To Dorian, "Which is missing? I recognize the half-orc - not by name, but by actions."
"Not knowing what the building layout is, I'm not sure how archery would fit, but I'm capable to swinging a sword."
To Dorian, "Which is missing? I recognize the half-orc - not by name, but by actions."
"Not knowing what the building layout is, I'm not sure how archery would fit, but I'm capable to swinging a sword."
Lamm's right hand man was not there, a fellow that I remember known as Yargin Balko
Paulus mulls over the options for a minute, then addresses the group. "There are two options being proposed. One is a quick-entry bust the door down and infiltrate option. The other is similar, but requires subterfuge to enable to enter more gently to not scare off any returning thugs." Paulus pauses for a moment, wanting to make sure this first premise was correct with his fellows.
"I have issues with the subterfuge option. First of all, it puts one of us at greater risk, for if our fake shiver buyer is not convincing, they will be in danger. Second, some or perhaps most of us will have to be a good distance away in order to remain unseen and unheard, and therefore will not be of immediate help in a fight to take the door. Third, our main objective is the rescue of the children, who we know to be there, and Lamm, who we can be reasonably assured is there. It would be nice to get the rest of the thugs off the street, but I think it folly to try the subterfuge option in light of the risk."
He looks around at all of them again before continuing. "I propose a vote. I vote with the door-kicking."
"You have a point, Paulus. It's possible that this Yargin may have business elsewhere in the city. Plus, should a missed gang member arrive, I doubt they have just one way of knowing if their place of operations has been compromised."
Running a hand through her hair, she shrugs "I'm for delivering swift justice upon Lamm."
Mercy listens to the various philosophies and stategies with interest. The tall warrior takes heart from Paulus' words of premonishment regards the corrupting nature of cold blooded vengeance.
She sips her drink sparingly, orc blessed eyes flitting between the other patrons and her new companions; gauging and measuring what she can.
Goddess, the fire of retribution burns strongly amongst my new company! It shall be a test indeed to temper their fury and allow cool heads to prevail when Lamm's judgement comes...
When talk turns to the sharp end of their task, the shield-maid takes a long draught of her ale and adds her thoughts to the tactical exchange:
"Justice when delivered should indeed be swift... but also measured lest, through our actions, we harm innocents and culpable alike?"
Mercy seems torn in her thoughts, but the holy warrior seems set to say her peace, as much for her own mind and the groups alike:
"I am all for whatever the consensus is. However consider that we know from his ill-repute that the overseer Yargin has predilection for acids... Dawnflower knows enough of us were threatened with burning and disfigurement under Lamm's fell patronage. We could pose as adventuring mercenaries who have obtained the acidic spittle of some exotic species... something Yargin would be keen to bargain for? Once inside we can choose the moment to reveal ourselves as the instrument's of Lamm's judgement..."
"Mercy, that is a wonderful idea," Paulus begins diplomatically, "but I believe Yargin is our missing party who might or might not be there, according to those who went to gather info. Unless we decided to postpone until we know he is there." He sounds doubtful. He is impatient, but could likely wait if he believed the plan would work better. Some of their more rash companions would balk at such a delay, however.
Zeverin was quiet during the trip to, and time spent in, the tavern. He was both turning over in his mind the idea of being able to finally strike out at Lamm, and subsequently maintain his composure to keep from drinking away his anxiety over it. After the others return, and a plan comes together, he finally adds his thoughts. "I agree with Paul. A rush would be the most effective and advantageous. First, we have a decent-sized group, that would allow us to overpower most that we come across. Secondly, during subterfuge, any others could become alert and prepare themselves. If we strike hard and fast, we may just catch many of them unawares and unprepared, making overcoming them that much more effective. It may be too difficult to subterfuge all nine of us into the building to have the jump on an ever elusive foe to us all."
There it was: the connection. A name from his past that made everything make sense. He always had things go well when he listened to a harrower. The fact that Yargin wasn't there meant that he would have opportunity to question him later.
"Then lets storm the gates." he said with an air of finality. Being the person who suggested subterfuge, he wanted them to know he was fine with his idea not being popular. He didn't want doubt clouding their teamwork later. "If we are all prepared, we shouldn't delay any longer."
"Time for some thrilling heroics," Nicoletta grins, patting her rapier and heading for the door.
Dorian seems a bit troubled at the direction things are going.
I don't really want to be the voice of opposition here, but I did want to warn you, it is my belief that lamm is using the children as human shields. We rush in ready for action, we may very well be looking at dead innocents.
Dorian looks toward those that profess justice and law, I am sure that is not something you are prepared to accept in the name of a greater good.
after a bit but of course, should you have your heart set on kicking in the front door and start blasting, then I will not stop you, and I will offer what aid I can. As long as I do not violate my morals.
Zeverin shakes his head, "Then simply do not use spells or missile weapons in the fight. Any attack that does not directly target Lamm or his crew is off-limits. We need not tie our own hands in stopping this man. When my axe hits something, it only hits what I'm aiming at. If your weapon of choice doesn't do the same, find one that does."
Dorian's troubles arose from the welfare of the children. Paulus respected and admired that. "If we act swiftly, we hope to overtake them before they can even organize a defense, or use the children against us. We could perhaps trick them," at this Paulus shrugs noncommittally, he certainly didn't have the skill to do so, "but if we are found out, they will use the children against us anyway, and prepare a defense on top of it."
He nods to Calcedon, appreciating his gesture. He then takes a deep breath and heads for the door, following Nic.
Nodding as Dorian brings up the possibility of children as collateral damage, Elise pipes in "No, Dorian has the right... and this is precisely the kind of thing that can set a vigilante with good intentions on the wrong side of justice."
Glancing at Zeverin, the young Iomedaen retorts "It's all fine and well to say that here, but in the heat of the battle Zev, things can get messy... and while I'm dead opposed to putting a child in harms way, Lamm is far removed from such moral quandaries."
Shrugging with frustration, Elise shakes her head as she considers the difficulties "If there was only a way to draw out the children; as far as I'm consider, one casualty among the little lambs is too many, but that being said, subterfuge has never been my foray... so I'm not certain what else to recommend."
Paulus grimaces at the young woman's words as he heads for the door. That had been his vexation as well. Lamm's men were not smart, but they possessed a certain level of cunning, and he did not trust himself or any of the others to pull off a ruse successfully. He looks back at her for an instant, he so wanted to agree with her and come back and hash it out some more, for many reasons.
He believed his course to be the best, though. Before he let doubt slip in any further, he walks through the door, following the grinning Nic out into the night towards their destiny and the inevitable proof of the wisdom or failing of this course of action. Goddess, please shine your favor on us this dark evening.
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Rhasuel downs the rest of his drink and stands. Still humming his little tune, he jogs and takes a place at Nic's side. He had a feeling the fiery woman and he were going to be good friends. These lawful paladin types loved to talk. Sometimes they talked too much. Action was required now. For good or ill, something was ending tonight. Any way it turned out, he would at least get a good story out of it.
Zev looks at the young woman, Elise, then looks as his personal moral compass Paulus heads off, "Which is why we must strike fast. Do not give him the option to surround himself with the innocent. Kick in the door, hustle the young out, and finish the man once and for all. Not that it matters much now, you had best enact your subterfuge with a quickness, because the spearhead of the 'kick in the door' crew is on their way now." He shrugs, and gives her a 'it's too late now' look, before he turns and hurries to catch up to the others that had already headed out. Catching up to Paulus, he puts a hand on the man's shoulder and gives him the 'I am here by your side' nod of approval.
Mercy readies herself for the task to come; checking her armour bindings and weapons as she walks.
Falling in beside Paulus, the tall half orc gives the priest a hopeful smile and nods toward Elise with a knowing look:
Goddess guide my hand and grant us the courage to do what is right
Paulus turns his head at the touch and gives Zev a troubled smile. So much potential for disaster...but they had not been led together to be paralyzed by indecision. He shakes his head, trying to banish his doubts.
Seeing Mercy fall in beside him, he inches closer, speaking barely above a whisper, "Perhaps you and our Spear could lead our charge?" He locks eyes with the woman for a moment, leaving the rest unsaid.
Mercy nods in silent reply to Paulus and moves dutifully toward the front of the group. As she does so the tall half orc beckons Elise to join her;
"We should be the calm before the storm Mistress Warden. Stand with me?"
Dorian just sighs and follows, his bow in hand. he is definitely not liking this plan, or lack there of.
Dorian keeps to the rear of the group. until they get close and then peels off to look for a suitable sniper position.
Resigned to their course of action, Elise nods and moves ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor "May Iomedae guide us in our endeavor, for surely we are on the side of angels in this."
With a smile and quick nod towards Mercy and Paulus, Elise indicates her willingness to move against Lamm before heading off to meet her former tormentor.
A brief search of the place reveals four doors. A set of double doors Dorian and Annabelle saw the orphans herded into. On the same side, and closer to the water is a single wooden door. On the front is another set of double doors beneath an empty sign post with a few links of rusty chain dangling in the wind. On the other side is one more door with a rickety walkway leading to and past it. There are no guards, although the groans and cheers of a card game in progress can be heard through the weather-grayed walls.
Mercy pauses, trying to discern what she can from the vista before them with her orc-blooded senses:
:
"Looks like we have our choice of doors to kick in. Any preferences?"
Paulus looks around for any lookouts or anything out of place that might show their mission here has been compromised. He tries to place what region of the building the card gamers might be in.
We should go to the children, but there is no guarantee they lay immediately beyond the threshold of the double doors, and then we would lose the element of surprise on those gaming.
Zev looks at their options, before whispering to the others "We have a big enough force, we can attain more than one objective. Those that are focused on the safety of the children can enter where they can be heard. Those of us looking to strike hard and fast can enter where the men can be heard gambling... if we can pinpoint the sound. Striking on multiple fronts always has its advantages."
The card game seems to be going on behind Door 3. The walkway to Door 4 looks very unsafe, and the door looks seldom used.
Pursing her lips as she sorts out the background noise, she hears some muffled whimpering.
Turing to her comrades, "Process of elimination aside, most - if not all - of the orphans should be behind that door."
Paulus is highly alert as they approach, anxiety speeding his heart rate. Door 3 seemed to be where the card players were, Door 1 where the children were heard by Annabelle. Decisions had to be made, and quickly.
"What say you all? My heart pulls me to the side door (1), but I feel I would not fare well on that lamentable walkway. The players are behind the front door, so if we approach any other door we will lose the surprise advantage, I think. Perhaps Zev's two-pronged approach would work?
Paulus looks at the others hopefully, practically begging them with his eyes to go to the side door, as well.
"I agree with Zev's tactics - we can definitely spread ourselves out. I can help with the children."
Mercy nods;
"Who else comes to aid the children's liberation?"
"Door number three," Nic grins, drawing her rapier. The blade flicks through the air with a soft hisssss. "So what's the plan? We go for a two-pronged attack on a signal?"
Paulus appears torn. Children or guards? He could very well compromise the group rescuing the children, with his armor and clumsiness on the rickety, unsafe walkway. He speaks hesitantly, disliking the continuing conversation but wanting thinks worked out, "Perhaps we could assault the side double doors instead? Since the children are led through them, there is likely a door connecting the chambers. I just don't think that walkway is safe enough to get to that side door. It is likely locked AND barred, as well, to prevent the children's escape."
"If the group believes the single door is better, then I will join the group at the front door and leave the rescue of the children to those more capable." He frowns at this idea, but the thought of crashing through the walkway, giving them all away is even worse.
"I'll help with door three. I think there will be more need for swords against the guards. If we get a heavy object or a post, it would be easier to break down the front door."
Paulus shakes his head, clearing the cobwebs. "Forgive my confusion...I admit this moment threatens to overwhelm me. I will go with the group assaulting the side door (1)."
He walks up between the two more...eager of their group. "Before we split, a word?" He looks to one, then the other.
"A personal favor to ask. I know neither of you owes me or my Goddess anything, but I ask you for one thing. Restraint. I will not ask for this for Lamm, for I know better. I ask for the others in the building. If they should succumb to their wounds, or surrender, I ask that you grant them mercy. If you should do this, I will return the favor, this I swear to Sarenrae. Whether it be coin or aid, it is yours."
Zeverin moves over toward the group taking the more violent route, leaving the tending of children to those more akin to the behavior. When Paulus asks his favor, Zev closes his eyes, touches his own holy symbol of Sarenrae, and replies "Thank you Paul, you are always there to remind me of my new life. I had let the moment take me, and I would have forgotten without your ever-present voice of reason."
Paulus recognizes this as a common type of phrasing from the gruff and oft-violent half-orc, who consistently looks to him for guidance in keeping the path of good in heart and mind.
As he grips his ax, he remembers and shifts it to one hand to retrieve something from his pack. "Cal, would this help? I can not use it, and my weapon, so if someone else could then have at it." He waves the crowbar he carries toward those more inclined to the use of one-handed weapons.
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Rhasuel half grins at Paulus and then Zev. He didn't need such things as a god to remind him of his path, but that didn't mean it couldn't help others. Restraint isn't usually Serane's thing, but, for you, sure. I'll see what I can do. I'm not really concerned with the thugs anyway, as long as they'd not standing in my way.
Paulus smiles grimly, nodding at Rhasuel. It was more than he had expected, and was pleased. He smiles more widely at Zev, grabbing his shoulder tightly. "I only help guide what is already there, my friend."
He turns to Nic, waiting to hear her answer before he departs for the door 1 group.