back, she's okay again, and soon after back to sipping her tea.Lothar's fortune has been told.Just Olek left.“The Giant is last. Last is the GIANT!” Meg hisses.Olek takes a seat, he's looking for just a five penny portion of fate, and nothing too...well, ghastly, nothing bad- pretty please.Debs maneuvers behind Mystic Meg and whispers, for all to hear, “Bloody hell, what's got into you today, Meg- your scaring us all here.”Meg takes Olek's hands, ignoring the glowing crystal ball completely.“That's nice love.”“Nice and calm.”“KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARMMMMU-MU-MU!”And by the eleventh 'A' in the word above Meg is hovering about six inches above her chair, her head thrown back- her body slowly (semi-erotically, maybe) convulsing and writhing.She's still holding on to Olek's hands.Neither she, nor Olek, can let go.Meg gabbles the following-“The key to the door is low to the floor, low to the floor by the door. Look behind the brick. Quick! Behind the brick! Quick!”And then around again...And around again...Debs is screaming and grabbing at the floating Meg.The adventurers are in action, or else... Fergus settles in for the show, Lothar prevaricates for a while, and then... some more. He too is a spectator.Frederich meantime dives in and tries to separate Olek and Meg's hands- he manages to free one of the pair, but then- the pair have become a trio. Fred is holding one of Meg's hands and, in his other hand, is the hand of Olek.Frederich also, and just as suddenly, feels very light- like he could fly away, and when he looks down, his feet are perhaps (maybe) an inch or two off the ground.Frederich screams his defiance-“SIGMAR!”And the circle is broken.Fred and Olek stagger back. Meg drops back down into her chair and says-&quot;That was exciting wasn't it...&quot;And then, all teeth and smiles again, she goes back to drinking her tea.Olek is... everyone is...Not quite sure how to react would about cover it. They begin to shuffle out of the tent.They don't get far.Mystic Meg doesn't let them.“Can I ask you love”, she aims her words at the retreating back of Olek, who turns- “who's the dead feller with a cut-throat that's following you around?”“Something about a door, and a key... and a...brick, was it? Makes no sense at all to me.”“He says you know who he is.”“I think there's something behind that there door of his. I think you ought to find it an' open it.”“It's your density, flowerpot.”The PCs are ushered out of the small tent within which there lives, but briefly, flashed- and into the cold light of day.More remarkably the sun is still shining.It's still a lovely day.Or else it was.SCENE 8. The Dirty Grundys.“There's wun!” Gowt shouts and points.“Dirty Bezom!” Dead Eye snarls.“Witch's Pet!” Barks Eggnog.“Sniveling Little Runt!” Adds Goppin.“Stone Divil!” Curses Mad Marry.“Gertchya!” Yells Gertchya.“Get yer gongs out for da stinkin' Dwarf!” Hollers Wilf.The Dirty Grundys, gong farmers (and flingers), settle on their target- Fergus, dive into their sacks and baskets (various) and arm themselves for the first barrage.Here they are-[ATTACH=full]393647[/ATTACH]But here's the thing, the PCs are now all too wise for this, Fergus grabs out his shield and then squats behind it, as the first gongs begin to fly.He delivers the following (think Henry V)-“I mean dirty, well... maybe- I'm no looking forward to me nex' bath. But- I'm a dwarf, a dawi- we built the roads, and the walls, and the sewers, and the coal out of the hills... We could be happier, less miserable but, we mostly just keep to ourselves, let others be. We don't mean no' arm, not as we're full of good intention- like. Even was-'is-name-Sigmar had a good word for us.”Then he rolls '02' on his check, and my checks for the Grundy's, most of 'em, are terrible.When Fergus looks up, after delivering his longest speech to date, there's only Eggnog Grundy standing on his own looking forlorn, with a disintegrating gong in his hand.Frederich, gently mind, leads the bewildered old man back to the warm embrace, or else cold indifference, of his family.Peace out!Scene done.They're getting the hang of this.SCENE 9. The Three Shell Game.[ATTACH=full]393648[/ATTACH]The PCs have a few goes (each)- its only a penny to play, and there's a chance to win a schilling (or more) back- with a very good perception (-30) check to spot the play.No winners.Keep in mind at least two of the PCs spent multiple fortune points here.Mainly, however, because we are- at long last- close to the end.SCENE 10. Princess Plum!A sudden shout from the crowd ahead-“Grab it!”Followed by a disembodied scream.Some way ahead of the PCs a well-dressed burgher spills, staggers and falls.Springing through the crowd is around 50lbs of woolen mayhem.“Hugeltal Longwool!” Someone yells out.“They're crazy!” Another in the now panicked crowd, helpfully, adds to provide a summary.[ATTACH=full]393656[/ATTACH]But who is it that springs into action to save the day?Fergus storms through the crowd, then flings himself feet first into the muddy slither- sliding perfectly to pass under the bounding woolly mayhem. The brave dawi grabs the little bleater around its girth.Fergus rolled something below '10' again.Moments later Frederich completes the catch, even adds a little humor for the spectators.Remember, delivered in a slow sardonic menacing whisper-“You don't pull the wool over my eyes so easy! We have you know you little bounder!”A little later he adds, helpfully-“A-ha-ha. Ha-ha!”The crowd roar with delight, and Wally Somerset is quickly to the encounter, the Hugeltal Longwool, Princess Plum, is his 'snowy bumpkin' (and other snuggly-terms-of-endearment) and also favourite for this years show, although in one of the lesser categories- the 'Baa' King (or Queen) usually awarded to the oddest (most 'characterful') sheep-in-show.Then there is the distribution of thanks, and a few schillings beside, and all is well in Bogenhafen.The sun is still shining.The future, according to Mystic Meg, well... not so much, but for now- everything is coming up Schaffenfest, and fun.Next time... the sun continues to shine, for just a little while longer.The final XP table for this session is below.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <table style='width: 100%'><tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
PC 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Grope
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Elvyra
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Rumours
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Zoo
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fortune
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Other Encs
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Session XP
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Total
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fred 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
1
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
0
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
4
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
40
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
54
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fergus&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
1
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
0
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
5
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
4
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
45
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
61
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Olek 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
4
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
1
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
2
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
35
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
51
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Lothar 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
1
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
2
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
4
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
3
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
2
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
40
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
55
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </td></tr></table>Stay safe and well.Cheers goonalan et al.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 9560754, member: 16069"] [CENTER][B][SIZE=7]LETTERS FROM THE OLD WORLD.[/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] The continuing adventures of the usual bunch of miscreants this time playing Warhammer Fantasy Role-Play 4th edition, and The Enemy Within Campaign, of course. [B][SIZE=7]SESSION #10b Good Fortune at the Schaffenfest.[/SIZE][/B] The PCs [B]Fergus McClean, Dwarf Scout (Guide) played by Bear. Looks Like: [/B]Rough and ready-for-anything Dawi- a bit unkempt; constantly muttering and grumbling at Seamus his imaginary dog. [B]Sounds Like: [/B]Northern 'I wur down t'mine', although taciturn, and always grumpy. [spoiler= Backstory]Fergus is a short embittered (divorced) Dawi from the mining village of Schwartzstein in the foothills of the Grey Mountains. That is until he discovered his best friend Seamus with his wife Cherrie. Fergus left his village and his old life behind and set off in search of adventure, eventually taking up Scouting as a living. He has business in Altdorf and is at present journeying with three Manlings he has come to trust who are also on their way to the capital.[/spoiler] [B]Frederich Hass, Human Witch Hunter (Interrogator) played by Jim. Looks Like: [/B]Thick-set, tall with a resting angry face, never too far away from a snarl, otherwise well turned out. [B]Sounds Like: [/B]Whispering menace, accusatory- probing, but charming when he wants to be. Accent is brooding (intelligent) cod-Russian (like a clever but menacing Daktari). Note he sees the hand of the Ruinous Powers behind every untoward event. [spoiler= Backstory]Frederich and his brother Olek watched their parents burned alive, prior to this a normal childhood was in progress. The Cult of Sigmar (with the help of the state) who burned Ma & Pa Hass then took the newly orphaned pair in and raised them to be model citizens. The orphans are Sigmarite through-and-through, Frederich the crusader, he likes the power that it brings; Olek the instrument (or else Prophet) of Sigmar. They're not zealots, not warped and broken inside, no... not at all.[/spoiler] [B]Lothar Jurgen Muller, Human Witch Hunter (Interrogator) played by Kev. Looks Like: [/B]Neat, tidy, clean-cut, perhaps even a little dashing- the boy next door, but doable- and always with a smile on his face, and often in his eyes. Lothar carries his own embroidered place mat with matching knife and fork. Manners and civility are so important. [B]Sounds Like: [/B]Civil, polite, formal, caring- and entirely without menace. He's a Paladin doing Witch Hunter, which may yet prove amusing. [spoiler= Backstory]Lothar is a baker's son from Ubersreik that just happened to become a Witch Hunter, he didn't just drift into it, he has a plan (perhaps). Lothar however came to Witch Hunting with the thought that he could perhaps be of help- to the Empire, to his family, to the poor wretches that have fallen into corruption, and possibly to help himself (a little) along the way. He is resolutely nice in a world full of fetid stink and terror.[/spoiler] [B]Olek Hass, Human Artisan- Blacksmith (Apprentice) played by George. Looks Like: [/B]Seven (plus) feet tall, and not too skinny with it- lithe and muscled, he's a giant- with wild eyes. [B]Sounds Like:[/B] A camp Nazi constantly unfolding, expounding, and explaining the mystery of ongoing events, and seeing the presence of Sigmar everywhere. [spoiler= Backstory]Olek and his brother Frederich watched their parents burned alive, prior to this a normal childhood was in progress. The Cult of Sigmar (with the help of the state) who burned Ma & Pa Hass then took the newly orphaned pair in and raised them to be model citizens. The orphans are Sigmarite through-and-through, Frederich the crusader, he likes the power that it brings; Olek the instrument (or else Prophet) of Sigmar. They're not zealots, not warped and broken inside, no... not at all.[/spoiler] The to do list- it needs fixing. [LIST=1] [*]Wanted Bold Adventurers, the guys are still trying to catch up with Crown Prince Hergard von Tasseninck to get hired. The two (now one) Witch Hunters were sent to Altdorf specifically to take up this task by their master Fabergus Heinzdork. The Crown Prince (and his flotilla) were last seen sailing towards Bogenhafen. [*]The bones of Johann Baumann, found on the road to Ubersreik, now carried by Oleg, need to be interred within the precincts of Morr. [*]An inheritance and an estate for Kastor Lieberung- who looks a lot like Lothar Jurgen Muller who also possess an affidavit to say that he is Kastor Lieberung. For twenty thousand gold crowns and a castle, see the lawyers- Lock, Stock & Barl, in Bogenhafen. Simple as. [*]The bounty hunter Adolphus Kuftsos, he thinks Kastor/Lothar is a cultist, he's a very tough man is Adolphus, and he's coming for you (Kastor/Lothar). [*]The Purple Hand cultists, why did they want to speak to Kastor/Lothar, well... see above. [*]SCHAFFENFEST! Tax free SHEEP! [*]Get a job or make some money. [*]Find somewhere to stay. [/LIST] [B]Here we go some more. [SIZE=7]MITTERFRUHL (Spring Equinox), 2512. Bogenhafen.[/SIZE][/B] “Come in, come in-we've been waiting for you.” [B][SIZE=6]SCENE 7. Mystic Meg.[/SIZE][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="10.08.png"]393646[/ATTACH] [B]Presuming Debs (on the right) guides the adventurers into the small and somberly attired tent, within, sitting crouched-over a faintly glowing crystal ball is a many-splendent semi-exotic-crone, with big teeth.[/B] Debs continues- “The spirits have shown us your faces. Come in, come in- you are expected.” Her voice is somehow comforting. Note, and the players just went in... they were a little confused, but... nothing new. And then suddenly the ball-fondling crone disappears beneath the be-curtained table at which she sits. The adventurers hear the following, in a sing-song but reedy Welsh voice, if you can-female and aged. This is Mystic Meg. "Hello! Hello!" "Who's a lovely little doggie? Who is, then?" It's at this point that Fergus remembers he has an imaginary dog, it's called Seamus, and right now Seamus is under the table with Meg. This is the spot the PCs decide, although only after some questions about fortune telling, the Church of Sigmar, the Empire, and, well... etc. Debs is back- “Sit down, Sir Dwarf-Mystic Meg sees all, tells all, your fortune is to be found here.” “From just five pennies, for the basic 'what's coming up soon-ish', all the way up to the deluxe prognosticationary extravaganza, that's 1s/4p. That's all it costs to know your future... to be ready for any hazard that even now... seeks you out!” Fergus wants the five penny look-see. Here it comes, and in the chatter Meg starts off Welsh and jolly, but then... well, just read the words. “You are a long way from home Sir Dwarf, although home has perhaps lost some of its luster.” Remember valleys Welsh, trill some of the word endings. “The road will be longer yet, although some of the way will require fewer steps, subject to the tide.” “There is... there is someone, or else something, that you seek.” “Know then that which you search for is even now close by, I would set my stock upon that.” “But what's this... I peer into the darkness and it's your future now that I see.” “There's lovely!” “It is a dark hole, with a dank smell- and the slosh of water nearby.” “Per'aps not so lovely, let's see...” “It is close in here... too close, it is closing in-” “A tide of DARKNESS seeks you out.” “SEEKS YOU OUT!” Note, capitalized words are being screamed (as best he can) by the DM. “I see your filthy, bloody body- face down, DEAD AS DEAD; in the putrid and turgid river.” Mystic Meg is on her feet, and snarling by the end, but only for a moment- then she sits back down and takes to sipping at her tea again, and petting Seamus when he comes close, with a last word for the ashen-faced departing Fergus- “I hope you didn't mind love- my big ending, it just felt right in the moment.” “Thank you, mum.” Fergus offers and retires to think about his life expectancy. Oddly enough after this scene all of the players with Dooms looked to see what they had rolled for these. “Who's next?” Debs asks, and then whispers to Mystic Meg- “Something cheery I hope this time Meg.” Debs is also as Welsh as Wales. Oddly, there are no volunteers, and so- Meg lances an arm out- points at Frederich Hass, and hisses, 'the burner is next...' Fred takes a seat, he wants the full experience. “The one schilling four pence extravaganza please Mistress Meg, or if I may call you by your first name- Mystic?” But Meg's already into it- “The past is such a cold place, until the great fire that lit up your life, and made you feel warm inside again.” “The warmth inside- like a fervor, like a fever, like a fury; you are still looking for the ones that must pay.” “The screams remind you that not all hope is lost...” Note, at this point Frederich has gone semi-TV-evangelist-audience, so when I say- 'The screams', he says- “The screams! The screams!” Meg goes on- “But what's this...” “Two men watch you, even now-” “Even now! Even now!” “The first is a big man, a great man, he is very very dangerous.” “Very Dangerous! Very... Hang on...” “The other watcher is much more careful, smaller- less easy to make out, he is changeable, and as black as the very pits of oblivion inside.” “Be ready, Burner.” “OR BE DEAD!” And next please. Meg hisses, 'the one that smells of the river... and other things besides.' Lothar takes a seat, and he too wants the full shebang. Here goes- “I smell bread, and smiles, and happiness.” “You are a fool for not recognizing contentment, and yet...” “GRAB IT!” Meg suddenly hurls herself to the right, off her chair and into the side of the tent. Presuming Debs is quickly to her side- “Meg! Are you alright love? What was that all about?” Debs turns to the PCs- “She'll just be a moment sirs, just one of her funny turns”. Meg is soon after ushered back to the table. And... “GRAB IT?” Meg suddenly hurls herself to the left, off her chair and into the other side of the tent there, flattening Debs in the process. And again Debs, with the help of some of the adventurers, gets Mystic Meg back on her feet. “Meg! Meg! What's going on?” Debs is concerned. Meg shakes her head, and then pushes her way past Debs and back to the table. She is determined. Debs again turns to the PCs- “She'll just be a moment sir, only one of her funny turns. Right as rain in a moment, mark my words.” Meg stares hard at Lothar, and then hiss-whispers. “The sign of the rose is red, red with blood- dripping red with blood.” Meg stares hard some more at Lothar, and then... “GRAB IT!” Meg suddenly hurls herself hard to the right again, off her chair and into the side of the tent again, this time with enough force to bounce her almost back to her seat. More remarkably she keeps on her feet. Debs is quickly to her side. Meg turns to stare past Debs, straight at Lothar, she points at the Boatman and yells- 'the first is the third.' Three or four times, and then she's back, she's okay again, and soon after back to sipping her tea. Lothar's fortune has been told. Just Olek left. “The Giant is last. Last is the GIANT!” Meg hisses. Olek takes a seat, he's looking for just a five penny portion of fate, and nothing too...well, ghastly, nothing bad- pretty please. Debs maneuvers behind Mystic Meg and whispers, for all to hear, “Bloody hell, what's got into you today, Meg- your scaring us all here.” Meg takes Olek's hands, ignoring the glowing crystal ball completely. “That's nice love.” “Nice and calm.” “KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARMMMMU-MU-MU!” And by the eleventh 'A' in the word above Meg is hovering about six inches above her chair, her head thrown back- her body slowly (semi-erotically, maybe) convulsing and writhing. She's still holding on to Olek's hands. Neither she, nor Olek, can let go. Meg gabbles the following- “The key to the door is low to the floor, low to the floor by the door. Look behind the brick. Quick! Behind the brick! Quick!” And then around again... And around again... Debs is screaming and grabbing at the floating Meg. The adventurers are in action, or else... Fergus settles in for the show, Lothar prevaricates for a while, and then... some more. He too is a spectator. Frederich meantime dives in and tries to separate Olek and Meg's hands- he manages to free one of the pair, but then- the pair have become a trio. Fred is holding one of Meg's hands and, in his other hand, is the hand of Olek. Frederich also, and just as suddenly, feels very light- like he could fly away, and when he looks down, his feet are perhaps (maybe) an inch or two off the ground. Frederich screams his defiance- “SIGMAR!” And the circle is broken. Fred and Olek stagger back. Meg drops back down into her chair and says- "That was exciting wasn't it..." And then, all teeth and smiles again, she goes back to drinking her tea. Olek is... everyone is... Not quite sure how to react would about cover it. They begin to shuffle out of the tent. They don't get far. Mystic Meg doesn't let them. “Can I ask you love”, she aims her words at the retreating back of Olek, who turns- “who's the dead feller with a cut-throat that's following you around?” “Something about a door, and a key... and a...brick, was it? Makes no sense at all to me.” “He says you know who he is.” “I think there's something behind that there door of his. I think you ought to find it an' open it.” “It's your density, flowerpot.” The PCs are ushered out of the small tent within which there lives, but briefly, flashed- and into the cold light of day. More remarkably the sun is still shining. It's still a lovely day. Or else it was. [B][SIZE=6]SCENE 8. The Dirty Grundys.[/SIZE][/B] “There's wun!” Gowt shouts and points. “Dirty Bezom!” Dead Eye snarls. “Witch's Pet!” Barks Eggnog. “Sniveling Little Runt!” Adds Goppin. “Stone Divil!” Curses Mad Marry. “Gertchya!” Yells Gertchya. “Get yer gongs out for da stinkin' Dwarf!” Hollers Wilf. The Dirty Grundys, gong farmers (and flingers), settle on their target- Fergus, dive into their sacks and baskets (various) and arm themselves for the first barrage. Here they are- [ATTACH type="full" alt="10.09.png"]393647[/ATTACH] [B]But here's the thing, the PCs are now all too wise for this, Fergus grabs out his shield and then squats behind it, as the first gongs begin to fly.[/B] He delivers the following (think Henry V)- “I mean dirty, well... maybe- I'm no looking forward to me nex' bath. But- I'm a dwarf, a dawi- we built the roads, and the walls, and the sewers, and the coal out of the hills... We could be happier, less miserable but, we mostly just keep to ourselves, let others be. We don't mean no' arm, not as we're full of good intention- like. Even was-'is-name-Sigmar had a good word for us.” Then he rolls '02' on his check, and my checks for the Grundy's, most of 'em, are terrible. When Fergus looks up, after delivering his longest speech to date, there's only Eggnog Grundy standing on his own looking forlorn, with a disintegrating gong in his hand. Frederich, gently mind, leads the bewildered old man back to the warm embrace, or else cold indifference, of his family. Peace out! Scene done. They're getting the hang of this. [B][SIZE=6]SCENE 9. The Three Shell Game.[/SIZE][/B] [ATTACH type="full" alt="10.10.png"]393648[/ATTACH][B]The PCs have a few goes (each)- its only a penny to play, and there's a chance to win a schilling (or more) back- with a very good perception (-30) check to spot the play.[/B] No winners. Keep in mind at least two of the PCs spent multiple fortune points here. Mainly, however, because we are- at long last- close to the end. [B][SIZE=6]SCENE 10. Princess Plum![/SIZE][/B] A sudden shout from the crowd ahead- “Grab it!” Followed by a disembodied scream. Some way ahead of the PCs a well-dressed burgher spills, staggers and falls. Springing through the crowd is around 50lbs of woolen mayhem. “Hugeltal Longwool!” Someone yells out. “They're crazy!” Another in the now panicked crowd, helpfully, adds to provide a summary. [ATTACH type="full"]393656[/ATTACH] [B]But who is it that springs into action to save the day?[/B] Fergus storms through the crowd, then flings himself feet first into the muddy slither- sliding perfectly to pass under the bounding woolly mayhem. The brave dawi grabs the little bleater around its girth. Fergus rolled something below '10' again. Moments later Frederich completes the catch, even adds a little humor for the spectators. Remember, delivered in a slow sardonic menacing whisper- “You don't pull the wool over my eyes so easy! We have you know you little bounder!” A little later he adds, helpfully- “A-ha-ha. Ha-ha!” The crowd roar with delight, and Wally Somerset is quickly to the encounter, the Hugeltal Longwool, Princess Plum, is his 'snowy bumpkin' (and other snuggly-terms-of-endearment) and also favourite for this years show, although in one of the lesser categories- the 'Baa' King (or Queen) usually awarded to the oddest (most 'characterful') sheep-in-show. Then there is the distribution of thanks, and a few schillings beside, and all is well in Bogenhafen. The sun is still shining. The future, according to Mystic Meg, well... not so much, but for now- everything is coming up Schaffenfest, and fun. Next time... the sun continues to shine, for just a little while longer. The final XP table for this session is below. [TABLE] [TR] [TD] PC [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Grope[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Elvyra[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Rumours[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Zoo[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Fortune[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Other Encs[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Session XP[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]Total[/CENTER] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Fred [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]1[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]0[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]4[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]40[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]54[/CENTER] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Fergus [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]1[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]0[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]5[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]4[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]45[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]61[/CENTER] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Olek [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]4[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]1[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]2[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]35[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]51[/CENTER] [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD] Lothar [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]1[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]2[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]4[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]3[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]2[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]40[/CENTER] [/TD] [TD] [CENTER]55[/CENTER] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Stay safe and well. Cheers goonalan et al. [/QUOTE]

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