'Role cards? This is an important reading' Calandra realises as she watches the Harrower with respectful eyes. Feeling most drawn to the card to the right of the selection she picks it, silently wondering which suit the older Varisian thought would apply best to this grouping.

Zellara holds out a fan of nine cards, and allows each of the people at the table to take one, Torrilan gets The Locksmith card, Jubrayl gets The cricket, Malik gets the Demon's Lantern, Istace gets The Dance, and Atherton the Peacock, finally, Calandra picks the Rabbit prince.

Spoiler for Caladra

"Now for the reading." says Zellara as she takes back the cards you have chosen, shuffling them back into the deck, she deals nine cards in a grid on the table in front of her.

"We start with the past, in it's positive aspects, moving down the line of cards to examine more and more negative aspects, then, following the same pattern, move to the present and the future. This means we always end with the most evil we can expect of the future, in order that we can be prepared, and deal with it as we see fit."

Turning the first card she says, "Ahh, the Rabbit prince, that is the third time you have seen that card today my dear isn't it? In your reading this morning, in the choosing just now, and on the table for all to see?

"This card relates to the unpredictable, and and impulsive battles you have all been forced to fight in the past, but must have some particular significance for you Calandra.

"The next card speaks of an informative pact, " grinning at Atherton "well, maybe more informative for some than for others, but a pact has just been made, and is being bound even now by my reading. The impact, and repercussions of this pact will resound throughout your lives, and maybe even the lives of all Korvosans, but that impact is as yet uncertain.

"The negative past card speaks of the duality of purpose or identity. I believe this relates to each of you in turn, in a different way, whether your lives have had a dual purpose, caring for other, and seeking revenge perhaps? Or if your identity has been torn in two by the pain you have suffered.

"The positive present card speaks of rebirth through ordeal, and I believe this speaks more to Atherton, and perhaps Malik, than to the others. Though all of your lives are changing even as I speak, so perhaps I am reading too much there.

"Ahhh, the card you picked out Istas, you do indeed appear to be bringing harmony to the group, though perfect harmony, of which this card speaks may well be far off."

As she turns the sixth card, the Evil present, with it's image of a rackshasa Zellara's face appears perplexed, she obviously is at somewhat of a loss to understand this card. "I cannot see how this relates to you, it has the meaning of dominance or mind control, neither of which I can see as applying to any of you, much less the group as a whole. Please keep this card in mind, both through the reading, and also in the next days and weeks."

Moving on to the future cards, the first card she uncovers reveals an old woman wearing a crown. "Ahhh, the Queen Mother, this card represents knowledge through fealty, this can be taken two fold, perhaps you will make a link with the queen, that will lead you to new insight, or perhaps it has a more personal meaning, that fealty to each other, as a group, will bring you your own personal insights."

"The uncertain future shows brute force shall reign. You have battles ahead, but that much you knew. The outcome of those battles though is by no means certain.

"The Beating! Oh, my, the evil future shows you are attacked from all sides. combined with the card before it, the battles you face will be intense, both your internal struggles, and the external forces against you will sometimes seem over-powering. In my experience when so much of a reading focuses on battle, it means the repercussions will be immense."

"This reading speaks true to me, but more than that, no card is miss-aligned, that is quite unusual. This further reinforces the truth in the reading.

"I am afraid I have brought you together to face not just the battle with Lamm. This reading speaks of greater things than that, and in the face of personal battles that will need to be faced, I hope I have done the right thing in putting your fates together. Looking at this, Korvosa depends on it."

Phew, 783 words.....this is not easy.

Whilst Zellera made the reading, Jubrayl shook his head. It all seemed so foreign, so alien to him. Nonetheless, he kept his peace until the Harrowing was done.

"Again, I must voice my objections to these... cards," the Paladin said with a sigh, "We've gone from a personal grudge against Gaedran Lamm to a potential plot that encompasses the whole of Korvosa." Jubrayl heard several of those gathered grumble, but he pressed on.

"If there is such a plot, then it is something beyond the scope of my own power. Zellera, you maintain that you know of Gaedren Lamm and his whereabouts. Come with me, present yourself at the Temple of Iomedae and we shall contest your case with the Clerics. Once we have their backing, we can take our case to the City authorities and crush his criminal empire once and for all," Jubrayl's voice was powerful and resonant, and he pulled all of his charismatic weight towards the Harrower.

"If others were to present evidence, there might even be a case for leniency in judgement," Jubrayl continued, looking pointedly at Atherton.

Diplomacy, 1d20+10 = 11

"No, this is the chance, our chance to stop this evil man. Justice must be brought to him, and why not by the hands of those assembled here? If you trust the authorities, he will slip free, free to continue his evil acts unchecked. I have learned this bitter lesson. I have been marked by trusting the authorities."

"I have been to the guard Mr Mallachi. They believe that Lamm is what we say, but have neither time or resources to spare for him. I doubt your Church will be much more help."

"I cannot guarentee that he will stay at his current location either, and if he is lost, he is lost for good to me, I will not be able to find him again."

"I thank you for your patience with the reading, I understand you do not believe, and will bear no ill will if you disregard what I say there. All I ask is your help in the aprehension of Lamm, if you can get him to the guard, with proof of his misdeads, then they will listen, but not before."

Atherton watches the fortune teller with narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw, irritated and slightly worried that she seemed to focus her predictions on him. "What is the old charlatan up to? What is she hinting at? What does she know?" he wonders, finally voicing his concerns "Why should we trust you? Why should I help you?" he asks, even as he knows that he will be going. "If this is a plot to destroy me and maybe the rest of this pathetic group, than its far too elaborate for it to be the usual suspects. They'd just knife me in an alley. If this is a trap, its from a new player. Besides, Gaedran has a lot of gold that I wouldn't mind changing hands. Buisness is buisness after all. And who knows? Maybe I could settle down and become the next lord of Old Korvosa." he thinks with a slight smile as he contemplates the possibilities. "What the Hell? I'm in. For now."
He's about to say something else when the paladin makes his absurd suggestion "Are really that niave?" he says with a laugh "Do you really think that Gaedran Lamm doesn't have agents in the church? Hate to break it to you; but your precious priests and knights of Iomede are just as susceptable to corruption as the rest of us poor mortals. No matter who you go to, people who he can pay off or black mail will stop any formal investigation or inquiry into his actions cold. No, the only way to get at Lamm and make sure he stays out of the picture is quitely wih a knife in the dark.".

"Do you think it will be that easy? He could have a venerable fortress there."

"Perhaps fate itself will decide for us?" Istas suggests, "If an opportunity presents itself to apprehend Lamm and we have proof of his crimes, should we not take it? Or, if he refuses to surrender...or we can find no proof of his crimes aside from our own knowledge...should we not punish him without involving the very guardsmen he may already have bribed or duped? We won't know which option remains open to us until we get there. So why not delay the decision until we see what Pharasma has pre-ordained?"

Calandra's eyes do not leave the cards on the table, especially The Rabbit Prince. Three times in one day, that wasn't coincidence, especially with them all appearing on the positive axis of the Harrow spread. Chewing on her lower lip she appears to be in deep thought for a long moment.

'The Rabbit, combat can go either way. The most hardened individual can fall and the underdog can pervail, and if I don't fall into the 'underdog' category then I don't know who does' She silently muses 'But the card links to young nobility or royalty too, does that meaning not apply here or have I entirely missed something?'

Shaken from her thoughts by the words around her she gives Atherton a small smile as he agrees to help, if he was as good as he was implying then that level of stealth would certainly be useful. "Things will work out, I'm certain of it. It's not going to be entirely easy but it's got to be worth it, for all of us." She looks up and at Atherton again, not entirely sure what he would get out of it, maybe Gaedran had some treasures stashed away he could help himself to, maybe that would be enough for him.

"The Priestess is right. Lamm most likely has enough connections to save his scrawny hide. He's and old man, and most in his line of work don't last very long without knowing the right people."

He looks around the table, setting his gaze upon the cards laid out.

"We all have been brought here for one reason or another. Mine is revenge against my wife's murderer. The authorities won't be of any help, so it falls upon us to bring Lamm to justice....I'm in."

Atherton sighs as his new 'companions' debate how to apprehend Lamm "What in the Nine Hells have I gotten myself into? Damn my curiosity!" he wonders, watching the Varisian woman who seems so fascinated by the cards laid out on the table. He laughs hollowly at her optimisim "Things may work out, but they sure as hell won't work for the best. Take it from someone who knows; you'd better be prepared for the worst because you can be damned sure that's what'll happen. And speaking of what this'll be worth to us all. I'll stick with your little band of vigilantes as long as it suits my purposes. First, I get a very good share of whatever valuables we happen to 'encounter' along the way. A share that increases in direct proportion to the amount of danger this little quest puts me in. Second, my methods may be...unorthodox to some of you. You don't question my methods and I won't question your's." the next part seems directed at the paladin, accompanied by a sneer "And, no matter what happens, I get amnesty for whatever I do to further your goal! I want your word, paladin, that you won't be trying to arrest me after I help you. I've dealt with your kind before and I don't trust you."
Atherton lets his terms linger in the air for a moment before pulling a chair up to the table and propping his feet on the table. With an arrogant smirk he says "So, what's first."

Jubrayl seemed to think on things for a while before he spoke again. After all, this was not a matter to be taken lightly.

"As you all seem intent on bringing Lamm to justice in your own way, it would be remiss of me to allow you to participate in this without proper protection," his words seemed well thought out, as though he was weaving a web, "However, if at any point it becomes apparent that this group is out of its league, I will speak to my elders at the Temple and gain their assistance."

As Atherton makes his demands, a slow smile creeps onto Jubrayl's face. "You ask me for amnesty against possible criminal actions?"

A guarded glance from Zellera gives Jubrayl pause for thought. On one hand, he had a criminal and on the other, he had a crime lord. Jubrayl made his decision. "Very well, I agree. You have my word that I shall not report you for any crimes you commit that furthers the cause of this group."

As Atherton makes his demands, a slow smile creeps onto Jubrayl's face. "You ask me for amnesty against possible criminal actions?" A guarded glance from Zellera gives Jubrayl pause for thought. On one hand, he had a criminal and on the other, he had a crime lord. Jubrayl made his decision. "Very well, I agree. You have my word that I shall not report you for any crimes you commit that furthers the cause of this group."

"So, I agree with Jubrayl," she says, "Your actions must be commited for the cause of this group. If however, you step outside those bounds...the rules of action, if you wish...and betray us or otherwise jeopardize our efforts, know that you'll not only face justice from one of Iomedae's chosen, but full retribution from the goddess of fate, as well."

"And if you take such concerns lightly, keep in mind that Pharasma is the goddess of life...but also death. So she can either bless your path in this life...or ensure it ends once you've lived out your purpose. She knows all...and through her eyes, I will, too. So make sure you keep your word. For it will seal your fate...for better or worse."

snip

Is that what happens when Istas rolls 40+ for her intimidate? :)

** spoiler omitted **

"I'll level with you; I see this whole affair as a buisness opportunity, nothing more. Therefore, you can be assured that, as a buisnessman, I'll not betray you or do anything to jepordize your mission. I have a reputation to maintain." he says, smiling slightly at the priestess' threats "As if death and judgement by the gods so seldom high were the worst spectre imagineable."

"I'll level with you; I see this whole affair as a buisness opportunity, nothing more. Therefore, you can be assured that, as a buisnessman, I'll not betray you or do anything to jepordize your mission. I have a reputation to maintain." he says, smiling slightly at the priestess' threats "As if death and judgement by the gods so seldom high were the worst spectre imagineable."

Atherton shrugs. "Hey, not my quest. Next steps is up to you." and sits back to listen, hoping to be able to gauge these poor bastards' capabilities from their ideas.

Atherton shrugs. "Hey, not my quest. Next steps is up to you." and sits back to listen, hoping to be able to gauge these poor bastards' capabilities from their ideas.

"Also, Zellara says Lamm is located at an old fishworks...on Westpier 17," she continues, "And that he keeps a pet alligator. We should be wary of that. He also uses children as thieves, but I believe we should take precautions against harming them. The Korvosan Guard might overlook our actions against Lamm...but I'm sure they won't feel the same if we inadvertantly hurt one of the children."

"Lastly, it might prove useful if we can visit this fishworks during the day," Istas suggests, "Maybe we can pose as customers...or fisherfolk? That might give us a legitimate reason to get close to Lamm. We can also discover what kind of allies he has on site. Or, at the very least, learn something about his hideout. If fate hands us an opportunity to reach Lamm at that point, we should take it. Otherwise, perhaps we can return at night, better prepared. Either way, we should certainly search this place for proof of his misdeeds in the event we have to justify our actions to the city guards."

"That would be my advice," she finishes, "What do the rest of you think?"

For a few moments, Jubrayl mulls the tactical options over in his mind. Eventually, he seems to decide upon something.

"As Istas has already mentioned, reconnaisance is of the utmost importance. We can not draw up any tactical plans until we have a fair idea as to how many adversaries we shall be facing," the tall Paladin speaks, his voice reverbarating around the room.

"However, I doubt that Lamm sells fish out of his factory. From what I have heard of the place, it is property of the King, as the previous owner died and it then defaulted," Jubrayl scratches his chin for a moment. "Not only that, but none of us look like fisherfolk and I would imagine that Lamm knows most, if not all, of the fisherfolk in the general area of his factory." Silence descended upon the room. Perhaps the others thought that their plan had hit a stone wall before it had even gotten off the ground.

"To me, that means we have two plans of action. The first, and most likely less dangerous, would be to capture one of Lamm's men and interrogate him until he gives us the information we seek," Jubrayl noticed there were a few nods and some murmurs from those gathered. No doubt he was not the only one relishing the chance to exact some revenge on the men under Lamm's control.

"On the other hand, our new colleague Atherton appears to have had some dealing with Lamm in the past," silence descended on the gathered citizens once again, "No doubt you know the kind of business that Lamm works with, Atherton. Perhaps you could be persuaded to put on a little show for Atherton, approach him with something that he might wish to buy. Whilst you are in his lair, you could appropriate some measure of the adversaries we face?"

"I concur with Istas about the children," Jubrayl continued, letting Atherton mull over the proposition that he had placed on the table, "Not only would the Guard look down upon it, I would not consider it honourable to kill a child. Might I suggest that we try to knock them unconcious where we can? I think that the less blood is spilled on this venture, the easier it will be for us afterwards."

Before I respond to the above, what do I know about Lamm's operation? Have I been inside? Does he use a cover buisness? What rumors do I know about his operation? Knowledge (Local) 8 g&% d&%mit.

Before I respond to the above, what do I know about Lamm's operation? Have I been inside? Does he use a cover buisness? What rumors do I know about his operation? Knowledge (Local) 8 g#& d*%mit.

Before I respond to the above, what do I know about Lamm's operation? Have I been inside? Does he use a cover buisness? What rumors do I know about his operation? Knowledge (Local) 8 g*~ d~&mit.

Ok, Lamm's operation is well known, and as you know him, you would know of it, so see the blurb below. You probably have been inside it, but not far enough to be of much use, just into the "front room" immediately inside the door.

"The fishery is a place where desperate fishermen can sell off their less fetching catches (fish caught 3 days dead in the nets, or freakish specimens unfit for sale) and where fishmongers dump their old sun-tainted
wares, fish reeking with the first hints of decay. Lamm’s little workforce of enslaved orphans toils among the guts and slime, creating a foul-smelling slurry that can then be resold as bait, fertilizer, or the main ingredient for what are known as “dock-dumplings,” a local favorite
among poorer dock workers who can’t afford a fresh fillet of fish"."

"I've mostly dealt with the man through his little minions. Only met him myself once." Atherton says, face hardening as he tries not to let the memories of that terrible day overwhelm him. "Anyway, I've only been inside his fisherie a few times then only into the antechamber. He keeps the place buttoned up tight."
"I could indeed approach Lamm, but I need something to sell. If one approaches him under false pretenses one tends to meet, shall we say, an unpleasant end. If you want someone to interrogate, I could find one of his lackeys and then you could kidnap him and do what you will.
We won't be able to infiltrate the fishworks as customers, at least not all of us." with a sardonic grin he adds "The goods they produce aren't of the highest quality. Chum and the like made into dumplings and sold to the poor. Rumor has it he puts more than fish in there too."
"I agree, we have to be careful. Even killing Lamm could be risky what with his connections so killing the children he has in his employ would just cause trouble for us. The best tact will be to see if we can get a map of the place and plan to infiltrate it."

"I could indeed approach Lamm, but I need something to sell. If one approaches him under false pretenses one tends to meet, shall we say, an unpleasant end. If you want someone to interrogate, I could find one of his lackeys and then you could kidnap him and do what you will."

"Do any of the children ever leave the fishery?" she asks, "Perhaps we could convince one of them to provide us with the information we need? And, for their own safety, we could either turn them over to an orphanage afterward...or, if they seem trustworthy, explain our intentions and suggest they leave the fishery before we arrive?"

She looks towards Jubrayl for the paladin's support, but also listens for any further opinion from Atherton, presuming he would know if the children supported Lamm enough to warn him rather than cooperate.

"Failing that," she suggests, "Maybe we could simply interview some of Lamm's customers to see if they know anything further about the place and his operation?"

"Sure they leave the fisherie. When not working in pits of rotting fish to make putrid dumplings the poor bastards go out onto the streets and nick anything they can get their grubby little hands on." Atherton says with a dark chuckle "See, they probably won't help us. You heard what happened to her son." he says, nodding his head in Zellara's direction "He don't keep that alligator around for show you know. And an orphanage would be only a little better for most of the kids. Those aren't a good place to be, I assure you. They certainly wouldn't be safe from Lamm's wrath there either. He keeps close tabs on them and, as you know, he's not a forgiving man. They don't like him, but they know that if you help the boss out, sometimes you get an extra blanket or some extra scraps of food. Maybe if you're real lucky some shoes or a couple coppers. If we go to them, they more than likely turn us right in, out of fear and greed. It'd be a big risk to us to turn to them. As for Lamm's customers, it depends on how much coin you've got doesn't it? Also depends on who you go to. People like me, we're buisness men see and won't betray him for any small sum. The junkies, debtors, and rivals though, they're a whole 'nother story. Most of the people he deals with would trade all their smarts for enough coin to buy even one more dose of shiver or for a chance to see him cut down or get some air and excercise. Problem is that his customers probably don't have any more insight than me. Couple of his rivals might I suppose. His guards might not be much tighter-tongued; though they're all in fear of him." with another dark chuckle he adds "They don't exactly fancy the thought of being turned into crab cakes or alligator chow. For the right price, maybe passage out of Korvosa though..."

"Sure they leave the fisherie. When not working in pits of rotting fish to make putrid dumplings the poor bastards go out onto the streets and nick anything they can get their grubby little hands on," Atherton says with a dark chuckle, "See, they probably won't help us. You heard what happened to her son."

"As for Lamm's customers, it depends on how much coin you've got doesn't it? Also depends on who you go to. People like me, we're buisness men see and won't betray him for any small sum. The junkies, debtors, and rivals though, they're a whole 'nother story. Most of the people he deals with would trade all their smarts for enough coin to buy even one more dose of shiver or for a chance to see him cut down or get some air and excercise."

"Problem is that his customers probably don't have any more insight than me. Couple of his rivals might I suppose. His guards might not be much tighter-tongued; though they're all in fear of him," with another dark chuckle he adds, "They don't exactly fancy the thought of being turned into crab cakes or alligator chow. For the right price, maybe passage out of Korvosa though..."

"What options remain then? Do we simply approach the fishery at nightfall? Wouldn't that make it harder to tell the children from Lamm's guards? If so, then a visit during the day would...

"I agree. A strike during the day would benefit us more, I think. Less possible resistance, and perhaps even the element of surprise..."

"If we do strike, I'd agree that a daylight strike is best. Fewer will be in the complex, at least I think so, and I doubt Lamm will anticipate a daylight asault. Still won't be easy though. Stealth would definitely be the best strategy.
I'm guessing that the fishery has areas that are either above or in the water of the bay, right? What's near it?

Jubrayl nodded his head as he listened to the others. "Should we attack during the day, it is likely we shall manage to sow seeds of confusion thanks to the fisherfolk and customers scattering," Jubrayl said with a commanding tone. "I suggest we prepare ourselves. Atherton shall lead the way."

As the group leaves, Zellera smiles, "I have one last, small request. Please, when you have delat with Lamm, either " with a nod to Jubrayl "bringing him to the justice of the watch, or removing him completely from Korvosa, return here, so that I can look upon the faces of those her bring justice to the streets of my home."

"Hey, let's not be too hasty here. It might be best to gather some intelligence as to what we'll be facing, maybe get a few useful pieces of equipment and such. I mean, you're welcome to just charge in there with no preparation, be my guest, but I won't be going with you. I'd prefer to live."

Not spoiler-ing this since there is nothing to really worry about...

As you leave Zellera's home, and go your separate ways, it becomes increasingly obvious that something of import is happening in the City.

The Sable guard soar above the city in numbers you have never seen before, the City Guard can be seen trotting about the place in small groups, and down some dark alleyways, Hell Knights can even be seen, patrolling the streets with drawn swords.

The night though, passes uneventfully for each of you, and you leave beofre dawn, leaving notes for loved ones, and instructions for hostlers as necessary, to meet in you appointed place as the first rays of dawn break the distant horizon.

I'm making some assumptions here just to speed up the flow a little, ignore the rest if it disagrees with in character plans...

Your appointed meeting place discreetly overlooks the fishery Zellera spoke of, and if a large disparate group is unusual in these parts, the locals don't seem to notice.

You see the main doors to the fishery opened by a couple of "orphans", and the first of the fishermen arrives to leave a delivery of fish you can smell even at this distance. Whatever else that place is, it isn't going to smell nice inside.

"Hey, let's not be too hasty here. It might be best to gather some intelligence as to what we'll be facing, maybe get a few useful pieces of equipment and such. I mean, you're welcome to just charge in there with no preparation, be my guest, but I won't be going with you. I'd prefer to live."

"As for useful equipment," she continues, "Pharasma will provide me with all I need at the appropriate time. But if the others need something I'm sure they can acquire it on their own or with your assistance. I shall see everyone in the morning..."

She then turns to Zellara and gives a slight bow with her hands held open before her in the Shoanti tradition. "The fate that Gaedran Lamm enacted upon your child will now be visited upon him. Rest assured that Pharasma's will...will be done."

"Hey, let's not be too hasty here. It might be best to gather some intelligence as to what we'll be facing, maybe get a few useful pieces of equipment and such. I mean, you're welcome to just charge in there with no preparation, be my guest, but I won't be going with you. I'd prefer to live."

Everyone gets 100XP for the roleplay and backgrounds thus far.....

Working on a long post, will post it tonight.

Calandra remains quiet throughout a lot of the discussions before people part ways for the evening, she takes in the agreements and the plans and merely nods to show her approval at their planned meeting time and place. As the others leave she hangs back, her eyes resting on the older Varisian's deck of cards.

Up early the next morning and having had a decent breakfast Calandra walked lightly through the street in a small dance, savouring the sights and smells of the city she lived in. Fate was a fickle mistress and she knew that today especially could be her undoing so she was ensuring to enjoy each and every second and every step closer to the docks she got the slower her steps became.

No worries Arc..

Spoiler for Cal

Your appointed meeting place discreetly overlooks the fishery Zellera spoke of, and if a large disparate group is unusual in these parts, the locals don't seem to notice.

You see the main doors to the fishery opened by a couple of "orphans", and the first of the fishermen arrives to leave a delivery of fish you can smell even at this distance. Whatever else that place is, it isn't going to smell nice inside.

Calandra soon spots Torillan and treading gently makes her way over, standing at his side and greeting him with a small beautiful smile, hiding away her worries over today. "So.. are we the first or are the others around?" She asks curiously.

Calandra soon spots Torillan and treading gently makes her way over, standing at his side and greeting him with a small beautiful smile, hiding away her worries over today. "So.. are we the first or are the others around?" She asks curiously.

He turns to her. "Have you broken your fast, yet? There is a food cart around the corner. Not much, but the bread is good. Cheap, too." He takes a bite of bread, some steam still rising from the doughy goodness.

Spoiler for Torillan

Spoiler for Cal

Malik has slept sparingly, he is filled with anticipation. As the morning fills thesky he makes his way to the fishing docks.

There he sees a vendor selling some buns with freshly grilled fish and wanders to the man to buy himself a breakfast.

The night passes fitfully for Istas. She had hoped the dreams might stop since Pharasma provided such clear purpose regarding Gaedran Lamm. But the priestess awakens several times in the dark, always with a half-formed image still lingering in her mind, causing her head to ache with the effort to comprehend it more fully.

She shakes with the craving again, remembering the exotic cushion of comfort shiver could provide. The drug calls to her again, offering an opportunity for a full night's rest and much clearer insight into her dreams. Tears form in her eyes as her body's physical reaction wages war against her will.

'No...' she tells herself, half-directing the thought at her goddess as well, 'I know my purpose. You already revealed it to me. Leave me be. Let me sleep. No more dreams.'

But Pharasma ignores her plea and Istas gets little rest that night. When the sun finally rises, she greets it with tired eyes. Splashing cold water on her face, the priestess shocks herself into a greater sense of awareness. Then she prepares to join the others in their mutual confrontation with Lamm by stoically donning her armor. She ties off the laces by tugging them tight with her teeth, then takes up her shield and grandfather's spear.

Hefting the weapon in her hand, she contemplates her family back in the Cinderlands for the hundredth time. Did they miss her? Or were they glad to be rid of the ptohk-shau that embarrassed them so? If they could see her now, dressed in southlander armor, they'd certainly think less of her.

'No matter...' Istas thinks, 'I've always been different. It's the path Pharasma chose for me. So I might as well honor it and pursue it as best I can...'

Istas leaves by the temple's front gate with only the first few rays of sunlight glinting off Korvosa's rooftops. In the distance, she can see the king's castle backlit and casting a huge shadow across the city. Several guardsmen circle overhead, keeping watch from the backs of their hippogriffs. The creatures always make her feel uncomfortable...and even moreso now considering there seems to be a lot more of them today. Eager to avoid their scrutiny, she sets off to find the fishery described by Zellara, hoping to find the others there as well.

Several minutes later, she finally spots Torillan and Calandra. The Chelaxian seems ready for a fight, already watching Lamm's hideout with a hunter's eye. But the Varisian girl looks out of place to Istas. 'How can she possibly help us?' the priestess wonders, 'Only Pharasma knows...but there must be some purpose in her presence.'

"Good morning..." Istas quietly greets them as she approaches, smiling despite her haggard appearance, "I trust you slept well?"

I wrote a long post and then my computer ate it. f&%~ing Vista. I'll rewrite it and post it ASAP. Mostly just trying to gather more info about Lamm.

Atherton steps out into the now dark Korvosan night and stalks off without another word to his new ‘companions’. He has work to do. As he walks he wonders again what he was thinking when he agreed to help the poor bastards back at the old woman’s house. Back at her house he’d tried not to let on to how disturbed he was by the possibility of Lamm betraying him in a deep enough way to make him willing to risk his neck for revenge but now a bitter curiosity overtakes him and he determines to find out what’s going on. Whatever it takes. He stops, considering where his first stop should be. Corran. He should be willing to tell Atherton what he needs to know. Smiling grimly he strides towards the guardsman’s route. He waits, in the shadows, waiting until the man in the proud uniform of the Korvosan watch is a few paces ahead of him before stepping out and speaking ‘Corran.’ He says simply.
The man starts and turns, putting a hand on the sword as he recognizes the voice. ‘Atherton.’ He says nervously “What are you doing here? What do you want from me?’.
Atherton smiles thinly ‘I need a favor. I need everything you know about Gaedran Lamm and his operation. Get me everything the watch has on him and the layout of his facility. Get the records from when they built the damned place, anything of use to someone planning to infiltrate the place. I want anything and everything you can find, understand? Good. Get it for me and get it for me now. Deliver it to my room at the Harpy’s Nest. You know the way.’
The man looks more uncomfortable now ‘That’s treason!’ he protests weakly.
Atherton only smiles coldly again ‘Don’t look at it like treason; look at it as helping a private group orchestrate the downfall of a dreaded crime lord. It’s in your best interests to help me.’
When the guard seems unconvinced Atherton puts more steel in his voice ‘I’d hoped it wouldn’t come to this. I’d hoped we could work this out like two civilized men but since it seems we can’t…’ he stands before Corran and more threateningly ‘You have five hours to get me what I asked for and anything else I might find helpful. You wouldn’t want me to let slip a few things about your illicit purchases to your superior would you? I can’t imagine him being very pleased with you; I doubt he’d want a shiver addict on his team, especially not one who owes me gold. What’d you say? You get me what I want and don’t tell anyone and I don’t tell anyone about your habit. Hell, I’ll even throw in a bonus; we’ll say you’re even with me, you don’t owe me a thing after this.’
Without waiting for a response Atherton hurries off down the street. He has much to do before checking on Corran’s progress. For the next five hours Atherton visits ever tavern, underground gambling pit, and brothel he can find, starting near the fishery and working his way out. Using the magic combination of gold and subtle threats to loosen tongues, he finds people willing to talk. Some know nothing. Some know something of use. Some pretend to know something to get a bit of quick gold or a free drink. He listens to them all, quietly trawling the underworld for anything he can find on Lamm. He sends out messages to a few sources he trusts, at least he trusts as much as anyone which is to say, not much. Finally he strolls back to the Harpy’s Nest. He draws steel as he goes up the stairs. He hopes Corran’s sense of duty hasn’t overcome his good sense. Padding silently to the second door down on the right, he unlocks it and pushes it open slowly. He steps into the room and after checking for ambushers, lights a candle to see if Corran’s done the smart thing.
Soon he drifts off to a troubled, nightmare haunted sleep. His dreams are filled with images of that terrible day; of Eria, beautiful even in death. He remembers her pale skin and dark hair, how they contrasted with the crimson blood on storeroom floor. He remembers how it had soaked through the dress she’d worn in giant blotches of crimson. She knew he’d liked that dress; he’d bought it for her a few months before. When memories faded into dreams he found himself standing outside the shop. A rising sense of dread filled him and entered, going up the stairs slowly. He opened the door to their apartment and found her sitting in the chair where she’d liked to sit and read and watch the world below. She was staring out onto the Korvosan city scape, lit up in the crimson and gold of sunset. She was soaked in blood and as he entered she stood, blood dripping from many brutal stabs and slashes, her face contorted into a terrifying mixture of bitterness, sorrow, and rage. She took one slow, tremulous step towards him and then another, a wordless wrathful keening echoing around the room. As she approached he looked down, tears in his eyes and saw that his hands were soaked in blood. He knew it wasn’t his blood. He looked up and met her eyes and-
Atherton awoke with a start, sweating in the bare room. Wonderful. The dreams were
coming back. He stood and walked over to the basin in a corner. He splashed his face clean of the sweat and the tears he’d not known he’d shed until now and dressed. His mind had freed itself from the clinging vestiges of his nightmares, at least as much as it ever did and he began to turn what he’d learned around in his mind, looking for an angle.
As he stepped out of the door, now armored and carrying everything he thought would be useful he took one last look at the room. He would have to move soon; he had to be careful about retribution and besides, he was getting to comfortable there. He stalked through the bright morning sunlight, already off temper from the dreams of the night before. His mood isn’t helped by the Sable company hippogriffs circling, like carrion birds waiting for a creature to take it its last breath.
He emerges near the fishery from an alley and looks around. He sees that the Varisian woman and the mage are already there. He slowly and inconspicuously makes his way towards them, nodding only briefly in greeting before quietly telling them what he’s discovered.
Sorry for whatever weird writing stuff is in here; the first one was better
Gather Information 19 (for the guard) Gather information 8, 13, 14, 18 for the restIntimidate for the guard 24; others 13 and 18

For Jubrayl, the night was quiet. After leaving the group, he spent several hours in quiet contemplation and devotion to Iomedae. As the early evening shadows turned to the full darkness of night, he retired to his cell in the temple, ate a sparing meal and then bedded down for the night. No dreams came to him, and he slept well, rising the next morning full of energy for the day ahead.

Before breaking fast, he carried out his strict exercise regime, banishing the cobwebs of morning grogginess to oblivion. After an hour of exercising, he ate a simple morning meal, before employing one of the temple squires to help him don his armour. Rested, and armed, Jubrayl set off for the fishery.

As he arrived, he noticed two of the party already watching the fishery although their names escaped him for the moment. With a cursory nod, he crossed over towards them.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully, "A wonderful day for doing Iomedae's will, is it not?"