From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 89 (Something reeking in Altdorf)

 

9 Sigmarzeit 2502

Salzenmund, Nordland

Preparations for the trip south to Altdorf and Übersreik are well underway. Some elements have already departed so as not to cause delays or congestion. I shall not, however, travel by road. Instead, I shall take to the air upon my griffon, Swiftwind. Freed from its age-long curse of stone, the mighty steed is eager to take to the skies again. Huggoth shall accompany me, carrying upon his broad back my essential companions: Annika (hard to do without her advice), Celia (one must have at least one Lightbringer guard), and Nastassia (as a coin-holder of the Kommission).

Speaking of the Kommission, Nastassia reports that Festus is closely linked to the temple of Shallya and that he may have been either a priest of Shallya or, at the very least, a follower of the goddess. The current level of infiltration and corruption is low but bears constant monitoring. The Kommission has also traced Nine Eyes involvement in several other locations related to the Great Northern Canal. This is troubling, but we are on top of the situation. Finally, there are some troubling news - or lack thereof - from Ostermark that may or may not be related to the Nine Eyes.

11 Sigmarzeit 2502

Salzenmund, Nordland

My house and domain are in reasonable order, additional plans and projects have been initiated, and we are ready to go south. My wife is in good form, and the omens are favorable. She shall travel by carriage and meet me in Altdorf.

16 Sigmarzeit 2502

Altdorf, Reikland

It takes mere DAYS to fly from Salzenmund to Altdorf. Flying is not without hardship or hazard, but really... is there any other way to travel? Indeed, there are - for long, comfortable journeys, I would prefer my private cabin aboard my own ship or my carriage or horse for short hops. I wonder how far I could fly? Would Swiftwind be able to carry me from Tilea to Araby? From Estilia to Ulthuan? I'm sure a dragon could, but a griffon?

I arranged for a carriage to bring us into the city: arriving on a dragon's back would be too much, even for me. Still, I was greeted like Sigmar himself, I would say. People spontaneously took to the streets and cheered. I am glad our arrival came as a surprise—or we would have been stuck in traffic for days!

29 Sigmarzeit 2502

Altdorf, Reikland

I have spent the last two weeks reacquainting myself with the city of Altdorf and its denizens, from the Emperor to the lowest of my servants, fellow lords and nobles, old friends and lovers, elves and mothers, and more. So much talking and plotting and planning... and drinking and eating and fucking around. All is well in the Old Village, although the Reek is on the rise. I shall not be cross when we leave for the Vorbergland. But today there is reason to celebrate: today my dearest wife and the rest of my house arrive.

18 Sommerzeit 2502

Altdorf, Reikland

It is time for my retinue to begin the journey south—we don't want to arrive just in time. Katarina shall remain in Altdorf to give birth. She will be protected and well cared for. For my own part, I shall travel by air and thus still have a few days to kill.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 88 (Scourge of the Bjorling Coast)

 

12 Jahrdrung 2502

Departing Al-Adiz. Winds favorable, omens good. Eonir, the elf envoy, will remain behind with my wife Hemeth and wait for the child and Thes.

17 Jahrdrung 2502

Somewhere west of Estalia

We have passed Estalia and are turning northeast. Winds are still favorable. Company enjoyable too. My wife (Fatimeh, the spirited one), my court illustrator, and my personal dancer adjusting well. Good to be back at sea.

22 Jahrdrung 2502

Northern coast of Bretonnia

Our journey continues in an easterly direction, then north, then finally east again. Will be home soon.

28 Jahrdrung 2502

Dietershafen, Nordland

The guns of Dietershafen saluted us as we passed by.

30 Jahrdrung 2502

Neue Lieberungen, Nordland

I have returned. I have summoned the court to me. They are still holed up in Salzenmund, eagerly awaiting word of my victorious arrival.

4 Pflugzeit 2502

Neue Lieberungen, Nordland

Departure. Heaving due east, then north, as the wind dictates.

12 Pflugzeit 2502

Bjorling Coast, Norsca

We have followed the coast east for some days, seeing few warships and dealing with only minor settlements. Poor sport, lousy loot.

17 Pflugzeit 2502

Vidborg, Bjorling Coast, Norsca

Decimated a Norscan war fleet off Vidborg. The elves are very eager to get ashore and deal with the enemy up close. I have committed some of my marines to land action as well. Cannot be seen as cowardly or weak before the Naggarothi.

20 Pflugzeit 2502

Skjold, Bjorling Coast, Norsca

Mission to Norsca is a great success. We have scoured the Bjorling Coast, first decimating their war fleet off Vidborg, and then sacking the town of Skjold, slaying the Bjorling "king" in the process. Less Chaos and corruption here than last year, but more booty and freed thralls. The fleet can continue reaving without their Prince for a few weeks more, but there is likely little materially to be gained.

In other news, Hertzen now occasionally speaks when prompted. Bella is... somewhat unhinged. When given a chance, she will absolutely abuse her considerable magical might for her own entertainment. But she is my dear sister, so I will allow her some leeway.

Characters & locations of the Bjorling coast

 

Viborg: A trading town some distance east of Skjold. The site of a fierce naval battle.

Skjold: The great city of the Bjorling kings. Situated atop a cliff overlooking a deep, sheltered fjord.

Ulfric Grondel: The late king of the Bjorlings.

Ygrid: A woman of Skjold, taken as a "ship wife" (thrall) by Ulfberth. Slavery is forbidden in the Empire, but surely a Norscan in Norsca must abide by Norscan traditions and laws???

Ynfrit: A fair maiden (only one part of that is true) of Skjold. Taken in by Wigmar.

Characters: Ynfrit, Bloody Flower of the Skraelings

 

Ynfrit of the Skraelings, captured (or freed, whichever way you want to look at it) during the sack of Skjold, the "great city" of the Bjorling kings. 

The omens were favorable, and she did not have to take the plunge (which in Skjold is better than in Kemperbad, perhaps even better than in Middenheim). She did, however, have to fly down to the ship, carried by Wigmar's magic... quite an experience for a girl not used to magic.

Characters: Al-Adiz residents

 

CHARACTERS

Mulek ibn-Aharat al-Aswara, Emir of Al-Adiz: Ruler of the city and the surrounding lands. Vassal to the Sultan of All Araby. Seems concerned about his city, its security, and its prosperity. Has the looks of a warrior but is getting long in the tooth. Courteous and generous. Four wives.

Akul the Bull, Harbor Master of the Third Port of Al-Adiz: This obese man oversees the third harbor reserved for foreign traders (the first port is military, the second for true believers). He's as corrupt as he is fat but too clever to take bribes directly. Indeed, he gives a token gift to all visitors while his henchmen collect hard gold from whoever comes to port. 

Wigmar has not had direct contact but has received an ornate water pipe as a welcoming gift. It's unlikely that common visitors get this treatment. Then again, by looking at the Spirit, you can tell its owner is someone special.

Muthmet the Black, Captain of the Guard: A towering figure, his dark skin betrays his Southern origins. He holds the power of life and death over foreigners in the city, a stark reminder of the strict laws that govern Al-Adiz. His presence alone is a testament to the city's commitment to order and security. 

Again, not a man Wigmar has been in direct contact with.

Hakim ibn-Alim al-Hakk, Master of the Emporium of Heavenly Delights: This darkly handsome man in his late 40s or early 50s is the primary owner and chief operator of one of the dozen or so major merchant companies in Al-Adiz. Wigmar chose to call upon Hakim specifically because "the omens were favorable."

Sekhmet: The illegitimate daughter of Hakim, she was once the least of his servants. Now, she serves Wigmar, her new master. A budding artist, her journey from the shadows to the forefront of the story is just beginning. 

Nafira: Curvaceous slave girl. Tribal origins. Unknown how she came to be a slave. The only person to mention Akh. Formerly owned by Emir Mulek.

Bastheth: Local minor "goddess" that dwells in a magic cave near Al-Adiz. Bastheth is both a woman and a leopard - and sometimes both at the same time.

Nadia: Voice of Bastheth. Recently promoted. Helped oversee the rite of marriage. Kislevite roots.

Fidez: An elderly gentleman and scholar of Al-Adiz. Also, a fakir (sorcerer). His faith is on the pragmatic side of the scale.

Fatimeh: Daughter of the Emir. Rather adventurous. Will come north.

Hemeth: Daughter of the Emir. Rather timid. Will stay in Al-Adiz.

Hashan: Desert dweller, tribal leader, accompanied Thesalva to the Dead Lands.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 87 (Arabyan nights)

 

11 Jahrdrung 2502

Al-Adiz, Northern coast of Araby

My somewhat impromptu Arabyan expedition continues. 

Bastheth has been introduced to my traveling companions. A somewhat mixed reaction, as expected. I think some of my near and dear actually feel a little threatened by my fourth wife. I cannot blame them; it is rare for mortals to brush shoulders with powers such as hers. When we leave, Nadia will represent her, and all will be well, I shall think.

Speaking of Bastheth, when we return to the north, a conversation with the grandmaster of the Knight's Panther is in order. There are enigmatic secrets and concealed truths here, waiting to be unveiled. If handled with finesse, we could amass a legion of loyal warriors to our cause.

I have further secured the allegiance of Emir Mulek by marrying two of his daughters, the fiery and adventurous Fatimeh and the somewhat more timid Hemeth. Both are flowers of the desert, to be sure, but these are political marriages, nothing more. Fatimeh will travel north with us, and Hemeth will remain behind.

Hakim is making arrangements to set up the production of fine wooden goods here in Al-Adiz—with the Emir's blessings, of course. There is plenty of cheap labor to be had here. All we need are some wood and a few masters and journeymen to oversee the proceedings. To that end, I have detached some good men from the crew to get things started. At the very least, they can arrange for shops and tools and take on apprentices. And have a look at the old castle, see what wooden fittings need replacing.

Ankh has ventured deep into the desert, his actions shrouded in mystery. He remains distant, unresponsive even to his high priest. His absence at this critical juncture leaves the faithful in a precarious position. His swift return is of utmost importance.

Spoke to the Emir and his Fakir, a most amicable chap by the name of Fidez, about the past, but more importantly, about the future of Al-Adiz once Ankh returns from the desert. The river shall flow once more, and the lands will rejoice.

Thesalva is en route with the Everchild, but we must not tarry. Nordland awaits its lord, and our departure is imminent. However, the Child will be secure in Al-Adiz, under Thesalva's vigilant watch, shielded by sturdy walls and the Emir's guards. Rest assured, arrangements for her return to Ulthuan will be expedited.

Characters: Wigmar's household

 

Karl-Franz (KF): Wigmar's stay-at-home sommellier. Trained by Thesalva in the art of killing by blade and poison. Something of a Shadowmancer.

Jakop Grind: Wigmar's travelling sommelier.

Esme: Wigmar's personal Strigany maid

Rene: Wigmar's personal Strigany maid

Sabine: Wigmar's personal Strigany maid

Anton Schürmann: Headmaster of the orphan school

Ulli Jenk: Engineer, chief of canal design and building. Young but driven. Balding before his years. Hollow-cheeked.