Winter 986 - Chilling Out

The Winter passed uneventfully for Brother Cedric. No attempts were made on the bakery all winter, and the village was peaceful, leaving him time to concentrate on his duties at the Lodge. With the winter snows cutting the village off for most of the winter, there was little to do but sit by the fire and keep warm. Simple survival was more important for everyone than trying to find and destroy their enemies. Time enough for that when the Spring finally arrives once more.

Ragnar did not rest up and spent the winter travelling through Altengard and Ekra. The journey was slow but without incident. Ragnar had decided that his best opportunities for fame and glory lay in Zog-Rot, the land of the goblins. Few would cry if he raided a goblin settlement or two and he thought that the goblins' habit of raiding their neighbours may have led to them amassing sufficient wealth to make it worth Ragnar's while.

September 986 - Win Some, Lose Some.

Several weeks later a messenger arrived requesting Brother Cedric’s presence in Elmsbrook, the main town of the area. It was signed by the local Baron and Brother Cedric had little doubt as to what it was about. Several days were spent in preparation, which were mainly spent reviewing again the Royal Edicts and ensuring the village would be adequately defended in his absence. Brothers Cedric, Wilfhelm and Klaus and the guardsman of Guy de Rope set off towards Elmsbrook. It would be at least a four day journey to get there.

Upon arrival at the town, they had first to get past the guards at the gate, who seemed very suspicious of anyone bearing arms. Their attitude didn’t change that much upon viewing the summons. Eventually they were lead towards the citadel. Here they waited for several hours before being lead into the presence of the Baron Leblanc.

“Ah, so this is our Brother Lawyer is it? Well you’ve caused me some slight headache here, but not as much as Sir Guy,” indicating the official nearby. Sir Guy glared at Brother Cedric with burning anger. If looks could kill, Brother Cedric would have been a pile of ash on the floor at that very moment.

“Well we’ve look into the matter and it appears you were quite correct. So, in light of his mistake Sir Guy has generously agreed to reimburse the money he mistakenly took from the Brethren land. If you could just let him have the guardsman back he so carelessly left behind.”

The guardsman walked back towards the official and an attendant walked to Brother Cedric bearing a large purse of money.

“Thank you, your lordship. I shall ensure this is returned to the correct people.” With a small bow, Brother Cedric turned and left the chamber.

“I think you may have to deal with our little friend in the near future Sir Guy. Wouldn’t do for these Brethren scum to get too above themselves would it?” said the Baron.

Another Talk the Talk encounter, but this time a less favourable result for Brother Cedric. He lost the encounter leading to the local official taking one of his men for a while. We agreed that it would be the return of the man that Brother Cedric had previously gained, since that fitted the story nicely. Words by Steve.

August 986 - A Taxing Question

There was a commotion at the bakery. This would simple not do, so Brother Cedric went to investigate. An official from the Border Kingdom was arguing with Griselda and several of his guards were standing around menacingly.

“I am here to collect your taxes. You have not paid any this year,” the official said.
“Yes, we have, sir,” replied Griselda, "I showed you the receipt earlier."
“As I have already explained that was income tax, this is property tax,” said the official.

Brother Cedric approached the official. “Hello I’m Brother Cedric and in the absence of the Lodge Master, I’m in charge of the Lodge. Can I be of assistance in this matter?”

“Not unless you are going to pay the property tax for this ... this woman!” exclaimed the official angrily.

“I’d love to help you," Brother Cedric replied smoothly, "unfortunately this building happens to be on Lodge property. I’m sure it’s an honest mistake you’ve made, but the village entire lies within the boundary of land gifted to the Brethren. This would be covered by the Royal Edict of 980 on the Brethren land. Also I think you’ll find that according to the Edict of 981, it exempts those lands from paying income tax to the King. That, I think, means you owe this young lady some money, and likewise probably most of the people in the village. You will probably need to check this with your superiors, before returning with the money, so I think I’ll hold on to one of your men until you return. Call it a sort of reminder."

For a moment it looked as if the official might try something. His hand moved a fraction towards his sword. Then it abruptly dropped to his side.

“Very well, I shall consult the Edicts to do with the Brethren.” He almost spat the final word. “You stay here and watch them,” pointing to one of his guards.

“Remember the name Sir Guy de Rope, for it will come back to haunt you.” With that he strode off with his men to their horses and was soon heading out of the village.

"Oh, Brother Cedric," breathed Griselda huskily, "Thank you. You have saved our dough again. How can I ever repay you?"

This was a simple Talk the Talk encounter with the local authorities. Brother Cedric wowed the official with lots more successfully passed die rolls than the official got. As a result he obtained one of the official's men for the rest of the adventure. The bakery was saved for another time and peace reigns for a little while longer. Words by Steve.

September 986 - You ist not from roundt hier, ja?

Travelling further into Altengard, Ragnar and his group arrived at Beetleburg, a small town near the capital of Altengard. Things were going peacefully until a group of locals decided to have a go at the group. The thugs’ leader accosted Ragnar while he was enjoying a quiet pint of beer, but quickly backed down when Ragnar stood up. The newly healed scar on Ragnar’s face, the travel-worn clothes and the obviously used weapons all made Ragnar seem more imposing despite his years. The thug changed his mind very quickly. Before you could say Peer Gynt, the thugs were Ragnar’s best friends.

This was a Talk the Talk scenario. Ragnar encountered some locals and beat them on the Talk the Talk table. Simple and quick.