Hey there, although I didn't intend it to match my in-game absence - in RL I have been laid low with a stomach flu for the last five days, but I think I'm back to normal now. Looks like I haven't missed much - but let me know when you are ready for me. Or if you have further questions concerning the backstory. Thanks for your patience.
Friend Cole,
Please forgive my lack of return this day. I didn't sleep last evening, and this morning I have been dealing with telling my family of my sister's death. I know all of Korvosa burns today; but right now my only worry is my family.
I thank you for your help. I'll return to meet with you and our new associates as soon as I can - continue on in my stead until then.
When he rises, he gathers them together. He asks about his brothers - one was stranded in North Point with friends, but is safe. The other was delivering gear to Citadel Volshyenek; and was kept there while the riots occurred. Both should return today, he's reassured. Then the question is asked, by his mother, as to what happened last night. There is a little nervous humor when it is joked that he looks like he spent the night in the drunk-tank.
Without much preamble, Fraz reaches into his pocket and reveals his sister's medallion. He places it tightly in his mother hand; and she immediately knows that her daughter would never have parted with it willingly. Her tears come almost instantly. Fraz then recounts what happened as best he can: of how he had found Lamm's hideout (with help); the pitched battle and rescued children; and their confrontation with Gaderen and his alligator. When he hesistantly explains the man's last words about having fed her to Gobbleguts, it's all he can do choke back his anger and sadness. His mother cries and gasps at the tale; while his father merely sits as if transfixed - the final realization that his daughter really is dead leaving him numb as he grasps the medallion as well. It is Mima who seems most quiet; this grand old lady suddenly looking a hundred years old as tears roll down her face .
Fraz embraces her tightly, and then tells the rest of his tale - of seeing Lamm die. But moreso, he tells them of how he killed the monster that ate his sister. Of how he took it's skin, and they may do it with as they wish. He hopes that they will, like him, see it as right they should take the alligator's hide as memorial to his sibiling. He didn't know what else to do.
The rest of the morning is spent in details of what happened; with much emotion and discussion. Eventually, his brothers arrive and the tale is retold again - and much emotion, frustration, and anger is shared. In the end, the family closes shop for the day (not many workers had arrived with the riots, chaos, and Hellknights anyway). Fraz does manage to get a message to the Pantheon and Cole - he'll rejoin with them after he settles things, probably in the evening or following day.
Please note...I'm not trying to complicate things. I figure that for story reasons, he won't be able to join them until that afternoon or the next day - so if they want to go ahead assume he catches up with them the following day. If that's hassle, we can adjust as you see fit.
My apologies if this way more than you needed...I kind of got on a roll...so I apologize if it's too much.
Frasides makes his way home, crossing the river via the High Bridge. While the chaos has extended even to East Shore - it's clear that damage isn't anywhere near as bad as it was in other parts of the city. If Fraz has any doubts, it's mostly squelched when he hears the noises of the patrons at the Shoreline Drinkhall. He passes by it, seeing that more soldiers than usual have dropped in at this hour - most to take a quick drink or meal before reporting back. Some look battered by the evening's events.
A few regulars see him, and recognize him - but he has no time for chatter and gives them a quick wave of greeting before questions can be asked. Despite what the city has been through, he cares little right now to hear about it. Making his way down to the river, he spots the family's holding warehouse on East Shore's dockline. He makes his way into the building - at this time of night it is quiet - and heads for one of the curing rooms. The beast's skin should be treated better, but for now he goes through the process of preparing to stretch it for later preservation. It is mounted on a rack to dry, locked in a room. Throughout the process, his thoughts drift back to his sister; it is a familiy tradition for all kin to partake of these jobs. His grandfather and father had taught him; and his sister would've learned it too - such was their way of knowing the business and livelihood of five generations in Korvosa. Now...now it wouldn't be happening.
By the time he's done, he feels weary and tired. From the warehouse he makes way past the Francol workshop accross the street that is where they work the leathers. Finally up a small street to a manor house that sits behind Endrin Square's main front and west of Kroft Boulevard. It's neither the biggest nor the most ornate in the district - but it's been his home for all his life. Beyond the gate and hedges the house has designs akin to a hunting lodge - wooden panels and rustic windowframes. In the entryway, in a side porch sits several rocking chairs - a place of much discussion on cool summer nights for the whole clan. A small statue of his great grandfather - holding Erastil's holy symbol in one hand and his Sable Company helm in the other reminds him of his own aspirations and talks.
When he enters the house, a sudden pang of regret and worry well up. He's going to have to share the news...and now he's glad his new friends didn't come with him...it will be trying enough without having to explain strangers on the doorstep.
"Goodness, I was worried with fright, Fraz!"The utterance comes from a stout woman, probably of some 60 years, but still spry and alert and a face filled with concern and lack of sleep. Mima has been a loyal handmaid to his mother since she was but a teen - and somehow he's not surprised to find her waiting on him. Like a doting grandmother, she has always been to one to look after the children growing up while Mother and Father mananged to the family trades.
"Your mother has been worried sick that you were hurt in the riots and news of the King's death. Your father didn't say it, but he was thinking you were carousing and got thrown in jail. Are you alright?"
"I'm tired, Mima...it's been a long night, and...and I have something tell Mother and Father in the morning." Fraz clenches his jaw at the next moment.
"Did you find her? Did you find my Little Sparrow?" Uttering Mima's pet name for Eva makes Fraz flinch even more - of all his family she was the only other one that openly held out hope that Eva would return. She was also the one who lost Eva in the crowd that fateful day - guilt being her other companion since this began. She was the one that held vigils whenever Fraz went out on the chase.
"Just get some rest, Mima - we'll talk in the morning - it concerns Endrin Academy. I need some rest now." His lie was to throw her off for a bit; he wanted to tell his story once to everyone - he couldn't bear to recount it too much right now.
She said no more, but quietly went about her morning duties instead. For himself, he made it as far as his father's study - hoping to take a nap before the family rose in full. As he lay down, still covered in sweat, muck and a little blood, he lay down and fell into the oblivious sleep of exhaustion. How long it lasted he didn't know, but soon it was replaced with vague dreams - Varisian women in flowing scarves and skeletal hands muttered curses and prophecies he didn't understand; children giggled and sang songs of dead flowers and evil gnomes; and water flowed everywhere - a dark shape swimming there. He sister stood on the edge of the water - as she turned he saw blood tears flowing from her pleading eyes just before the dark shape tore at her and swallowed her! Her scream punctuated the dream's end, and he awoke with his heart racing and shock in his bones. It was barely morning...but he heard the sounds of his parents speaking with Mima.
"The children are quite safe, it appears," Leliestraat says to Frasides Francol as he enters the Pantheon.
"It seems the same can be said of you, as well," he adds with a smile.
By the time Fraz returns, he's bit haggard from dodging through the streets, but relieved to hear the children are safe.
"Thanks for the concern," he adds, "things have been rough out there. But the watch sergeant's been cared for...hopefully with little more than a headache one hopes."
"Did our two volunteers make it back as well? Kester and Nivvy...they were an awfully brave pair this night."
At Simn's suggestion: "That sounds commendable friend - I hope they can get them all proper care and homes. There's very little I would want for treasure...like everyone else...my goal this evening was some small measure of justice. I..." but he trails off then.
At Leliestraat suggestions/comments: "While I have no hate of Eodred; Illeosa can hang for all I care. Hopefully, she'll prove to be more than a dim pretty, but otherwise the sensechal can handle things...I may know of an inn near the Citadel or Midland. Otherwise, I need to get back to East Shore and speak with my family...there's a few places there as well where we can get lodgings. After that...you all have my gratitude and help, if you need it in the coming days."
After checking on the children, and arranging for their care, Fraz will take the gator hide and make for the East Shore...inviting any to come along who are interested. He's clearly tired now; but wants to get matters settled.
Frasides realizes he's probably speaking of Vencarlo Orisini. His father had spoken to him of going to see the man - get some extra training, perhaps. Rumors at Endrin Academy were that Orisini had been wounded due to a woman, and that she had been his student to boot. All this he mulls over.
"Easy, friend...let's just get you some rest, eh? If you know Vencarlo, you'd know he would want you prepared for what's going out there - Korvosa will need your help in the days ahead. So sleep; get yourself cleaned up later; and I'll make sure someone brings you some grub and coffee. There's no need to worry now, alright."
Once Grau is settled, he makes his way to the Citadel. He knows a few trustworthy fellows from bringing in leather goods for their armor and supplies. Hopefully, he can make sure that someone brings the man some food, and gets him up and around after some rest. If that doesn't seem workable, Fraz makes it a point to come back by early evening or next morning (depending on what time of the day - I figure it's still early morning since we went in at night.) and check in on him.
During his exit, Fraz glances down at one of Grau's liquor bottles. Without much thought, he takes a quick swig to calm himself a bit. For the moment, his sister's death hits him hard and he wants to yell at this drunk. He could be like this man; the bottle could dull the pain maybe. But he remembers the children still left to help (Nivvy? Kester?), and he has to tell his family what has happened.
Still, seeing this soldier laid so low makes him realize that there's more going; he needs to see to Korvosa in his own way. He compses himself, puts the bottle back down, and gets on his way to the temple.
"Easy friend, I know things are hard right now..." Fraz himself seems to choke up a little for reasons of us own,"...we all are having to deal with the trouble around us."
"Com'n then - let's get you some coffee and back home. You can tell me about this Sandpoint on the way there, eh?" Fraz glances at the chest and hide - nodding to others to get a move on if possible.
Seeing that he's a guardsman, Fraz wants to get this guy off the street for his own safety. He'd probably do more harm than good. But - he wants to get everyone moving on. His patience for the whole mess is wearing thing; and since he seems to be the focus of the guy's attention he'll help him along while the others head for the temple. That's my thinking.
Listening to both Grau's tone of voice and Cole's reaffirmation, Fraz looks the man over once again. "Listen, friend, you're in no shape to be jawing right now - let's get you some sleep, eh? There's people out there are going to be needing your help in this mess soon."
He looks to the others for either help or suggestions - a little confused as to how they can get this man some help without a drunken brawl.
Fraz mood is one of frustration, when the drunken man runs into him. Initially, he's surprised but quickly realizes that this is no attack - just a drunk. Just as he's about to tell him off, he realizes that he's a guardsman. Gods, what a mess there must be that Korvosa's soldiers are getting drunk in this disaster.
Maybe it's all those months in the academy, but he suddenly feels a pang of sympathy. He drops his load, and steadies himself against the man. "Easy, friend...I'm not Neffi...what's your trouble, eh?" He has no idea who it is in any case.
The gold ingot would be worth 100gp, just as bullion, and it's definitely not the most valuable item in the lot. The pseudodragon/imp brooch with the broken clasp is clearly the most precious of Lamm's treasures, but several other items are decidedly valuable.
Did anyone succeed at the nobility/royalty check a bit back, when Simn first unwrapped some treasure?
Sorry to ask out of context, but the list you gave us awhile back when Fraz opened the box was:
A narrow teak cigar case inlaid with tiny bits of jade
A 2-pound gold ingot bearing the Cheliax coat of arms
A miniature gold crown
A fist-sized scrimshaw carving of a kraken with garnets for eyes
A silver ring gp bearing the inscription "For Emmah, the light in my nights"
A masterwork shuriken
An adamantine arrowhead
An abalone-shell holy symbol of Shelyn
A tiny glass tube containing a small amount of transparent oil
An obsidian wand
A crystalline vial containing a small amount of a viscous, silvery liquid
Fraz's sister's medallion
Was the psuedodragon/imp brooch you mentioned in the strong box, or did someone else pocket it? Just wondering since you mentioned it when Cole opened the box. I don't have nobility/royal skill, so I'm assuming I can't make that check anyway. Mine are Local, Nature, Geography.
As for appearance, Fraz is wearing the well-worn studded leather he'd use for hunting - probably of a brownish-black variety over a plain shirt and pants. If you had to compare, it probably has the utilitarian style of military armor. He doesn't have any of the markings that would indicate he's in the Sable Company; possibly that he's a cadet though. More noticeable would be the fact that he's lugging around the rolled up alligator hide and the strongbox - if he's going to carry it again to the Temple.
I wouldn't mind taking the oil or silversheen, but I'm alright if there are others who feel it would be more useful to them. I would like to request the adamintine arrowhead. Beyond that, if the rest is just for selling - then we'll have to see, I guess.
The spirit is gone before Fraz can say anymore... so many questions to ask. So, he glances over the items in the box, to determine if he any of them seem familiar. Knowledge(local) (1d20+4=11)
He then focuses on the medallion (is it his sister's?), and examines it further. As he eyes it, he hears Cole's asking words.
"It means that fate has something more in store for us, I think. Finding Lamm and rescuing children; the King's death - it seems that spirit spoke true of strange tidings ahead for us." His words are suddenly glum; not the hopeful tones Cole has heard from him in the past.
Still a little surprised by the ghost and her pronouncements of Korvosa needing help, Fraz recalls the footlocker he's been carrying all this time.
"Perhaps there's something in here that would need your talents, Zellara. Wait a moment...," he says as he begins to open the footlocker and examine its contents.
"Waydin's Blade," Frasides utters quietly - a reference to the Korvosan hero of old and his steely resolve. Initially surprised, he quickly sobers to the realization that his earlier dreams of further revenge are uncalled for.
"I'm....sorry....we couldn't do more, Zellara. Gaederan Lamm is dead, and I hope you can take comfort in that. What would you have us do now, do you wish us to bury you and your deck?"
Fraz puts down the contents he's been carrying and looks around intensely. "Something's not right here...this place has been abandoned longer than one night. I'd like to believe it was ransacked, but there was no forced entry...either someone's playing a trick on us or magic's been at work here. Some of you knew him better than; did Lamm have any magical allies or wizards that would help his scams?"
Fraz's mood becomes dour as they continue on their way - the impact of what they have seen and done tonight settling in.
Several times though, he clearly is shocked to see the Sable Company marines in such dire action. When they witness the incident of the falling Marine and his mount, he pauses and stares into the distance where the man went down...clearly pondering whether he should see to the man. But he moves on with rest quickly enough. "This is not a good sign," he mutters several times.
When the news finally spreads that the King is dead, and there is a new Queen, he's more annoyed than shocked. "Well that's just dandy...now we've got a Queen with ruby lips and nothing much else in her head. Her tastes made Eodred seem positively cheap by comparison."
Otherwise, he remains pretty quiet as they make their way to the temple.
"Fair enough by me, Gawain."
"So then, we're all in general agreement that we're going to head south to the Pantheon of Many's temple to make sure the orphans made it there safely. From the sounds of the ruckus, it looks like we go them out of here not a moment too soon."
"Since we'll be near the Grey, hopefully we can get this woman, Zellara, proper burial - what's left of her at least. From there, I guess we'll see what the state of affairs are in Korvosa that's causing such a stir."
"Well, how about we give her a deccent burial - she deserves that much for being one of Lamm's victims," answers Fraz.
"Or we take it to authorities and have them investigate her house - the second option doesn't seem workable given that it looks like some kind of hell is breaking loose for the authorities. If anyone sees Sable Company marines in flight, it's definetly got to be worse than us wandering the docks with a chest and a head."
"In any case, I'm hardly inconspicous lugging around a footlocker and gator's hide. If you're that nervous it will be seen - keep the hat box closed and put it in this chest (assuming there's room). We'll sort this out once we get to our destination." These last words are said with some irritation rising in his voice.
"Perhaps it would be best if we can make our back to Zellara's home? I don't want to see the imposter get away. If you all think differently, then perhaps we should make our way south instead - make sure the children made it to the temple safely," he says from under his burden of chest and hide.
Not waiting any further, Frasides grabs the foot locker and the gator's hide and makes his way back towards the entrance.
"I've had enough of this place; let's be on our way. I want to talk with this "Zellara" again and see what's going. If this pretender was one of Lamm's partners; she'll be regreting it..., " he says very tensely.
Still slightly distracted, Frasides makes his way over to see the elf's finding.
"Imps and dragons! What the blazes is going on here?," he swears as he looks into the box.
Assuming that we can read spoiler here that was for Leliestraat. Heal (1d20+2=5) - he's too shocked to figure out whatever the check reveals.
"I tend to agree...there's nothing left here now that we have metted out justice. Let's get Zellara her deck and be on our way."
Fraz remains outside the room they are searching - his mind not much focused on treasures. Fraz will scan the tables full of junk, mostly to look for a bag to carry the rolled-up hide. But he's hoping he'll find his sister's medallion. Search/spot check?
Since it looks like we are going to be short a fighter, I decided to go the two-weapon route. I'll try to use my bow when possible, but at least this gives a little more melee muscle, in case it is needed.
I'm sorry to see Longreach/Avalon go. I have no issues if we decide to go with five or add someone else.
Don't know how long it would be for Fraz to finish skinning the gator, but I'm assuming that it would be while they are searching the room.
Glancing at the piles of junk on the tables while his finishes preparing the beast's hide, Frasides asks, "If anyone's searching through that collection of trinkets, see if you come across a small medallion like the one I gave the girl, Nivvy. It should be copperish with a family crest on it - it was Eva's. The old bastard was probably greedy enough to have taken it for himself."
After staring a moment longer, Fraz seems to make up his mind on something. "Lamm's dead and so is his pet," he says flatly.
"There's something I must do now...for my family. Please give me a bit of time."
Without much more comment, he seems to take measure of the beast and then proceeds to carefully slice the creature along certain lines of the body. He begins removing the gator's hide with as much ease as one would lift a blanket. The look of anger has been replaced with a look of diligence for the time being.
Craft (1d20+3=21)
When he finishes, the beast remains intact, but retains no inch of its flesh. He briefly glances at the creature's belly...another thought having entered his mind...but the magnitude of what he might find causes him to grit his teeth and shed a tear. He lets the carcass sink to the bottom of the pool now...as he takes the hide and clambers out of the water.
He utters quietly, "Damn you, Gaederen Lamm. May the devils of Hell feast on your miserable soul."
Frasides breathes hard as the andrenaline and anger begins to subside. He stands over the gator's corpse soaked in blood and water; his grip still firm on the blade and a forlorn look in his eyes as he stares at the beast.
DM:
Spoiler:
This may seem a strange question, and so I'm kind of posing it to you as a hypothetical. Obviously, it looks like Fraz won't be bringing Eva back home now. The thought crossed my mind that he might cut the beast open - but that seemed too gross and morbid for this adventure. But he is a hunter by profession, and so maybe he would take the animal's skull or skin to his family as symbol of justice.
The question is, does this seem reasonable - or would disrupt how things are going? Second, is there a skill check or roll you would want me to make - like a profession check, etc?
Anyhow, this is more for character development I think. Just wanted to throw it out there for consideration. I don't want detract from anyone else's story in the process.
I don't know if we are in new round or not. As mentioned, Fraz would have jumped in on his last action if this is a new round. He'll try to get to the gator - assuming that's all he can do for now. Next action will be to attack.
Despite Lamm being dropped, there's still fury in Frasides' eyes. Even as Gobbleguts tries to sink below the water, he drops his longsword and pulls a short sword while jumping into the water to chase the beast.
This may be a crazy action, but given Fraz's state of mind...I'm thinking he'll go after the gator...he's really looking to make them all pay right now. If I'm out of line, please say so. Otherwise, what kind of rolls do you want me to make. Attack? Swim?
He gasps and answers, "Eva? Oh, I remember her." He laughs, weakly. "You'd have to ask Gobbleguts."
The old man's creepy words, combined with the sudden attack of the gator, leaves Frasides cold for a moment. What he thought he might find was terrible, but this is even worse. His shock is suddenly replaced by an intense fury; and he pulls his sword and strikes at the beast with all his might.
Glancing at the thrashing beast, Fraz decides to pin Lamm so he doesn't move again. His anger is bubbling up as he fires.
"Where's Eva, you bastard? Talk!"
Sorry, been out of it for the last few days recovering from some dental work.
Fraz is eager to charge in; to find out the fate of his sister. However, he'll differ to Cole, Simn, and Leliestraat for now. If it's possible he'll sheath his longword and draw his bow for now. Barring anything else, he'll follow the three others in through the door.
Frasides moves onto the walkway, crouching slightly to keep his balance and not hit his head. He draws his sword in one hand and holds the lantern with the other, providing sufficient light for the others above to hopefully be able to full see the skiff.
"Careful coming down, there's not much except a slim walkway and the boat." His eyes never leave the doorway and lights at the far end of the walkway. What's happened to you, Eva...
While Fraz hands Leliestraat the lantern, he gives him an agreeing nod to truth of his commentary. With sober intensity, he drops down into the skiff - as soon as he has the latern he'll scan the area while Simn drops down behind him. He tries to use all his senses to note if there's any movements of a trap.
If there's a something other than water down around them - a platform or something else stable - he'll step aside to allow the others to descend.
Given his current focus, it is doubtful that Fraisides would care what happens to them. Right now, he's probably thinking justice has been served.
Fraz will await until everyone is back together. He may look a little angered when he's told that Hookshanks was let go - but based on the scared description the gnome had, he probably will just nod in agreement.
Once all are present, he'll ask someone to hold the lantern while he climbs down into the skiff to take a look underneath for clues to Lamm's lair, then ask for it back. Roll needed?
Kester says nothing, looking terribly humiliated, but Nivvy offers, "Yes, sir. We'll catch up with the others."
"That's a good lass...take care of the medallion and use it if you need it." He gives Kester a reassuring grip on the shoulder,"It's alright to be scared, lad. You've done a good thing this night...I thank you for that. Now get a move on, and we'll see you soon." Fraz's attitude is almost parental in nature - belying his ferocity of just a few moments ago.
Fraz then turns to Kester and Nivvy. "Alright, you two. You've done alright by us - but remember what I asked. Once we go down that hole, make your way out of this place and get to safety like we spoke. We'll take care of these thugs and Gaderen Lamm. Are you two good to travel?"
Fraz calls out to the others. "There's a small skiff down here that leads somewhere. Ask the gnome where it goes and what happens to the children. If he seems reluctant - there's a jigsaw shark in the water down here that looks hungry for a snack." He says this with an intense convinction - now that the fight is over - that reflects his growing fear again of his sister's fate.
Based on what he has heard, he has no interest in reviving Giggles.
If anyone else has suggestions, feel free to chime in...someone may already have a light source that I forgot about. In which case replace the following with that source instead of my lantern, I guess.
Fraz pulls out a lantern, and asks Nivvy to tie some rope to it. In the meantime, he'll ask Kester to either get a torch or fire source started. He'll prep the lantern, then lower into the hole to get a better look at what's going on down there. Spot check?
As the fighting appears to die down, Fraz lowers his bow. Giggles body slumping to the ground seems to give him a certain sense of grim satisfaction.
He once again looks over at Kester and Nivvy, hoping to see signs of relief in their faces. "It will be alright now," he utters as a reassurance. "Sounds like we may have a prisoner; you may want to stay out of sight for now.," explains quietly.
For the moment Fraz had forgotten himself, his anger and instincts expecting a surprise from Kester. Seeing the panicked look, he suddenly remembers that this is just a scared boy looking to escape his cruel situation.
As he prepares to fire again on Giggles, his voice remains calm as he speaks to the boy. "It's alright, Kester...I promise no one will harm you...just stay strong a little longer." In case it's needed - Diplomacy (1d20+1=17) He then let's his shot fly towards the giggling maniac.
Frasides tries to fire on the 1/2 orc, but his attempt to hit him once again goes wide.
Bow Attack (1d20+4-4=8)Damage (1d8=2) I assume penalty is still in effect for firing into melee; also that the bless is still active
Fraz asks as an aside, "Kester, what's he talking about?"
He also shouts at Simn and Leliestraat: "Com'n fellows, looks like we've found our other two assailants."
Can't recall if Simn ever unlocked the door at J12.
pat512 wrote:
I imagine that Simn told you that, rather than unlocking, he had jammed that door.
EDIT: Seeing that there's a lot of congestion at the doorway, and fearful of firing into the crowd - Fraz decides to hold his shot for now. He'll keep an eye on the two other doors.
"Leliestraat, keep one eye on that outside door - make sure they don't try to flank us."
OOPS, my bad on previous order. If someone burst through the other doors, Fraz will open fire. Otherwise, looks like I'm holding until I see a better shot at the dog or man. Hope that sounds acceptable.
Fraz will draw his bow, and then move N8 or O7 (whichever is more feasible) to be able to sight the doors above. He's looking for movement and action from them - and he'll shoot at anyone (or a dog) that comes barging in. His only exeception would be if it's a child; hopefully he'll be able to tell the difference between one and a gnome.
As he does so, he'll tell Kester and Nivvy to place themselves under the two stairways that lead from the walkway to the main floor. (that sound right, in terms of layout?)
If they see our foes manage to dash down these steps, they should try to trip them with their make-shift clubs. I'd also ask them to keep an eye on that hole in the floor - make sure no one tries to crawl in that way.
In case they haven't already fled, he'll also encourage the other children to get out. By the way, since I'm acting last - I understand that someone else may have other suggestions for our two vounteers, so I hope this doesn't contradict their statements.
Kester thinks a moment, then asks, "Will you kill Mr. Gaedren, mister? If you don't he's gonna come after us."
In the dim light, Frasides jaw clenches with fury and his eyes would seem glow with intensity if they could be seen. But his answer comes as calmly as he can muster: "Kester, I came here to get my sister - but right now we're going make sure Gaedren NEVER comes after anyone again."
"We may still need your help, but at the first sign of trouble or when we go down that hole - I want you and Nivvy to get out of here and hide. If you don't see us come back, I want you to run and don't look back, understand?" Fraz reaches into a pocket and gives Kester some coins; to Nivvy he hands a small medallion (it has their family crest on it). "If you can't go to the Pantheon, go to East Shore and find Francol's Leatherworks; show them that medal - they'll know."
OK. I'm just kind of playing this out. Anyone have suggestions or further ideas, please feel free to drop them in before we let the kids go, etc.
"I know where it is," pipes up one of the boys. "I'm Handy." "Handy and Bug can find the Pantheon."
"Fair enough. Handy & Bug, take the rest of the gang and get them to the Pantheon as best you can. Whatever you do, don't come back here. If the Korvosan Guard stops you, I'm counting on you two to set them straight - tell them what you know." He glances at Cole for any further suggestions on when they reach the Pantheon.
pat512 wrote:
Hookshanks -- that's the gnome -- sleeps with us, but he's not here yet. And watch out for Bloo, that's Mr. Yargin's dog, and he's really mean. "There's usually a boat down the hole. Giggles puts kids into it, and they go to Mr. Gaedren."
"I take it Mr. Yargin lives here too," Fraz will interject for clarification. Assuming that's a yes...Fraz mulls over the children's comments a moment. "That means 3 men and a dog up there," more to the group for feedback. "Best keep an eye on those doors while the children get out - don't want Hookshanks barging into the room and catching us unawares. Thanks, Kester."
"Apologies, Mister Avalon, but I tend to agree with Cole's plan; if they think they can make it safely there without adult guidance. If you want to help," he's looking at the four children volunteers, "I need two of you to make sure the rest get to safety - it's important that none of you get hurt once you leave here. What are your names?"
To the other two children, he then turns. "If you want to help, we need information. Who's upstairs? Do you know if there's anyway to sneak upstairs with causing too much noise?. If you can get some doors unlocked without giving yourselves away that would help."
"I don't want to scare you, but do you know how we get down to where Lamm is? Anything you might know about what's in there," he points at the same hole the boy implied earlier might lead to Lamm, "would help us make sure that beast never sees the sun again."
Maybe it's the foreboding nature of realizing what might be Eva's fate, or perhaps controlled anger, but his tone is direct and commanding. His movements seem smooth despite the anxiousness in his demeanor.
In case it is needed:Diplomacy (1d20+1=21)Silently (1d20+2=21) I hope I'm not being too bossy here; please feel free to chime in with any suggestions or plans - I'm kind of going with what would be helpful but not too dangerous for the kids.
The boy, now out of his hammock, silently points to the open bay in the floor.
Other children are starting to stir, and some are getting out of bed, but still none has cried out.
Somewhat puzzled, but also concerned by the child's tenative gesture, Frasides nods. "A bit more time, lad. Is Lamm down there somewhere; or in the rooms above? Anyone else you can tell me about."
Once he has the answers, he nods, "Thanks be to you. Now, gather your friends and get moving quietly out the door. We want to get you safe from here."
Lastly, if he can manage to get everyone near the exit or just outside - "With these children out of the way, I think we can make our assault. Does anyone have any ideas as to what to do with them? Do we leave someone to keep an eye on them..."
A mixture of anger and frustration is visible in his eyes. "I'm ready to bloody these bastards, but...I am somewhat hesitant to leave these children to mercy of the streets right now."
How many children are we talking about, by the way? I'm open to suggestions, but would any of us know of a temporary safehouse? I'm almost thinking someone may have to guide them away, and then come back for the assault.
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