"Seeadler" at Sea, Sea of Claws
To say that the Seeadler was a maze below decks was a severe understatement, it was the maze to end them all. Sometimes it seemed like something Goedel or Esher would dream up, and unfortunately some parts of it were a badly vented maze. Such a place was the material storage which was checked by a couple of medics for contents. Amazingly they did not feel the room as stuffy, but rather liked it.
After 1 hour of stupid but necessary work, everybody looked at each other and decided for an unauthorized break. A quickly chewed gum was placed over the sole smoke detector of the room and the cigarettes and lighters came out.
The first lighter to go produced a much more spectacular effect than envisioned-the hair and clothes of the would-be smoker caught fire immediately, as did some of the normally unignitable stores and the others in the room.
Nobody had realized that two 30 liter Oxygen bottles had not been sufficiently closed during their last inspection, raising the oxygen content of the room from 21 to more than 30%, fires are very spectacular then.
Only one of the 5 Medics in the room escaped, badly burned, the others were dead. Over the next months the survivor often wished he had not.
An inauspicious start for the largest navel undertaking of Germany for more than 60 years.
D+11 Dornier "Seastar", approaching Task Force
Ilthis was an irritated Elf. Not because he was flying in a strange machine - he had foreseen that and knew he would land safely. Not because he had reached the Germans so late that they had to send him after the Task Force he wanted to join by a "plane". The Germans needed him so much they would have surely held their Fleet in port for him. Not because the Germans were not polite, on the contrary, even if they had a disturbing tendency to treat him like an equal and not one of the greatest mages alive.
It might have been Aeolus, his apprentice and helper. In order to look after his masters well-being he had to contact the Germans a lot but he seemed to be too much taken by them and their "technology". That this technology was making his job much easier than normal, hot water on demand, Laundry immediately available, food on order might have something to do with it.
That the Germans treated the youngling like an adult, which he surely was not might also work into it.
At present he was looking out of the Window and got explanations by the officer seated next to him. As there was nothing better to do he decided to take a look as well and to listen in on the explanations given to his aide.
"The two ships over there are "Bremen" and "Köln", part of the Escort fleet which protects the rest of the fleet from enemy ships, Critters and similar things. There are two more like them on the other side of the Fleet which we cannot see now.
The 3 Ships in that line over there are "Sachsen", "Hamburg" and "Hessen"-they are our bombardment squadron, but they can also protect the fleet from Dragons.
The ships in the middle, look THERE, are the supply ships "Berlin" "Frankfurt am Main" and "Freiburg" - the latter is a converted civilian tanker, they all have the fuel we need to move this fleet along.
The plane then made one of it`s disconcerting turns which made the sea look sideways instead of down, changing the angle of their view. 3 much bigger ships than the ships seen before now came into view. They looked decidedly different from the ships seen so far, not only bigger but well-different.
"Ah, these are the troop transports "Papenburg" and the "Regensburg" – they used to be cruise ships. And there we have the "Seeadler". Up to now Ilthies was not greatly impressed, Asur could fill the seas with sails and wood if they wished and here came less than 20 ships. What kind of great undertaking was this?
Now that they flew a lot closer he could make out humans on the ship for the first time, giving him a yardstick to measure the ship against. For a second his brain simply did not believe his own conclusions, no ship could be THIS big and not be build with magic like the Arcs of their misguided cousins.
But there it was. Recovering somewhat he again listened to the officer who was obviously excited about this leviathan
"396 meters long, 53 meters across. Engine has 108000 horsepower, good enough for 24 knots. It has 12 27 mm autocannons and numerous machine guns. But its main claim to fame is under that long shed over there, you will see later."
After that a crewmember reminded him to fasten a "seatbelt" which he learned to appreciate on landing and when the plane was lifted on deck of the ship by crane.
Much later on that evening when he was about to go to sleep he realized what made him feel so strange about the Germans: They did not stink. Neither the soldiers or their ships, it was rather strange, did they really wash themselves and their clothing like civilized beings?
Humboldt University, Audimax, Berlin
Owing to the fact that the first real report of the Exploration teams was important for several ministries, which meant a large group of persons needed to be in the know and a large number of exposits, the largest auditorium of the prestigious Humboldt University had been cordoned off by security.
Maike Herligkoffer and her old Professor, Siegmar von Schürbein, were the two scientists delivering the report, enriched with showings of the knick-knacks and foundlings brought back.
"While there is a baffling numbers of languages which are similar to our Earth-languages, most obviously the Reikspiel of the Empire, in the Southlands and the Far East we recorded human languages with no connection to Earth. We make an assumption here, but the evidence hints to the possibility that these groups are the true natives of this World, unlike the most certainly transplanted people of the larger nations."
"Dr. Herligkoffer, how complete is the exploration of this world? And even more important, what about the local nations?"
"Well, the exploration will not be complete for years, maybe decades to come. We still have a lot of white spots concerning the deep interior of most continents, but when it comes to the major nations, our maps which came with us to this place are more often correct than not, except the scaling, the distances vary be a wide margin in some cases.
Concerning diplomacy, Herr Minister... We had more than one harrowing experience with the local cultures. This is a hostile world-"
"Understatement of the month!"
"But we have managed to open diplomatic relations with 41 nations up to this day and are working on more. I have to admit, in this count are several so called Border Principalities included, which are not overly large."
"What about the Great Powers?"
"So and so, I´m afraid. I don´t think we have to remind you about the very tense situation along the western border-"
"Sorry to interrupt you Maike," could be heard coming from the chancellor, who was a bit acquainted with the young scientist, looking up from her cell phone display, "There are disturbing news coming in. The Daimyo assembly in Kagoshima informed me that one of their recon teams encountered one Bretonnian army traversing the Reik into Nipponese territory, the one we already feared was coming. But the 55th Landwehr reports a second Bretonnian army preparing to cross the Reik several kilometer north of Xanten.
The only saving grace is that this world runs slower than Earth. We have enough time to finish this meeting, which is important for our outlook on the next future too and then go into a strategy sessions on how to handle the Bretonnian problem. Maike, please continue."
Several state secretaries could be heard moving and leaving, preparing the coming meetings.
"Eh, thank you, Frau Bundeskanzlerin! Well, about Bretonnia does not need more to be said. The situation is now fully self-explanatory.
The relations with the Empire are clear as well. I think you know more than us. Kislev is very cautious, but that the Empire has opened relations with us, works in our favour. How the future develops concerning that country hinges on our behaviour. Help against the Chaos hordes is always welcome to the subjects of the Tzarina.
The Dwarfs, as far as we can say for now, are negatively influenced by our arrival. We act as the final straw in a division which had been brewing for centuries. Dwarf society is very conservative, but there are elements present which are more progressive. Our mastery over things the Dwarfs saw as their sole specialty, brought out this conflict into the open. Until this internal problem is solved, we can anticipate help in the case of a major Chaos-incursion and trade, but more is very improbable.
After their serious loss at Swinemünde, we have opened relations with two major Norse tribes, the Skraelings and Gothlings. Trade, done with foresight, might turn around their perception of us. We are able to deliver things essential to their survival up North, this is a trump. We might be bring one or two others of their greater tribes at the tables, but not more.
Estalia, Tilea and the Border Princedoms are another thing to be careful with. Their internal divisions make stable relations with more than parts of the full territories difficult.
Albion can be put on the backburner for now. The local "British" are an extremely insular society and difficult to reach. It seems a magical effect makes pinpointing the position of the Islands very tricky. The main reason to keep watch is the fact, that several other nations have some colonies there."
"I call it refreshing that the Limeys here do not anything to frak up the balance of Power for once. A toast to the fantasy version of the fruity UKIP!"
Suppressed laughter could be heard among the attending people.
"The polar opposite, as far as islands go, is Ulthuan. Their mastery over magic make the High Elves a force to be reckoned with and they are the main colonial power on this world. Unfortunately from our perspective, them being Elves and a state as near to a true Great Power in Earth definition, makes them supremely confident. And-"
"In other words, they are arrogant, smug assholes on the same scale as the Darkies, just less sadistic, correct?"
"I would not have said it in these words, but you could see it so, if you wish. Araby is nearly the same as our version. A patchwork of feuding Sultanates, Emirates, all working in a web of ever-changing alliances. If not for the raw materials we dearly need, most importantly oil, I would advice to keep away. But since this is not feasible, we should keep acquaintances' with a handful of states only, to keep us from getting pulled into the bloody feuds there.
The Kingdoms of Ind are a larger, more stable version of Tilea and the Border Principalities. In the future this might become one of our most important trade partners, but at the moment we have relations opened only with the Mogul of Eschnapur.
As we hoped Nippon reacted favourably to our help for their lost brothers and sisters. Considering the circumstances on this world, we could keep them accepting if we ever would incorporate the splinter into Germany. But they showed their potential already. For the okay concerning the Kagoshima region, they want some help and a most favoured trade partner status. We gave them a guarantee for that, I hope this is... was correct?"
"Yes, opening friendly relations with as much nations as possible can only be helpful in the long run. This world has far worse enemies in petto than grumbling competitors."
"Cathay is another twin of an Earth nation here on this world. In a sense, they are as closed a society as the Nipponese are. Imagine China two hundred years back, but more aggressive in foreign matters. But where we have an opening with the Nipponese, with the Cathayans we have to begin from the start. A first line of consultations have begun, but we need more time to breach the layers of red tape. Fortunately, trade possibilities will not be curtailed by this.
There is a multitude of other human, non-human and even monstrous societies in existence. We estimate the number of sovereign nations to be higher than on Earth. We have counted 91 so far and from hearsay we can presume to be more than 150 still unaccounted for by our teams.
The greatest question in this early stage of our forced settling here is: How far do we go with trade?
To keep a semblance of the Germany we were, we need massive trade. Not only for our economy, but for crucial raw materials as well. It might taste bad in the mouths of many, but as far as trade goes, some monstrous societies show bigger promise than a lot more "normal" ones. So what shall we do?"
OLG Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
Az. 1 Ss 354/12
10.06.2521
Urteil
Im Namen des Volkes
The accused Ademir, Umuthir and Rasin are sentenced to lifelong imprisonment because of murder and attempted murder in coincidence and in multiplicity with aggravated assault and dangerous assault. The accused Hesht, Oshin, Iolaos, Jirana, Erotot, Fis, Grana, Halos, Ila, Jasla, Rotus, L (never identified himself with a real name) and Garnir will be sentenced because of complicity of said crimes, Hesht and Oshin also because of complicity of complicity of deprivation of personal freedom. The accused Hesht is sentenced to 10 years und 11 months, the accused Oshin to 10 years, the accused Iolaos to 9 years und 10 months, the accused Jirana to 9 years und 6 months, the accused Erotot to 9 years, the accused Fis to 8 years 11 months, the accused Grana to 8 years und 7 months, the accused Halos to 8 years und 5 months, the accused Ila to 8 years und 3 months, the accused Jasla to 7 years und 9 months, the accused Rotus to 7 years 6 months, the accused L to 7 years, 3 months und the accused Garnir to 6 years und 9 months imprisonment
Reasons:
I.
The accused are Druchii. On 02.09.2012 AD they captured as a part of a raiding team a small Imperial convoy in the Sea of Claws. A part of the crew was tortured and killed and the other crew was forced to drive the ships to the German coast, where they arrived on 03.09.2012 AD.
They landed near the coast near Papenburg and raided the farm of the Martensen family. There they tortured and killed the husband and the two children of the family. Only Mrs. Martensen survived, albeit with grievous injuries. She is still in coma. Because of an emergency call by Mrs. Martensen a SEK team of the local police was able to retake the farm and kill the advance party. Shortly after the police team was besieged themselves, as the main force arrived. Some hours later they were relieved by soldiers of Landwehrregiment XX. In the following fights the Druchii raiding band was enclosed themselves. The accused are the survivors of this raiding party. Their leader and some others escaped.
Knowing the result of the fight, the other Druchii set sails and killed the surviving crew of the convoy except three, who were also injured in grievous ways.
The Federal Persecution Authorities and pleaded to sentence the accused because of murder, attempted murder, membership in a terroristic organization, grievous assault, dangerous assault, deprivation of personal freedom and violating of the Weapon Law.
The accused have pleaded being not guilty as they were members of the forces of a foreign country and the local customs don't protect the civil population.
These arguments were only valid to a certain point.
II.
1.
The Druchii are considered to be legally humans according to § 3 Nr. 8 of the Rassengleichstellungsgesetzes from 14.07.2012.
2.
a)
A criminal liability of the accused because of actions in the so called Battle of Papenburg does not exist. The raiding team must be considered as part of the forces of a foreign state.
Naggaroth is a state. She has the given characteristics of a state. She has an area, a population and a government. That this government is ruled by changing constellations and in dependence to certain groups is no point against this, as Germany herself is governed in a similar way, meaning with changing governments and in dependants of certain groups. Additionally parts of Naggaroth may be considered as states as well and the whole country might be a kind of a confederation similar to the EU, which also is considered having statehood.
Such a raiding team is also part of the armed forces of Naggaroth and have the status of combatants. This requires being members of the armed forces of these nation, militias, a paramilitary group getting the status of combatants after sending an according message to the enemy or of a levée en masse or guerilla fighters, if they had shown their weapons openly. In Naggaroth Black Corsairs are hired to make raiding tours. But they are also used in defense as well as offensive. Although they don't fit totally into the scheme known on Earth, they share most characteristics. That they are similar to the freelancer of the old days is another question. But insofar the local customs are to be considered, which make it necessary to reduce the status to the levels of the Thirty Years war, at least considering the status of being a combatant. A comparison with the mercenary armies of that time is mostly valid, as despite the rudimentary customs of that time they have to be considered as combatants.
That their aims were the capture of slaves and plundering of villages and towns doesn't change anything. Such illegal actions are only war crimes, which have to be tried against the planners and financiers of this raid.
Only war crimes can cause a culpability of combatants. During the fights no such actions took place. The use of such weapons might be an insult, but in this world there are no such rules banning weapons causing much pain. Because of this it can't be punished here as well. Furthermore it would be more a question of the culpability of their leaders.
b)
Culpability because of the deed before and after the fighting, the murder respectively the attempted murder of the crews of the convoy and the family Martensen as well as the deprivation of personal freedom of the slaves on the Druchii ships is given.
aa)
This isn't excluded that in this case other rules of warfare have to be considered than on Earth. Because here the killing of innocents is considered as a crime as well. The accused confess themselves, they don't grant pardon nor beg for pardon. They know, that their deeds are "wrong" in the eyes of the laws. This excludes a mistake of law in the sense of § 17 StGB. Such error is given, if the accused doesn't know their deeds are forbidden, at least in the sphere of an ordinary person, and considers it as allowed. That is not the case here. The accused know, that murder and looting is banned here as well as in their home county. But not knowing the consequences is not a mistake of law as of § 17 StGB.
bb)
A culpability because of grievous robbery of the convoy ships in the sense of §§ 249, 250 StGB is not given here as well. It is already questionable, if they wanted to keep the convoy ships. But even if we could say so, the boarding of enemy ships including merchant vessels and their use are respected rules of war and thus are justified by them as well. It is also legally accepted that boarded ships might be rebuilt as auxiliary ships, in this case as troop transports. That they are not registered by any navy is only a formality, which is not to be accepted any more as this criteria does not exist here. Even if there would be such a register, the conditions of the certain case might make such impossible, especially if there is no possibility to contact the home country. Furthermore in history there were also German manned ships, which were not included into the register, which also may be secret, but still considered implicitly as warships.
cc)
Culpability because of murder of the convoy crew in 84 cases and the attempted murder in three cases in coincidence with dangerous resp. grievous assault is given here.
Murder is given here. Murder is according to § 211 StGB inter alia a killing of a person in a cruel way or with lust to kill. Both are given here.
Lust to kill is the morbid joy to destroy a human life. Here their death should be a warning towards the survivors, a sacrifice for their god Khaine and simple joy. The latter point truly fulfills the conditions of a lust to kill. This was admitted by all of the Druchii. That they had answered the questions not knowing or understanding their rights and so violate § 136 StPO, which would lead to exclusion as proof, is not given either. Although it is necessary that the accused know their rights and also understand the introductions of their rights, there is no doubt they understood them. Not believing them or even despising the German juristical system does not mean not to understand them. Like the interrogation of the accused Jasla showed, her rights were introduced at the very beginning, but she did not want to hear them as she showed hatred towards all "Humie" rules. She understood very well her rights but did not follow them. Thus their confesses are valid proves.
Also the socialization in a society, where such actions are considered as adequate, does not excuse them either. Because such a socialization means not knowing that their deeds might be a crime elsewhere. But that's not the case here, as the Druchii know very well, that their deeds are considered as crimes elsewhere. This includes the membership in the cult of Khaine as well. Every other opinion would violate Art. 1 stanza 1 GG. The Pride of Man is universal. Every German authority is kept to uphold it. Thus they are also bound to stop Druchii ships and liberate their slaves wherever they found them out of the national waters of Naggaroth. As de facto Germany is at war with Naggaroth, see the declaration of self defence of the government from 11.05.2012, further actions are also justified.
Here also cruelty in the sense of § 211 stanza 2 is given. This is true if the killing is done by means to exaggerate the needed force to kill. This happened here as well, like the autopsies proved (p. 105-1009 of the file). The force used was so exaggerated, which is beyond imagination of most normal people and even is seen very rarely by psychopaths.
The survivors were also hurt in the intention to murder. Because some of them had received lasting damages a grievous assault is given in the sense of § 226 StGB. The assault on the other survivors, as being hurt by a weapon or a dangerous tool, means a dangerous assault in the sense of §§ 223, 224 StGB.
The officers Arasu, Uluthir and Lasin are to be sentenced as offenders and not as assistants in regards to the murder. Offenders are, who have an interest in the deed, the participation at the deed and the control over the deed. This is here the case. Both had their share on the prey promised and because of this a financial interest in succeeding with the raid. They controlled their troops and thus did not only participate but also control the raid. Also they could give orders to their troops and thus did control them. Thus they also controlled the deed, as their men would not have committed crimes if they were not ordered to do so. They did not prevent these crimes. In contrast, this was proven by the confessions of the other accused, they did not give any order to stop the massacre. Without these orders the massacres would not have taken place. Both officers had the duty to stop these massacres. Only the attempt to do so would here had been sufficient. But they did not do so.
These confessions are believable. They revealed details, which were only to people, who were witnessing the killings. Furthermore both officers had confessed, that such killings were usual to frighten the other survivors. And for fun. Because of this they had a responsibility for the deed as such.
The other accused had no such authority, but were bound to the authority of the other officers. Because of this only assistance is given here. They all were there and agreed to the killings openly and thus gave at least psychological assistance. This is also true for Z, as he as naval officer, the only one to survive, had no authority in the raid.
For the other killings after the defeat the accused are responsible as well, as it belonged to the plan to kill the survivors in case of defeat.
cc)
A cupability because of murder in three cases in coincidence with attempted murder and grievous assault in one case on the Martensen family is given here as well. Here, people were tortured and killed on a bestial way, partly also because of fun. Here a victim, Frau Martensen, survived with permanent injuries.
That none of the accused was there, is irrelevant. It was part of the plan to retrieve information with torture and killing. One group did that while the other was going to secure the other group. Such planned division of work is sufficient to cause the culpability of the accused as offenders, Arasu and Uluthir, or, as the rest, as assistants.
dd)
Because of the enslaving of the crews of their Druchii ships and their mistreatment all accused except Garnir are to be sentenced because of assistance of deprivation of personal freedom and in coincidence with assault, dangerous assault and grievous assault, §§ 239, 223, 224, 226, 52 StGB. They did not have any authority over the ships. They only supported this system by joining a force using them. With their plan to rob also new slaves and the use of slaves as oars, they supported the system and used it to do their crimes. Because of this they were also supporting the slavery of the crews. It doesn't matter slavery is allowed in their system. As a crime against the pride of man according to Art. 1 stanza 1 of the constitution slavery is forbidden everywhere outside areas, where slavery is legal. Using slaves outside these areas is a crime.
Z as the only surviving naval officer is fully responsible for these crimes as he had the direct authority. Because of this he was to be sentenced as direct offender.
ee)
Other delicts are not obvious. Either they were parts of the rules of warfare, like the capture of the crew of the convoy, or an object of legal protection was not in imminent danger, at least how the accused thought. No civilians were in danger nor any property could be taken as prey.
3.
The accused Arasu, Uluthir and Lasin are to be sentenced with lifelong imprisonment. The special grievousness of the guilt is determined. It is given because of the circumstances of the mass destruction of human life and the bestial circumstances under which that happened. That the accused show no remorse cannot be held against them. Missing remorse does not aggravate the sentence. However, missing remorse may be a sign for the danger of the public. That has to be considered, once they want to get out on parole.
The other accused are to be sentenced with imprisonment like stated in the tenor. Basing punishment is in all cases assistance of murder in two cases. The other crimes are raising the punishments. The given punishments are sufficient and necessary. That they are socialized in such a society can only be considered in favour for them in a small way. The kind of their crimes are too horrible to explain that with such a society. Furthermore the lack of reasons of such a cruelty is raising the guilt as is the kind how the deeds were committed. However, they are Druchii and will have a harder time in German prisons. This is however compensated by the fact, that Druchii live longer than Humans.
A preventive detention is excluded as the Druchii and the Ferderal Republic of Germany are de facto in a state of war. Should they still be a danger to Germany they can be retained as prisoners of war. If the war is over, they likely will not be a danger for Germany any longer.
Same day, Seeadler , 4 decks lower than Ilthies`s cabin, workshop
When the crew of the Seeadler had learned that among the "special guests" they were taking aboard would be an imperial Technikus named "Fräulein Meikle", everybody was at a loss at what to do with her. Magicians they could use, but a technicus of a civilization which still burned witches?
This had lasted exactly as long as she arrived and her at-sea trunk followed her like an eager puppy on 12 legs! One sailor quickly learned that it was not a good idea to get in the way of "Luggage", but for credentials it served just fine. There was obviously a way to join magic and technology that the Empire knew and should be looked at. That the "Fräulein" was used to work with overbearing men using guile and charm, did not hurt either.
But from sheer necessity the crew of this ship contained a far greater proportion of tinkerers which made ends meet with whatever was there. Germany still was not able to quench all demands. Some things simply could not be found, for others the needed infrastructure had to be build or re-build, it needed time this Operation could not wait for - and for that reason alone the Fräulein had taken the ships artificers by storm.
Presently they were burning the midnight oil in an effort to make something work which Meikle wanted to call "Fräulein Meikles precise techomagicological indicator" and for which the crew still searched for a better name.
The problem at the moment was that the needle of the instrument wanted to show something-but the poor bearings which the Empire could provide did not allow them to do so. So two of the ships weapons mechanics fitted the bearings from two naval clocks into the machine. (they would not be missed by the "donators" everybody hoped)
When they closed the lid all dared to breathe again. Pushing his jewelers glass up, one of the mechanics picked up a phone and made a call.
"Meister Frei, would you be so kind? Yes now. Thanks in advance and a good night."
"Ups, that late already, not lets see….."
All of a sudden the ornate indicator inside the wooden case started to move and then to stay in one direction, shaking only slightly.
"Not bad at all Fräulein if I may say so myself - that is going to help!" Fräulein Meikle executed a acceptable courtesy and then looked to the picture of an older blond man on the wall. "Do you think it would please your Patron Saint, this …."
"More like mascot then Patron Saint, Frau Meikle, and his name is MacGyver. But yes, I think it would please him greatly, wherever he may be now..."
Troop Transport "Papenburg", on the Big Ocean
Ralf Winkler was standing in front of the Cabin of his CO and counted his sins. He had no idea what could be the reason for his summons, but his lesser knowledge about military life had during the last months lead to some embarrassing gaffes he was not aware of when he committed them.
To his surprise he was not just greeted by Lt. Schneider, which he expected, but also by a Captain he vaguely recalled seeing before. When he was introduced as Captain von Marwitz he immediately recognized him as the Captain of the 331 Parachute battalion which had fought with their Landwehr company in the battle of Papenburg.
Captain von Marwitz started after the greetings:
"Good morning Winkler, sit down. We do not have much time to waste, so lets get to it: You may have heard about the accident at the Seeadler? It took 5 of my medics, and I am looking for replacements. You have experience - do you think you can do it?"
"I think so, yes."
"Then welcome to the assault."
" If I may one request? Nobody tells my wife I volunteered, or she will be more dangerous to me than the Dark Elves.."
"Can do! Assemble your stuff-we fly back to the "Adler" in 2 hours after I had some other interviews."
Same date, Seeadler, on the Big Ocean
Ilthis would normally eat a solitary breakfast but thought it would be a good idea to use this to have a look at the other mages the Germans had managed to recruit for their venture. He watched his Aide passing along the counter where food was distributed and then bring him a tray with the results.
He was pleasantly surprised: How did the Germans manage to keep food that fresh at sea? Also the water he drank was somewhat tasteless but obviously clean and fresh, a far cry from the muddy brackish fluid he had expected.
He looked around and saw several mages of the Light, Bright and Jade orders sitting at the tables. Many of them stole a glance in his direction when they thought he was not looking. Poor humans, being restricted to only one School of magic! On the other hand they should be thankful they had been thought of at all.
Suddenly he felt a strong presence behind him and turned in this direction. An impossibly tall human crouched through the entrance and then erected himself to his 2,10 meters height. Very obviously a member of the Bright Order. Ilthis thought he should be able to place him somewhere but could not. The Mage caught his eye and moved to him.
"Ilthis Silvermoon of the Brotherhood of the Tower!"
"Hannes Flammbach of the Bright Order!"
Now that was an interesting revelation: This mage was powerful enough that he had a name even in Saphery - it seemed the Germans were not playing around here.
"I have a meeting with the Germans in a few minutes, but I hope that we can meet shortly after that."
"I would welcome that, Master Silvermoon."
Seeadler, Wardroom
The picture of sail ship caught Ilthis´ eye. Looking closer he read the name "Seeadler" was the meaning of that?
"This is the original "Seeadler" from nearly a hundred of our years ago. Like this ship she was a converted civilian ship and had an illustrious career. She managed to evade her foes for more than a year, sank more than a dozen ships and killed nobody during the process. A good example to follow, but I fear that this time it is not possible.
The name is also a play on our task, so let me introduce on what we plan to do..."
A habitat Tower in Naggaroth
The Tales describing Lady Moriths beauty are many, describing in various ways a supreme Dark Elf with the sign of Slanesh who could hold the mind (and other parts) of Elves and human in thrall. Currently no casual observer would be able to match the sight in front of him with these tales as her face was coated with blood and less savory substances. Both of her arms were inside a would-be witch who had failed her duel she was to fight for final admission into the cult.
She had been pathetically grateful when Morith spared her life, only to find that her fate was far more cruel then simple death. It was a testament to Lady Morith`s art that she was still clutched in the claws of unbearable pain and ecstasy after all she went through.
All of this was of no interest to Morith who`s eyes were turned inward. Her doings had amused one of the demons of Slanesh enough that he gave her what she needed - information. When he (?)...it was finished she looked down and by a quick turn of her hands ruptured blood vessels that would kill her victim eventually.
"Hag Graef is going to be assaulted? Now what do we do about that? This could be really interesting." Absentmindedly she licked along her fingers while pondering what course to take. Helping Malus Darkblade without recompense was out of the question – but a help at the right time might help her establish her cult there in the open. So many options-so much excitement to be had…
