[WFRP] Through the Drakwald

[Karl Green]

Jurgen von Schweitzer (Male Human Hunter)

Jurgen nods in agreement, and heads back to where he has set up his small campsite to make sure everything is ready to move in the morning. He debates with himself whether or not he should just take off tonight by himself, after all who are these people to him. But he looks at some of the children as they run about and play… some scared and crying; others thinking that they are going on some grand adventure. People with worried looks upon their faces and not sure what the morn will bring. Jurgen may not be the best Imperial citizen in the Empire, but damn well if he is just going to leave these people to the mercies of the Beastmen.

Sighing with resignation, Jurgen heads over to the line to grab some bread and wine and then eats quietly. Those others who fought the Beastmen earlier where not to bad in a fight, maybe it wont be so bad.

 

[Catulle]

Tobias Kaufmann (Male Human Soldier)

As Carlotta gets to work scavanging the dead mutants, Tobias chews on his bread, moistening the stale flavour with the remains of last night's ale and trying his best to ignore the flavour which mingles with the lingering smell of fresh blood. No wonder she barely touched it. This stuff's awful! He checks within his kitbag briefly, fumbling with the placement of something within, and fixes his attention back to where it belongs, away from the woman on her knees. He keeps his eyes away from her when he speaks, focusing across the river.

"Been in town long, Carlotta? I mean, you're from the area or such?"

 

[jglamere]

The Bridge of Untergard

As the townsfolk receive their rations of bread and wine, a haggard watchman approaches the bridge, a disgusted look crosses his features as he notices the wench performing the unpleasant undertaking of scavenging the mutated corpses. His attention snaps back as he remembers his assigned duties however. Approaching Tobias he gives the young soldier an acknowledging nod adding “the town has decided to pack up and make the trek to Middenheim due to reports of an approaching beastman herd – Captain Schiller was wondering if you help with the escort duties ‘til we reach the city?”

While Charlotta manages to salvage a few arrows from the chaos infested bodies, the mutants wear tattered rags, now soaked with blood, and hold nothing but shabby wooden clubs.

(OOC: Charlotta can add 2 arrows to her inventory. Renton, I am assuming Ragen was present during the debate of whether to stay or leave. Let me know if that is not a correct assumption.)

 

[Wilphe]

Carlotta - Female Human Camp Follower

She barely looks up from her work in answer to Tobia's question, "No I'm not from around here. This is merely the shore upon which the currents of fate and tides of war have beached me. For the moment I tend fires, cook scraps and fix bows and arrows, she stands and looks at Tobias, "And that's as much service as I offer,". Her hand drops to the hilt of her sword and she handles it reflexivly, "I'd rather not think about where I've been, and I've nowhere especial to go. Just looking for some sturdy comrades to attach myself to, maybe become a sutler to a mercenary company. That's as far ahead as I'm willing to think right now."

"What about you Herr Kaufmann? What do you want to be, a leader of men, captain of mercenaries, do you just want to earn enough to buy a farm or an inn somewhere and forget? Or are just living for today? For the next meal, your next drink and somwhere to sleep?"


Carlotta fixes the newcomer, addressing him from an unexpected direction, "Does the Captain have any orders as to what happens to the bridge? Is it to be burnt to deny it to the forces of chaos, or kept for when the citizens return?"

 

[Catulle]

Tobias Kaufmann (Male Human Soldier)

The deserter clenches his jaw slightly, almost imperceptibly, at Carlotta's reply. Reckon I ought to have stayed dumb there. He creases his forehead, shadowing his eyes under his brow line before giving his own answers, "Well, I think I want what anybody here does, miss. I want to get to where I'm going alive and whole. Maybe then, like you, I'll think some more on the future, but then again maybe I won't get the chance and I'll die on a back road of this Empire for somebody else's gold or reasons or sheer bad luck." He rolls his shoulders to release some of the tension he just now realises he's feeling and pulls free the leather cap, releasing sweat-slicked hair to fall lankly down to his shoulders and casting the item atop the block. His pale eyes meet hers, holding Carlotta's more certain focus. She looks an alright sort, right?

"Now, I pray Shallya and the wolf that doesn't happen, but come whatever might between here and Ulricsberg, I'll know how my family's weathered the storm and then decide what's best to do from there..." He trails off as her hears the militiaman's boots ringing on the cobbles, turning from the woman to attend on the captain's orders, nodding mutely to the other man's words and muttering back his assent.

"Whate'er needs doing, yes. We'll need all the swords you can muster, I'd think." He hopes that Carlotta's too preoccupied to notice his reluctance, despair even, but realises even as he does so that such is likely forlorn. Damn, but the chaos-spawn can move fast when they've a mind to. If we've not enough of a lead, we'll lose so many on the trail the survivors may yet regret ever leaving. But it's a chance.

 

[jglamere]

The town takes on a somber mood as people gather necessities needed for the journey to Middenheim—discouraged that they are forced to abandon their homes and livelihood.

The next morning…
The people of Untergard are going to make an easy target making for Middenheim with their families and the meager belongings that they can bring with them. The train of refugees consists of three ox carts and around 85 people on foot, some carrying bundles and others wheeling barrows piled with all their worldly goods.

Captain Schiller sets up a rough marching order, with one-third of the surviving town guard in front, one-third as a rearguard, and the rest spread out as flankers on either side. Also, Hans Baumer scouts ahead for the wary travelers.

(OOC: Give me a general idea of your position within the caravan just for my information.)

 

[Karl Green]

Jurgen von Schweitzer (Male Human Hunter)

First thing in the morning as the caravan is forming, Jurgen will make a point to seek out Tobias and Ragen to see where they might be placing themselves within the caravan. When he hears that Hans is scouting out the in the front, Jurgen volunteers to watch the trail to make sure the Beastsmen are not to close behind them (he will not be out of sight of the last straggler of the caravan).

 

[Wilphe]

Carlotta Female Human Camp Follower

Carlotta will take up a position at the back, near Jurgen, just to sound him out. If anyone looks like straggling or dropping back she will do her best to chivvy them back into place, if necessary helping out with their load.

"So what drives a man to take the position of greatest danger?"

 

[Karl Green]

Jurgen von Schweitzer (Male Human Hunter)

Jurgen is a bit surprised at the young woman talking to him and mutters something unintelligent at first. Then he shakes his head and replies "Ah... well ah... just seemed like the place to be. Iffin' there be a trouble it will most likely come from the head or the rear or the cavaran... and I trust me senses more then most of the riff-raft guards they had in da town of theirs'. Not that they don't seem like a good lot or nothing... just don't like a trustin' others to do me work is all..."

After a moment or two he adds "I'm Jurgen by the way... Jurgen von Schweitzer."

 

[Catulle]

Tobias Kaufmann (Male Human Soldier)

Tobias rises before dawn the next morning after a restless night’s sleep, and takes the time to wash in the river and shave before dressing as smartly as he can for the march. We can at least try to give the impression we’re not doomed. He keeps a dour silence through the earlier preparations, offering a shoulder or an extra pair of hands to the growing crowd of refugees where these might be needed to pack, push or carry.

When Jurgen finds him to ask for his plans, he chews thoughtfully on his lip before saying, “I’d be best to flank, I think. I’ll try to keep to the tail, though, to keep the stragglers moving where need be,” he pauses before leaning closer to add more quietly, “and if I’m honest, I don’t much fancy our chances out there. Still, better than staying put, no?” He offers his hand to the hunter before moving to take his place in line. “Take care of yourself, Jurgen. It may be we’ll see each other over supper.”