From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 64 (Slow boat to Kemperbad)

 

Geheimnistag, 2500

Wittgendorf, Reikland

Spend nearly two weeks riding from Übersreik to Nuln with the Prince of Averland. The Prince is a nobleman of the old guard; he likes traditions, chivalry, and old bloodlines. We got along splendidly thanks to a combination of my martial prowess and my equally fine pedigree. He treated me no worse than Todbringer or the Emperor.

Spent some time in Nuln as well. Wolfgang Hird has the Wisseland Inquisitorial coin. Von Liebwitz and Leitdorf got along much better than expected. None of that old, bitter animosity that has plagued their relationship. The Countess really is a new person. 

Reports of increased Greenskin activity in the southern mountains. I'm not going to visit the Border Princes, nor is Solland my concern. The Countess should be able the handle this; she's got ten regiments for Soll's sake. If the orks stay in the mountains, fine. If they don't, they die.

Before parting ways, Leitdorf invited me to Averheim. If not, we will meet in Parravon next year. We'll see.

I spent what free coin I had (and some credit arranged through Adler) to buy up as much grain, meats, and other supplies as we could carry (and then some). Add this to the stuff leftover from the tourney and other purchases, and I think we shall get through the Nordland winter. Expensive, to be sure, but better than having a lot of dead horses and half-starved soldiers. All I need are a few ships to sail it all through Marienburg before the autumn storms close the Sea of Claws. We'll find some when we get to Altdorf.

We stopped, mostly on a whim, at Wittgendorf on the Day of Mysteries. What a disappointment. None of the Reiksguard I knew were there anymore, and the prisoner remains secure.

Oh well, on to Kemperbad!

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 51 (A Grafin on the throne is better than one in the grave)

 

29 Kaldzeit 2449, Nuln

When last I wrote, a month and a half ago, I was heading south to Wissenland to "sort things out."

And things have indeed been sorted - after a fashion.

On the surface, everything is well down south. Von Liebwitz is back in Nuln, more vibrant and vigorous than ever, and various disloyal factions are being dealt with (most severely) by Hird. I've been given Blood Keep as my fief so that my rank and prestige are equal in Wissenland and the Reikland. Von Liebwitz was only too happy to grant me this small boon.

But there are some hidden truths that must never be exposed, lest Wissenland - and by extension, the Empire will be much weakened. Von Liebwitz is dead, brutally slaughtered alongside every man, woman, and child down in Meisen. I do not know what kind of beast could have done such a thing, but it must be a ferocious thing indeed. We shall endeavor to find the truth, but it must wait.

Von Liebwitz's double is now sitting on the throne, pretending nothing is amiss. As long as she keeps up appearances, it should be fine. I do not do this for myself, I must add. I do it for my Emperor. These are dark times, and the Empire can ill afford a complex and drawn-out succession struggle in the south.

4 Ulriczeit 2449, Kemperbad

Stopped by Kemperbad to sort things out. My good friend Otto was most helpful. The town is returned to the Emperor's good graces and will resume payment of taxes - and stop sinking the Emperor's river barges.

9 Ulriczeit 2449, Altdorf

After a brief stop in Altdorf, we hit the road again. North, towards Middenheim. To learn what ails the City of the White Wolf. And pay a long overdue visit to my "friends" in the Purple Hand...

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!

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 35 (The Black Baron of Nuln)

 

32 Vorhexen

With the Countess safely back in the city it was time to get to work. To secure for myself  my just reward(s): more guns for my own army, a proper title, and a knighthood. In the Empire's long history men have been given more for less. But I'm not a greedy man, nor foolish enough to try to eat the entire cake in one sitting.

I also took it upon myself to modernize the Nuln army. For a city that produces so many fine guns its remarkably old-fashioned. Crossbows and halberds are fine for defending high walls protected by cannon but out in the field the new muskets will reign supreme. I know it!

Captain Hird and Herr Magister Frimm will oversee the initiative. Emmanuelle will pay for it. Good thing she's a rich woman - reequipping any army like this is almost as expensive as mustering a whole new army.

Nachhexen

Couldn't let the Countess be alone on Witching Night. Who knows what evils might have befallen her if denied my protection on this darkest of nights.

1 Nachhexen, 2499

Glorious New Year. I'm hung over. Weather atrocious. Will remain in the Countess' bed for the duration.

7 Nachhexen

I'm officially a Knight Griffon and a Baron of Nuln. It was a nice little ceremony, with the Countess making me her vassal first, and the chapter master of the Griffons knighting me after (they would not even consider me unless I was a peer of the realm).

The Barony isn't much in terms of lands or income but I'm now officially a peer of the realm. Isolde is my baroness and my children will follow in my footsteps.

The knighthood is a formality. Technically I'm sworn to defend all of Sigmar's flock (especially his priests and richly appointed temples), but chance of actually being called to arms is miniscule. 

2498 was the year Wigmar Heck reconnected with his ancestry and reclaimed his birthright.

2499 will be the year Wigmar von Liberungen starts to put his own mark on the Empire.

Barony of Schwarzrauch

 

The Barony of Schwarzrauch (literally: the Black smoke barony) is a small fief a short ride outside the limits of Nuln. It comprises a small manor and adjoining buildings (where Wigmar spent some time the previous year), a few fields, and a forested hillock. It is is a recent creation (Nachhexen, 2499), granted to Baron Wigmar for services rendered unto the ruler of Nuln and Wissenland, Emmanuelle von Liebwitz. It is named for the so-called Schwarzrauch district in Nuln, where many of the cities gun foundries are located. The name is thought to be a way to honor Wigamar's interest in all things gun-powder related.

Adlerverein

Die Adlerverein (the Eagle Club) is a curious little social club that comprises Kurfürstin von Liebwitz and many of her childhood friends, confidantes, and business connections (though their number has dwindled somewhat of late).

Though the origins of the club are innocent enough, at some point it turned towards the esoteric and mystical. For the past decade (or more) it has concerned it's with the extension of human life. Without resorting to sorcery, dark pacts, and the like. 

In time, it probably would have turned to more sinister means as it's members started to feel death breathing down their necks. But in this case, it didn't happen, because the Adlerverein has discovered the secrets of the Elixir of Life. According to von Liebwitz the recipe was written on ancients scrolls carried from Araby by the Knight's Panther. This alchemical concoction, when brewed just right with the correct ingredients, and administered correctly (the wrong dose will kill you), can indeed slow aging. 

Ankh-Akh has confirmed that the potion Wigmar carries is indeed the Elixir of Life. He also claims it's the first step towards undeath and damnation: the Elixir will only keep a man alive for a limited period of time. As you grow older, you need ever-increasing doses, until such a point that continuing to take the Elixir will kill you as surely as not taking it. Then, you turn to necromancy or the dark gods.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 34 (A conspiracy, a faked murder, and the ghosts of sorcerers past)

 

17 Vorhexen

It's been... an interesting few days. 

Turns out the good Elector is part of a cult - of sorts. The Adlerverein - the Eagle Club. It has roots back to her childhood here in Meissen and includes friends of old - and new. Their current obsession is the extension of human lifespan through non-forbidden means. They've managed to create an elixir that slows the aging process. If that's true it's truly remarkable. I was given a sample of the elixir - which is highly toxic even in small dose - and will have it tested. I really do hope it's not a forbidden substance - I'd hate to have to bring in Emmanuelle dearest.

Oh, and there was a plot to kill the Elector-Countess and replace her with a cousin. A real plot by a real cult - the Purple Hand. Yes, those guys again. And this time they were not kidding around: "Kastor Liberung" has been marked for death. The order came down from the top brass in Middenheim. 

So this particular cell decided to kill two birds with one plot: murder the Countess and me both. But as usual hey got sidetracked by their own overly intricate plotting and ended up dead - every last one of them. 

It was quite clever if I may say so. Me and Emmanuelle really worked well together. With some help from Thes. But mostly my own brilliance.

Ah yes, one last thing: Thesalva has been poisoning me every day for quite some time now. It's... an elven thing. I can't really be cross with her: without her ministrations I would be dead at the cultist's hands.

The Purple Hand should be crushed in Nuln and around the Countess' person now: I've rooted out two major cells. Can't say for sure there aren't more but if there are I'd be greatly surprised. Between the Hand and Herzen's Red Crown, I've dealt the Enemy a severe blow.

31 Vorhexen

After a week and a half weather-locked in Meissen, we hit the road. We finally reached Nuln after three miserable days in the saddle. Thank the light for coaching inns and the company of noble ladies. We didn't immediately enter the city with the gates being closed up and everything. One final night on the road with the lady of the manor.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 33 (To Wissenland, to the East - or actually, to the South)

 

5 Vorhexen

Nuln was a disappointment. No jubilant minions cheering my arrival - they've all gone back north again to Liberungen. Even Renate and her colorful little boat had gone up the canals. I should be glad, I suppose, but it would have been nice to see a few friendly faces.

No Kurfürstin von Liebwitz either. She had was at her family's lands down by Meissen. So I decided to pay her my respects.

7 Vorhexen

Helped the Lord Seal deal with a grain-related problem. It started with pestilence, but investigation showed it to be related not to a contagion, but spoiled gain. Someone (or somethings) had contaminated the gain stores with sewage. The rat-men again? Or more human enemies? Greedy servants had then sold some of the seemingly fine grains instead of tipping the lot into the Reik. The result: disease.

Sometimes I amaze even myself with my wit and deductive powers.

With this cleared up we're free to proceed.

9 Vorhexen

We kept west of the Reik on our way south. It was a dreary journey. Ill weather, worse roads. In a sense the winter is better up north. There you gets snow and stuff freezes solid. This far south it's sleet and mud. No wonder the Countess didn't bother going back to Nuln!

11 Vorhexen

Ankh fell of his horse a few hour's ride past the village of Owingen. One minute he was fine, the next he was face down in the mud. We got him to the nearest coaching in (Gods he's a big man) and sent for the village doctor. He turned out to a she: an elderly (by my standards even) lady by the name of Sabine Hofstadter, trained at the University of Nuln, sent packing from the city after one too many cries of malpractice.

Ankh has a condition of the heart. It's his size, you see. The human heart is not strong enough to endure such greatness. He's fine - for now - but needs to rest in the sun. But sooner or later it'll happen again - sooner if he exerts himself - and one day, it'll kill him. Who knew the heart was such a complicated thing? A stab or a shit through the heart will kill you - but apparently so will a great many other ailments of the heart.

We had a good long talk, me and the big man. About the sun and life and how it'll all work out as long as we keep to the light. Got hold of an old carriage and sent him back home under guard. He's not fit to travel with us at the moment.

12 Vorhexen

Arrived at Meissen. Not sure what I had expected. Something bigger and livelier? What we got was a run-of-the-mill village clustered around an old family castle. Welcome to the Duchy of Meissen, once part of the realm of Solland. Does that mean von Liebwitz is actually a Sollander? I have to ask her.

Note: apparently there is also a town called Meissen that sits of the River Söll, just a few hours ride from here.

Picked up Bernt Heimler, a down-on-his-luck (read: couldn't get an appointment to present his wares to the Countess, also got robbed of his coin by the very men he'd hired as bodyguards) clothes merchant, and his assistant, young Frederick. I took it upon myself to reverse his fortunes. And the only thing I ask in return: a pretty dress for the elven lady at my side.

Called at the castle. Got settled. Got invited for a fine dinner with the Countess and a bunch of strangers. She already had quite a bit of company - but in the end, she chose the Wigmar.

I got back to my quarters well after midnight, so technically it's the 11th. I was feeling kind of funny. On account of having been poisoned during dinner. Apparently, I could have died. Thesalva told me so. Fortunately for me, Thesalva admitted to having slipped me poison on a daily basis for quite a while. So now I've built up quite the resistance to many common toxins. She's a woman of many talents my elf is.

Now she'll dress like a common maid and go snoop around while I take a really long nap...

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 32 (Detour to Achern-am-Reik)

13 Ulrichzeit

I have uncovered more nefarious business in Wittgendrof, all of it pertaining to the late Doctor Rousseaux, Lady Margritte's good friend and accomplice (and the man who tried to broker a deal with the Red Crown). It seems he was mixing warpstone dust into his remedies and feeding it to his patients. He made detailed accounts and if his records are to be believed some of his patients made astounding recoveries. Broken bones healed. Fatal diseases cured. But at what price? No good can ultimately come from ingesting chaos. Rousseaux also supplied warpstone infused rotgut to the poor of Wittgendorf. I have made a detailed recording of who has been exposed. They must be examined and properly taken care of.

I have sent word by river to Castle Reiksgard, asking that a garrison be set up here to watch the castle. And priests and witch hunters to make sure the rot is cut away from the village.

25 Ulrichzeit

A barge from Castle Reikgard arrived around midday. Eighty men under Rittmeister Grünner, sent by Feldherr Tracht, commander of Castle Reikgard, and one Father Mürt of the Temple of Sigmar. The Rittmeister was, and I cannot really blame him for it, a rather suspicious man. The good Father, however, had attended my wedding and knew me to be a well-connected man of impeccable character. With that unpleasantness out of the way the Rittmeister warmed to me and even agree to lend me the Reiksgard barge so I could transport my new recruits and all my loot to Nuln.

26 Ulrichzeit

We packed up and made ready to depart. Lieutenant Shif Doppler and his few good men, Sergeant Sigrid Stein and her merry band, and the odd villager out to see the world beyond Wittgendorf. Twenty five in number all told.

27 Ulrichzeit

A steady wind from the north, with associated sleet and snow, pushed us upriver and we arrived in the town of Achern-am-Reik, principal trading post of the Duchy of Walfen. The dead knight from the Barren Hills hailed from Walfen.

28 Ulrichzeit

Had a few days to kill while my new river boat got fixed up (quite leaky you see), so I decided to go on a little expedition to see where the man had lived. Not much to see really. After the man never returned his house fell to ruin.

32 Ulrichzeit

Stopped at Grissenwald to inquire about Etelka. Nothing interesting to be learned. She probably came this way, saw the tower ruin, then grought the remaining gobos - and the troll - with her to join the Red Crown beastmen she'd brought down from the north.

2 Vorhexen

We arrived in Nuln. Weather continues to be atrocious but at least the wind is strong and steady, pushing us upriver despite the current. 

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 27 (Along the Reik)

 

15 Brauzeit

Rode through Nuln on our ay north. Stopped by the castle to pay my respects. Found the Kurfürstin dressed and ready to ride. Going to visit her ancestral lands up by Meissen.

Before she parted wats she showed me a decree made by the glorious Emperor Lutipold I, long may he reign. There are no mutants. They don't exist. They are human like us, citizens of the empire. They are unfortunates that must be cared for an protected. Emmanuelle wasn't too impressed. I'm not sure what to think. I've met more than a few mutants and none of them were even remotely redeemable.

17 Brauzeit

Shot a fine stag in the woods east of the road. Technically poaching but what's a couple of servings of venison among nobles?

Brought it to the Red Griffon Coaching Inn and had a meal prepared. Sitting before the fire with Ulf on one side and Thes on the other, with my own sun-priest talking about how Ankh-Akh first taught men to hunt (according to Ankh-Akh anything good was given to Man by Ankh-Akh)… this is the life. 

22 Brauzeit

Spent the night in the town of Arthdorf (yes, that's it's real name) on the bank of the Reik and continued north the day after in pouring rain. It's been getting progressively colder and wetter sine we left Nuln. The charm of being on the road again has been well and truly strangled.

Later in the day we came across a brightly painted river boat drifting close to the bank, either caught on something underwater or in a backwater. We could not see any crew but the craft itself looked undamaged.

We sent Ulfberth swimming. He's our only swimmer (I have this vague idea that maybe Thesalva can swim if she really needs to but doesn't want to). He got dragged down by something. Blood and ink in the water. He resurfaced and made his way to the boat. We were attacked by a harpy or some such. I shot it quickly lest the rain ruin my powered. It fell into the river and was gone. Ulf slew a couple of unfortunates aboard the barge that tried to murder him. One had a beaked face, the other fur. Not mutants but river pirates. For which the penalty is death.

Found a crewmember alive: Renate Hausier, a young woman of (in my opinion) obvious strigany heritage. She insisted she was nothing but a good Stirlander far from home. The boat belonged to her family. her uncle, now dead, had been the captain. The other crew were also family members, cousins or whatever.

The poor girl couldn't run the boat alone so we decided to go to Kemperbad with her. Ankh will take the horses. He's a big boy. If something happens he can take care of himself.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 26 (Cursed treasure)

 

8 Brauzeit

It's been a busy few days. 

The good news first: Thesalva will live thanks to Ankh-Akh. Ulfberth is busy recruiting soldiers and I have the credit needed to get them equipped. We're waiting for the bronze cannon. The rest has been delivered.

The bad news: The dwarfs are getting worse. The first of them has died. Ankh is looking after them but even he can't find a means to cure them.

The weird: The mighty Elector-Countess of Nuln had me whip one of the court ladies with a skaven tail before showing the girl the pleasurable ways of the flash. Then the esteemed lady joined in herself. I should not have written this but I could not in good conscience skip it. If von Liebwitz had been a commoner this would have been a perversion. But because she's a Kurfürstin it's just good fun. Oh, and the girl will be sent to Liberungen. I cannot do anything but accept.

Tomorrow we leave Nuln proper for calmer pastures. Von Liebwitz has lent us a manor just south of the city. There the dwarves can recover in the fresh country air. Plus I now have in my employ seventy armed dwarfs, two score human foot, and a smattering of engineers, gunners, and other specialists hired in the city. Soon to be armed with cannon. Nobles and city councils typically don't like too many strange armies camping inside the walls.

9 Brauzeit

I quite like it down by Nuln. The weather has turned again and we're enjoying fine autumn days in the sun and cool nights. I should get me an estate here. Then I could enjoy the country life and ride in to Nuln whenever I felt like it.

On to more somber matters: three more dwarfs have died and no cure in sight. Got them separated from the others. More are feeling ill. Only dwarfs have been affected. Curious that.

10 Brauzeit

Sergeant Gort, an Ostlander veteran I've just hired, made me aware that one of the dwarf corpses had been disturbed. Someone had cut the dead dwarf open and ripped out his insides. Gruesome. I ordered the corpses burnt. Burial traditions be damned - these a plague victims, not the honored dead.

11 Brauzeit

Caught us the culprit. One of our new men. He cut up the dwarf to look for treasure. That old folk tale again: dwarfs eating gold and gems. Only this time it was true. The dwarf had gold in his belly. My gold, taken from Hertzen.

The tale became stranger still: the soldier had in turn eaten the gold and was now quite ill. The first human to fall victim to the illness. We hanged him and tossed him on the pyre. Then I made a discovery: where the dwarfs had been burned we found the remnants of fool's gold. Could it be that Etelka Hertzen had used magic to turn fool's gold into true gold? Indistinguishable from the real thing unless thrown into the fire? Another thing Hertzen owes me for.

The mystery thus solved we had the other sick dwarves put to the question. They admitted eating gold - describing a hunger they could not resist. We got the gold out them them without anyone else dying and that was that.

15 Brauzeit

I'm taking Ulf, Thes, and Ank to Kemperbad. We'll go by road, I think. It'll be like the old days. Me, my friends, and the darkly overgrown ruts they call roads in the Empire. We'll have rain and cold, get attacked by mutants, drink heavily, and dance to the fiddle. A grand adventure.

I've given my orders and directions to Greathammer, Blackaxe, and Gort. They are to remain at the manor, drill, and wait for the cannon to be delivered. Then they will march to Liberungen and report to Lady Isolde.

Etelka Herzen, I'm coming for you.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 25 (Countess most fine)

 

2 Brauzeit cont.

A most dashing rescue commenced. I was forced to shoot one fleeing cultist dead in the middle of the palace. This caused some amount of chaos but with the captain vouching for me we managed to reach the chambers of Emmanuelle von Liebwitz, Kurfürstin von Wissenland, Gräfin von Nuln, and Herzogin von Meissen the Elector Countess of the Grand Province of Wissenland. None too soon I might add.

I quickly stated my business and convinced her of my good intentions towards Nuln and it's ruler. All present parties were ordered to strip, myself included, and inspected for physical signs of corruption. None were found, so were were safe for the time being. A similar check was extended to all servants, guards, retainers, and members of the household.

Emmanuelle von Liebwitz is a quite agreeable woman. Attractive despite her years (it must be said she doesn't look a day older than thirty, if that), clever, witty, and dare I say, playful. I'd like to think of that night as the start of a long and fruitful friendship. Did we make sweet love on that night? I would never tell and neither would the guards and servants present in the room. Let's leave it at that.

3 Brauzeit

I got a fine seal on a ribbon from my new friend, Herr Junker, the Master of the Seal. It's good for the duration of my stay, no need to get it renewed. Brought a warrant for the ogre's release to the prison and had him released. He was very happy to get out. I offered him a place in my household and he gladly accepted.

After attending some other business, which included checking up on my dwarfs (doing fine - although that would soon change) and First Magister Frimm (who had some rather interesting names for me, including the name of the guard that had tried to murder me, a courtier named Mautzer that had already been checked, and Gregor, envoy - I guess ambassador - form the Moot), before meeting Wolfgang Hertz, the chief of rat-catchers (I guess someone must have such a title in a city as big and rat-infested as Nuln).

One more thing: I had little success with the local dwarfs when I tried to rouse them. Cowards and drunkards the lot of them. Told them as much to their bearded little faces. Only a single dwarf, Sturm Blackaxe joined my cause - and that was because he found my shaming of the city dwarfs amusing rather than for any great love for my cause. Dwarfs.

I would have liked nothing better than to never set foot in the sewers but von Liberungen leads from the front. Into the sewers I went with a few choice companions and Rick watching the exit (he was too big to fit). We went down during the night as it seemed the most likely time to catch the skaven about. Long story short: we found and killed a single rat-man but found no sign of their lair. Not a complete was but rather disappointing.

4 Brauzeit

After a good scrub I returned to my dear Emmanuelle von Liebwitz in the early hours of the morning (more like noon) to present her with my findings: rats in the pantry so to speak. And who do I find in her chamber but another rat? The vile cultist (though I readily admit a most well-trained and handsome man) named by Frimm: Freiherr Mautzer. I called him out. He tried to slink away but the countess would have none of it: a duel would determine right or wrong in this matter. Long and short steels, bare chests, to the death. We fought on the balcony and he was quite the swordsman but Philippe - curse his name - has trained me well and I ran the bastard through and threw him from the balcony.

Note to self: check up on the halfling envoy.

I spent some time in von Liebwitz's charming company, sharing with her my idea: dam the river, divert water into the sewers, flush out the rat-men. She was not as exited as I had hoped. Something something great damage to the city, something something unhappy rich people. I suppose I see her point: if it was my mansion filling with sewage from below I would be most cross.

At the same time, she wanted dead rat-men and their tails to prove it. I had not the heart to tell her no, so into the sewers once more. But before that I took the opportunity to see to my other affairs. My credit was starting to dry up but with with Master of the Seal on my side my writ with Nacht's seal regained its power. Recruitment resumed, the flow of equipment resumed, the innkeeper didn't toss out into the streets, and everyone was happy again. Except Greathammer's dwarfs who had contracted some disease and were therefore of no use.

The city dwarves, however, did come through this time. The head of a skaven, put on a tavern table, was what convinced them to stop drinking and moaning, and grab their arms and don their armor. They may be cowards and weaklings, hardly worthy of being dwarfs, but they have not forgotten the old enemies like we humans have.

5 Brauzeit

On the 5th of the Brewing Month, while the rest of Nuln was busy with Market Day, we descended into the bowels of the city. Von Liberungen, his loyal Thesalva and other henchmen, a contingent of city dwarves (and the Blackaxe), a trio of rat-catchers to guide us. Funny how the rat-catchers had known about the skaven all along but told no one. Because no one wanted to listen. At best you'd get ignored, ridiculed, or chased out of town. At worst you'd get arrested for inciting unrest. Harsh penalties for that in any city.

We rummage around for hours not fading a single rat-man. All day into the evening. It was not until I diverted from the main party with Thesalva and subsequently got a little bit lost that we ran into trouble. It was very dark to begin with and with no daylight we were almost blind. Even Thesalva could hardly see. We stumbled into a pocket of foul fumes we had avoided earlier and bumped into a few skaven. We slew them quickly and stumbled out of the areas, eyes stinging, throats raw.

That's when I realized: the skaven were using the fumes to hide. No one could live within the could of gas so the rat-catchers avoided them. The entrance to their lair lay within. I also most cleverly deduced another fact: the rat-men had used gas on Rock to knock him out. That's why he had fainted. My streak of brilliance did not end with that: I used my lantern to set fire to the gas, burning it away and giving us safe passage.

I'll not bore you with details of the battle that followed. Suffice to say than I and Thesalva took point and slew many rat-men in the pitch-black tunnels. They only light we had was from rocks the skaven carried around their necks, charms that produced a fait green-tinged illumination. Enough for Thesalva and the rats to see by, but not for me. Something wonderful happened then: Ankh-Akh save my actions and knew they were just and he knew my heart was good and so he sent me light to see by.

Wounds we took aplenty. Beautiful Thesalva was felled by cruel blades of pitted iron. I fought with the strength of an ogre to keep our assailants at bay, waiting for the dwarves to come to our aid. They finally did when we were both hovering near Morr's door. I put and end to the skaven menace by tossing an entire satchel of grenades down the main hallway. It collapsed, burying the rat-men forever. With my last bit of strength I hauled my dying sea-elf princess to safety.

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 24 (Murder most foul)

33 Erenzeit

We entered Nuln some time after noon on the last day before the autumn equinox. It was a good time to enter, hardly any delay to get past the throng of commoners waiting to pass through Südtor, the southern gate. The Faulestad was anything but lazy, swarming with people of the lower classes about their business.

Took us most of the day to get to Der Halbinsel. Had a very good conversation with First Magister Felix Frimm based on some papers we had liberated from Hertzen. Fortunately he was not in any way in league with the villain, just an unfortunate business associated scrupulously duped and exploited. Frimm was kind enough to arrange for a small warehouse on the docks in the dwarf quarter. Left Greathammer and his men there to guard the treasure and get some rest.

Then on to the Vine & Grape. Can't have a baronet sleeping in no warehouse. The inn was full but my gentleman captain convinced them to arrange for accommodations. Ulfberth is a good man to have around and not just for killing. He's also good for beating people up - or scaring innkeepers.

Mittherbst, 2498

I have no real memories of the autumn equinox. I had intended to visit the gunsmith but got out of bed late and then got distracted by Joanna. Then someone mentioned today was the two month anniversary of my wedding and there was toasting and cheering. One thing led to another and lots of schnapps. Celebrating my newfound dwarfs and chests of gold. At some points everything blurred together: flesh, drink, and gold. I could get used to being filthy rich.

1 Brauzeit

First really chilly day. Wind and a light drizzle coming from the north. Summer is definitely over but down in the south we're as likely as not to have fine weather for another month. Nuln is so much nicer than Middenland.

Had another chat with Herr Frimm. Some boring business stuff. Names and numbers mostly. Potential associates of Hertzen's and such. That's when he informed my that Waldermar von Wilderstein had been murdered. Richter - Rich - the eunuch ogre had stabbed him and thrown him from the tower. The murderer was locked up in the Iron Keep awaiting execution.

My good friend von Wilderstein dead? At the heads of his own servant? It made no sense and I determined to get to the bottom of the case. No thanks to the city watch I quickly determined that the ogre most certainly hadn't done it. Unknown assailants had come up from the sewers through a narrow tunnel they had dug. They had murdered the master gunmaker and somehow gotten past the ogre. But there was more afoot. Money was mission. Schematics and prototypes also, including the breech-gun. Who knows what else they might have taken.

I did contemplate diving straight into the much so to speak but decided against it. After Bögenhafen I've become rather unhappy with sewers. Besides, the culprits would be long gone and Nuln has such extensive sewers I figured we needed aid from the local rat-catchers to find our way. No need to ruin my boots for nothing.

Popped by the prison to have a chat with the ogre. The guards were not very agreeable but then again it's their job not to be. Herr Feigel, the prison's director, was most helpful however. I was able to question Rick - and have the director promise to put his execution on hold for the time being. The ogre told a rather different tale: a sudden assault by black-clad assassins, fighting to defending his master, smashing the puny things to bloody pulp, then suddenly feeling nauseated and dizzy, then nothing. When he woke up the master was dead and the city watch had him arrested.

2 Brauzeit

Brought Ulfberth up to the castle. A gentleman must have his gentleman's gentleman at his side. Lacking that a Norscan captain of guards will do just fine. We had a good time going uphill, enjoying the sights and sounds, and sampling a few small taverns. Long story short: we got to see Captain von Grethold (despite lacking the seal of the day) and convinced him of my good intentions towards Nuln and the Kurfürstin. I told him of the gunsmith and the wrongly accused ogre. One thing led to another and soon we were deep inside the castle where the good captain showed something recovered from the sewers: a rat-like mutant, badly mangled, as if an ogre had grabbed it by the head and squeezed...

I wasn't convinced the thing really was a mutant though. It looked too much like a miniature version of the huge rat-mutant that rampaged through the Schaffenfest before I shot it dead. It looked altogether too much like the vile rat-men Uncle's housekeeper used to scare us kids with. Perhaps the Empire has it wrong and the housekeeper has it right: maybe the skaven aren't gone from the world.

On my way back to Ulfberth I was attacked by one of the guards. Completely out of the blue. No warning, just a flashing blade that came within an inch of ending my life - it instead hit the finest armor-steel the Empire has to offer. I put the villain down of course. That's when things went south: a daemon-snake attacked me, quick as a viper and fangs dripping venom. For the second time in minutes I was nearly slain but the gods willed it differently and I sent the foul think back to the Abyss.

Chaos cultists within the castle? Was no place safe? The Elector-Countess might be in danger!

From the Journal of one Wigmar Heck, pt 21 (Slow Boat to Nuln)

26 Nachgeheim

We left Übersreik for Nuln towards the end of Nachgeheim in splendid autumn weather. Myself, Ulfberth, Thesalva, Ankh-akh - and Joanna. Joanna sounds a lot like a boring old Reikland name - shouldn't strigany have exotic names like Alexa or Zabrina? I wonder if all strigany hate river travel or if it's just my strigany?

Annika was with her mistress, Fräulein Nacht, watching over her as she slept in Halmstadt's tower. Oh, and Anna is with them also. The amber wizard sort of figured out she was a little witch and took her under his wing. Probably not a permanent arrangement - she's not the same kind of wizard he is. She may have to go to Altdorf to be properly trained. If so I'll miss her terribly - but I can visit and we'll play on feather mattresses and have secret meetings under bridges.

Isolde and Emmaretta stayed at home. Both are pregnant now. One carries my heir, the other a bastard. Each shall have their use and place.

30 Nachgeheim

We followed the Grey Lady and Ober-Stimmigen canals, making good progress and reaching Stimmigen after four days on the water. This was the town I lived as a little boy, before Father passed and Mother jumped into the river. I remember little of the place other than it being a big place. It's not, I assure you dear journal. Hardly worthy of being called a town.

Not much of note happened, but we did have a nice evening slumming in some taverns. One of the  tavern owners, an older but still attractive woman, showed me an old painting of Sigmar. She thought he looked a lot like me. There was some resemblance but I think she was after my gold, my cock, or both. Kind of flattered though. It also raises an interesting question: what did Sigmar look like? I've seen a hundred different versions - there is probably one for every artist or would-be painter and sculptor.

3 Erenzeit

We reached Dunkelberg six days later after some holdups due to a malfunctioning lock. This is where I lived with Uncle and learned to soldier under Malthus. I was tempted to look up the von Dunkelberg's but did not.

Spent a couple of days on dry land to let Joanna get a breather. That did the trick and she was more fun in two days than the last ten. Had to find another barge but there are plenty to be had.

11 Erenzeit

Not entirely sure about the date. Could have been a day sooner or later. But no matter.

We followed the Upper Grissen to the entrance of the new Empress Emmanuelle canal and followed to where it reaches the Reik just downstream of Nuln. In doing so we bypassed Grissenwald but we'll go there by land (Joanna will appreciate firm ground under her feet) as soon as my affairs in the city are settled.

Had a busy few days in Nuln. Arranged for rooms at the Vine & Grape, a rather fine establishment near the river in the Kafuman District. Rather expensive though - if it gets too expensive I'll try to have Nacht pay for it though I should probably try to pay for my own food, drink, and lodging. We'll see what the final tab is.

Placed my order for guns and cannon through a man called First Magister Frimm. And elderly solicitor-turned-civil servant whose job it is to oversee mercantile affairs on Der Halbinsel (the Peninsula)m the part of Nuln situated on the tongue of land between the Aver river and the Upper Reik.

I then went to see the eccentric master gunmaker Waldemar von Wilderstein and his queer-looking eunuch ogre manservant. Purchased a fine set of pistols, an equally fine if not finer long rifle (what to call it? Nuln long rifle? Wildersteiner?), and a marvelous five-barreled repeating pistol. Never seen such a contraption before. I've heard about them, none of it very reassuring, but the master maker told me his guns were better. We shall see.

I also spent a 1000 gold, mine or the Corwn's depending on how things work out, to fund Wilderstein's research into better powders and what he called "breech-locks." If it can be made to work it will revolutionize gunmaking. if not I'll be none the worse for wear.

17 Erenzeit

We left Nuln with the sun at our backs and a warm breeze coming down from the Grey Mountains. It should take no more than two days, three if we sleep late, to reach Grissenwald. 

Finally we'll give Etelka Hertzen what she deserves: the blood eagle.

Nuln, jewel of the Empire

Nuln, the so-called Bastion of the South and the Jewel of the Empire, is the second-largest Imperial city and the largest manufacturer and exporter of munitions and black powder within the entire Empire, earning itself the title as the Armory of the Empire. Sitting at the heart of the Old World's southern trade routes, it stands as an imposing bastion, its fortified walls bristling with enough heavy artillery emplacements to arm a fleet of war galleons. In previous times, Nuln was home to the court of the Emperor and today it remains Altdorf's largest rival, both politically and economically. North of Nuln, the River Reik is too wide to bridge, and the great bridge at Nuln, whose central section can be raised and lowered through an ingenious mechanism, is one of the great marvels of the Old World. Though there are bridges at Altdorf, where the Reik divides into a number of lesser channels, it is a point of some pride in Nuln that none of the capital's bridges can be said to span the entire width of the mighty Reik.

The University of Nuln is an ancient institution, far older than the Univerity of Altdorf, dating back to the earliest days of the Empire. Though its prominence has waned somewhat, especially in the face of the "progressive" colleges in Altdorf, the University is respected and regarded as one of the finest in the world. Part of Nuln's cosmopolitan nature stems from the diverse student body that comes to study here, for wealthy parents send their children from as far away as Araby to study here. The university specializes in mathematics, philosophy, theology, and literature. Of late, the classical sciences have been expanded to include many disciplines considered false or dangerous elsewhere in the Old World. Magic is not taught in Nuln. A student studying in Nuln (as long as he avoids the sciences) receives a fine, classical education, with attention to becoming a good imperial citizen. The student body is predominantly noble, but with an increasing number of the sons of the merchant class in attendance—tuition is high indeed.

Emmanuelle von Liebwitz, Grand Countess of Wissenland, Countess of Nuln and Duchess of Meissen, is the Elector Countess of the Grand Province of Wissenland. By 2498 she's ruled Nuln for nearly twenty years. As the younger daughter of the late Elector Count of Wissenland, she was not considered a likely heir. Two things conspired to put a Runefang in her hands: she had the support of Emperor Lutipold (who they say was more interested in women than gold in his younger years) and the support of the (rich) people of Nuln. Shortly after the ascension Nuln was ceded from Wissenland and became an independent county and free city.

Emmanuelle is probably in her forties but like all the vainglorious rich (and she truly is both extremely vain and very rich) she has the time and means needed to look younger than her true age. It's said that she's personally responsible for the scandalous cut of women's garments in Nuln and the decadent lifestyle of the rich and powerful. She is not married and has no children.