Who's who in Middenheim

 

Nastassia having a wee chat with a fellow

NOBILITY

GRAF Boris Todbringer [MENTIONED ONLY]: The renowned ruler of Middenland and Middenheim. From the same generation as Lutipold and von Liebwitz. A great warrior back in the day. Not so much now, apparently.

LATE WIFE Anika-Elise Nikse [MENTIONED ONLY]: Mother of the graf's 2 legitimate children. Died years ago - graf never remarried. A scion of the ruling house of Nordland.

HEIR Stefan Todbringer [MENTIONED ONLY]: The graf's sole son and heir. Said to be sickly. Many doctors have tried to cure him. His current PHYSICIAN is said to have (almost?) cured him.

"PRINCESS" Katarina Todbringer: The graf's young(ish) daughter. She's probably close to 20 now and quite attractive, so why isn't she married yet? Has a fairy-tale castle in the graf's park. Likes elves and music (probably dancing too).

BASTARD Baron Heinrich "Todbringer": The graf's unrecognized (but still ennobled) bastard son. The graf is said to have other illegitimate children as well. NASTASSIA claims she works for him.

COURT

CHANCELLOR Josef Sparsam: The Graf's prime minister. Elderly gentleman. Both too refined and a bit too frail to fit the image of an archetypical Middenlander.

CHAMBERLAIN (HAUSMEISTER) Hans Breugal: Head of the graf's household. Basically responsible for running the court.

CHAMPION Dieter Schmeidenhammer: Graf's champion. Undefeated for years. Big guy. Surprisingly social and friendly. Engaged to one of the LADIES AT COURT.

MINSTREL Rallane Lafarel: The court minstrel. An easy-going sort. Has been very helpful. Doesn't seem to care much about the "sea elves" - what matters is that they are elves.

MASTER OF THE HUNT Allavandrel Fanmaris [MENTIONED ONLY]: An elf.

PHYSICIAN Luigi Pavarotti [MENTIONED ONLY]: Stean Todbringer's personal physician. Judging by the name, he's probably a Tilean.

CHAPERONE Hildegarde Zimperich: Old hag. Follows the "Princess" at all times.

PARAMOUR Emmanuelle Schlagen [MENTIONED ONLY]: Very attractive. Tall, slender yet curvaceous, ash-blonde. In her late 20s. Officially a "lady at court" but in reality the Graf's mistress. Formerly the Ar-Ulric's mistress (according to SPYMASTER Nastassia).

LADIES AT COURT 

Kirsten Jung: Lady at court. Engaged with Dieter.

Petra Liebkosen [MENTIONED ONLY]: Lady at court.

Natasha Sinnlich [MENTIONED ONLY]: Lady at court.

HIGH PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS CHARACTERS

AR-ULRICH Jarrick Valgeir [MENTIONED ONLY]: High priest of Ulric. Supposedly had an affair with the PARAMOUR.

GRAND MASTER Emil Valgeir: Commands the Knights of the White Wolf

ETERNAL KNIGHT Siegfried Punkvoll [MENTIONED ONLY]: The honorary guardian of the Eternal Flame.

Isolde Begegnen: Shallya

WIZARDS

HIGH WIZARD Albrecht Helsher: Leader of the Grand Guild of Wizards. Just wants to be left alone with his magical work.

DEPUTY Janna Eberhauer: His second-in-command. A no-nonsense lady who looks down on non-mages.

MILITARY

WATCH COMMANDER Ulrich Schutzmann [MENTIONED ONLY]

GENERAL Johann Schwermutt [MENTIONED ONLY]

MARSHAL Maximillian von Genscher [MENTIONED ONLY]

LAW LORDS

Reiner Ehrlich [MENTIONED ONLY]: Supposedly (according to Nastassia) proposed both the Dwarf tax and the Scroll tax.

Joachim Hoflich [MENTIONED ONLY]: Another law lord.

Karl-Heinz Wasmeier [MENTIONED ONLY]: Another law lord.

KOMISSIONERS, GUILDMASTERS, ETC.

Middenheim is home to several influential Councils (Commissions) and powerful guilds (the Dwarven engineering guild, the merchant guild, and the wizard guild are the most prominent).

Gotthard von Wittgenstein/Gerd Walleinstein: Last scion of the Wittgenstein clan. Lives in Middenheim under the name Gerd Wallenstein, a mid-level (human) official of the Commission of Dwarf/Elf/Halfling affairs. Currently out of town. 

Anders Mann: Chairman of the City Commission on Commerce, Trade, and Taxation. Also the leader of the Merchants’ Guild.

OTHER CHARACTERS

FIXER Sascha Rothbert: Works for the Low King called "the Man" (Middenheim's underworld bosses). Has been extraordinarily helpful both with costumes and information.

SPYMASTER Nastassia: Knows a lot about the ruling class and what's going on. Provided info about the AR-ULRIC and the graf's PARAMOUR. Works for the Todbringers, but specifically for the BASTARD, Heinrich Todbringer.

NEW COMPANIONS

TROLL SLAYER Glugnur: Fellow pit fighter. Had come to die fighting minotaurs but now works for Wigmar.

CULTISTS ETC.

CAPTAIN Scharlach: Purple Hand. A "public" contact. Asking for the good captain in will draw the attention of the cult. Scharlack is in hiding but alive.

JEWELLER Joachim Bitterfeld: Purple Hand, Magister. Has a deaf-mute "wife" that helps him in the shop and at home.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 50 (Everything is capital, just capital)

  

17 Brauzeit 2449, Altdorf

It's been twelve days since I last had time to write in my journal. Twelve most momentous days. How do I put these things in writing? I scarcely know where to begin... chronologically would take too long and be too detailed. Better if I break it down. Let's start with the least things first.

I've claimed the Nacht family's old house near the northern wall. At first, I was a little disappointed by the location, far removed from anything important, but it is actually a blessing. Out of sight, out of mind. Near the wall and one of the main gates. This will be good for business. There is also a ship, a fast three-master, normally anchored in Marienburg, but it's currently on the other side of the world.

The building came with Nacht's half-Cathayan half-brother, Dong. He seemed like a nice chap, so I let him stay. Hired a handful of servants and left a squad of loyal veterans to guard the premises. They are no longer fit for battle, but they can still guard my property.

Took my seat in the Reikland Diet, and, dare say, acquitted myself well. I'm squarely in the pro-Emperor camp, I would say, without having declared anything openly. There are probably those who detest me out of principle, but overall I would say I avoided making any outright enemies. My grandfather, Old Baronett von Liberungen, would have been proud of me.

There was time for some social activities as well. All politics and work would make Wigmar a dull boy. I was reunited with my ladies. Von Liebwitz (ever youthfully and playful) is always fun to be around. Von Tasseninck is in town, too (he seems mostly recovered from his ordeals). Met my dear Mother, Bova von Dunkelberg again. Got acquainted with Rand von Grünburg, heir to the Grünburg fief and a fellow Knight Griffon.

Speaking of Bova, there was an incident up at the University. Went there with Ulfberth to speak with Professor Quintus Fassbinder, another Verenan, and a scholar of cults and mutations. Ended up uncovering a cult dedicated to carnal pleasures worming its way into the student ranks. Names were offered, and the investigation led all the way to the top. The rot was cut from the flesh with minimal damage to the host. Bova was most pleased - she likes it when the real culprits are found and dealt with, with a minimum of collateral and no public outcry.

But there are more... more elves, to be precise. Nesheea, Thesalva's daughter, is here, in Altdorf. She did get Nacht's sending... and promptly alerted her superiors. They had thought Thes dead, but now that they know she's alive, they've sent an entire delegation to the Empire to bring her back. Maybe that sending wasn't the smartest thing we've done... but done is done, and we'll have to make the best of it.

For now, the elven prince Gonthar has established an embassy here in Altdorf. The first of its kind. I'm sure it'll piss off the High Elves, but that's not my problem. Nesheea and her minder Aneeshka will go with me to Middenheim to find Thesalva. They say they will bring her back - or kill her - but we'll see. I'm sure it'll work out well for everyone. If not... these elves of Naggaroth are no more bullet-proof than wood elves.

I've met the Crown Prince, Karl-Franz, on several occasions now. At the diet, of course, and at the elves' reception, but also personally at the theatre and out hunting. He seems a clear-headed young man, free of taint as far as we can tell. Most reassuring. His sister Isabella, the Princess, I have also met. She was injured in the head when young and always wears a veil. That story checks out. Ankh has checked. The Specials Act is still damn foolish, but at least the emperor's children are not mutants!

This leads to my meeting with Emperor Lutipod, long may he reign. I was summoned into his presence and was given a private audience. He even dismissed his personal guards to speak with me privately. He has taken notice of me and my career. I sensed approval, but he had one demand: that Von Liebwitz stops taking the longevity potions. He called it unnatural and an affront to the gods. I agreed, of course, and my dear Countess is off the hook. I did not mention my own potion-taking...

The Emperor requests and commands that I go to Middenheim to investigate. There is talk of sedition, heresy, and even rebellion. Bova must have whispered into his ear, for he seemed very well pleased with my ability to find the rot, deal with it, and not cause a ruckus. I will, of course, do as my Emperor commands. With the master of the Empire as my patron, there will be no stopping my rise.

But first, I must go south again. Kommandant Hird came up from Meissen with grave tidings. There is unrest down in Wissenland, and I must immediately escort von Liebwitz south so that she can settle matters. Then I will travel to Middenheim.

Priests of Ankh-Akh (special rules)

 

Priests of Ankh-Akh can learn multiple lores, each one representing an aspect of the great elder god that is the Ankh and the Akh. The great Nekharans cared nothing for the colleges and colors instituted by the elves to help lesser men master a fraction of magic.

The first lore is chosen (for free) when the character becomes a Priest (e.g. when they gain a magic rating of 1). Subsequent lores can be purchased when the priest's magic rating increases for the cost of 200, 300, and 400 XP, respectively.

The following lores can be chosen for a priest of Ankh: Light and Heaven (for Ankh), Death and Shadow (for Akh).

Note: The only way for a priest to learn the final lore (e.g. have a magic rating of 4) is to take the full wizard career - or to be chosen by Ank-Akh as the vessel of their divinity.

Initiate: No magic rating

Priest: MR 1 + 1 wizard lore (free)

Anointed Priest: MR 2  + 1 wizard lore (200 XP)

High Priest: MR 3  + 1 wizard lore (300 XP)

Some new NPCs

 

You need to go to Naggaroth for this outfit...

New followers

Sir Léon Fuileré: Bretonnian knight from Quenelles. His master died at the hands of Zul, and he seeks atonement (losing your liege and yet surviving is the worst sin for a true knight) in Wigmar's service.

New girls

Laetitia of Parravon: Daughter of Antigone of Parrvon (who was sister to Duke Escarot and Damsel Francesca) and a handsome peasant. Not technically a bastard since her parents were wed by some backcountry priest, she's nevertheless the result of an unwanted liaison. Has magic potential.

Wilhelmina Drücker: The spoiled (in more ways than one) Daughter of Parravonian merchant Adolphus Drücker (whose family obviously has ties back to the old country). Accompanies Wigmar in the hopes of attracting a worthy Reikland suitor. Wigmar has sworn to protect her honor against everyone but himself.

Felicia of Myrmidia: Initiate of Myrmidia. Guarded the temple in Parravon during Zul's attack. Now an officer in Wigmar's employ. Better soldier than a lover, but if you like 'em fit, she's one for you.

Yasmina of Araby: The 17th (of 54) daughter of the Great Sultan of All Araby (he's got a LOT of children). Very attractive, very exotic, very much trained in the higher arts of keeping her man happy.

Naggaroth delegation

Wigmar doesn't know how many elves* there are. Fifty or more is the best bet. They arrived aboard a three-masted full rigger coming up the Reik. The vessel is moored next to the Emperor's (not a battle) barge. How they got past Marienburg (which has a large elven population and an embassy from Ulthuan) is anybody's guess. They are here to get back the traitor witch (Theslava) elf at all costs. And establish diplomatic relations between the Empire and Naggaroth.

* In this version of Warhammer, humans consider elves to be elves. They know next to nothing about intra-elven politics and conflicts. Even if they did, humans wouldn't care.

Gonthar, Prince of Naggaroth, Ambassador to Altdorf: His name means something like "he who sleeps/plays with apes." So the post of ambassador to the apes is probably not highly sought after. He seems nice enough but is probably a total bastard (like all elves). Getting Thesalva back is only part of his mission. The other half is establishing an embassy.

Nesheea, Sorceress of the Ebony Tower: Thesalva's daughter. Seems determined to drag her mother back to Naggaroth. Wigmar plans to turn her to his course. Cuz no one can resist the Wigmar.

Even though elves are ageless, she seems younger than her mother. Hard to tell exactly how old she is. Sixty maybe? Very young for an elf to be a full-fledged sorcerer. Looks a lot like Thes. Less lean muscle and horrendous scares and more curves and flawless skin.

Aneeshka, Witch Elf of the White Heart: One of several witch elves in the group. Assigned to protect Nesheea. Half crazed berserker, half murderous assassin. All in a very enchanting package. Unlike most (all?) elves Wigmar has met, Anee has blonde, almost white, hair and blue eyes. Maybe she's a mutant?

Other NPCs

Professor Quintus Fassbinder: Respected professor of both law and Reikland history at Altdorf university. Secretly specializes in such fun fields of research as mutants and cults. Connected to the temple of Verena and Frau Dunkelberg's little inquisition.

Rand von Grünburg: Son and heir of Graf Dolph von Grünburg (Grünburg is an important trading town on the Tefuel - the same river that flows through Übersreik). His father's proxy at the 2499 Reikland Diet. Knight Griffon (of the Altdorf chapter). The Grünburg clan has had connections to the Griffons since the order's inception.

Dong (Nacht): Emmanuele's bastard half-brother. He's half-Cathayan.

Eligible bachelorettes

Fidelia Leitdorf von Averland (mentioned only): Grand niece of the Elector-Count of Averland. She's a bit on the young side, but that'll sort itself out. They do, however, say she's a bit too skinny to be a good child-bearer, which could be a major issue for a future Emperor. 

Veranda von Bildhofen: Second daughter of the Duke of Carroburg. She's the right age, of a fine family (rich and powerful), and is said to be very pleasant to look at. They also say she's got quite the appetite for a woman her age. Whatever that means.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 49 (Back to the Reikland)

 

9 Erntezei 2449, Halmstadt's Tower

We reached Halmstad's tower.

Ankh's old body was indeed dead - and consigned to the pyre. We suspected as much. But more mysteries awaited us. Herr Halmstadt had become possessed by the same entity we now believe latched onto Ankh as early as Castle von Wittgenstein. The working theory is that Ankh pushed himself too hard and had some sort of fit. And the entity used this opportunity to gain a foothold.  

Long story made short: I was forced to slay Halmstadt to banish the entity. The glowing runes on the sword certainly helped. Afterward, we had a chat with Hugg. He's now the protector of the tower and will assume Halmstadt's identity. It has to be that way. None of my lady wizards are suited for the job (or want it), and no one wants a goblin wizard running around (most Reiklanders are so small-minded, for good reason, I might add, but still small-minded).

Hugg will keep the two elemental crystals safe. The daemon combined the fire and earth gems before we had uncovered his identity. That wasn't supposed to happen, but it did. We can't undo the merge, so the next best thing is to keep the crystal(s) safe in the tower.

Annika was absolved of her sins one final time - I decided to keep mine - and Herr Müller was laid to rest. If ever the Reik was home to a good-hearted man, it was him. He will be missed.

11 Erntezei 2449, Liberungen

I'm back home. Everything looks mostly like it did when I left. I see marked improvements in some areas, but in others, not so much. I wish progress was faster, but I must control my impatience.

Question: Where did Isolde go? And why?

I got no good answers to the latter. I'm sure there is something odd going on with her. Isolde hardly leaves Liberungen. She's not the type to steal away on an adventure.

Thesalva (with Anna in tow) is on her trail. It leads south, to Nuln.

13 Erntezei 2449, Übersreik

So much to do, so little time. Matters of trade. A parade. Meetings with the powers that be. Tiring.

15 Erntezei 2449, Grausee

Grausee has been cleared of taint. The unspeakable darkness has been banished. Shallya and Morr will watch over my town from now on. The castle is to become my military headquarters. Liberungen shall remain my home.

18 Erntezei 2449, Blood Keep

We dealt with the vampire plague that had taken root in Blood Keep. Seven Blood Knights and their Grand Master had enthralled the garrison and was feeding on the local population. We defeated them. The sun god proved his worth. I shall ask Emmanuelle for these lands. She will agree, I'm sure.

22 Erntezei 2449, Nuln

Nuln.

Did a bunch of stuff... but most importantly, helped the Sultan of All Araby establish an embassy in Nuln. Or is the right term consulate? Doesn't matter. As payment for my troubles, I was awarded Yasmina, 17th Daughter of the Sultan. Should I marry her or just keep her around for pleasure?

Oh, and someone has ordered (and paid for) four 24-pounder cannons in my name! They are monstrous and beautiful. And darn expansive. I wonder who's behind the purchase and to what end.

On to darker matters. Bova was here. She's warned me that the Adlerverein has been labeled heretical. Its members will be brought to justice. I'm exempt, but Emmanuelle is not. Which explains why she's fled to Wissenland!

30 Erntezei 2449, Nuln

Emmanuelle asks me to come pick her up in Pfeildorf. She will come with me to Altdorf. We'll sort out this heretical business.

32 Erntezei 2449, Pfeildorf

We met up with the Elector-Countess in the river town of Pfeildorf (formerly the capital of Solland). She was more youthful and vibrant than ever. The years have truly been kind to her. 

It does help that her body double is around my own age or younger. That's right. Emmanuelle fears for her life, so sends a double to the capital. I'm to treat her as I would the Countess. I can't wait.

2-3 Brauzeit 2449, Kemperbad

A brief stop in lovely Kemperbad. The Emperor has "besieged" the city from the river - four warships are anchored outside the harbor. The Emperor is most displeased with Kemperbad's unwillingness to comply with his edicts. So basically, there is a trade war going on. According to my old friend, Otto, smuggling is at an all-time high, and he hopes the blockade lasts forever.

Thesalva and Anna passed through here at least eight weeks ago, so we've fallen further and further behind. They continue to Altdorf.

5 Brauzeit 2449, Altdorf

We're finally here, in the capital of the glorious Empire!

PRIEST CAREERS

There may be some adjustments to skills and talents to comply with the new rules.

Initiate

WS	BS	S	T	Ag	Int	WP	Fel
+10	+10	+5	+5	+5	+10	+20	+15

Skills: Academic Knowledge (Astronomy or History), Academic Knowledge (Theology), Charm, Heal, Perception, Read/Write, Speak Language (Classical), Speak Language (Reikspiel)

Talents: Lightning Reflexes or Very Strong, Public Speaking, Suave or Warrior Born

Trappings: Religious Symbol, Robes

Career Entries: Hedge Wizard, Knight, Scribe, Student, Vampire Hunter, Witch Hunter, Zealot

Career Exits: Barber-Surgeon, Demagogue, Friar, Priest, Scribe, Zealot

Priest

WS	BS	S	T	Ag	Int	WP	Fel
+15	+15	+10	+10	+10	+15	+25	+20

Skills: Academic Knowledge (any one), Academic Knowledge (Theology), Channelling, Charm, Common Knowledge (any two), Gossip, Heal, Magical Sense, Perception, Read/Write, Ride or Swim, Speak Arcane Language (Magick), Speak Language (any two)

Talents: Armoured Caster or Master Orator, Petty Magic (Divine), Strike to Injure or Strike to Stun

Trappings: Prayer Book, Writing Kit

Career Entries: Flagellant, Friar, Initiate

Career Exits: Anointed Priest, Flagellant, Scholar, Steward

Anointed Priest

WS	BS	S	T	Ag	Int	WP	Fel
+20	+20	+15	+15	+15	+20	+30	+25

Skills: Academic Knowledge (any two), Academic Knowledge (Theology), Channelling, Charm, Common Knowledge (any two), Gossip, Heal, Magical Sense, Ride or Swim, Speak Arcane Language (Magick), Speak Language (any two)

Talents: Aethyric Attunement or Meditation, Armoured Casting or Fast Hands, Divine Lore (any one), Lesser Magic (any two), Seasoned Traveller or Strike Mighty Blow

Trappings: Noble’s Garb

Career Entries: Priest

Career Exits: Demagogue, Flagellant, High Priest, Scholar, Witch Hunter

High Priest

WS	BS	S	T	Ag	Int	WP	Fel
+25	+25	+20	+20	+20	+25	+35	+30

Skills: Academic Knowledge (any three), Academic Knowledge (Theology), Channelling, Charm, Common Knowledge (any two), Gossip, Heal, Intimidate, Magical Sense, Ride or Swim, Speak Arcane Language (Magick), Speak Language (any three)

Talents: Aethyric Attunement or Meditation, Armoured Casting or Mighty Missile, Etiquette, Fast Hands or Strong-minded, Lesser Magic (any two)

Trappings: Religious Relic

Career Entries: Anointed Priest

Career Exits: Politician, Scholar, Witch Hunter

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 48 (Parravon Act 2: The attack)

 

26-28 Vorgeheim 2449, Parravon

The armies of Zul have been bled dry before the walls of Parravon. They tried crossing several times, but our gunfire - the cannons in particular - held them at bad. Zul's magic was a challenge, but not insurmountable - we had the Damsel of Parravon to protect us from the worst.

On the final day, the works crossed the river using a magically created bridge (more stone magic) to the north. Warned by scouts, Liberungen and Parravon joined together and defeated them on the field. The dragoons were hit hard, but it was a glorious victory for us. 

Note to self: Must have more cavalry. Our ability to maneuver and go on the offensive is limited.

Zul snuck into the city - I'm guessing more magic - with a handful of bodyguards. Long story short: we clashed beneath the temple of Myrmidia and he was finally brought low. The Earth crystal is now safely with us. I have also verified the whereabouts of the Air Crystal. It seems safe.

30 Vorgeheim 2449, Parravon

I received a letter from Isolde. It was... peculiar... I don't believe it. Sending Thesalva and Anna to track her down.

I'm also happy to write that Ankh is back. He's now more firmly entrenched in the body of pie-boy. It'll be a few years, but eventually, he'll grow into a man. We're thinking that the old body may finally have succumbed to the heart illness.

32 Vorgeheim 2449, Parravon

Cultist attack in the city! 

The Purple Hand tried to murder me but the Red Crown stopped them. Or maybe it was the other way around. Hard to tell, but they are all dead now.

3 Nachgeheim 2449, Parravon

The second battalion arrived in the afternoon.

5 Nachgeheim 2449, Parravon

We crossed the partially repaired bridge and sought to bring Zul's remaining forces to battle.

The enemy briefly skirmished before routing. I released the cavalry to pursue. 

On the plus side, the cavalry got some good training, but the second battalion infantry never engaged, but the artillery was barely across the bridge before the enemy ran away.

The green menace has been dealt with completely.

9 Nachgeheim 2449, Parravon

Baron Desmond Descartes has been brought to justice at the end of my blade. His foul priestess was sent screaming back to hell and his accomplishes dealt with. 

The Duke seems pleased. Philippe was reinstated as the noble ruler of the Descartes lands. My soldiers were released from Parravon's service. Our contract is completed in full.

18 Nachgeheim 2449, Parravon

Secured a trade deal with Adolphus Drücker (despite the name he's Bretonnian, but obviously has Reikland roots). Quite clever I must say, using his daughter, Wilhelmina, to gain access to the man in the first place. See's quite the little minx. She will come with us to Übersreik. I've sworn to protect her honor. And I will. Against other men.

24 Nachgeheim 2449, Parravon

Leaving Parranon for now. 

Our wagons have been filled with loot and trade goods. We bring with us more than fifty Parravonian recruits and a handful of men from the wider world. And enough good horses to get the cavalry battalion going.

27 Nachgeheim 2449, Parravon

We helped Philippe take possession of his lands and castle. Our next stop is Karak Azgaras. The roads are not good, but we will press on. If snow comes early... we could get stuck on this side of the mountains.

5 Erntezei 2449, Karak Azgaraz

Finally reached the dwarfhold. I presented my sword - which I got re-hilted in Parravon - to the loremaster. He examined the 12 runes that appeared on the blade when the Damsel examined it. 

The old dwarf was quite intrigued. It's an ancient sword - not Solland's lost Runefang - and the runes are written using a very old system that's no longer used. Not all the runes have magical powers. The loremaster promised to delve deeper into the mystery.

6 Erntezei 2449, Karak Azgaraz

I'm taking le Trois, our questing knight, Pie Boy, Ulfberth, and Annika with me through the tunnels to see Halmstad. The army will go the long way, down into the pass and on to Übersreik. Soon, we will be home!

Letter from Thesalva

You discover this letter hidden inside a book that wasn't on your shelf the last time you visited Nuln: Castranova's Guide to Pleasuring Women (translated from Tilean, amply illustrated). 

Wigmar

In case you come this way, I had my assistant write this letter (a copy is sent to Liberungen by barge).

My target passed through Nuln a while ago, perhaps as long as six weeks.

Some effort was made to obfuscate its next destination, trying to make it appear that the south was the goal, but I’m confident the target met someone in the city, and together they took a river boat north. If I am not much mistaken Kemperbad is where I must go next.

I will write again when I know more.

T.

Letter from Bova

The letter is delivered by a sleepy lawyer's assistant very early in the morning after arriving in Nuln. All he knows is that he's supposed to provide the letter and a small velvet pouch (containing a silver ring engraved with a set of scales, where the scales are balanced on a downward-pointing sword).
 

Bova von Dunkelberg

Alfdorf, 17 Nachgeheim 2499

Wigmar von Liberungen

 

Greetings and salutations.

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am well. The Order is well.

Excuse the brevity of my letter, for my time is in great demand at the moment.

I write to you for several reasons.

First of all, to thank you for your outstanding efforts regarding Fall Adler. Without your tireless and selfless work, I do not think the members of the Adlerverein could have been brought to justice as quickly, nor would we have been able to catch them all.

Relatedly, if you should run into trouble with Imperial authorities or the temple of Sigmar - its zealous witch-hunters in particular - over your involvement, show them this letter and the zeal of office (enclosed). Explain to them that to infiltrate a cult, you need infiltrators, and infiltrators are not cultists, but good men under Verena’s protection. If that doesn’t do it, refer them to me, so that I may bring them before the Grand Theogonist and the High Lord Steward, both of whom have a personal interest in the matter and will be most distraught if anyone interferes with the process.

Secondly, to thank you for your service to the people of Nuln. Without the grain and other foodstuffs provided by your mercantile contacts, the common people of Nuln would have suffered terribly. The irony of having used the Adlerverein to procure these commodities at bargain prices has not escaped notice. Rumor has it that the matter – and your name – was mentioned to the Emperor and that he had a laugh.

Unfortunately, the High Lord Treasurer has been nagging about the matter for some time now, demanding to know the whys and the hows and the whatnots. There was also something about owing the crown a lot of gold – for this and other things. I’ve told him, repeatedly, that I’m not a merchant. You may have to explain the details of the transfers to his representatives.

Finally, to request your presence in Altdorf. If you come for the Diet session, all the better. If not, I hope to persuade you to come, nonetheless. I have matters to discuss with you and there are some people I would like you to meet.

Until next time,

May Verena guide and protect you

Bova

Letter from Isolde

 

The letter arrives shortly after the defeat of Zul, carried by a guild messenger (no doubt at great expense).

Dear Wigmar,

I hope this letter finds you happy and in good health.

I’m pretty sure it does. You’ve got Thesalva and Ulfberth at your side, an army at your command, and the sun on your face. Travelling the world, living from one day to the next, yet dreaming of what is to come. Always the happiest when you’re out there in the dangerous unknown.

By the time you read this I’m long dead. Well, not for real, I hope. But to the people of Liberungen and the Reikland I’m dead and buried. I caught an imaginary fever, probably the one that so ravaged Grausee. The servants were horrified to say the least, thinking they were next. Good thing Rick was there to care for my body (he’ll stay to guard the children – he’s too conspicuous to bring along) as no-one else wanted to be near it...

I arranged for a private little funeral near the manor. You should have an official ceremony one once you get back, I suppose. Just don’t dig me up, because the grave contains the body of a woman that really did die of illness. Grieve for me a little, then find yourself a fine lady of high birth, multiply your lands, and be happy.

I suppose you might wonder: why?

It’s simple. I’m just not meant to be a mother and a wife. When I look at our children I… they are rather cute and funny at times, but I really can’t be bothered to let my life revolve around them. As for being a wife… I enjoy a bit of luxury, I truly do, but it’s such a meaningless life. What am I to do? Drink all day long? Fuck the stable boy? Sleep with the scullery maid? Have the stable boy whip the maid? Smoke the lotus flower? It's not me.

What I want is to be on the road. To travel. To see far-away places, to meet exciting new people. To sing and play and watch the crowd dance for me, mesmerized by my craft. That’s what I want, so I’m doing it. That’s one thing you’ve taught me: if you want it, you must try and take it. And so, I will. Take it or die trying.

If you want to be angry with me, fine. I’m not angry. I remember our days together very fondly and would not be without any of it, even if some things did not turn out as expected. Wanting to be the master of my own life you can blame Anna for. Annika must take the blame for kindling the flames of my desire. The rest is on me - and on you, for making me grow a spine.

I don’t know exactly where I’m headed, but it’s going to be far away from Liberungen lands. Far enough that no-one will ever recognize a dead woman.

Live in the light, have fun in the night

Isolde