Der Meistertrunk: A Prompt

I haven't done much with writing prompts since my first set. Some of this is because ideas are cheap, and some is that while Campbell is celebrated for his writing prompts, a little look into the actual history of his practice showed just how of little utility this was for the professional pulpster.(1) However, truth is stranger than fiction, and some stories need to be retold.

Rawle Nyanzi has been writing an interesting mix of Japan and the Holy Roman Empire with his flash fiction. Today's "How To Slay a Bandit", located in the province of "Bai-an", along with the upcoming Oktoberfest, brought to mind a long favorite story about one of my favorite German towns.

Since my first visit to Rothenburg o. d. Tauber, I have been long fascinated with the city. As one of the few remaining walled cities in Germany, it takes care to preserve its heritage. The Museum of Medieval Crime and Justice brings to life the old punishments and torture of the medieval criminal system. It is also a surprising source of information on Christian charms and amulets, and one uncorrupted by popular fantasy conventions and two centuries of Naturalist, Romanticist, and Modernist neopagan fanfiction. Those looking for Christmas decorations need to stop by the Kaethe Wohlfart store. And, for the connoisseur, the wines are sweet, yet excellent. And it is to the wines we turn for the writing prompt, and the legend of Der Meistertrunk (The Master Draught):

"The setting is the Thirty Years’ War and after some bitter fighting, the Catholic imperial troops under Count Tilly had just taken control of Protestant Rothenburg. The town folk of Rothenburg did not give in easily and Count Tilly was enraged by their violent resistance. He gave orders for the town to be plundered and destroyed and for four of the town councillors to be executed. Pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears and the Mayor was ordered to fetch the hangman.

"Meanwhile, the count was offered the finest of Franconian wine served in a huge tankard which holds 3.25 litres. In jest, he promised to spare the town if one of its councillors could down a full tankard of wine in one go. A former mayor, Bürgermeister Nusch took up the challenge and amazed Tilly by draining the tankard in ten minutes. Tilly kept his promise to spare the town, the folks of Rothenburg were jubilant and Mayor Nusch was said to have slept for the next three days."

Not all mighty deeds are accomplished on the battlefield. Perhaps such a tale as der Meistertrunk might liven up a hero's adventure.

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(1) Manly Wade Wellman said that Campbell was preoccupied with his own ideas instead of his writers'. Leigh Brackett noticed that she could not sell Campbell stories to any of the other science fiction magazines. Campbell himself said he preferred to work with writers reliant on other careers for income, as they were more amenable to his guidance. Not much room here for the 9 to 5 pulpster...