THE EMPEROR LUITPOLD

The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Written by Graeme Davis, based on the novel ‘Drachenfels’ by Jack Yeovil

Updated for WFRP 2nd edition by Alexander J Bateman

Copyright © Games Workshop Limited 2007. Games Workshop, the Games Workshop logo, Black Industries and their respective
logos, Warhammer and all associated marks, logos, places, names, creatures, races and race insignia / devices / logos / symbols,
locations, weapons, units, characters, products, illustrations and images from Warhammer are either ®, TM and/or © Games
Workshop Ltd 2000-2007, variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. All Rights Reserved.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 1
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

The Emperor Luitpold

The Emperor Luitpold is a luxury river liner, named after obvious military types the full 10% discount; on the
the father and predecessor of Karl-Franz I. Run by the understanding they will post a watch during each night.
large and powerful Hindelin Lines of Altdorf, it plies the (Note that every passenger is expected to help defend
river Talabec from Altdorf to Bechafen near the Worlds the boat to the best of their abilities should anything
Edge Mountains. Built by the Spee boatyards in Altdorf in untoward happen, characters threatening to refuse such
2510, the Luitpold and its sister-ships the Emperor aid unless they are given a discount or wage will, for the
Wilhelm (Altdorf-Nuln) and the Emperor Magnus (Altdorf- rest of the journey, suffer a -10% penalty to all fellowship
Marienburg) give Hindelin Lines an unrivalled luxury fleet. tests with the boat’s crew and other passengers and may
The “Emperor-class” river liners are much favoured by very well be simply refused passage.)
wealthy merchants, those on Imperial business and the
Passenger and servants' cabins may be equipped with
lesser nobility. During the storm of Chaos the Luitpold
an extra folding bunk on request, but only if all other
service was suspended past Talabheim, and it is only
cabins of the same class are full. Berth in these folding
now returning to its full service.
bunks costs 15/- per 10 miles, regardless of the quality of

Fares the room it is placed in.

The Emperor Luitpold has two passenger decks; the

upper passenger deck holds 8 luxury staterooms and 14
The Journey
three-berth servants’ cabins, while the lower holds 16 The Luitpold's downstream journey starts at the town of
twin-berth luxury passenger cabins. Fares are as follows: Bechafen, the provincial capitol of the League of
Short Journey: 5/- (Any Trip that take less that a day to Ostermark. This is the highest point on the Talabec which
complete, No Cabin.) can be reached by large river traffic. However by
transferring to smaller craft and then to mules, it is
Bed in Servant’s Room: 10/- per 10 miles possible to follow the Upper Talabec all the way to the
Luxury Passenger Cabin: 2 gc per 10 miles Dwarfhold of Karak-Kadrin.
There are few regular stops along the first part of the
Stateroom: 5 gc per 10 miles
route, these being mainly the Talabecland capitol of
A stateroom must he booked for a minimum of eight days Küsel, and the refugee laden towns of Bek and Wurzen.
travel, calculated at 180 gc downstream and 152 gc These stops are mainly for fresh supplies, but the
upstream. Each Stateroom contains a double bed and is Luitpold will stop to pick up and set down any passengers
considered the very peak of civilised river travel. as required. Flagpoles are set up on wharves along the
route to signal the boat to stop for passengers.
All travellers apart from those taking a Short Journey get
three good meals a day. All other services such as drinks Once the Luitpold reaches the docks of Talagaad, the
and snacks are counted as “extras”, and are either paid journey becomes more regular, the boat always stops at
for at the time or added to a tab that is presented at Ahlenhof and Schoppendorf in Middenland, and often at
journey's end. Ravenstein and Volgen in Talabecland as well.
The Emperor Luitpold has a wide selection of Drinks and The boat's combination of sails and oars makes it a very
Delicacies available, and its fare is comparable to that of rapid means of travel. Its 750-mile trip takes around 16
a high-class restaurant in Altdorf. All such items are days downstream and 20 days upstream. This is an
available at double the usual cost. Additionally for 5/- average of 45 and 38 miles per day respectively.
warm baths can be made available to passengers in
travelling in one of the boat’s Staterooms. Rules of Passage
The Captain has the discretion to discount fares en-route,
but is forbidden by company regulations to offer a All the laws of The Empire apply aboard the Emperor
discount of more than 10% on the full fare. If all Luitpold. For legal purposes, the Emperor Luitpold is
passenger cabins are full, he may offer passengers any treated as within the jurisdiction of the legal authorities of
spare servants' cabins at the servants' fare. Due to the Altdorf. There are also certain rules which passengers
effects of the Storm of Chaos, the captain may offer any are expected to observe while on board the liner:

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 2
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Weapons: All passengers are only permitted to carry arrange to take some or all meals in their cabins. No
one staff or sword and one dagger while aboard the charge is made for this, but a tip of at least 2/- per person
Emperor Luitpold. All other weapons and all armour must per meal is customary.
be handed over to the Purser for safe-keeping in the
Between meals, the passengers are left largely to their
liner's strong room, although they are available on
own devices. The passenger lounge is closed for twenty
request if passengers want them for shore-visits along
minutes before and after each meal as the stewards
the way, or in the event of the liner being attacked by
convert it from a dining-room back to a lounge, clearing
river pirates. Dwarfs may choose to carry a hammer
away the folding tables and so on. A range of light snacks
instead of a sword, but no one may carry an axe under
and non-alcoholic drinks is available in the passenger
any circumstances.
lounge throughout the day, and wines and spirits are
Magic: Spell casting of any kind is forbidden aboard the served from noon till midnight; these are all “extras”, and
Emperor Luitpold without the express permission of the must normally be paid for at the time, although an
Captain. This includes the use of magical items. In account to be settled at the end of the trip is seldom
practice, this rule is difficult to enforce, but anyone openly refused.
casting spells will be reported to the Captain. Bright During the day, various deck games are available for
Wizards are viewed with particular trepidation, as the those who wish to play, and weapons practice and
boat is made of wood. Despite this member of the Bright friendly duels (to first blood) are permitted on the
College are frequently found travelling on the boat, most promenade deck, provided that a prior arrangement has
often going the full route of Altdorf to Bechafen and back. been made. Those wishing to engage in friendly
Morality: All passengers are expected to observe competition must inform the Captain or Purser before any
“common decency”. Basically, this means not doing fight. If the crew are not aware of any prior arrangement,
anything in public which is liable to shock, offend, they will treat the incident as a common brawl and step in
embarrass or outrage one's fellow-passengers. The to restrain the combatants.
Captain is the final judge of such matters. After dinner, entertainments are staged in the passenger
Religious Observance: After dinner each day, the lounge: it is common, for example, for a musician or other
Captain leads the company and passengers in a five- entertainer to work his passage in return for a reduced
minute period of prayers to Talabec, the aspect of Taal fare. Typically entertainers berth in a Servant’s Room at a
which rules over the river. Attendance is not compulsory, rate of 5/- per 10 miles. Characters with a suitable
but those who do not take part are considered impolite Performer skill wishing to strike this kind of deal must
(Fellowship -10% when dealing with any member of the typically make a successful Charm check to be accepted,
crew). Passengers are free to make any observances this check becomes Hard (-20%) if there is any more than
demanded by their particular religions, subject to the laws two other entertainers already on board.
of The Empire, but animal sacrifice of any kind on board There is a certain etiquette to be observed in the type of
is banned. entertainment provided. Anything involving fire is banned
Passengers who flout the rules of passage will be given since the Emperor Luitpold is built almost entirely of
one warning, except in extreme cases. The Captain has wood. Animal acts are not generally acceptable, since an
the power to put offenders off at the next stop, handing unfortunate incident three years ago involving a dancing
them over to the local authorities if Imperial Laws have bear. Finally no entertainment may include material that
been broken. is insulting to the Emperor, the nobility, or any of the
major religions, or which is in any way “in bad taste” (as
A Typical Day decided by the Captain). These rules are explained at the
outset, and any breach can result in the Captain
A day aboard the Emperor Luitpold revolves around disallowing part or all of an entertainer's discount. If an
mealtimes. Breakfast is served an hour after dawn, lunch offending performer protests that he can not pay the full
at noon and dinner at 7pm. Mealtimes are announced by fare, the Captain will hint darkly that he has a contact in
the boat's stewards, who walk the length of the the staff of the notorious Mundsen Keep debtors' prison
passenger deck ringing small hand-bells. Meals are in Altdorf.
served in the passenger lounge, but passengers may

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 3
The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 4
The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 5
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

The Crew of the Emperor Luitpold

Captain Mikhail Iorga Bosun Hans Sauber

Merchant (Ex Bailiff – Ex Riverwarden – Ex Mate) Sergeant (Ex Boatman – Ex Mercenary)
“ Enjoying the journey, I trust?”
trust?” “ PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT!”
IT!”
Appearance: Middle-aged, burly, bearded. Appearance: Strong, scarred, unshaven.
Personality: Taciturn, punctilious and efficient. Personality: Abrasive, professional, brusque.
Motivations: A trouble-free trip. Motivations: Keep the crew from slacking.

- Mikhail Iorga - - Hans Sauber -

WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
47% 42% 34% 48% 46% 57% 53% 58% 57% 45% 51% 44% 47% 39% 41% 49%
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
2 14 3 4 4 0 0 0 2 15 5 4 4 0 0 0
Skills: Academic Knowledge (Law), Charm, Command, Skills: Command, Common Knowledge (Kislev, the
Common Knowledge (Dwarfs, The Empire+10%), Empire), Consume Alcohol, Dodge Blow, Drive, Gamble,
Consume Alcohol, Dodge Blow, Evaluate, Gamble, Gossip, Haggle, Intimidate, Navigation, Outdoor Survival,
Gossip+10%, Haggle, Intimidate+10%, Navigation+10%, Perception+10%, Row, Sail, Search, Secret Language
Perception, Read/Write, Ride, Row+10%, Sail+10%, (Battle Tongue), Speak Language (Kislevarin, Reikspiel),
Search, Secret Signs (Scout), Speak Language (Norse, Swim
Reikspiel), Swim, Trade (Merchant, Shipwright)
Talents: Disarm, Menacing, Orientation, Seasoned
Talents:Orientation, Public Speaking, Resistance to Traveller, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun, Very Strong,
Disease, Seasoned Traveller, Sixth Sense, Specialist Wrestling
Weapon (Gunpowder), Street Fighting, Super Numerate
Combat:
Combat:
Armour (Medium): Sleeved Mail Coat and full Leather
Armour (Medium): Good Quality Sleeved Mail Coat Armour
and Leather Jack
Armour Points: Head 1, Arms 3, Body 3, Legs 3
Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 3, Body 3, Legs 2
Weapons: Sword (Hand Weapon, 1d10+6), Dagger
Weapons: Sword (Hand Weapon, 1d10+3), Brace of (1d10+3), Crossbow with 20 bolts (1d10+3)
Pistols with Powder and Ammunition for 20 shots
(1d10+4, Impact, Unreliable), Blunderbuss with Powder Trappings: None
and Ammunition for 10 shots (1d10+3, Shrapnel,
Unreliable), Dagger (1d10+0)
TH E WFR P C OMPAN ION
Trappings: Luxury River Boat, Holy Symbol of Talabec
Full details of the River Warden and Stevedore
on a leather cord careers along with a host of other information
about travelling the rivers and waterways of the
Empire can be found in ‘The WFRP Companion’.
The Ambassador career can be found in ‘Realms
of the Ice Queen’ while the Gambler career and
more information upon many of the towns that the
Emperor Luitpold stops at are detailed in
‘Sigmar’s Heirs’

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 6
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Captain First Pilot Reiner Reitsmann / Head Cook Maximilian Berryhill

Second Pilot Wolfgang Altenberg Halfling Tradesman (Ex Servant)

Navigators (Ex Boatmen) “ BARBARIAN! You can't serve that lukewarm!”

“ Charts? Hmm... You need to know the river for “I agree entirely, Sir, too much oregano would normally
yourself. That’s the mark of a river pilot!”
pilot!” ruin the flavour, but...”
but...”

Appearance: Youthful, well-dressed. Appearance: Plump, smiling Hailing.

Personality: Educated, professional, courteous. Personality: Bustling, cheerful.

Motivations: Avoid river hazards, get on in life. Motivations: Create wonderful meals, train staff.

- Reiner Reitsmann / Wolfgang Altenberg - - Maximilian Berryhill -

WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
44% 39% 39% 41% 39% 61% 59% 39% 33% 36% 27% 32% 52% 38% 47% 53%
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
1 13 3 4 4 0 0 0 1 11 2 3 4 0 0 0
Skills: Academic Knowledge (Astronomy), Common Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry),
Knowledge (The Empire), Gossip, Navigation+10%, Blather, Common Knowledge (Halflings), Dodge Blow,
Outdoor Survival, Perception, Read/Write, Row, Sail, Evaluate, Gossip, Haggle, Perception, Read/Write,
Secret Language (Ranger), Speak Language (Classical, Search, Secret Language (Guild Tongue), Speak
Reikspiel), Swim Language (Halfling, Reikspiel), Trade (Cook+20%,
Herbalist)
Talents: Coolheaded, Orientation, Seasoned Traveller
Talents: Acute Hearing, Etiquette, Night Vision,
Combat: Resistance to Chaos, Specialist Weapon Group (Sling),
Very Resilient
Armour (None): Good Quality Navigator’s Uniform
Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 0, Body 0, Legs 0 Combat:
Weapons: Dagger (1d10+0) Armour (None): White Chef’s uniform with Huge Hat
Trappings: Charts of the River Talabec, Bronze Charm Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 0, Body 0, Legs 0
with an image of Talabec Weapons: Butcher’s Knife (Dagger, 1d10-1)
Trappings: Large collection of Pots and Pans

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 7
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Purser Eberhardt Kleingeld Purser’s Guard Johann Birkwiese

Steward (Ex Scribe – Ex Valet) Bodyguard (Ex Stevedore)
“ Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I'll have “ No weapons allowed on board the boat.”
boat.”
it seen to immediately.”
immediately.”
Appearance: Late 40s, muscular, often scowling.
Appearance: Slim, dapper, handsome.
Personality: Gruff, curmudgeonly, stubborn.
Personality: Suave, charming, polite.
Motivations: Guard Eberhardt and prove himself still
Motivations: Keep passengers happy, supervise useful.
stewards.

- Eberhardt Kleingeld - - Johann Birkwiese -

WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
34% 42% 46% 35% 40% 60% 61% 59% 34% 42% 46% 35% 40% 60% 61% 59%
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
1 13 4 3 4 0 0 0 1 13 4 3 4 0 0 0
Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry, Law), Skills: Common Knowledge (The Empire), Consume
Blather, Charm, Command, Common Knowledge (The Alcohol, Dodge Blow, Gossip, Heal, Intimidate,
Empire), Evaluate, Gossip, Haggle, Perception+10%, Perception, Performer (Singer), Scale Sheer Surface,
Read/Write+10%, Search, Secret Language (Guild Secret Language (Guild Tongue), Speak Language
Tongue), Speak Language (Breton, Classical, Reikspiel), (Reikspiel), Swim
Trade (Calligrapher)
Talents: Marksman, Quick Draw, Specialist Weapon
Talents: Coolheaded, Etiquette, Linguistics, Luck, Public (Parrying, Throwing), Street Fighting, Strike to Stun,
Speaking, Seasoned Traveller, Suave, Super Numerate Sturdy, Strong-minded, Very Resilient, Very Strong

Combat: Combat:
Armour (None): Best Quality Nobles’ Garb Armour (None): Boat’s Uniform with Leather Jack
Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 0, Body 0, Legs 0 Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 1, Body 1, Legs 0
Weapons: Good Quality Dagger (1d10+1) Weapons: Sword (Hand Weapon, 1d10+4), Buckler
(1d10+0, Balanced, Defensive, Pummelling), pair of
Trappings: Ledger of Accounts, Cologne Knuckle Dusters (1d10+1, Pummelling), 2 Throwing Axes
(1d10+2)
Trappings: Leather Hip Flask, 10 yards of Rope, 10
OT H ER C RE W M E M B ER S Wooden Spikes
In addition to the crew already listed, the Emperor
Luitpold employs an additional 20 Oarsmen
(Boatmen) 2 Kitchen Staff (Servants) and 4
Stewards (Valets). Due to the lasting trouble cased
by the Storm of Chaos, Hindelin Lines may also
have hired a compliment of 10 Guards (River
Wardens or Mercenaries) or even the occasional
Journeyman Bright Wizard (Much the unease of
the rest of the crew) to accompany any given
journey.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 8
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Example Travelling Companions

Army Officers - Sergei Buhkarin -

Senior military men have to travel regularly between the
capital and their bases. Their precise rank can vary but WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
those who can take passage on the Emperor Luitpold will
always be high-ranking. They might be commanders of 64% 52% 50% 49% 47% 68% 63% 68%
border regiments, heads of orders of knighthood, or even
senior Templars. A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
Sergei Buhkarin, Kislevite Ambassador 3 19 5 4 4 0 0 0
Ambassador (Ex Noble– Ex Squire – Ex Knight –
Ex Captain) Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry,
Religion, Strategy/Tactics), Animal Care, Animal Training,
Born about thirty years ago into a minor noble family in
Charm, Command+10%, Common Knowledge (Kislev,
the city of Kislev, Sergei has served with distinction in the
Norsca, the Empire), Consume Alcohol, Dodge
Tsarina's armies, and wears the Silver Star of Kislev, one
Blow+10%, Gamble, Gossip, Haggle, Intimidate,
of that country's foremost military decorations. Among his
Perception, Performer (Actor), Read/Write, Ride+10%,
various ranks and honours, he is a Nachalnik Kavalyerov
Secret Language (Battle Tongue), Speak Language
(Knight Commander) of the Kislevite Order of the White
(Kislevarin, Norse, Reikspiel)
Wolf, and he wears a silver wolf's-head pendant around
his neck to indicate his rank. Sergei does not wear his Talents: Dealmaker, Disarm, Etiquette, Frenzy, Lightning
armour while travelling, but wears a knee-length tunic Parry, Linguistics, Menacing, Public Speaking, Savvy,
with richly embroidered borders in the Kislevite fashion, Specialist Weapon (Cavalry, Flail, Parrying, Two-Handed
plus stout breeches and knee-length boots, with a heavy, Weapon), Strike Mighty Blow, Warrior Born
fur-lined over-coat and a fur hat.
Sergei is an experienced, enthusiastic soldier, and enjoys
Combat:
discussing battles, tactics and weapons with fellow Armour (Heavy): Matching Enamelled Breastplate and
warriors. He has an enormous appetite for food, drink Helmet, Sleeved Mail Coat and Leather Jack
and exercise-unwary travellers may commit themselves
to dawn work-outs with sword and shield without realizing Armour Points: Head 2, Arms 3, Body 5, Legs 2
it. He also has a tendency to fall in love with attractive Weapons: Bejewelled Dress Sword (Hand Weapon,
young women he meets on his travels, forgetting them 1d10+6), Everyday Sword (Best Quality Hand Weapon,
instantly at journey's end. He is a bluff, hearty man with a 1d10+6), Two-handed Sword (Great Weapon, 1d10+6,
great appetite for life and a direct approach to life's Impact, Slow), Dagger (1d10+3)
difficulties.
Trappings: Sealed and very sensitive letters from the
Tsarina's court, around 250 GCs in Kislev coins and
uncut gems.
TH E S I L V E R ST A R O F K I S L E V
Among the foremost military honours available in
Kislev, tradition demands that the Silver Star may
only be presented by the Tzar or Tzarina herself
and is reserved for the very greatest heroes
among the Gospodars.
The Star grants a +15 bonus to Fellowship based
tests when dealing with all members of the
Kislevite Military and Gospodar Nobility, assuming
that they are not agents of chaos or otherwise
traitors.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 9
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Riverboat Gambler s Merchants

Gamblers frequent riverboats as much as they do roadside Wealthy merchants are frequent passengers aboard the
inns, for there is a great deal of money to be made from fellow- Emperor Luitpold; it is a favourite means of transport for
travellers. A typical gambler aboard the Emperor Luitpold will be Ostermark and Talabheim merchants coming to Altdorf,
at the very top of his or her profession, able to move among the since they think that they can impress the merchants of
aristocracy with ease.
the capital by arriving in such great style.
Nicolai Rech Reikhardt Fiegler, Self-made Paper Baron
Charlatan (Ex Gambler) Merchant (Ex Burgher)
“Anyone, for an honest game of chance?” “I bad nothing when I started out”
“Would you care to avenge yourself for yesterday's “Never done a day's work in their lives, them.”
game?”
game?”
Reikhardt owns a paper-mill on the outskirts of Volgen,
Nicolai has been working the Riverboats and the Casinos of the and regularly travels from his home in Altdorf to both
Empire for 7 years now, always being careful to move along
check up upon his employees and to personally oversee
quickly and never draw too much attention to himself. He fits in
with this rich environment well, pretending to be a charming if buying wood to pulp from Ostermark.
slightly clueless lesser noble. His prime modus-operandi is Appearance: Middle-aged, overweight, Ostentatious
cheating at games of chance, but he is not above a little larceny dress, little style.
of other kinds should the opportunity present itself.
Personality: Obnoxious, Fawning to social superiors,
Appearance: Immaculate, well-dressed. insulting to inferiors, Vain, arrogant, cowardly, avaricious,
Personality: Charming, witty. Loud, tactless, often vulgar.
Motivations: Profit, amusement, personal safety. Motivations: Greed, Need to impress.

- Nicolai Rech - - Eberhardt Kleingeld -

WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
34% 42% 46% 35% 40% 60% 61% 59% 34% 42% 46% 35% 40% 60% 61% 59%
A W SB TB M Mag IP FP A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
1 13 4 3 4 0 0 0 1 13 4 3 4 0 0 0
Skills: Blather, Charm+10%, Common Knowledge (The Skills: Charm, Common Knowledge (Kislev, the Empire),
Empire), Consume Alcohol, Disguise, Evaluate, Consume Alcohol, Drive, Evaluate+10%, Gossip,
Gamble+10%, Gossip, Perception, Read/Write, Secret Haggle+10%, Perception, Read/Write, Search, Secret
Language (Thieves’ Tongue), Secret Signs (Thief), Language (Guild Tongue), Speak Language (Kislevarin,
Sleight of Hand+10%, Speak Language (Reikspiel) Norse, Reikspiel), Trade (Merchant)

Talents: Etiquette, Flee!, Luck, Super Numerate Talents: Dealmaker, Suave, Super Numerate

Combat: Combat:
Armour (None): Best Quality but Tasteless Clothing Armour (None): Best Quality but Tasteless Clothing

Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 0, Body 0, Legs 0 Armour Points: Head 0, Arms 0, Body 0, Legs 0

Weapons: Sword (Hand Weapon, 1d10+2) Dagger Weapons: Over Ornate Sword (Poor Quality Hand
(1d10-1) Weapon, 1d10+2) Matching Dagger (Poor, 1d10-1)

Trappings: Best Craftsmanship Clothing, Dice, Loaded Trappings: Around 300 gc in letters of credit and coin,
Dice, Two Decks of Cards, Deck of Marked Cards, Assorted Items of Jewellery and other small luxury items
around 100 gc in mixed coins, around 250 gc worth of worth around 200 gc in total, One or more downtrodden
purloined jewellery. Servants.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 10
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

Adventures on the Emperor Luitpold

There is an almost endless variety of adventures and suppose that the victim was found dead in his cabin by a
encounters which can befall a group of travellers on a steward who had gone to call him to dinner. He was
river, and the WFRP Companion includes an extensive laying face-down on the bed with a dagger between his
section or ideas for river-based encounters. Many of shoulder blades. The last time he was seen by any of the
these can be used with the Emperor Luitpold just as well passengers was around the middle of the afternoon,
as with any other river-boat. The ideas presented here when several people saw a violent argument in the
relate purely to this great river liner-they treat the Luitpold lounge between him and another passenger.
itself (rather than the river) as the adventuring
So off the adventurers go, questioning passengers,
environment.
checking alibis, uncovering clues, and so on. There are
only three days before the Luitpold docks in Talagaad,
Murder on the Altdorf Express and there are no planned stops in between. The
A group of apparently unrelated travellers effectively adventurers must work fast to uncover the murderer's
trapped together on a long journey-this is a favourite identity before then. If they need any encouragement, the
setting for murder mysteries. In a WFRP adventure the finger of suspicion points squarely at one of their number,
player characters must solve the mystery before the liner who is chained up on the oar deck to be handed over to
reaches the next stop and the murderer can get away. the authorities in Altdorf. If the other characters don't
clear his name before then, the poor chap is doomed!
The first thing you need to do is decide on the murder
victim. Next, you need a motive, a means of death, and a The truth of the matter can be as straightforward or as
group of fellow-travellers. Ideally, most of the other bizarre as you like. The adventurers may well discard the
travellers should have a Dark Secret which links them to obvious motives once they begin to uncover the secret
the victim and provides a motive for murder. Each ones, but one of the “cleared” suspects might be the
character should have an alibi which makes it impossible murderer. Alternatively, a large number of the passengers
for any of them to have done the deed. Then add at least might have arranged this trip purely for the purposes of
one handful of red herrings... murdering their mutual enemy, and will have arranged
each others' alibis. Or the whole murder might be a fake,
For example, let's suppose that the murder victim is
arranged by the so-called victim to frame one of the other
Handrijk van den Kuyster, a truly obnoxious merchant.
passengers, to escape from mounting debts, or for some
There could be a good many people who would be happy
other reason.
to see him dead. Given his foul treatment of underlings,
he might have heaped abuse on one or more of the Setting up a good murder mystery can take a lot of time
stewards. He could also have been caught cheating at and work, but it can produce a very challenging and re-
cards, or he might have had a streak of luck which warding adventure, especially far groups who like
resulted in him winning a vast sum from a fellow- complex plots with a lot a character interaction.
passenger who could clearly ill afford it. He might have
made improper advances to the daughter of a noble To Catch a Thief
passenger. There might be another merchant on board
A variation on the murder mystery is the jewel theft. No-
whom he has recently crossed in a dubious business
body dies, but some priceless jewellery or some other
transaction, and with whom he quarrelled violently on the
highly valuable object is stolen. The professional jewel
first night aboard.
thief is a far cry from his lower-class brethren. He is
Those are the obvious clues. Most of them, at least, will someone who can move as he likes through the upper
be red herrings, but as the adventurers investigate classes, who can deal with locks and alarms without
further, assuming, of course, that they have the even thinking about it, and-most important of all-he has
Fellowship scores and skills for other passengers to co- the everyday personality of someone who would be
operate with them, they will uncover deeper and more completely incapable of planning and executing a brilliant
secret motives. One of the passengers or crew might be robbery. Many impoverished nobles and similar
the victim's illegitimate offspring, whose deserted mother characters try their hands at this glamorous occupation,
died of a broken heart. Another might be the victim of but few are skilled enough to have long careers.
blackmail. And so on, until you have a suitable web of
This type of adventure is also about checking alibis and
intrigue.
uncovering people who are not what they might seem.
On to the time of death and the method employed. Let us The adventurers have to be trusted by their fellow-

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 11
 The Premier Luxury Passenger-Boat of the Talabec River

The Thing
passengers in order to get any useful information from
them, and again, you might concentrate the adventurers'
minds by having one of them locked up.

The Thing in the Locker

- Eberhardt Kleingeld -

At the eastern end of its journey, the Emperor Luitpold is

WS BS S T Ag Int WP Fel
joined by Professor Marius von Groninghof, a scholar of
some renown and a professor at the Altdorf University. 58% 55% 60% 72% 38% 36% 83% 18%
He has been on an expedition into the Worlds Edge A W SB TB M Mag IP FP
Mountains, and has brought back several interesting
finds from his journey. These are stored in crates in and 4 42 6 7 4 0 0 0
around the lockers on the oar deck.
Among the finds being brought back to Altdorf are the Skills: Academic Knowledge (Genealogy/Heraldry,
contents of the centuries-old tomb of an Orc chieftain. History, Necromancy, Strategy/Tactics), Command,
The actual nature of the finds is not being made public to Concealment, Dodge Blow, Evaluate, Follow Trail,
avoid undue concern among the passengers and crew, Intimidate, Navigation, Outdoor Survival, Perception,
but they include the bodies and artefacts of the Orc Prepare Poison, Ride, Scale Sheer Surface, Shadowing,
chieftain and two of his warriors. Silent Move, Speak Language (Goblin Tongue), Swim,
Torture
Partway through the river journey, the Orc chieftain
decides to punish those who have disturbed his eternal Talents: Disarm, Lightning Parry, Menacing, Mighty
rest. The body breaks out of the crate in which it is Shot, Orientation, Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, Rover,
stored, takes a few weapons and magical items from Sharpshooter, Sixth Sense, Specialist Weapon
some of the other crates, and sets out on a killing spree. (Throwing, Two-Handed), Street Fighting, Strike Mighty
Blow, Strike to Stun, Sure Shot, Tunnel Rat, Very
Staging is all-important in an adventure of this type. You Resilient
could simply have the Undead Orc break out of its crate
and kill everything until it is overwhelmed by the Traits: Frightening, Natural Weapons, Night Vision,
adventurers and a few brave NPCs, but this would not do Undead
justice to the idea.
Special Rules:
Far better if the monster behaves intelligently, killing
when it finds a victim alone and hiding the rest of the Ancient Will: The Orc Chieftain has an Iron Hard Will
time, first the crates are found burst open, and then one and cannot be controlled as can other Undead. Indeed,
of the crew is found, horribly mutilated. The Captain his will is such that lesser Undead, such a Skeletons and
approaches the adventurers, swearing them to secrecy to Zombies, obey them and they can control Undead just
avoid causing panic on board. They must search the oar like a necromancer (see WFRP, page 161).
deck, possibly splitting into small groups so that the
Flammable: Ancient leather wrappings and embalming
creature doesn't escape. If you've seen the movie Alien,
fluids make the Thing quite flammable. When the Thing is
you'll know the kind of tension that's needed.
hit with a fire-based attack, any wounds suffered are
doubled. This is calculated after any deductions for
Toughness Bonus or Armour Points.
T H E T H ING’ S CH OP PA
In the hands of the Thing, this huge heavy blade Combat:
counts as a Magic Weapon and inflicts SB+3
Damage on the first round and Sb+2 thereafter. Armour (Light): Petrified Leather Wrappings
Furthermore, when the Thing causes a Critical Hit, Armour Points: Head 1, Arms 1, Body 1, Legs 1
it makes two rolls on Table 6-2: Critical Hits and
inflicts the deadlier result. In the hands of anyone Weapons: Thing’s Choppa (1d10+8, Special)
else, a Wight Choppa counts as a Hand Weapon Trappings: None
but with the Slow Quality.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay - The Emperor Luitpold

Page 12