On hearing his question, one boy, maybe nine years old with curly black hair, says quietly, "Eva's gone, mister. Giggles took her last month."
Fraz tries to contain his anticipation at wanting to know more...instead he waves his hand to try and coax the child over.
"Thanks lad, we're here to get you all out of here and away from Lamm," he says in quiet tones. "Wake your friends quietly, and make your way to the door...we'll be dealing with the thugs so they don't bother you anymore."
Then, clenching his jaw, he asks very quietly and seriously: "Tell me, lad, who is Giggles and where did he take Eva?" There is a look of concern in his eyes as awaits an answer.
If Simn can see his face in the half-light, he would note that Fraz's look is one of relief and eagerness. Carefully, he decides to resheath his bow and move cautiously towards the children. All the while he is looking for a tell-tale sign or face that would allow him to spot his sister. Spot Check?
As he does so, he tries to raise his voice just enough to be heard by the children (he hopes) as he comes closer to them. He does with palms open, so as to minimize his threat, and hopes the familiar voice with rouse his sister.
While Simn gathers the others, Fraz continues to keep an ear open for any unusual noises or movement. He continues to be a little nervous...considering the children nearby and wondering if their group's movements have raised any alarms.
"Simn, check that door carefully" he whispers and points (at the door @J12 on Pat's diagram). "That should be the one that brings us closest to their entry, I guess."
Fraz keeps his eyes as focused as he can - bow at the ready. He is watching and listening for any noise that might indicate guards afoot.
He's also listening to see if he hears the sound of combat from the others - he's guessing it would come from whatever door is the more northwestern from their position...i.e. parallel to their entry location.
Frasides follows the other two in, longbow drawn for now. He tries to follow as quietly as he can. (Move Silently (1d20+2-1=16))
He glances up at the catwalk to see if there are any observers. When he sees the children under the catwalk, he whsipers quietly to himself, "Eva."
One more thing I'm not entirely clear on. Assuming Team 2 is at the loading dock main doors, are they trying to -- open lock? break doors in? or just keep watch for anyone trying to get out?
Hmmm....I was under the impression we were going to charge through both doors. If both doors are locked, I will differ to Simn to unlock one set and then we move on to the next one. Unless Avalon's group wants to try and bust through while we enter more quietly to create a distraction. Thoughts, folks?
I had assumed we were all going to strike from essentially the Northern side. One team (Fraz, Cole, Simn) will go to the single door farther east; the other group (Avalon, Gawain, Leliestraat) was going to go to the double doors at the loading dock entrance.
However, if the latter group wants to try and attack through the double doors on the street side instead; that sounds workable as well. Anyone want to confirm?
"I also think that sounds good. I don't know what we'll face, but two approaches might let us work through more quickly before anyone can react. Perhaps two teams of three? Since Simn seems to have confidence in opening the locks, perhaps it should be him, Cole, and myself at the east door. Avalon, Leliestraat (Fraz hesitates a little with pronouncing the elf's name), and Gawain take on the double doors."
As he converses, Frasides continues to keep an eye on the place - looking for anything that might stand out or unusual movements.
Spot (1d20+6=22)
Frasides flexes his hands in anticipation; he seems ready to bolt towards the doors. Then he takes a deep breath.
"If everyone feels like rushing the doors to attack Lamm, I understand. But there maybe innocents in there, and we need to be careful. Perhaps we should wait an hour for surveillance, then move in."
"Otherwise, what say we scout the building. It seem possible we could charge the loading dock's doors; but we should also see check out that door to the east and the boardwalk for a quieter entrance."
Some slight discomfort comes across his face. "My apologies for stating orders...too much time at the Endrin Academy. Anyone else?"
Frasides seems pensive but interested in Zellara's words.
"I....thank you for your reading, Zellara."
"I am not one to take such things with deep portent, but your reading to me seems to indicate we should act soon. I am impatient to get underway, and would certainly want to survey Lamm's lair this night, at least."
Glancing at Leliestraat and Simn, "Some seem to agree, but we all have a stake in this matter - what say the rest of you?"
Frasides is a bit torn, and he has a puzzled look on his face. It's clear he wants to act now on this information, but there's a hesistancy to act abruptly with their host.
"Madam , as Cole has said, your information is sufficient. I wouldn't ask payment to help you; but I'll admit that I am impatient to get underway."
"Still, I will take whatever counsel you give...even if it be by fortune telling. Do you have need of this?"
This last part comes as he reveals his card to her. "The Survivor, I wonder what that might portend? It's meaning seems chillingly clear to me right now, but I'm no expert."
Zellara's tale strikes a cold blow along Frasides back, and thoughts of what might be happening to his sister creep into his mind. He grips the chair's armrest so tightly he might break it off, especially as she relates Lamm's whereabouts.
"I have reason to believe that Lamm has my sister captive; possibly working as one of his thieves or servants by now. For your son, my sister, and others I would track this man down and see him pay. If something worse has happened to her, you can be assured I'll bring you his head if I have my way. You have my support."
"So," Simn says at length, "What cards did you all get? I got the fool," he produces the card by way of proof of this statement.
Frasides gives him a bemused look - picturing in his mind the gnomish fellow in a jester's hat juggling for just a moment - before answering. He stares down at his card seeing the bandaged man with a ghostly figure whispering in his ear. His thoughts turn towards fears of his sister's fate; of dark happenings.
He shakes off his momentary rumination, and answers, "The Survivor. I don't know if our host intended each card to have meaning for each of us specifically." He gives pause to his words, and then continues with some restlessness, "We need to get this thing underway."
Gawain walks up to the small knot of people gathered in the street. With a friendly smile, he asks, "Excuse me, could any of you tell me which of these houses is number 3?"
Leliestraat wrote:
“Greetings,” Leliestraat smiles in the twilight. “I have come to call upon the resident of 3 Lancet Street. Are you at all familiar with the occupant?”
"Aye, neighbors...be at ease. If you've come calling here, I think it's for the same reason as the three of us: a message that can find us Gaedren Lamm, eh?. As to who it is that's called us here, I have no idea." He glances around for this last part, seeing if anyone has further information.
"If it is trap, it's the first I've seen from Lamm like this."
Before entering, Frasides will either wave him over or simply walk over and add to the gnome in the alley, "Well, gnomish traveler, judging by your presence here, I'd wager to say you should join us as well. I'd guess your "appointment" also has something to do with this business. If you are interested..." He'll leave the option in the air before heading back to the gathered group and the door to 3 Lancet.
Avalon raises his eyebrows for a moment before sighing and pulling a Harrow card from his belt pouch. "Why is this feeling more and more like some kind of setup the later in the day it gets?"
"You and me both, neighbor." He offers his hand as gesture of salutation, adding, "Name's Frasides. And I guess we'll both find out soon enough what's going on, eh?"
"I'm just having a wander around to while away the time. I have an appointment to keep with the owner of number 3. Not that it would be any of your business."
Fraz gives him a bit of a wary glance, and considers he and Cole's own experiences so far...this can't be a coincidence.
"That appointment happen to involve a Harrow card, with a message concerning a thug by the name of Lamm? If so, then it might be more of a concern to both of us than you think..."
Assuming his reaction is in the positive, Fraz shows him his own card to note his reasons for asking.
Relieved to hear that the gnome appears to have nothing sinister to do with 3 Lancet, Fraz will take Cole's lead and follow the strong young man who appears to be wandering around the area.
If he can, he'll take a moment to approach him, "Pardon me, neighbor...but you seem to have taken something of a shining to that house over there. Are you expecting someone?"
Frasides settles into the alleyway, trying to remain is indistinguishable as possible from his vantage point.
Upon Cole's next pass, he'll give a slight signal - hoping Cole will make his way towards his spot with subtlety.
For Cole:
Spoiler:
"It appears we have company...although what their intentions are unclear. There's a strong young man who seems rather interested in number 3 much as we are - moving about. More concerning, there's a gnomish fellow staying well hid in another alleyway just down the street...I just barely spotted him. Stay on your guard."
"Fair enough...let's be on our way." Again, he shifts his cloak - hoping to remain unrecogniazble, and hide his blades at least. They'll try to remain inconspicous as they check the address.
Hide (1d20+4=19)
As mentioned in an earlier version of this - and not including suggestions from Cole, which I welcome - we'll scout the area. Once that is done, I am hoping we can hide on a rooftop facing the house - or maybe an alley nearby - to see if we spot any activity or movement. Do you need a Spot check?
Once they are away from the temple, Cole will stop Fraz "I've never told you why I hate Gaedren have I? Before we go into this I want you to know, just in case. I used to be one of his "Little Lamms" when my mother sold me to that vile person to cover her drug habit. For years I toiled in his shadow, always afraid of being beaten for some trivial mistake. I managed to escape and the church took me in, I owe them my life and I intend to stop him from hurting others the way he hurt me."
When he sees Cole's own card, a mixture of shock and eerie coldness comes upon him - even as he agrees with Cole's assesment of the situation. Moreso during Cole's personal explanation, Fraz's own face becomes a mixture of surprise, but also of renewed determination. If there was any doubt as to the cleric's intention in his mind, it is all gone.
With a reassuring grip on Cole's shoulder, Fraz answers, "I am sorry to hear this, friend...what horrors you have experienced I can only imagine. But your help in keeping Eva from a similar fate has gained you my thanks and my personal support...no matter the outcome."
He pauses slightly, adjusting his cloak, "Now, we best be off towards this address...I would like to scout the area and perform some surveilance of the house before sunset. If we can remain inconspicous, perhaps we can take note of any unusal comings and goings before our appointment. What say you?"
In case you hadn't realized it, Eva is the name of Frasides' sister - short for Evangelina, if it matters - which I'm sure he would have mentioned by now to Cole.
Note that 1gp is an enormous tip for this kind of thing.
Totally understand that - I just wanted to emphasize how important the message was - I almost imagine that this might be something he's done a few times whenever he chases leads.
Fraz shakes Cole hand, a look of relief on his face and says, "Good day to you as well, Cole. A new lead has turned up about Gaedren Lamm - one that I feel I the need to act on. I was hoping you'd accompany me this evening to pursue it."
Fraz then proceeds to explain how his questioning of another "informant" was a wash, but that he had found a strange card while going about the work. He then shows him the card:
A Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Survivor. The scene is of a heavily bandaged man seated on a large chair, perhaps the throne, with weapons and treasure at his feet. He is attended by a number of pale figures, perhaps spirits of the dead.
"I wouldn't be surprised - to find a random card tucked on my mug. Hells, it might have been someone's idea of a coaster....but then I read this on the back,"
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
"I'm not so blind as to not realize it might be trap. I've certainly chased enough blinds to have roused someone's interest...but it's something that can't be ignored. I'm tempted to go there right now and question whomever sent this message."
"But, I decided I was need of your council and support first...I would assume that you would like to have a hand in getting Lamm. What say you, friend, will you join me on the chase?"
Despite the wear of long nights and anxiety on his tanned face, there's a glimmer of energized hope on his face after his rapid exposition and query.
How much of Cole's story Fraz knows is up to you - I'm assuming Fraz just knows that you are searching for Lamm for general reasons, not personal, for now.
As he continues to feign attention to the halfling, Fraz pockets the card as nonchalantly as possible. Cold anger mixes with impulse: he's ready to brain this halfling if it is some kind of trick; but he's also ready to bolt for the door and head for 3 Lancet street.
That's in Midland...I could make it there in an hour, I think.
The halfling gives no sign of knowing anything about the card or its message - he's rambling on with comments that Fraz should check out Grey District, something about the vaults there making great hideouts. Excusing himself as soon as possible and conluding this dead-end lunch meeting, he's decided that he needs to follow this card's information.
Again, the impulse is to rush to 3 Lancet and question whoever might have a clue. But just as quickly, he takes a deep breath and let's his hunter's instincts take over.
To capture prey, one needs to know the land and how the creature behaves.... he remembers his father's words.
So, first to cover his bases. He happens to know that there's a runner service near the Citadel, and he quickly finds one of the lads he's spoken with in the past working this day. He quickly pens and seals a message, and pays the dispatcher the necessary fee. To the delivery runner he says, "Tam, make sure this gets to East Shore and a leatherworks found near the river - Francol's to be precise. Make sure it get's to the manager there - he'll know what to do with it. Here's an extra gold piece for your efforts - am I clear lad?"
Note: Father & Mother - I know you are losing hope that Eva can be found...don't despair. I won't be home this evening or possibly the following...don't worry. Think of it as one of my trips into the mountains for new hides - except I hope to bring home someone much more valuable to us all. Wish me well.
-Your son, Frasides.
Once the lad understands and is on his way. He next turns to gathering an ally...Cole. He hopes the priest can accompany him...if they do find Lamm, someone with healing skills may be needed to care for his sister....the last part he tries not to add....if she still lives. The last thought makes him rush even more to find the priest...
If he does locate him...he'll ask Cole to join him...explaining all that has occurred: the discovery of the Harrow card and his feeling that this may be a legitimate clue. Hopefully, they can make their way there together...plan strategy and measures if this tip leads them to Lamm...etc. I'm leaving this to the DM until we join up.
If the priest is unavailable or occupied, despite his best intentions, Fraz cannot wait any longer. He'll leave Cole a note in the care of another member of Iomedae's church, telling him briefly that he has found a lead and where he is headed (3 Lancet).
Then, checking his gear, weapons, and adding some meager rations and water (much as he would while hunting)...he makes his way to the streets where the address can be found. Again, he tries to allow his hunting instincts to guide him...this smells of a trap, but I must know more.
Covering himself with his cloak, trying not to reveal either his face or weapons, he makes several casual passes by the address in question...hoping to note anything unsual about the structure; any unsual inhabitants in or near the residence at first glance; etc.
Finally, all his planning and rushing still places him with several hours to spare. He climbs to the nearest rooftop he can find across from the house in question...using either an interior staircase or nearest rain gutter to climb up, if need be. Placing himself comfortably along the ledge, he uses his cloak to again cover himself - he'll either look like a sleeping vagrant or possibly just a vague shape no different than the rest of the rooftops.
He sits, and waits...watching for signs of activity from the house in question and even its neighbors. When the sun finally sets...despite his impatience throughout the day...he pauses to see if any last minute activity takes place in lieu of his arrival. 10-20 minutes later, he makes his way down to the door...if nothing has occurred...and knocks with the hope that his searching is at an end; but his short sword is close at hand underneath his cloak in case it is an ambush...
Sorry if it's a bit long...a lot things came to mind...
Quickly looking at your background maybe your investigations could have lead you to/through Cole, while looking for Gaedren? I'm sure Cole would be happy to help you in your search as he'll be looking to avenge those hurt by that fiend also.
That sounds good...my thoughts:
Spoiler:
I don't know that I would call Frasides (Fra-si-deez) imposing, but he does have certain physical quickness and strength that comes from being in the wilderness as much as in the city. It's certainly not something one might expect from a merchant's son.
His skin is tanned more than a typical Chelaxian, with hair going a brown/blond color. His eyes are brown, but have a hint of grey.
When he first meets Cole, I would say that he was skeptical (even of a holy man) - probably from having met so much scum in his search. Still, once he got to know you - you'd find him to be warm, but with a dry sense of humor. He's also a tad impulsive and intense - wanting to chase after every lead and clue with gusto. By now, the pretense of Frasides Francol the nobleman has been dropped, and you can probably just call him "Fraz."
In the end, when talk turns to family and his sister, this is a man with a deep affection for them. Unlike many noble/fancy merchant families - who can be indifferent - you get the feeling that most of Francols have a deep appreciation/concern for Korvosa and its residents.
That may be more than you need to know - but I kind of wanted to frame it for reference.
Mechanics done, methinks.
Skill points added (hope it's not too confusing) & I finally learned to add right. ;-)
If it helps any one to make links for character connections, I have added background - pending Pat's approval - for perusal. Just making the suggestion, in case it will help...
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