[7thseafreiburg] Fifth Session The Vagabond Said to the Bishop...

[Lev Lafayette]

Sunday 8th February, 2015

Following Dr. Serijo's suggestion to the Eisenfürst of Freiburg, Nicklaus
Trague, that stamp duties on contracts be increased for lawfulness (see
session #2), the opportunity has arisen to the see the results of the new
policy, and with some perhaps unexpected results. Indeed the increase in
Contract Stamp Duty have increased lawfulness - for those who can afford
the new prices. For those who could not, they have sought cheaper and
inferior sources of enforcement, and those on the margins have had to make
a difficult decision on risk versus benefit.

In addition, a more immediate economic problem occurs in the area under
the aegis of the Drachenheim Civic Improvement Association (Bürger
Verbesserung Gesellschaft). Although plaques noting the protection of the
professional guard are placed on those homes that are under protection,
other households also receive the benefit of safe streets at night
(especially now that the Mad Dog militia are scattered, in the most
literal sense). Complaints are being received by paying residents who
object to these 'free riders'.

With an additional new freiter and eight soldats sourced by Axel and now
employed by the Association, a door-knocking campaign, emphasising the
benefits is carried out, along with a public works program for cleaning
the streets of refuse (fortunately the river is nearby!). The campaign is
an astounding success with another 24 households (a total of 48 out of 60)
in the region agreeing to pay a now reduced rate of 6 guilder monthly fee,
for protection and some sparkling clean streets. Not only that, Lady
Drachemheim announces the upcoming establishment of a school for the area.

As per 1 Quartus, 1688
Income: 288 guilders per month
Expenses: 16 guidlers per month for 2 freiter, 72 guilders per month for
18 soldat, 36 guilders per month for 12 clearners, 24 guilders per month
for 12 irregulars, 32 guilder per month for council uniforms and
equipment. Total of 180 guilders per month.
Assets: 366 guilders.
Liabilities: None.

Meanwhile, Dr. Serijo is contacted by Reynalo Nunez del Torres, of the
Foxes Den, a Castillan gentlemen's club on the other side of town.
Reynaldo mentions that the organisation, Los Vagos, wishes to 'kidnap'
Bishop and High Inquisitor Felix Guzman de Rivera. Bishop Guzman has
fallen out of favour with the Inquisition in recent times and it would
dearly like to leave the Church, but is under guard at all times. Los
Vagos offers 500 Guilders to the individual or group who rescue the Bishop
from his captors. The Bishop is currently in Freiburg in search of Holy
Relics that were lost during the War of the Cross.

Dr. Serijo brings this message back to the group who, after some debate,
decide that Bishop does indeed require rescuing. Initial consideration is
given to the Marcketplatz, where the Ussurian trader, Tabor Rye, is known
to have such a relic. Other deceptive options are suggested including an
attack with several members of the Association's soldats dressed as
Bishops!

Eventually the party decides on a course of action. A likely map of his
journey from the Drachen Cathedral to Marcketplatz, with irregulars
following the Bishop's movements.  A number of Association soldats with
cludgels, led by Alex and Bryon, take position incognito to ambush. Dr.
Serijo makes smoke bombs from saltpeter and sugar with these passed to
Lady Drachenheim who adopts a rooftop position. Boats are placed on the
river to aid the escape of the Bishop and party.

At the allocated time the party launches their attack. With the benefit of
surprise they quickly take down some of the Bishop's guards. But the
guard's counter-attack is effective, some locking themselves around the
Bishop and the others taking down some of the soldat. They attack quickly
and gain the initiative; but from the rooftop, Lady Alice fires both
pistols into the back of their leader. This breaks the guards and the
Bishop is whisked away to the halibut-filled cellar of a fisherman's
cottage...

Veldi 2, Quartus, 1688

Experience points:  3 Dr. Serijo, 5 Lady Alice, 5 Lord Bryon, 5 Offizare Alex


-- 
Lev Lafayette, BA (Hons), GradCertTerAdEd (Murdoch), GradCertPM, MBA (Tech
Mngmnt) (Chifley)
mobile:  0432 255 208
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