TheRPGSite

It's late summer in the year 2521 and the Empire is at peace once more, following the defeat of Surtha Lenk's army at the Battle of Mazhorod. The North suffered grievously from the depredations of the Chaos horde - the city of Wolfenburg was brutally sacked - but the invaders were routed before they could reach the heart of the Empire.

Nuln did its part, stepping up production of cannon until the casting bells were ringing constantly, day and night. Thousands of troops marched off to fight under the Emperor's command. Many did not return and there are fears that a lack of manpower will adversely affect the harvest, causing grain shortages across the Empire. In addition. Attacks by Beastmen and other minions of Chaos are still widespread across the Empire and there is a general feeling that the coming winter will be a hard one. People are mentally preparing to tightn their belts.

Through it all, however, life carries on.

Today in Nuln, the air is hot and still under the afternoon sun. There has been no rain or wind for over a week, the river level has sunk to its lowest in a decade and the city reeks of sewage, rotting waste and soot.

Okay, what are Moibus Wolfhame and Dieter Jundt doing?

Moibur had to get out of his father's house.  It was hot and his father and brothers would want him to go to the foundry with them, and it was even hotter there.  Moibur knew better to even give them the chance to corner him, and so he used the excuse that he needed to look for work.  Although his father would be disappointed, Moibur knew that his father would respect his desire to find work and do something, anything productive.

The young dwarf hit the streets of Nuln early but the heat was climbing fast, and just walking down the street after a few minutes would produce beads of sweat.  Whatever minuscule reprieve from the heat that could be found in the city was down by the river, but one had to be able to stomach the stench of the festering sewage.  However, the cheap ale prices coupled with slight relief from the heat put his feet in that direction.  

Moibur grew up in the city and knew that heat waves as this one made people edgy and angry.  He felt his anger rising when a man innocently jostled him as he walked by, but he held his tongue as he recognized its source.  He kept one eye down to beat the stinging hot rays of light, and the other eye on the those nearest to him for any erupting trouble.  He knew if the heat wave continued that it would only be a matter of time before the citizens turned on each other in pent up frustration from the unwavering heat.

After walking way too long is the rising heat, Moibur spotted a worn sign hanging over a worn building front that had a faded picture of a Great White shark with its mouth open and showing rows of sharp and bloody teeth.  The sign read 'The Angry Shark' under the faded paint.  Upon walking up to the front he could see that wooden shutters were thrown wide and the windows were big.  He walked inside and nodded a few patrons who looked up at him as he walked over to the bar and sat down on a worn wooden stool.

Moibur fussed with his beard to get it just right as the heat screwed with his meticulous grooming, but he stopped when the barkeep blurted out, "what'll it be, Beard?"

The young dwarf was about to give this man a thrashing, either verbally or physically, but then he looked up to a jovial grin from ear to ear on the man.  The man was rather large and muscular as well as bald, but he sported a rather nice beard- for a human.

Moibur's anger quickly deflated and the scowl on his face was replaced by a smile as he replied, "your best Red, please."

The barkeep nodded with an infectious and chipper smile, and took the tankard offered by Moibur as he went to pull the drink.  Moibur took the moment to look around the tavern.  It was clearly an old building and well-used over the years.  The wood had that look that only comes with age and repeated use over time.  Naturally, there were many nautical decorations hanging about the place which gave it that seaman's vibe.  The room already had a good amount of patrons; it seemed that Moibur was not the only person with a brilliant idea this morning.

The young dwarf was brought back to the bar when the barkeep spoke to him as he placed the tankard before Moibur, "I am Big Jim.  A shilling will open a tab?"

Moibur held up a finger signaling Big Jim to wait a moment as he picked up the tankard and took a drink of the Red.  He swished it around his mouth for a moment, and then smiled with satisfaction.

"Ah, good keg, it is," Moibur said with a smile, "yes, let's get a tab going, Jim."

Moibur dug into his belt pouch and pulled out a shilling and put it on the bar next to his tankard.  

Once Jim put his hand on the silver coin, Moibur said conversationally, "my name is Moibur Wolfhame, Big Jim, and it's good to meet you."

"You as well, Moibur," the man responded in kind as he walked away to serve other patrons.

Moibur returned to observing the patrons and place as he drank.

Roll to find out how dwarf-friendly the tavern is. 1=Unfriendly, 10=V.friendly.

And it's a 10! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3519041/)

Can you make an Int test for me, please?

There's a general friendly nodding from the other patrons. They're mostly dressed in well-worn work-clothes. They're clearly dock-workers and stevedores.

One fellow sat a few feet away lifts his tankard in greeting. "By yer accent, yer not from Nuln," he says, as a conversation opener.

Moibur turns to look at the man speaking to him and hoists his tankard in greeting as well before taking another drink.

After he wipes his beard clear with his sleeve, he says in a conversational tone, "no, I'm from Middenheim originally.  I mustered out of the service and am here visiting family.  Although, timing it with this heat wave wasn't part of the overall plan."

Spoiler

Sweet!  Rolled a 05%! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3519071/)

Moibus notices that the tavern is busier than one would expect for this time of day (mid-afternoon). You'd expect dockers and stevedores to be busy working down at the docks, instead of relaxing and drinking.

"Aye, this weather's a pain in the arse," his companion agrees. "So, did yer see any fightin'?"

Moibur nods affirmatively as he says in a lightly subdued tone, "aye, I got wet in the long dark of Fauchslag.  Stuck me a few Skaven down there."

"Skaven." He takes a long suck on his ale. "Fuckin' scum."

Big Jim pipes up. "We had a problem with skaven here a few years back."

"We sorted it out, though," another drinker pipes up from the other end of the bar.

"Too fuckin' right," Jim pronounces as he pours out four shots and slides them along the bar. "Fuck the skaven!"

Everyone downs their shot.

Raising his tankard from his table where he has his boots up, Marcus cries "Only thing worse then Skaven is the bloody weather!"

Having depositing a brace of fowl into the hands of a meat-merchant, Dirty Hugo has eyes only for a pint to wash the grit of the roads from his slightly slack-jawed mouth.  He heads to the first tavern he sees, which happens to have a great white shark on its shingle.  Hugo steps inside, rummages around in his pockets for coin, but is stunned to hear the occupants discoursing about skaven.

"Ratmen?  Ain't they a myth?" he asks as he sidles up the the barkeep.

Moibur downed his shot with everyone else and smiled wide as carefully put the shot glass back down onto the bar for Big Jim.  The air about the place was casual, friendly, and infectious.  Moibur decided right there that he liked the place, and Big Jim.  He nodded affirmatively when the man with his boots up commented about the oppressive heat, but turned to face the halfling at the bar with him when he heard the question about the Skaven.

"They be real, friend," Moibur says with seriousness, "lost a good friend, and a few comrades, fighting the Chaos-spawned bastards down in their wretched warrens under Ulricsburg."

The dwarf takes a drink from his tankard of ale, wipes his mouth with his sleeve, and says with a note of satisfaction, "got me three confirmed kills down there, and stuck me a a few more before our unit was pulled back topside for relief."

Dieter Jundt barges in. He's armored in battered leather and mail, and has a sword by his side and a buckler across his back, which look like they've seen recent use. He's a big guy with red hair and beard and a mean scowl on his face, and looks like the type you wouldn't want to cross in a dark alley at night.

He throws himself and his effects on a seat and bellows, "Jim, you pig fucker! I'm thirsty! A pint of the good stuff, the one you hide from the new customers!" and throws two brass coins at the counter, as he eyes the dwarf and the halfling. Having heard Hugo's question, he grins and comments, "scaring little children with your ratmen stories again, Jim?"

Quote from: Drohem;539912"They be real, friend," Moibur says with seriousness, "lost a good friend, and a few comrades, fighting the Chaos-spawned bastards down in their wretched warrens under Ulricsburg."

The dwarf takes a drink from his tankard of ale, wipes his mouth with his sleeve, and says with a note of satisfaction, "got me three confirmed kills down there, and stuck me a a few more before our unit was pulled back topside for relief."

Dieter turns to the dwarf as he says this. "Soldier, are you? What's your regiment?" He takes his mug and drinks deeply, his moustache and beard wet with ale as he puts it down with an approving roar. "Aaah, better! Blasted heat."

Moibur looks at the big man and responds loudly for all to hear with clear pride in his voice, "I served with the Fauchslag Ironbreakers!"

This is for Dieter only.

One of the patrons sat in a corner catches Dieter's eye and gives him a come-hither jerk of his head. It's Sly Rudy, a shifty fixer go-between type who's given Dieter a few jobs in the past, mostly simple "rough-'im-up" jobs.

Dieter opens his mouth and is about to ask the proud dwarf soldier something or other, when something commands his attention, and he says instead, "just a moment, if you will." And to the dwarf, with a whisper and a wink, "I happen to be a soldier of sorts meself."

After which he puts down his empty mug and walks towards his old patron, taking a seat at his table. "Rudy, you dirty old goat", he says cheerfully as he pats him in the back, beneath the mask of friendliness an ill-disguised glint of greed in his eyes. "How's business?"

Hugo struggles his way up a stool and pushes some coin at the barkeep for an ale.  He appears to be minding his own business, but is relying on his Acute Hearing to overhear anything that might be of interest.

Hugo, please make a hearing (Perception) test and let me know how many successes you get.

The following spoiler block is for Dieter only (and Hugo if he gets three or more successes):

Spoiler

Sly Rudy glances at Dieter and nods a greeting before returning his gaze to the rest of the room. He has a habit of talking out of the corner of his mouth while watching his surroundings, occasionally casting sly sideways glance at whoever he's talking to - hence the nickname.

"Wotcher Dieter," he says. "Might have a bit of work for you, if you're interested?"

In the interests of moving things along a bit, I'm going to assume that Dieter indicates that he is, indeed, interested! :)

"It's a bit different from the sort of stuff I've given you before. Need to arrange for a merchant to miss an appointment near the granaries tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. 'Ow it happens doesn't matter, as long as he's at least an hour late. He's got a couple of bodyguards, though, so you might 'ave to rope in a couple of extra hands. Still interested?"

Dieter, please make an Int test and tell me how many successes you get.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Big Jim is telling Moibur (and anyone else who's listening) about the skaven's attempt to take over the city of Nuln a few years back (as detailed in Skavenslayer).

Dieter's Intelligence test roll. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3520927/) That's 3 degrees of success.

Hugo is momentarily distracted, whether by the quality of the ale or the quality of the wench passing by on the street, none may say.  Either way, he hears nothing of importance. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3520944/)

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

A lot of grain trading businesses are based in the vicinity of the granaries. You surmise that the appointment the merchant is supposed to miss is probably an auction of some kind and that Sly Rudy's client (or, more likely, his client's client, as these sort of things will likely go through several middlemen) is another merchant.

Quote from: misterguignol;540043Hugo is momentarily distracted, whether by the quality of the ale or the quality of the wench passing by on the street, none may say.  Either way, he hears nothing of importance. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3520944/)

It's quite busy in the tavern, with a general buzz of idle conversation, not to mention Big Jim's animated re-telling of his encounter with a giant skaven.

Dieter flashes a predatory grin to his old patron. "What's in it for me?" This is precisely the sort of job Dieter does best, though the presence of bodyguards will pose an additional difficulty, and he expects this to field him enough to pay for his own troubles, and that of two or three more leg-breakers.

Speaking of which, Dieter considers the matter of subcontracting additional muscle. All his usual associates are gracing the stockades, guests in a dungeon, or under the loving custody of Morr. He carefully eyes the two fellows over by the counter, and appraises their ability for the task at hand. The dwarf looks and talks like he can carry himself -- Dieter's tussled with the beards in the past and knows just how tough they can be -- but Ranald only knows whether he's the sort of soldier who will part with his pride in exchange for coin; he's also having his reservations when it comes to the halfling, even though he's heard that some of them are pretty handy with a dagger or sling. A fourth man would be welcome too, so he surveys the tavern for fellow armed malcontents.

Moibur listens to Big Jim's tale of the giant Ratman with genuine interest and fellowship.  He waits until the barkeep is finished with his tale before pushing his tankard forward and taps the bar indicating another pint of the Red.

When Big Jim returns with his tankard, Moibur asks him in a friendly and casual tone, "so no Ratmen here for a while, but are there any other pests that needed to be taken care of around here?  Perhaps some Greenskins?  I'm looking for some work."

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

"Six marks [i.e. gc] for the job," Rudy replies.

The going rate for beating someone up is anywhere from 5 shillings to a mark, depending on how tough the target is and what the risk is of getting caught.

"But, if you take it on, it's got to be done," Rudy warns. "Needs someone reliable. That's why I've come to you."

Big Jim nods. "Well, I've heard that there's been raids along the Altdorf road, although whether it's brigands, greenskins or beastmen, who knows?"

"I hear some mercenaries are going to go and take care of 'em," someone else comments.

"Aye, a company from Tilea," another drinker chimes in.

Big Jim snorts. "Aye, and who's goiing to pay for it?"

"The guilds?"

"Right," someone scoffs. "Can't see the guilds paying good coin for something the Countess should be taking care of!"

"If you're looking for work, you'd do worse than go see what's been posted on the Deutz Elm in the Reiks Platz," Big Jim comments. "Anyone that's looking to hire someone will post a notice there."

Moibur holds up his tankard and says in thanks to Big Jim for the tip, "cheers."

The debate over who should pay to secure the Altdorf road continues, with some people claiming that it's the responsibility of the Countess, while others claim that the Emperor should pay. One outspoken chap asks what the roadwardens are for, if not to keep the roads safe but others point out that the roadwardens can't be expected to deal with large groups of bandits or mutants.

Dieter's dialogue continues:

Spoiler

Dieter tries his best not to let the greed show through, but he's more than comfortable with the sum. He can hire 2 or 3 "helpers" for a mark each and still walk away with 3 to 4 times the usual amount a job earns.

"Consider it done, Rudi. Tell me more about the mark and the bodyguards, what he looks like, where can I find him, and anything else worth mentioning." He leers close to Rudi with that scowl of his. "If you 'forget' to mention something important, I might forget we're friends and all. I might even mistake for someone else, you know. Like this mark. Honest mistake. Happens once in a while."

Should I roll Intimidate?

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

Sure, go ahead.

Spoiler

Not my best throw, I'm afraid. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3521283/)

For Dieter only:

Spoiler

Rudy gives you a sideways, slightly amused look. "Relax kid," he says, in a slightly condescending tone. "Why would I pay you to do a job and then not tell you everything you need to know?"

He gives you the name Josef Tödenhofer and an address in the wealthy Kaufmann District. "He travels by hackney carriage and he's got two bodyguards. Oftentimes he'll have a clerk along with him too."

He slides a couple of karl's across the table surreptitiously. "You'll get the rest tomorrow. I'll meet you here at noon. Remember, doesn't matter how it's done, as long as he misses that appointment! Any questions?" He finishes off his ale, clearly getting ready to leave.

Spoiler

"No, that's enough. It's as good as done." He discreetely takes the money and pockets it as he rises.

Dieter rises from his seat and walks back towards the bar, resuming his seat next to the dwarf.

"So, Ironbreaker...", he says, suddenly ingratiating, "do you have a name?"

"Moibur Wolfhame," the dwarf says in a conversational tone as he wipes the froth from his mustache from his recent tipping.

"Wolfhame, is it", Dieter continues, "I am Dieter Jundt, private gentleman of fortune, at your service." Dieter grins. "You talk and carry yourself like a true soldier, if you don't mind me saying so. Between engagements, are you?" Dieter orders another mug for himself, throwing a curse and two pence at Big Jim. He leans closer to Moibur and speaks in a lower voice, "Fancy earning some easy money with, let's call it, a bit of unconventional warfare?" Dieter drinks of the red ale and waits for Moibur's response.

Hugo pipes up, "Did someone mention an opportunity to make some coin?"

Quote from: Dodger;540092The debate over who should pay to secure the Altdorf road continues, with some people claiming that it's the responsibility of the Countess, while others claim that the Emperor should pay. One outspoken chap asks what the roadwardens are for, if not to keep the roads safe but others point out that the roadwardens can't be expected to deal with large groups of bandits or mutants.

Marcus is quick to point out that while Roadwardens do a lot to keep the roads clear, hunting down the various threats requires finding and destroying their camps, which would take more then the few wardens that tend to travel together.  Roadwardens being a loose collection of drifters that rarely band together in large numbers.

Quote from: Warboss Squee;540186Marcus is quick to point out that while Roadwardens do a lot to keep the roads clear, hunting down the various threats requires finding and destroying their camps, which would take more then the few wardens that tend to travel together.  Roadwardens being a loose collection of drifters that rarely band together in large numbers.

"You're a roadwarden, are ye?" someone queries.

Quote from: Dodger;540188"You're a roadwarden, are ye?" someone queries.

"Sure am, hail from Solland, or what's left of it."

Clearly Marcus is one of those Wissenlanders that still hold out for a new Count of Solland.

Dieter turns to Hugo with a scowl. "What do you know about fighting, little fella? I need men who can handle themselves when the blood begins to run."

He also looks at the Roadwarden out of the corner of his eye, and listens peripherally to what he says. Roadwardens are an honest but underpaid and underappreciated lot. Perhaps he's not averse to a bit of less-than-honest "moonlighting" as it were.

After which he turns back to Moibur, still waiting for the proud Ironbreaker to respond.

"Oi, I've seen things in the woods that would shake you to your core!  I've seen men with the bodies of beasts...horrible things born of the Ruinous Powers.  The fact that I'm alive to tell the tale says all you need to know.  I can tell you this, though...my arrows fly as true as the Emperor's cock and I can be a silent as the farts that slip from your mother's arse."

Dieter turns back to halfling, his face contorted in a nearly caricatural exaggeration of his trademark "tough guy" scowl, and he rises from his seat, towering over the little Mootlander, his hand on his dagger.

"You have quite a big mouth for someone so small. A little fella should watch what he says around big folk." He drops the scowl and flashes a shit-eating grin. "You have grit, though, I'll give you that." At very least, Dieter thinks, this halfling can make for a nice distraction.

Moibur was about to respond to Dieter's query, but refrained when the halfling spoke up and joined the conversation.  He decided it wise to let Dieter talk some more to assess the man's character, and intentions.  

The dwarf soldier chuckles jovially as he says with a wink, "well, it seems that we all talk the talk.  However, I'll only walk the walk for the right amount of coin, if ya know what I mean."

Moibur's face and tone sobers considerably as he finishes, "aye, I'm a soldier and fighter, but will not doing anything that involves women and children.  Now, you put me up against an armed man and I've got no qualms about spilling blood."

Looking the halfling over, Moibur says to Dieter with his former casual and conversational tone, "they are good marksmen, and I'm a halberdier myself. I've got my axe for close work, but ranged work is not my forte."

Dieter seems satisfied with Moibur's reply, and beckons the halfling to come closer as well. He eyes one, and then the other, and says, "very well, gentlemen. It is a simple matter, really, but if anything goes wrong, I'd rather you be prepared for it." He looks around to make sure no one's listening or paying too much attention to them. "All that's been asked is to delay a certain merchant and his retinue, which includes two bodyguards, for at least an hour, tomorrow morning. A gold mark for each is what I can promiss after it's done. Of course, if the merchant and his henchmen have any valuables with them, we can split them up. What say you?"

Dirty Hugo tilts his head as if in thought, but he's clearly someone who doesn't think for long; he blurts out, "I'm in."

Moibur thinks about it for a moment and then casually nods his head slightly in agreement before covering the motion by tipping his tankard back and taking a long draught of the Red.

GM commentary: Jeez, watching this is like watching a couple of socially-inept teenagers trying to fumble their way to second base...

Quote from: Dodger;540563GM commentary: Jeez, watching this is like watching a couple of socially-inept teenagers trying to fumble their way to second base...

Player commentary: You started the game in a tavern. You don't get to complain. ;)

Dieter rises and says, "very well, we have work to do. I suggest we start by looking at this gentleman's house" *gives them the address Sly Rudi gave him* "and going down the way between this and the granaries, so we can scout the carriage's path for a good place to surprise our unsuspecting client." With that, he picks up the tab (his, Moibur's and Hugo's) and motions for them to follow as he leaves the inn.

I'll do exactly what Dieter said. I'll visit the address Rudi gave me, right now, in a manner as inconspicuous as possible (we'll probably spread around the area so as to draw less attention), and scout for a good place to ambush the merchant and his guards. If anyone else has any ideas as to how we might carry this out, I suppose now's the time to discuss it.

Outside, the sun has been shrouded by dark clouds approaching from the west.  Josef T's address is in the wealthy Kaufman district, in the north-east of the city. You leave Shantytown, pass through the Universität and approach the High Gate which pierces the wall that separates the Neuestadt, home to two-thirds of Nuln's population, from the more exclusive Altestadt.

Beyond the High Gate, you pass beneath the facade of the majestic temple of Verena. The streets here are noticeably cleaner and the buildings are far better maintained. Messengers hurry through the streets dodging horse-drawn cabs bearing nobles and wealthy merchants. Town watch patrols are more frequent than in the Neuestadt.

Josef Tödenhofer's lives in a three-storey house on a small estate on a street corner north of Banker's Row, surrounded by a nine-foot wall. The surrounding streets are residential with relatively little traffic.

Everyone make an Int test.

Quote from: Dodger;540710Everyone make an Int test.

Pass. (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3525834/)

Once outside and on the streets with his new companions, Moibur tries to maintain a casual facade but remains alert for any nefarious shenanigans against himself.  

Spoiler

Pass with 1 success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3526755/)

Quote from: Dodger;540710Everyone make an Int test.

Hugo's roll (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3527141/), his Int is 35.

For Dieter and Moibur only:

Spoiler

The route from Tödenhofer's estate and the Granaries passes through Banker's Row, a busy mercantile district, before joining wide, well-travelled thoroughfares on the way to the Granaries. The quietest part of the journey is likely to be the street right outside his estate. The problem is that watch patrols are more frequent here in the Altestadt. While there would be fewer witnesses to an ambush carried out here, there's a higher chance of encountering a watch patrol.

The bells toll four o'clock. As they do, you hear a distant, barely audible rumble of thunder from the west.

For Dirty Hugo only:

Spoiler

These city streets all look much of a same to you. You're distracted by a distant rumble of thunder from the west as the city bells toll 4 o'clock. There's a storm approaching.

It's four o'clock in the afternoon, right? Just checking.

Dieter curses. "We stand little chance of ambushing Herr Tödenhofer anywhere but here", he says, as he traverses the street right off the merchant's property. "But the damned watch patrols are far too frequent." Another curse follows the thunderclap. "Let's get back to the inn lest we get soaking wet."

Moibur nods in agreement and walks with his companions back to The Angry Shark tavern and takes a seat with them at a table.

"I don't like it," Moibur says in a hushed tone, "taking 'em in the street in daylight.  Like you said, Dieter, too many patrols- and watchmen.  Are there any specifics on how the job is done?  Why don't we just break into his house under the cover of night and tie them up and then leave after the appointed time?"

"Is there any chance we could delay them outside the city gates?"

Some scene-setting and orientation (that I should probably have done before now):

The gate you passed through en route to Tödenhofer's house was a gate in the internal Nuln wall, that separates the Altestadt from the Nuestadt.

Here is a (large, table-breaking) map:

Spoiler

(http://www.gitzmansgallery.com/Warhammer_Maps/Docs/Map%20City%20of%20Nuln%202.jpg)

• The Angry Shark tavern is on the edge of Shantytown, near location 20.
• Josef Tödenhofer's house is in the north-east of the city, north of Banker's Row (location 12).
• To get there (and back), you passed through the High Gate (location 4).
• The Granaries are at location 24.

The obvious and most direct route from Tödenhofer's house to the Granaries is south-west through the Kaufman District, through the High Gate, then turn right and follow the wide street between the Universität and the wall.

Feel free to ask questions relating to what you saw during your recce. I'm happy to rewind/ret-con out your return to the tavern if you want to.[/I]

I'll stay in the tavern debating a strategy for as long as it rains.

"Like I said before", Dieter explains over a mug of hot wine, "it is as simple as it gets. Tödenhofer has an appointment at half past nine in the next morning, by the granaries. Our job is merely to hold him so he's at least one hour late." He pauses, drinks and scowls. "Now, my usual approach to such things is to beat the mark senseless, but he's got bodyguards. And that's where the two of you come in. Unless either of you's got a better idea, I say we ambush him on the street by his estate, not so close that his household can help him out of the pickle, but before Bankers' Row where the City Watch might rush to assist him." Dieter looks at a window and sighs, frustrated, thinking that if the rain doesn't abate, Tödenhofer might send out a messenger to call off his rendezvous by the Granaries, leaving him and his associates with nothing to show for their troubles.

Isn't there a place by the walls where we could surprise Tödenhofer? How much movement does the High Gate see circa 9am?

Also, what does the street off his house look like? Are there alleys, chokepoints or other tactically relevant features we can exploit for an ambush?

Quote from: The Butcher;541287I'll stay in the tavern debating a strategy for as long as it rains.

It's not raining. Yet.

By the time you've returned to the Angry Shark (approx. 5pm - yes, this is the afternoon, not morning), a dark bank of cloud extends across the western sky but it is not yet overhead. Instead of cooling as the afternoon progresses, the air remains warm and close (i.e. kind of humid, with no fresh air).

QuoteIsn't there a place by the walls where we could surprise Tödenhofer?

Int test, please! :)

QuoteHow much movement does the High Gate see circa 9am?

The High Gate is busy from very early in the morning. Plus, it's manned by the Watch at all hours.

QuoteAlso, what does the street off his house look like? Are there alleys, chokepoints or other tactically relevant features we can exploit for an ambush?

There are alleys between the estates...

Further info dependent on the outcome of your Int test. :)

Quote from: The Butcher;541287"Like I said before", Dieter explains over a mug of hot wine, "it is as simple as it gets. Tödenhofer has an appointment at half past nine in the next morning, by the granaries. Our job is merely to hold him so he's at least one hour late." He pauses, drinks and scowls. "Now, my usual approach to such things is to beat the mark senseless, but he's got bodyguards. And that's where the two of you come in. Unless either of you's got a better idea, I say we ambush him on the street by his estate, not so close that his household can help him out of the pickle, but before Bankers' Row where the City Watch might rush to assist him." Dieter looks at a window and sighs, frustrated, thinking that if the rain doesn't abate, Tödenhofer might send out a messenger to call off his rendezvous by the Granaries, leaving him and his associates with nothing to show for their troubles.

Dirty Hugo turns to Dieter and says, "Oi, wouldn't an ambush be a bit too...direct?  Why play our hands or make ourselves obvious targets?  I say we consider a bit o' stratagem.  Is there someone we could take hostage that is dear to him that would have him chasing after them instead of making his appointment?  Or maybe we could find out where he lives and set it on fire...run up to him before he makes the appointment and tell him we've been sent to inform him that his home is ablaze...he's sure to go tend to that instead of meeting up with whoever, right?"

Moibur nods in agreement with Dirty Hugo, and says, "bushwhacking the mark in broad daylight on busy streets should be the fall back plan."

The dwarf turns to Dieter, "unless you know the watchmen patrol schedules?  I'm new to the city so I have no clue.  Are they at regular intervals?  Will we have enough time to do the job and scoot out?"

Quote from: Drohem;541402Moibur nods in agreement with Dirty Hugo, and says, "bushwhacking the mark in broad daylight on busy streets should be the fall back plan."

The dwarf turns to Dieter, "unless you know the watchmen patrol schedules?  I'm new to the city so I have no clue.  Are they at regular intervals?  Will we have enough time to do the job and scoot out?"

Well, GM, do I?

By the way, here (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3531196/)'s that Int test. Not my best moment, no sir. :mad:

Errata: My Int is actually 34. Still a failure by 2 degrees.

Quote from: The Butcher;541534Well, GM, do I?

You don't know the watch patrol schedules.

However you do know that watch patrols are more frequent in the districts north of Nuln's internal wall (including the Kaufman district, where Tödenhofer lives). You also know that the Granaries are well-protected.

QuoteBy the way, here (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3531196/)'s that Int test. Not my best moment, no sir. :mad:

You can't think of any place by the walls that would be particularly suitable for surprising Tödenhofer.

You'd asked about alleys - as with many wealthy estates and houses, Tödenhofer's place has alleys between it and the surrounding properties. Such alleys provide access to the servants' and tradesmen's entrance.

"Perhaps we could gain the trust of a servant, and contrive to keep Tödenhofer inside his estate for at least an hour past his appointment? Violence would be out of the question, as he'd be very well protected. But maybe some emergency, like a fire... I'm not sure Moibur or I would much look the part, but you, Hugo, might find your way to the kitchens and work from there. Now, what sort of distraction might we create?"

"Yes," Moibur says thoughtfully, "sabotage of some sort might just do the trick.  Perhaps we can sneak into his barn tonight and disable the carriage to delay him in the morning?  Dieter and I can stage a fight outside the servants' entrance if we need a distraction for Hugo to sneak inside."

Quote from: Drohem;542283"Yes," Moibur says thoughtfully, "sabotage of some sort might just do the trick.  Perhaps we can sneak into his barn tonight and disable the carriage to delay him in the morning?  Dieter and I can stage a fight outside the servants' entrance if we need a distraction for Hugo to sneak inside."

Hugo looks thoughtful.  "Hmm, if we just disable the carriage he'll probably just ride the rest of the way to the meeting.  What if we take a multi-layed approach: disable the carriage, start a fire, with an ambush as a last resort?"

"Never rely on just one casting, me Da always said," Moibur says with a smile at Hugo's idea.

Dieter smiles a satisfied, yet predatory grin. "I like the way you gentlemen think, truly, I do. I feel we are kindred spirits, the three of us, and I sense this association will be even more to our benefit than I imagined at first. Hugo, can you sneak in, and disable the carriage, and start the fire, while Moibur and I lurk outside? And if things go sour inside, how could you signal to us that you're in trouble?"

Can everyone give me an Int test?

Quote from: Dodger;542460Can everyone give me an Int test?

Hugo's roll (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3534704/).

What do you know, I passed: here (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3537533/).

Quote from: The Butcher;542875What do you know, I passed: here (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3537533/).

Okay, for your eyes only:

Spoiler

This talk of disabling of disabling Tödenhofer's carriage reminds you that Sly Rudy mentioned that Tödenhofer travels by hackney carriage (http://www.therpgsite.com/showpost.php?p=540133&postcount=31). A hackney carriage is like a modern-day taxi cab - they typically park up in a square or another busy, central-ish space. Nobles and rich merchants will typically send one of their minions go summon a carriage when they want to go somewhere. So, the idea of disabling Tödenhofer's carriage is a bit of a non-starter.

Intelligence Test passed with 1 success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3537713/)

Thanks, Dodger. I had no effin' idea what a hackney carriage was, and thought this was unimportant. :duh:

Dieter scowls. "Jim's horrible ale must be clouding my faculties", he says. "Tödenhofer travels by hackney carriage. We can't really disable his carriage since he won't use it."

The scowl contorts into a wicked grin. "Of course, this also means we can commandeer a hackney for ourselves, and lead the good merchant and his entourage on a little ride."

How would we go about hijacking a hackney? Do they stay in one place waiting for customers, or do they go around town expecting to be hailed?

Also, how could we make sure that Tödenhofer's servant picks us? If hackneys are hailed, it's just a matter of positioning and timing. But if he has a go-to hackney service, we have to find that out and work our way in.

Also, for those wondering: yes, Dieter has only three facial expressions: grin, scowl and poker face. Imagine him played by the cheesy actor of your choice. :D

Quote from: Drohem;542896Intelligence Test passed with 1 success! (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3537713/)

You noted the same thing that Dieter realised - in Nuln, only the richest as most ostentatious nobles and merchants would use their own carriage for short journeys around town. Most use hackney carriages - similar to a modern-day taxi cab.

Quote from: The Butcher;542897Thanks, Dodger. I had no effin' idea what a hackney carriage was, and thought this was unimportant. :duh:

Sorry, my bad - I shouldn't have assumed that you would know what it was...

QuoteHow would we go about hijacking a hackney? Do they stay in one place waiting for customers, or do they go around town expecting to be hailed?

They typically wait in busy, central locations where there are likely to be lots of punters. Such locations can be permanent (e.g. in a major square) or temporary (e.g. at the docks when a ship comes in or outside a noble's house where a well-attended ball is being held). Hackney drivers develop a nose for the best places to find business and they constantly exchange information with other drivers by shouting at one another as they pass in the street.

During your scouting trip, you noticed a queue of carriages in the small square at the northern end of Banker's Row, about five minutes from Tödenhofer's house.

They can occasionally also be hailed in the street, if they are returning empty from dropping off a customer, or if the driver has grown tired of waiting in a queue and has decided to drive around aimlessly for a while, but that's more a question of luck.

QuoteAlso, how could we make sure that Tödenhofer's servant picks us?

Well, that's your challenge! ;)

QuoteIf hackneys are hailed, it's just a matter of positioning and timing. But if he has a go-to hackney service, we have to find that out and work our way in.

There are no hackney services in the sense that we have taxi-cab services today. If someone requires a carriage, they will simply despatch a servant to summon one. The servant will head for a likely location, hire a carriage and return with it to where the customer is waiting. If a customer is making a short (i.e. less than about an hour) visit somewhere, it's quite common for them to pay for the hackney carriage to wait for them, rather than face the hassle of having to find another carriage when they want to leave.

It's not unheard of to make an appointment with a carriage driver (e.g. "Return to pick me up here at noon.") or for an enterprising carriage driver to make note of the fact that a customer makes regular journeys at a particular time and to turn up at that time, to get the business, but that would be more the exception, than the rule.

I should write up a new career for hackney carriage drivers.

The Angry Shark grows busier as the evening progresses. Outside, the sky has clouded over and grown steadily darker, to the colour of a purple bruise, and the rumble of thunder is growing closer. Around you, must of the talk is about the weather. The prospect of a storm is greeted with more approval than you might expect - the Reik has sunk to such a low level that ships risk running aground on the stretch between Nuln and Altdorf. Hence, the dockworkers and stevedores who normally earn their living loading and unloading ships, are instead idle and unpaid. Rain is a welcome prospect, as it heralds the prospect of a return to work.

Are hackney carriages open? I mean, if you're standing on the street and a hackney goes by, can you see who's inside? Or are they "closed" like fancy carriages?

Most of them are closed. The wealthy like their privacy and they prefer to be protected from the weather.

Moibur sat and drank his Red with thoughtful draughts as he tried to puzzle out a viable plan for their prospective job.  He listened to the conversations going on around him in the Angry Shark between the quite moments with Hugo and Dieter.  

"Well, boyos," Moibur said finally, "either we hit and delay the mark at its starting location, or we hit the mark while it's on the move and delay it on the streets.  If the mark has a large household, the former will be more difficult.  If there are only a few servants, then it might be a viable option.  If we hit the mark in the street, then we must make sure that we control the cab in which the mark enters.  Perhaps we can borrow a cab or two, and have one drive the mark and use the other to divert and delay the mark?"

After mulling it over some more, Moibur downs the rest of his ale and says, "I guess the best course will be to follow him to see which carriage he enters and then hit it hard and fast."

Guys, sorry for the delay. I've been hit real bad by real life the past few days and I'm not sure I'll be able to continue. But I'll try...

"We get up at first light and hit the small square by northern Banker's Row." Dieter drinks from his mug. "I'm sure we can persuade one of the drivers to join in with our little scheme, or better still, to part with his bread-winner for an hour or so for a nice amount."

Incidentally, how much does a hackney driver make in an hour, on average? More specifically, how much do we have to offer him to have a good chance of persuading him to join our little scheme?

"We might want to be discrete about it, though. Not like our driver will want to advertise about this sort of... business opportunity."

Moibur nodded his head thoughtfully, and finally said while absently stroking his beard with his fingers, "aye, but you or Hugo should do the talking to the driver.  I'll hang back and watch from a short distance in case things don't go down smoothly, then I can come in thumping if needed."

Quote from: The Butcher;545769Incidentally, how much does a hackney driver make in an hour, on average? More specifically, how much do we have to offer him to have a good chance of persuading him to join our little scheme?

A driver will make somewhere between four and 12 shillings (silver pieces) per hour, depending on demand.

However, their willingness to get involved in nefarious activities shouldn't be taken for granted. Neither should their willingness to voluntarily turn their carriage and horses over to some ne'er-do-wells, even if they are promising "We'll bring it back in an hour. Honest!" ;)

Incidentally, can everyone describe their living arrangements? I assume Moibur is staying with his family but what about the rest of ye?

PS: By the way, I'm looking to you guys to let me know when you want to press the "fast forward" button to progress things. You're very much in the driving seat.

Seeing that they were not much more for strategy, Moibur said to his companions, "well then, let's meet near the carriage stand on Banker's Row as the cock crows and see how the day pans out."

Dirty Hugo nods in agreement, "Aye, let's try our luck on the morrow."

As you leave the Angry Shark, the storm clouds are mustering over Nuln. The weather breaks later that evening, after dark, and the city is lashed by a heavy thunderstorm.The storm passes during the wee hours and the following day bring blue skies.

You rise early and make your way through the streets, stepping over puddles and, occasionally detouring around small floods, to Bankers Row, where you congregate as the bells ring half past seven. Already, the streets are growing busy and there's a queue of four carriages waiting in the square at the top of Bankers Row. The drivers are hanging around in a group, gossiping as they wait for customers.

Moibur pulled the cowl of woolen cloak tighter to his face and blew into his hands to warm his fingers from the early morning chill in the air.  He stamped his feet as well as he watched the carriage stand with his companions from a distance.

Turning to Dirty Hugo, the dwarf said, "we only have a few hours before we need to hit the mark.  Perhaps you can talk one of the drivers into renting the carriage for a few hours and have him wait for the mark closer to his estate so that he picks our carriage?"

"I like Moibur's idea. Hugo, can you do this? I don't think I look a lot like the sort who rents carriages for a leisurely stroll, and neither does our proud soldier friend here. No offense, meister Wolfhame." Dieter is a big hulking fellow who looks like trouble from head to toe, and he knows it, even though he does keep his leather jack and his weapons hidden under a big cloak.

"I suggest Hugo approach the driver, and move the carriage to the corner of Bankers' Row and the street closest to the mark's house. Assuming of course that this is the safest route for the mark or a servant to take, to pick up a hackney."

Simple curiosity here, does anyone in this group has the Drive skill?

Moibur nods his head in agreement with Dieter's plan, and adds, "perhaps you could pose as one of the mark's servants who is just making sure that a carriage is available for his master when his master is ready to leave his house for his appointment."

Spoiler

Nope, Moibur doesn't have the Drive skill.

"Aye," says a muffled Dirty Hugo, "I'll try and talk one of the coachmen and talk him into moving his transport closer to the mark."

--> looking at the coaches, would there be anyplace a halfling could grab onto the back and go unnoticed?  Like could I stow away and conveniently shatter a wheel at some pre-determined ambush spot?

Quote from: misterguignol;549390--> looking at the coaches, would there be anyplace a halfling could grab onto the back and go unnoticed?  Like could I stow away and conveniently shatter a wheel at some pre-determined ambush spot?

Well, this is the sort of thing we're talking about:
(http://katieincopey.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/img_3019.jpg)

You could grab on the back if you were quick/nimble enough and hang on, out of the driver's (and any passengers') sight. However, you would be visible to everyone else on the street. However, it's not uncommon for children to do this sort of thing for fun.

Moibur was starting to fidget about, and finally says to Hugo, "alright, go on already.  Let's do this!"