Session 11 - Of Turnips and Burgomeisters
General Summary
The story picks back up with the party in a fierce debate with the burgermeister of Silberbad and his son, Heinrich. The argument: why there are birds flying around the Rathskeller while the party claims there are none and his humors are out of balance. The party is also attempting to requisition blank pages from the Burgermeister to fulfill their obligation. The party appointed a negotiator that could match the enlightened intelligence of the fine gentleman: Belak.
Belak attempted to explain the situation to the Burgermeister. Though the conversation turned to what Belak is. Belak was able to clearly describe that he was a Belak. The Burgermeister then interpreted this as Belak being a friend, and clearly also very intelligent. The Burgermeister also bestowed the title of Scholar and Doctor unto Belak and invited him to assist with the judgement of the Turnip Competition. Totemgrabber convinced Belak to take on this role after being hesitant. Totengraber then used a sign language to tell Belak that he could then rig the competition in their favor. Belak nodded and agreed at Totem’s signs, despite not knowing any sign language. Totengraber then was introduced to the Burgermeister. After some discussion on why he was signing, it was determined that he is a life-sized puppet. The strings controlling him are invisible and magical.
This debate was successful for the party, and it was agreed that paper would be bestowed after the Burgermeister has seen an improvement in the town culture and has read our thoughts. His son entered the picture at this point and suggests we meet with the head of St. Jerome and that the party should stay in one of the empty houses in town. He also reminds the party to retrieve a turnip for the competition before the “time of first prayers,” after which the competition would begin.
As the party leaves the Rathaus, a woman passes with a unique aura that beguiles Belak, Totengraber and Klein. Klein strikes up a conversation with the woman and finds that her name is Elsa and she is the notary's daughter. Totengraber attempts to seduce Elsa by showing off his scars, but to no avail. He is then confused and insulted by her lack of positive response and immediate retreat. The party then continues to their new residence.
Upon arrival, the party first observes children hunting and killing rats in the area. Feeling disturbed by the area, Klein and Bertrand begin searching the house and examining it for creatures and curses. Luckily, none were found. Totengraber did find some talking rodents in the house though. Surprising for him, but not unwelcome. This discovery was not shared with the party. Klein decides to stick around the house and begin preparations to clean the area while the rest of the party will search for the perfect turnip to bring to the competition.
Bertrand, Bertrand (Totengraber) and Belak then arrive at the Hot Springs, where turnips are said to thrive. There they find a building set up by the folk from St. Gertrude's Abbey, who are selling hot spring water with healing properties. With the prices that they were charging for the water, it seemed limited to only the wealthy customers and all others were sent away. They do provide turnips to visitors though, and gave each party member with a small turnip. Belak got a radish that he quickly ate.
At the competition in the morning, the turnips were brought out and St. Gertrude's provided the largest turnip everyone has ever seen! Despite Belak’s protestations, their turnip won the competition. For the party’s participation, they were each gifted a vial of the hot spring water and were sent on their way.
After these events, the party settled in at their new house for a week. Chlothar spent his time at the Riese encampment copying the book, and at the house resting and gathering strength, while Bertrand and Totengrabber decided to find some work to do around town. They were awarded a contract to defend the town and provide security due to their status.
Klein spent his time and money at the Rathskeller and pleasure houses of the town. He also visited the Augur encampment, and tasked them with delivering beer to the Reese. These Augurs were not pleased to discover the true extent of the task they were given. There was also some snooping around, which led to the discovery that Elsa is engaged and to be married in the spring, to the younger Heinrich.
Belak attempted to steal the winning turnip on the grounds that it was going to a good home with him. Abbot Jonas said that the turnip would be briefly displayed before being divided among the poor, and Belak could accept that as a good reason not to steal the turnip. Instead, he was sent back to St. Gertrude's to learn their turnip growing ways and how they can cultivate such marvels. He learned from the Abbot and Sister Michaela during the week and found that the turnips grow mostly during the week leading up to the competition.
Notes
Thoughts, by Bertrand
Saint Gertrude Abbey: Location of Hot Springs.
Turnip Contest took place during the hour of morning prayer, Saint Gertrude Abbey won w/ a 600+ Ibs. Turnip!
Hot Springs are adjacent to Silver Mine (have not scouted).
Dwarves betrayed Town for money from Sensenmann.
Father Gabriel: Local priest.
Heinrich Jr. gave us a key to a residence we can claim while we are here.
Paper delivered to home.
Informed Ernst, Klein & Clothar about Elsa & Sensenmann sacrifice.
Elsa (Sensenmann sacrifice) formerly engaged to Heinrich Jr. Heinrich Jr. potential ally in plot to pin Riese against Sensenmann? Heinrich Jr. Seems far more capable than his father (current burgomeister). Maybe he feels it's his time to shine? (Regardless, should speak with Heinrich Jr about making a deal with Riese? Although, do the Riese even want a deal?)
Sensenmann will claim Elsa on All Souls Eve (2 months out).
Bertrand became retainer for Silberbad (20 marks/week).
Facilitated party at Riese camp and brought townspeople to them. (Might be a Charon, of the River Styx situation, ferrying souls to their death, yikes?!)
Report Date
07 Jan 2025
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