Fantasy Warhammer: The Dragonliche

[Da Doofus]

The Old World has forever been a bastion of the Empire’s eternal vanguard against encroaching darkness and terrors from beyond its borders. Most provinces have some sort of nuisance terrorizing the roads or forests; whether they be the twisted Beastmen, the bloodthirsty and brutal Greenskins, or the infectious blight of Chaos.
In recent months, word has spread of a growing Greenskin problem on the southern border near Averland. However, in the Moot; such things bear no weight.
The rolling hills and simple folk live their day to day lives in relative peace. Halflings dominate the population, but travelers often pass through for the local brews or in search of work. Maybe the occasional adventurer would pass through along the Old Dwarf Road, but such is not the case for one young man out of Stirland.

Lorenz Baumann rode along in his horse-driven wagon on his way to Eicheschatten. Ignorant of the world outside his home village, for the most part, the recent adolescent has left behind the cottages and fields of Stirland to the Mootland and beyond.

 

[Chai_T3a]

As the rolling hills finally gave way to civilization, Lorenz Baumann's craving for adventure finally felt satisfied. For year's he had been dreaming of a moment like this, a dream he was not sure would ever be fulfilled. He was days from home the familiarity of home, in a completely alien environment with nothing but the carriage and a few more days worth of supplies. A situation he found to be absolutely perfect.

As far as he knew, this town was Eicheschatten, at least that's what he had read posted on a rickety sign a few miles back. He wasn't expecting a town filled with halflings, yet then again he wasn't expecting much of anything. His home village of Riederich wasn't a hub of innovation, culture, or anything for that matter. His life there was like living in a bubble. All he saw were the same damn human faces, the same scenery, the same damn everything. The place was such a dead zone, he was pretty sure it wasn't even on empire maps. That didn't matter now though, for at least the near future, he wouldn't have to go back to that life.

A smile appeared on his smug face as he looked around, wondering what the day would bring.

 

[Da Doofus]

The view of the Mootland capital was pleasant and serene. Fields of crops awaited harvest , the distant figures of stout Halflings pulling the wheat and driving work mules along the fenced properties. The sun was bright, yet the temperature was not too hot.
The road led over an uphill path where the rooftops of Eicheschatten could be seen.

 

[Chai_T3a]

Just being able to see the roofs of Eicheschatten's buildings was enough to send Lorenz into a fit of excitement. This place really was a marvel for the senses, the sun shone brightly, unlike the shadows and shades he was used to with the expansive tree canopies at Reiderich, in fact, the general lack of trees meant he could see further then he ever could back home. Even the air felt different here then at home. He couldn't wait to finally leave this damn wagon and explore the place.

Lorenz continued to follow the path.

 

[Da Doofus]

The Moot was a quaint town that clearly functioned as an agricultural community, however the town itself bore a central cobblestone road and a few buildings of recognizable Empire architecture. The sigil of Sigmar and Ghal Maraz graced the doors of what could be assumed was the town hall.
Halflings mingled, bartered, and smoked elongated pipes in every corner of Lorenz’s eyes. Not a frown was seen, although a few of the child-sized beings eyed the stranger suspiciously.

 

[Chai_T3a]

Lorenz yanked the reins connecting to the horses as they entered the urban area, signalling to the horses to slow down. The amount of people and infrastructure increased more and more as Lorenz neared Eicheschatten's town center, and it quickly became hard to move the wagon even slightly. Lorenz hadn't seen such a lively place in his whole life. His urge to jump down and join in on the hustle and bustle was strong, but he had enough self control not to do that. First thing's first he needed a place where he could drop off his supplies and stow his wagon. He wasn't going to risk losing his supplies and wagon to a thief after all.

In that case, it would probably be a good idea to ask for some directions. That came in the form of a nearby halfling who had already long made eye contact with Lorenz. He seemed apprehensive of the young man, but that wouldn't stop Lorenz from talking to the man.
"eh!" He said, voice booming to catch the halflings attention. "You reckon I'll find an inn somewhere round here?"

 

[Da Doofus]

“Eh?” The brown-haired Halfling scowled through gapped teeth. “Oh, aye. The Combed Crow.” He pointed a chubby finger West and sucked on a tooth.

A portly Halfling woman in a corset passed by, her curly red locks dangling down into her exposed cleavage.
The man directing Lorenz shifted his attention to the scanty woman and followed after her dopily.

 

[Chai_T3a]

Lorenz was ready to thank the man, but found that he had already left. Following some scantily dressed women god knows where. He couldn't help but laught at that. He would have done the same thing if said woman wasn't like.....3 feet tall.

He kept his eye scanning, looking for said building that the halfling had mentioned. He hoped for a soft bed, and a big room, knowing that with the jobs he would be taking that he'd probably have enough to afford such things. He knew his mentor had told him to find and attend the mages college, and attending said college meant saving up heeps of money. It was crucial due to his status as a hedge wizard. Said man had done it out of caring for Lorenz, and he knew that, but he'd finally managed to get out of that crappy hometown of his for once. Enjoying himself a bit definitely wouldn't be much of a harm. He'd hid his magic all his life. Frankly, the possibility of getting caught by a witch hunter was too small for him to care at the moment.

It wouldn't be long until he found the establishment the halfling man had mentioned. Lorenz stopped the horses, and got off the wagon, grabbing his supplies from the back. He'd only heard stories about the lively atmosphere of an inn, time to actually see it with his own eyes.

 

[Da Doofus]

The Combed Crow’s sign was a carved wooden depiction of a black bird with a cartoonish grin on its beak as a red comb swept over its brow.
Sounds of gentle violin music came from inside along with muffled laughter of the locals partaking in the Mootland brewed ales.

 

[Chai_T3a]

The muffled sounds of music urged Lorenz to enter the establishment. He didn’t waste any time in gathering his supplies and entering the building, eyes darting every which direction as he entered.

 

[Da Doofus]

Halflings by the dozens made up the majority of the Crow’s denizens. Some sat at the bar gulping down mugs of scented ales that filled the inn with a honeyed, alcoholic aroma; others sat at tables enjoying roasted chicken and vegetables.
Also, the diners enjoyed mugs of similarly smelling ales.

In the corner, a trio of the short people played the jovial tunes heard outside with flushed cheeks and tapping feet of bare skin and hair.
The pleasant, yet gluttonous, scene was interrupted by a hand on Lorenz’s shoulder. Given the firm grip, and lack of stretching to reach, it was definitely not another Halfling.

“Evening, kind sir.” A soothing yet stern voice spoke behind him. “If by chance you have any weapons on your person . . . Best that you go ahead and relieve them now. Mr. Burkins would prefer no trouble in his inn.”
The accent was unlike most he’d heard from Empire citizens. It was faintly like a Nordlander, but different.

 

[Chai_T3a]

The atmosphere that Lorenz found himself surrounded by was absolutely blissful. The aroma of fresh ale and good food soaked the air around him. Making Lorenz more then just a bit envious of the halflings way of life. He could totally get used to this, lounging at a table with friends, pissed drunk with a whole chicken in his belly, what a life. That friend part would need a bit of working on, but he was sure he'd meet people along his journey somewhere.

Speaking of meeting people, it seemed he'd be doing that rather quickly today. The firm grip on his shoulder caused him to turn his neck to meet the eyes of the man. The man had a thick accent as he requested him to unarm, clearly not from around here.

"Just got the staff, and a few knives in the pack." Lorenz pointed to his back. Probably not the best idea to mention the staff. The intricate thing had been a hand down from his mentor before he died. It was sturdy and light-weight, made of some kind of metal that Lorenz didn't recognize. The top of the staff curving like the crescent of the moon. Having that thing out in the open meant a higher chance of someone catching wind of his secret. But Lorenz, in his state of excitement, didn't really seem to care that much in the moment. "Mind if I just keep them around eh? Don't feel like digging them out." He added.

 

[Da Doofus]

The hand shifted, and a human man stepped in Lorenz’s path. He was a few inches shorter than Lorenz, but in his mid 30’s. He had ragged red hair, and a beard stylized to the modern Empire fashion. His left eye was milky white and had a scar over it.

“If you want to drink here, you follow the rules.” He said.

 

[Chai_T3a]

Lorenz cocked his eyebrow at the sudden shift of tone from the man. With the eye screwed up like that, this guy looked and sounded like he wasn't someone who'd take no for an answer. Not that he was planning on persuading him anyway.

"Okay okay. Don't have to throw a hissy fit." Lorenz raised his hands defensively, before digging around in his bag to find the 2 knives he had been using as tools on his journey here. It took him a while, but he managed to find the 2 blades and hand it to the man. "There."

 

[Da Doofus]

The bouncer took the knives and stuffed them into a satchel on his side.
“You’ll get em back when you leave.” He nodded and made a subtle salute.
“You enjoy your stay, sir.” He said before returning to his spot by the door.

The jovial interior of the Combed Crow was returned to Lorenz’s array of choice. The bar; where drinks were served in exchange for coin, or perhaps a corner table should the traveler desire a bit of privacy. In the farthest side, a desk was built from the wall and a fat/(fatter) Halfling was seemingly in charge of the rooms at the Inn.

 

[Chai_T3a]

Lorenz reciprocated the mans salute, giving him a shit-headed grin as he headed straight for the bar. There wasn’t even much of a choice there, as the prospect of a few good drinks outweighed his sense of judgement to actually get a room first.

He sat down on a bar stool, procuring a coin from his pocket as he waved over the bartender.
“Give me whatever you got.”

 

[Da Doofus]

“Aye. I’ve got Milligan’s, Shroener’s Brew, and for a bit more I can give you a mug o’Bugman’s.” The red-nosed Halfling grinned and showcased his drink display.

“Make it a double of the Bugman’s, and keep em coming, Grombolgi. I’ve had enough of your umgak grog.” Another patron bellowed from a table nearby. He was larger than a Halfling, but smaller than a man. A Dwarf by no mistake, and one clearly already inebriated.
The people of the Mountain Holds were seldom seen in such rural areas, especially in the Mootland.

 

[Chai_T3a]

"Jus' gimme whatever that guy said he wanted." Lorenz said, pointing over at the Halfling. He didn't understand half the shit he had just said, but it didn't stop him from knowing that whatever the Dwarf had asked for was gonna get him really fucked up. It'd been such a long time since he'd been in this kind of company, and Lorenz really missed it. He hadn't the bartender whatever the man needed to make him the drinks.

As that happened, he turned to said dwarf, swivelling around on the wooden chair to face the man. Might as well strike up a conversation with someone else here. Besides, drunk people were fun to talk to. "You don't look like you're from here." He said, cutting straight to the point. "What's a dwarf like you doing in...whassit called. Eish shatten?"

 

[Da Doofus]

“Drink and a place to rest my head, manling.” The Dwarf stroked his dark brown beard, slightly stained with beer.
“Khazu Ironbrow; now you go.
Bad luck to drink with a complete stranger.”

 

[Chai_T3a]

"Lorenz Baumann." He said, adding a small curt bow in emphasis. "And I'm just wandering around. Searching for adventure and coin. All that explory stuff."

 

[Da Doofus]

“Aye. I meself wander about for whatever life tosses me way.” He sat back and wiped his mouth of lingering beer droplets.
“Whether it be a flagon of ale, a fight, or a lass for a quick f-“

“Three Bugman’s Brews, gents.” A Halfling woman in a green corset bounced to their table to set three metal mugs of foaming ale.

“Vallaya’s Blessings, finally.” Khazu laughed and snatched up one of the ales to gulp noisily.

 

[Chai_T3a]

Lorenz couldn't help but burst into laughter as he pieced together what Khazu was about to say before getting caught off. He had to say, this mans accent made it pretty hard to understand him, considering he'd never met a dwarf in the flesh before. But the novelty of it only made it that much better. He gave the hostess a quick thanks, before looking back at the dwarf.

"Well then Khazu was it? I feel like we're gonna get along real well." He added, grabbing the ale from the table and holding it up in the air. "To a future filled with flagons of ale, fights, and lasses for a quick fuck!" Lorenz hollered with almost no inhibition.

 

[Da Doofus]

“To long years and longer beards!” Khazu bellowed loudly and slammed the mug on the table. His dark brown beard moistened from the drink, and his cloth shirt was stained from his prior indulgence. The chainmail shirt beneath it was old and broken in spots, but still functional.
“So . . . What’s your preferred means of a fight then, umgi?”

 

[Chai_T3a]

Lorenz didn't take long to down the ale, not an extra second was spent on savouring the liquid. Not unsimilar to the dwarf he sat with. Once emptied, the mug he had drank from was quickly slammed on the table, as Lorenz let out an exasperated exhale. The alcohol in his system already helping him let loose. This dwarf was really a fun guy to be around. His actions and character so distinct and outward that he could have possibly taken that medal away from him. It was a long time coming for him to finally meet someone like this. He hoped all dwarves were like this, maybe then he could live to a dwarven city instead.

"Never had to get in a fight before. But I know my way around a weapon." Lorenz answered discreetly. As much as he liked this dwarf. He still wasn't sure he'd want to share something like that so soon. "I'm gonna make a guess that a strong dwarf like you's a axe guy eh?"

 

[Da Doofus]

“Az? Not my preferred.” He sniffed. “Me hammer and shield serve me well, and if they ain’t enough then I got me Grudgeraker for . . . Close quarters.” He chuckled, and then downed the second mug.

From across the room, the human bouncer eyed the two from afar. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.