**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Fri Jan 3 11:32:29 2025 Jan 03 11:32:29 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Jan 03 20:14:46 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Jan 03 20:15:35 * Morgan stretches, getting a few things together before going to find Karlsruhe Jan 03 20:15:35 *Karlsruhe is found at the cottage with Mainz and Federest Jan 03 20:15:35 * Morgan knocks on the door Jan 03 20:15:35 * Molly is now known as Karlsruhe Jan 03 20:15:35 Come in Jan 03 20:15:38 * Morgan goes inside Jan 03 20:15:40 * Karlsruhe , Mainz, and Federest are gathering up the things they might need Jan 03 20:15:42 Gentlemen Jan 03 20:15:44 *they all greet him* Jan 03 20:15:46 With your permission, I'll be joining you Jan 03 20:15:48 * Karlsruhe smiles Jan 03 20:15:50 Of course, your Excellency Jan 03 20:15:52 Turns out I just cant leave it alone Jan 03 20:15:54 * Karlsruhe nods Jan 03 20:15:58 It could be hours Jan 03 20:16:00 * Morgan nods Jan 03 20:16:02 I know. Jan 03 20:16:04 * Karlsruhe nods Jan 03 20:16:06 Are you ready? Jan 03 20:16:08 * Morgan nods Jan 03 20:16:10 Aye Jan 03 20:16:59 Fed: I can show you where we saw them before Jan 03 20:17:09 * Molly is now known as Federest Jan 03 20:17:14 That'd be a good place to start Jan 03 20:18:35 K: Have you eaten? Jan 03 20:19:05 Not in a while, no Jan 03 20:19:49 *Mainz gathers up some food from their cottage and chucks it in a cloth bag* Jan 03 20:21:00 *They take a sword each and two lanterns, but the risk of catching the notice of the poachers is high if they light them too quickly* Jan 03 20:21:24 You know those need to stay out, yes? Jan 03 20:22:37 Yes but we might need to track them at some point Jan 03 20:23:03 * Morgan nods Jan 03 20:23:06 Lead the way then Jan 03 20:24:14 * Federest does so. They progress past the lake which reflects the moon, and he can make out the beginnings of construction being planned out here Jan 03 20:25:50 * Morgan nods a little to himself Jan 03 20:25:52 K: We need to take them alive Jan 03 20:26:04 * Morgan nods Jan 03 20:26:11 Its -exceptionally- difficult to question the dead Jan 03 20:27:27 *this makes them laugh. The route west takes them to the newly constructed walls of the special garden, the place where she’d felt the quickening two weeks ago Jan 03 20:28:01 * Morgan sighs quietly Jan 03 20:28:59 Something wrong, my Lord? Jan 03 20:29:13 Just... missing my wife Jan 03 20:30:34 * Federest nods “I had a letter from Hannalore” Jan 03 20:30:44 Oh? Jan 03 20:31:09 Lord Rosenkrantz has ended their courtship Jan 03 20:31:24 I see... did she say why? Jan 03 20:31:55 The usual. It’s not you, it’s me, and so on. She thinks there’s another woman on the horizon Jan 03 20:32:07 He's not like that Jan 03 20:32:15 * Federest shrugs Jan 03 20:32:26 that’s all I know Jan 03 20:32:50 * Morgan shrugs Jan 03 20:32:52 She's wrong Jan 03 20:33:06 Either way, it’s over Jan 03 20:33:19 * Morgan nods, looking around Jan 03 20:33:24 That causes you some pause? Jan 03 20:35:04 *they continue to progress in the dark now-woods* Jan 03 20:35:07 It does Jan 03 20:35:40 * Morgan nods, looking around warily Jan 03 20:35:42 Why? Jan 03 20:36:05 we don’t work together now, but I still deeply love the girl she nice was Jan 03 20:37:13 * Morgan nods, glancing toward Karlsruhe Jan 03 20:38:34 *Karlsruhe is looking around, giving nothing away Jan 03 20:40:29 * Morgan looks around again Jan 03 20:43:08 *it’s a busy wood full of rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, and who knows what else moving around, lots of small scurrying and squeaking Jan 03 20:45:47 difficult Jan 03 20:46:04 * Morgan concentrates, stretching his magic as far as possible to feel for heat sources Jan 03 20:46:21 * Federest nods “I don’t know I can do anything about it” Jan 03 20:46:43 *there isn’t anything bigger than badgers and foxes Jan 03 20:46:58 * Morgan does it periodically as he walks Jan 03 20:47:18 She seemed... different when I sw her this time Jan 03 20:48:47 * Federest nods “She’s finding herself. She’s just as beautiful though” Jan 03 20:50:53 Was she more like that when you first were together? Jan 03 20:51:08 * Federest smiles Jan 03 20:51:46 she was always fierce and strong willed Jan 03 20:52:44 There's a shock(!) Jan 03 20:55:30 * Federest chuckles Jan 03 20:55:47 She was more of a dreamer then and more idealistic Jan 03 20:56:28 * Morgan sighs Jan 03 20:56:32 I used to be Jan 03 20:57:42 * Federest nods Jan 03 20:57:53 me too Jan 03 20:59:19 Doesn't really gel with the image of Eiseners most countries have... Jan 03 20:59:57 * Federest nods, shifting the route north west Jan 03 21:00:23 They don’t see we fight for ideals, not just violence Jan 03 21:02:03 * Morgan nods Jan 03 21:03:09 * Morgan sweeps the area again Jan 03 21:04:21 *the variety of wildlife out here is good, this land is obviously healthy. They press on. It’s getting close to his northern boundary when Federest and Mainz decide it was about here* Jan 03 21:05:06 * Morgan nods Jan 03 21:05:08 Whats your plan? Jan 03 21:06:30 K: Now we’re going to need to spread ourselves out and wait Jan 03 21:06:39 * Morgan sighs, nodding Jan 03 21:08:01 *they do so. This leaves Morgan alone amidst the dense tress in the dark Jan 03 21:08:28 * Morgan looks around before moving to press his back against a tree, standing totally and utterly still, reaching out with his magic Jan 03 21:10:47 *he can sense the three others, and some wildlife. It’s cool and dark, and it’s hard not to miss his bed in Sudlachenburg where Molly and her growing belly are Jan 03 21:11:14 * Morgan frowns, trying to concentrate Jan 03 21:14:11 *It becomes more of a struggle as time passes. It’s been longer than he’d ideally have left her for when considering the effect of her being pregnant upon his libido Jan 03 21:15:19 * Morgan scowls, sweeping the area again Jan 03 21:17:38 *nothing has changed, though there’s a Fox very near him* Jan 03 21:18:44 * Morgan slowly crouches down, settling still again Jan 03 21:19:55 *it comes to sniff him Jan 03 21:20:16 * Morgan stays still, looking down at it Jan 03 21:22:06 *the last time he was this close to a fox was when Molly was first sparkly in the graveyard at Koln, and the memory of her so appealing, soft, and feminine on the grass fussing the sleepy fox stirs him Jan 03 21:23:41 * Morgan shakes his head a little Jan 03 21:24:55 *the fox runs off. At the periphery of his sensing, he can detect three riders on horses Jan 03 21:27:15 * Morgan quietly moves to whoever was nearest to him Jan 03 21:27:26 *this is Karlsruhe Jan 03 21:27:46 * Morgan gently puts his hand on Karlsruhes shoulder Jan 03 21:29:24 * Federest is now known as Karlsruhe Jan 03 21:29:43 * Morgan whispers Jan 03 21:29:57 Three riders, three hundred yards or so Jan 03 21:30:36 * Karlsruhe nods Jan 03 21:30:50 How do you want to proceed? Jan 03 21:31:18 * Morgan feels for their direction of movement Jan 03 21:33:16 *they’re very slowly moving south east. they’re only just into his land Jan 03 21:33:47 Need to not spook them... I'd say headed... south east... Jan 03 21:36:17 * Karlsruhe nods “I’ll take your word for it. We could try to come around behind them Jan 03 21:37:07 * Morgan nods Jan 03 21:37:14 Could work aye Jan 03 21:38:41 * Karlsruhe nods “I’ll take Federest and try to get on their flank Jan 03 21:39:04 * Morgan nods Jan 03 21:39:14 Lets try to pen them in. We need to catch the leader Jan 03 21:39:25 *he hears the very faint whoosh of arrows being loosed Jan 03 21:39:48 * Karlsruhe goes to Federest Jan 03 21:40:28 * Morgan moves to Mainz Jan 03 21:42:24 * Karlsruhe is now known as Mainz Jan 03 21:42:44 * Mainz is looking in the correct direction already Jan 03 21:43:38 * Morgan nudges him before moving off in their direction Jan 03 21:44:47 * Mainz goes with him, very very quiet and watchful Jan 03 21:45:07 * Morgan moves quickly and quietly Jan 03 21:48:24 *the Poachers get within a visible range. All three are broad-shouldered, their hats pulled low. One is just preparing a shotgun, the other two looking around. Jan 03 21:48:43 * Morgan stands utterly still Jan 03 21:51:24 *the first fires a shot. Unfortunately, it hits not an animal, but Karlsruhe, based on the noise of surprise the man makes* Jan 03 21:52:32 * Morgan looks to Mainz, pushing him towards Karlsruhe before moving quietly toward the poachers Jan 03 21:53:23 *the poachers have heard the alarm, because they suddenly all turn, spurring on their horses Jan 03 21:53:37 * Morgan swears, sprinting for them Jan 03 21:54:46 *this is extremely difficult, especially as they’re retracing their route but he hasn’t been this far out. it seems like he’ll keep up, but soon loses ground Jan 03 21:55:06 *Federest is close behind him* Jan 03 21:55:06 * Morgan slides to a stop, drawing two pistols and firing Jan 03 21:55:48 *he hears someone curse, but they don’t seem to slow* Jan 03 21:56:55 * Morgan pulls an apple from his pocket, starting to sprint again before making a show of throwing it hard, aiming ahead of the horses, shouting "fire in the hole" and trying to cause a small explosion ahead of the horses Jan 03 21:59:29 *It scares the horses, scattering them but doesn’t stop them. He now has three separated quarries Jan 03 21:59:43 * Mainz is now known as Federest Jan 03 21:59:45 * Morgan swears again Jan 03 21:59:58 We... can... track... them Jan 03 22:00:10 * Morgan slows Jan 03 22:02:30 * Federest sighs “fuck it.” Jan 03 22:02:41 Karlsruhe? Jan 03 22:03:12 No idea. *He calls for Mainz and Karlsruhe* Jan 03 22:03:25 *the other two come over* Jan 03 22:03:35 K: Sorry, my Lord. Jan 03 22:03:42 * Morgan shakes his head Jan 03 22:03:44 You alright? Jan 03 22:04:03 K: Just a scratch Jan 03 22:04:25 I -think- I hit one of them Jan 03 22:04:54 Mainz: We Should press on, hopefully we’ll find someone wounded Jan 03 22:05:12 * Morgan looks to Karlsruhe Jan 03 22:05:16 You alright with that? Jan 03 22:06:08 *Karlsruhe nods* I’ve had much worse Jan 03 22:06:51 * Morgan nods, taking out his pistols and reloading them Jan 03 22:06:56 Lets move then Jan 03 22:07:50 *they all do so. The first thing they need to decide comes up quickly* Jan 03 22:08:14 Do we stay together to follow one rider, or split up for a better chance of finding someone injured? Jan 03 22:08:33 * Morgan sighs Jan 03 22:08:59 I'd say split up, but I spent a lot of time in the war wandering about on my own Jan 03 22:10:40 Mainz: I think go in pairs, that’s the best of both worlds Jan 03 22:11:16 * Morgan looks to Karlsruhe Jan 03 22:12:31 *Karlsruhe nods* I agree Jan 03 22:12:45 Very well Jan 03 22:14:19 You can choose Jan 03 22:14:33 Pairs works fine Jan 03 22:15:54 K: who do you want, my Lord? Jan 03 22:16:18 You know your mens strengths better than I do Jan 03 22:16:48 K: I’ll come with you, they can go together Jan 03 22:17:14 * Morgan nods, putting the pistols away Jan 03 22:21:54 *they go to do this. He and Karlsruhe take one track, Federest and Mainz the other. The lanterns get lit so they can see the hoofprints, broken twigs, trampled grass, and other indications of someone passing through. this is something Morgan is very good at Jan 03 22:23:18 * Morgan moves quietly, watching where the tracks go Jan 03 22:25:35 *They’re at this for an hour before they hear movement Jan 03 22:26:34 * Morgan pauses, pointing before moving sideways, close to a tree Jan 03 22:28:01 *Karlsruhe follows, but he says “Federest and Mainz just after hearing the men whisper* Jan 03 22:28:43 damn Jan 03 22:29:58 * Federest sighs “We thought you were poachers” Jan 03 22:30:14 Where the hell did they go? Jan 03 22:30:24 * Morgan looks around slowly, reaching out with his magic Jan 03 22:31:08 Mainz: looks like the paths reconverge here Jan 03 22:31:32 *it must be half past midnight now* Jan 03 22:32:03 *they must be a little too far ahead now* Jan 03 22:32:13 * Morgan looks down at the tracks Jan 03 22:32:43 *the tracks look fresh, no horse is limping, the three riders are still in the saddle Jan 03 22:33:04 They're all still in the saddle... whatever I hit, it wasn't a horse Jan 03 22:35:27 K: Pressing on, my Lord? Jan 03 22:35:54 * Morgan nods Jan 03 22:37:03 *they keep going. Half an hour later they find fresh manure that steams a little in the cool air. By then they are well out of Morgan’s lands but still in Gottkirchen Jan 03 22:37:29 * Morgan looks over the tracks Jan 03 22:38:24 *they’re still fresh* Jan 03 22:39:41 Mainz: It wouldn’t make sense for them to travel too far. There’s plenty of open land to take from. Jan 03 22:40:40 Then we still have an opportunity Jan 03 22:43:39 K: I’d make us between six and seven miles from Hafenlohr, heading due north. We’re about an hour from the border of Gottkirchen and Baden. Jan 03 22:43:56 We want to catch them before the border Jan 03 22:46:29 *they all nod. They trudge onwards, Karlsruhe and his men working well together. He himself is having to concentrate on the task at hand rather than of how he’d wanted to be on the road at dawn to get back to Molly by bedtime tomorrow, and what he would do to her once he was with her again. Jan 03 22:47:27 * Morgan concentrates, keeping an eye to the tracks and reaching out with his magic Jan 03 22:49:26 *He still can’t reach them, but he does discover that by detecting the fresh manure his magic can easily keep them on track Jan 03 22:49:55 * Morgan smiles a little, moving after them Jan 03 22:52:30 *they progress. It can’t be far from the border when Federest says “We’ve been at this a while, they’ll need to water their horses soon, and we’ll need to do the same...” Jan 03 22:53:27 * Morgan frowns, reaching out for the cooler patches that indicate water Jan 03 22:54:58 *he can find some* Jan 03 22:55:45 I think there’s a village around here... Jan 03 22:56:08 You reckon they've gone there? Jan 03 22:58:08 K: They haven’t stopped, it’s getting late, and the horses must be tiring... Jan 03 22:58:24 Mainz: I think it’s worth a try Jan 03 22:58:32 * Morgan nods Jan 03 22:58:33 Alright Jan 03 22:59:04 *they walk on* Jan 03 22:59:22 It was a prisoner of War camp... Jan 03 23:00:12 Oh? Jan 03 23:02:08 Neukloster. My older brother died in it. Jan 03 23:02:42 * Morgan thinks for a moment Jan 03 23:02:44 Never been there Jan 03 23:03:01 *the others all shake their heads* Jan 03 23:03:35 I just know it was Vaticine, but the area was Objectionist when they set up Jan 03 23:04:55 * Morgan nods, looking around Jan 03 23:06:56 *the tracks continue. Very soon there are more tracks, older ones, as expected nearer a settled area. These tracks lead right to a small village with a smattering of dark houses around a well Jan 03 23:07:10 * Morgan sighs Jan 03 23:07:29 This'll be difficult Jan 03 23:07:49 *his sense of time tells him it’s almost two o’clock* Jan 03 23:09:30 K: We need to find an Inn or a Tavern, that’s where they’d have to go Jan 03 23:09:42 At this hour? Jan 03 23:10:04 We could knock on people’s doors? Jan 03 23:11:05 * Morgan looks around, concentrating, trying to find a building with more people than others in it Jan 03 23:11:55 *He only finds one with someone downstairs* Jan 03 23:12:26 * Morgan points Jan 03 23:12:28 That way, maybe Jan 03 23:13:24 *they all go that way. They see no taverns at all, nor any shops. There is a very small church Jan 03 23:13:58 * Morgan frowns Jan 03 23:14:00 This is weird Jan 03 23:15:07 Mainz: it is. Really weird. Jan 03 23:15:31 *Karlsruhe looks around suspiciously* It’s all very clean too Jan 03 23:16:03 * Morgan nods, looking around slowly Jan 03 23:16:35 The buildings all look like houses. What sort of village has no shops, no tavern, no inn, no obvious blacksmiths... Jan 03 23:17:09 Mainz: It could just be abandoned Jan 03 23:17:48 Its not... Jan 03 23:17:56 * Morgan tilts his head Jan 03 23:18:23 *the house that he detected someone downstairs in has a very faint light in the window* Jan 03 23:18:39 * Morgan reaches out to see how many are in there Jan 03 23:18:51 Any of you betting men? Jan 03 23:19:21 *In the whole house there are two adults, three children, and a baby Jan 03 23:19:25 * Federest smiles Jan 03 23:19:36 we’ve been known to take the odd wager Jan 03 23:20:03 Bet you a guilder each there's little to no men here.. Jan 03 23:20:16 Mainz: Why? Jan 03 23:20:24 A hunch Jan 03 23:21:00 K: That’s an interring idea Jan 03 23:21:17 *Downstairs in the house is one adult, and the baby Jan 03 23:21:44 * Morgan nods a little, moving toward the house Jan 03 23:21:50 Where are we, border wise? Jan 03 23:23:23 Right on it, I think. I wouldn’t toss a coin on whether it’s Gottkirchen or Baden Jan 03 23:24:37 * Morgan sighs, nodding, knocking quietly on the door Jan 03 23:25:50 *the others stand back politely. A woman comes to the door with a nightcap, dressing gown, slippers, and a pistol. She’s in her mid forties. Jan 03 23:25:57 * Federest is now known as Woman Jan 03 23:26:14 * Morgan raises his hands to show they're empty Jan 03 23:26:19 I'm sorry to disturb you... Jan 03 23:26:47 * Woman nods, looking him over, and then the men behind him Jan 03 23:26:52 What do you want? Jan 03 23:27:10 First... where are we? What Grafdom? Jan 03 23:27:12 * Woman keeps the pistol trained on him Jan 03 23:27:25 Depends who you ask Jan 03 23:27:41 Mmmm, thought it might... no men here? Jan 03 23:27:52 They all work away Jan 03 23:28:10 Where? Jan 03 23:28:27 They’re in a mercenary group, they go where the money is Jan 03 23:28:35 Which group? Jan 03 23:29:02 Liefendlich Jan 03 23:29:29 * Morgan nods, keeping his hands up Jan 03 23:29:40 We're not here to cause trouble... we're looking for some people Jan 03 23:29:56 How do I know that? Jan 03 23:30:19 * Morgan smiles a little Jan 03 23:30:39 Very suspicious, rocking up at two in the morning, I know... what can I do to convince you? Jan 03 23:30:57 * Woman thinks about it Jan 03 23:31:43 I don’t know. The four of you could rape your way through my house and all the other houses without too much trouble, so I don’t know how I’m supposed to trust you Jan 03 23:32:09 * Morgan nods Jan 03 23:33:47 I understand. All I can give you is my word. Between four of us, we -could- have already overpowered you and I don't see rapists being the sort to worry if one of their number gets hurt in the process... but we haven't. We've stayed still, quiet and I've made no move to even close the distance, let alone attack. I've kept my hands where you can see them.... Jan 03 23:34:27 * Woman nods warily, looking them all over again. Karlsruhe comes forward Jan 03 23:36:55 My name is Karlsruhe. I once held land far from here. My wife was gang raped by invading soldiers, and she killed herself due to their actions. I would rather kill myself and damn my soul to legion for all eternity than touch a woman without her consent, and though these men are like kin to me, I would kill any of them that contemplated it. You are safe with us, on my life. Jan 03 23:37:47 * Woman nods slowly, and lets them in Jan 03 23:37:59 * Morgan squeezes Karlsruhe shoulder Jan 03 23:38:05 Don’t you be waking that baby though, she’s not long asleep Jan 03 23:38:25 *Karlsruhe inclines his head to Morgan* Jan 03 23:38:42 * Morgan nods, looking a little sad and speaking quietly Jan 03 23:39:39 *the room isn’t very warm, certainly not for a house with a baby about Emil’s age asleep in a crib, despite the fire in the grate* Jan 03 23:40:05 Is it warm enough for the little one? Jan 03 23:40:22 This is all the wood we have for now Jan 03 23:40:47 * Morgan looks at Karlsruhe Jan 03 23:41:03 First thing tomorrow, I want three trees felled and chopped, the wood brought here Jan 03 23:41:24 *Karlsruhe nods* We’ll see to it Jan 03 23:43:30 *The chairs she directs them to are very clean and smell of beeswax, but they’ve been repair many times. Morgan’s is closest to the crib where the blonde baby looks fast asleep, so similar in size to Emil in his own crib, the nursery no doubt properly warm and safe, protected by armed guards from the dangers this little girl is always at risk of Jan 03 23:45:01 * Morgan looks at the child, keeping his hands on his lap Jan 03 23:45:15 We're looking for some poachers who came this way Jan 03 23:45:20 *the others sit* Jan 03 23:45:58 They probably wouldn’t have stopped in a village like this, nothing here for men Jan 03 23:46:42 We think one was injured... is there anywhere nearby they could stop, water their horses... Jan 03 23:47:26 * Woman isn’t particularly pretty, but she has a certain air about her of self-sufficiency, matriarchy Jan 03 23:48:02 There’s a well? We have a few women who can tend wounds, but not at this time of the night Jan 03 23:48:26 * Morgan nods, concentrating for anyone not in houses Jan 03 23:48:55 Who supports your village? I mean, which Grafdom... Jan 03 23:50:21 *there’s no one * Jan 03 23:50:41 Neither. Each says we’re the others’ problem Jan 03 23:51:08 * Morgan looks to Karlsruhe Jan 03 23:51:58 *Karlsruhe frowns* Who takes your tithes? Jan 03 23:52:08 * Woman shrugs “No one” Jan 03 23:56:04 Who leads your village? Jan 03 23:56:47 I do, when the men aren’t here Jan 03 23:57:30 So, to be clear... Baden and Gottkirchen claim you are the problem of the other... neither claims the village? Jan 03 23:57:37 * Woman nods Jan 03 23:57:59 I see... I think, with your permission, something should be done about that Jan 03 23:58:51 They don’t help us, just like neither church did after the camp was disbanded. They just send in men to assess the problem... That’s always left us in more trouble than before Jan 03 23:59:24 Do you wish to be accepted by either Grafdom?