@Triibeard It was a fascinating glimpse into how volatile the expansion of various spheres of influence were around 1100 AD. I hadn´t realized that Viking expansion was so intertwined with the development of Slavic thiefdoms. The area is now quite easily accessible by bridge.

@Dirk Did you have such fantastic weather as well? We had no rain whatsoever for a solid week. I just realised I hadn´t answered to your email, sorry. I would love to combine a meetup with a visit to Cologne, I haven´t seen the Cathedrale in ages. Grüße aus dem Norden!

While I was working from my home office today, I had the odd feeling that something (or someone) was trying to get my attention, like there was someone in the room. Things seem to keep changing here anway, as my LEGO ship had reappeared this morning. A few minutes ago I received a message from the crew telling me that "We got him" and "He needs some recovery, but he´ll be fine". Still puzzled I decided to pour myself a refreshing beverage when I realised that he had indeed arrived (fully recovered and already adapting well to local customs).

image

"So, you are the unwitting supplier for RiffRaffs dark plans!"

"I am the what now?"

"My point exactly. Young man, RiffRaff is concocting the most nefarious beard oil since someone used KRAGGLE to establish a neckline. He already has the plant ingredients, now he just needs the different oils - and he has chosen your stocks as his supply.

"So, that´s why my raw oils keep dissappearing!"

"And we need to stop that from happening."

"What do we do now?"

"We hunt him through this town, but first tell me everything you know (shouldn´t take too long)".

"[...]"

A short time late we had decided that RiffRaff should feel right at home in the narrow streets of medieval Bremen, so that´s where we will start our investigation.
 

I have written a bit about different beard products here:
moustache cups and mugsbeard brushes and combs
beard literature | simple homemade beard oil

my beard journey | my bart * aber herzlich beard oil | Bartöl store (external link, not affiliated with or endorsed by beard board)