Finally an attractive middle-aged Varisian woman with long dark hair flows into the room.
”Hello one and all.” Her voice is calm and slightly husky. As she talks, she produces a Harrow deck from a pocket and idly shuffles the cards. Her skill with the deck is obvious to you all – as the cards seem to float and dance over her hands and the table.
With a nod of her head, she indicates that you should sit at the table if you have not done so already—conveniently, there are precisely the right number of chairs for the entire group.
Once you are seated, she speaks in a soft but clear voice. “Thank you for coming, my friends, and for putting up with my unconventional method of contacting you. I have reason to remain hidden, you see—a terrible man would see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out for help. This is a man you know, for he has done something terrible to each of you as well. I speak, of course, of Gaedren Lamm, a man whose cruelty and capacity to destroy the lives of those he touches are matched only by his gift for avoiding reprisal.”
”You see a year ago his thieves stole this, my Harrow deck, from me. It is important to me, an heirloom passed down through a dozen generations, and also my sole means of support. When pickpockets stole it, my son, Eran, tracked them down. The thieves were in the employ of Gaedren Lamm, and in reward for finding them, Gaedren murdered my son.”
“I sought help from the Guard, but they turned me away. And so I asked around. I paid bribes. I consulted my Harrow deck for advice. And recently, I was rewarded — I found out where Gaedren dwells. He can be found in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17, where he trains his abducted children to be pickpockets and counts his stolen treasures.”
“And now, I need your help. I cannot hope to face this man on my own, and the Guard moves so slowly that if I were to go to them, Gaedren would certainly know of their coming well in advance. Even if they did arrest him—what guarantee would I have he would be punished? This criminal has evaded the law for decades. But you know of these frustrations as well, for word on the street has it that Gaedren has wronged each of you, too. So there we are. It is time for him to pay.”
”I sense you have questions.” She pauses to see what you have to ask.
As the woman flows into the room Walden tucks away his parchment and quill and sits up straight in his chair. He drags his eyes away from Matam, whom he had been studying for some time with a curious expression on his face, and turns them towards the woman.
As the Varisian speaks his face grows longer, the deep folds in his skin seem to grow heavier and his whole being seems to sag. He mutters under his breath to himself as the woman nears the end of her speech, ”Cooped up in some dusty tower, letting death claim you slowly, and this is going on in the streets…
When the woman finishes speaking, he gathers himself and stands on the chair in which he had been sitting, raising himself up to the eye level of the others in the room. He gazes around the room at all of the others, before turning firmly to the mysterious woman in question.
”Madam, my name is Walden Tyronius Ettinmoor, Professor of History at the prestigious Acadamae here in Korvosa. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, though it pains me that we are meeting under such circumstances. This Lamm fellow first came to my attention due to the manner in which he treated a student of mine, Ms. Titansglade here beside me, and in truth I was somewhat perplexed at being pulled further into this matter by person’s unknown. I am moved by your story, and the stories of the others you have gathered here as well, and will aid you in doing what must be done in regards to this Lamm fellow.”
The professor plunks himself back down in his chair, appearing quite satisfied with this little speech. His gaze moves to the Harrow deck, which he begins studying. ”Hmm, yes, very interesting deck you have here. Very interesting. I wonder if I might…. His words trail off, though his finger twitch as if in anticipation of handling the deck itself.
Stroking his beard Gwernach leans back in his chair and listens intently to both the woman and professor Ettinmoor.
As the professor finishes the dwarf calmly asks, I'm sorry lass, but I didn't catch yar name.
Stroking his beard Gwernach leans back in his chair and listens intently to both the woman and professor Ettinmoor.
As the professor finishes the dwarf calmly asks, I'm sorry lass, but I didn't catch yar name.
The woman laughs softly. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I am Zellara."
When the woman finishes speaking, Wil leans back in his chair, arms crosses in front of him. You'll excuse me if I dispense with pleasantries, I'm sure you already know who we all are. How well do you trust your info? Lamm's got spies all over Korvosa, and it'd be easy for one of them for you to be feeding you bad info, to keep his trail covered. I still think we should check it out, even if it a trap. There are... ways to make someone talk. He cracks his knuckles, before speaking again. I'm assume you have no compunctions with us delivering justice as we sit fit. I'd very much like finish him off, once and for all. He's had it coming for a long time. He gives a quick glance to his dagger, before continuing.
There's also something about your story that bothered me. Your son tracked the thieves down, before being killed, yes? How did the deck end up back in your possession? Was there was a period of time between when he retrieved the deck, and when he was killed? Just something I wanted to be sure on, since it's not his usual style. I mean, he's all about petty revenge, but going to that amount of trouble for a Harrow Deck strikes me as odd. There anything unusual about it that you haven't told us? He finishes with a somewhat accusitory glare for a second, before looking over everyone else.
As for the rest of you, when can you all be ready? I have everything I need now, and we can probably catch him unawares if we go in the cover of darkness. I suggest we strike quickly, before this info has a chance to make back to him. There's no one else you've told about this, Miss Zellara?
Matam strikes a bow for Zellara as she enters and sits, his shadow following behind a fraction of a second later.
"Madame Zellara, deși nu am avut de a răspunde voi înainte, mama Murela întotdeauna a vorbit de bine de tine. În serviciu la tine, mi-ar lovi Gaedren moarte pentru crimele sale împotriva poporului, chiar dacă nu mi-a abuzat."
"Madame Zellara, though I haven't had of meeting you before, Mother Murela has always spoken well of you. In service to you, I would strike Gaedren dead for his crimes against the people even had he not abused me."
Turning to Wilthorn, Matam replies, "The ways of Varisian woman are strange and occult. Best not to pry too closely. As for Lamm, he should have been dead at least five minutes ago."
Gwernach chuckles as Zellara introduces herself, I'm pleased ta meet yar acquaintance madam. As I'm sure ya already know, I'm Gwernach Nicklebeard, at yar service.
Sitting back in his chair, he listens to Wilthorn's questions; the dwarf's eyes watch Zellara with interest.
Raising an eyebrow at Matam's eagerness to depart immediately, the dwarf shakes his head quietly. Aye, we could all leave now an charge right down there, but in my opinion, tha'would be unwise. Tha' is unless Matam here has intimate knowledge of Westpier 17. However, tha's likely not tha case, am I right? Gwernach turns to Matam.
I vote ta take at least one day to stake out tha place; come up with a plan an bring Lamm ta justice as it were. Speak'n o'which, Gwernach turns to the bounty hunter, Wilthorn, is thare not a bounty out 'gainst him? I mean, in all likelihood, we'll be creat'n a bit of a rukass down thare an vigilantism might not sit well wit some'otha author'ties. However, if we tell'm we're thare ta claim a bounty, Gwernach raise his hands palms up and bobs his head from one side to the next, we'd a'least 'ave a good excuse.
Gwernach's ears turn a deep shade of red with embarrassment at having brought up such a sticky point when it is clear that all present are strongly motivated to seek their vengeance, but his conscience, indeed his sense of honor to Whitehammer urges him to put this matter to rest, Master Galen, in yar vast experience an knowledge of tha law, wouldn't ya say we'd be in our rights ta claim a bounty on Lamm? Clasping his hands tightly together, he looks on intently.
Matam nods his head at Gwernach's words. "Bounties are welcome. But if push comes to shove, I would be happy to kill him the law be da****. Laws are for sheep and those who fleece them."
Wil chokes up on his dagger and leans forward, before speaking, deadly serious. Then what stops me from gutting you right now, boy? Think you can stand toe-to-toe with someone who wants you dead? Laws, instituted and enforced right, protect the people who can't defend themselves by force. Korvosa isn't perfect, but the Guard do the best they can. Sometimes things need to be taken care of outside the laws, but that's not reason enough for tearing the city down. I suggest you lay off the city guard.
Calming down, Wilthorn leans back and scratches the back of his head, thinking, before he speaks. Anyway, to answer your question Gwernach, I think there's a bounty on him, though I doubt it's much. Like I said, he keeps out of the view of the Guard, and there's very little officially tying him to very many crimes. Circumstantial evidence is usually all you ever get on him, and flimsy stuff at that, certainly not enough to convict him, and raise a bounty. That said, I highly doubt anyone would miss him if he was gone, or come asking questions. Well, anyone on the side of the law, at least.
"I meant no offense, Mr. Gwanae, but you are wrong. If the laws protected the weak, then none of us would be here tonight. Beaten children would not have stolen Madame Zellera's Harrow deck were the laws effective. Her son would not be dead if criminals feared the law and respected the weak. No. Laws justify the lives of those with power. It is for their benefit not the benefit of those cannot defend themselves.
As for why you haven't gutted me? Perhaps you think I can defend myself. Or more likely you are not a wicked man who is only restrained by the law. Perhaps your heart tells you right from wrong. I have seen the wicked constrained by law, and that is the path of the Hell knights and the brutal occupation of Varisian soil."
Unmoved by the display unfolding on the other side of the table, Gwernach claps his hands and blurts out happily, Well tha's good enough far me Wilthorn. If ya say thare's a bounty, small though it may be, than I'll go by yar word.
Leaning forward to rest his arms on the table he continues, What remains is how best ta do it? Matam, if ya can recall anythang 'bout tha pier, than tha's great. An if anyone else 'ere is familiar, now would be a good time ta chime in. Gwernach rubs his hands as he casts a glance at everyone gathered.
Tapping a finger on the table he proposes, Now, I still wan'ta look tha place over before charg'n in. An I'd also like us ta consider exploit'n a weakness - namely those kids! If we can befriend one a tham, the dwarf raises his hand in admission, and I know thas is vary risky, but if we were ta have an ally on tha inside, well tha likelihood of success would be almost assured, right?
"Err, please excuse me." Eltanin raises her hand almost timidly, but her voice is clear. "Pleased as I am that my present company is capable of concerning themselves with the more abstract questions of legality and justification, I hope you'll remember the issue of my fragile legal status. If Lamm decides to plant new evidence against me, the guard will core me like an apple. And even if he doesn't, I don't like the idea of leaving an entire city with a cloud over my head."
To the Lady: "Madam Zellara, I can assure you that permitting Lamm to run free is not in my plans. I will support this company you've gathered as well as I can, but I'm a little worried about killing him. There may not be a choice - and if we don't I won't shed a bitter tear - but if we have a chance I'd appreciate it if we could spare him for the guard."
With that, she places her satchel on her lap. She doesn't open it, but manages to look like, with her satchel, she's ready for action. "As for immediate action, I vote yes. If we know where he is, we at least need to be watching him, counting his companions and studying his tools, and drawing our plans." And with that, finding Gwernach's questions entirely sensible, Ellie resumes her silent attendance.
Galen frowns as the discussion deepens from simple revenge, which he was primed for, to a discussion about law and right. Things he knows about from his heart, but little from his head. He just has sense of right and wrong that he follows unerringly,
"If Lamm is not brought to justice in Korvosa then Korvosa is not a just place. My experience bears that out. His crimes are heinous and he deserves to swing for it. If the city will not kill him, we will take him to a higher court, we will let the Inheritor judge him! She will find him guilty, no doubt and then he can seek final judgement from Pharasma herself."
"There is no sense mincing words, now is the time for action! If we know where this miscreant is, we should be about dragging him from his bed and making him pay for his misdeeds. Let us be about that, and quickly!"
He stands and makes ready to go.
Galen's outburst causes Matam to blink and then laugh. "Yeah. What he said."
Addressing Gwernach's concerns, "I doubt that a Little Lamm would help us. They are more afraid of him. Most if not all would betray us from fear, and we would not be able to know the difference. As for fallout, Lamm will not be able to plant any evidence after Galen has introduced him to his goddess' succinct retort."
"Yeah, we should get moving. Whether we want to strike immediately is another story. Gwernach's right, we don't want to be blindly rushing in. I'd scope it out, but I'd need a surveillance site, and there's a better option: we take the guy Lamm's least likely to know about, and send 'em, asking about fish. The front is a fishery, right? I'd do it, but Lamm's too likely to know me, I've been after him for too long."
Wilthorn gestures at Eltanin and Matam while he speaks, "You two are also probably out. As distinct as the kid is, Lamm'd probably recognize him real quick. And if you got wrapped up in a legal incident, you'd be noticable. A gnome outside of the Academae would likely some attention, and I don't know if Blondy here could bring himself to lie. How good are you at telling fibs, Gwernach? Dwarves here from Janderhoff aren't exceptionally rare"
Rolling to know about Westpier 17.
Walden shakes his head at the call for immediate action. "Youth never change. he turns his head back to mysterious Varisian woman. "Madam, you called us all here. Do you perhaps have any thoughts on the best way to approach our endeavour? What is the nature of Lamm's stronghold? Does he keep many men with him? Further, I'm interested further in how you reclaimed your Harrow Deck and..." he flashes a mischievous smile, "perhaps you might grant us a reading to provide further guidance?
"Oh! Of course! A reading! That won't take much time, and there is occasionally something useful to be found in the cards!" Eltanin says this in a bit of a gush; like Matam, she is eager to distract everyone from the one discrepancy in the story. Not that she is in league with Zellara, far from it; but tricksters are most apt to give something away if they think the mark is all in. Besides, in her secret heart she is eager to come to grips with Lamm himself.
"It is a wily old man and some children, surely a group such as ours can take them. Waiting only allows time for Lamm to move on to a different location. If we know where he is we should strike now. It is the time for valor and justice, not half-measures."
As the discussion winds towards a Harrow reading, Galen exclaims:"How will these card games help us now? Gather up your weapons Grandfather Gnome and let's go spill this evil-doer's blood on the ground. I don't need any hocus-pocus to assist me with such a chore, just a good shield-mate."
He rolls his eyes at the notion of the Harrow Deck being any help, but rather just a way for Varisian hucksters to pry coin from foolish travelers.
Galen's impatience worries the dwarf. Gesturing for him to hold on a little bit longer Gwernach calmly says, Fools rush in ladd. Ya've wait'd this long ta find Lamm, another day won't kill ya.
Gwernach gives Wilthorn a wicked smile, Aye, I know a thing or two 'bout deception. I'll get'us some decent information 'bout tha pier.
As the conversation turns back towards Zellara and her harrow deck, the dwarf nods in agreement. No harm in try'n... Then an obvious question comes to mind, Zellara, can I ask ya how ya came across this information 'bout Lamm in tha first place? An how did ya come ta find us?
Galen's anger flares at the dwarf. "Another day may not kill me, but it may kill another of those innocents, those Lambs. My own sister was taken by Lamm, it might kill her. Seven Hells, she may already be dead! We could take time to look over all the ways to get into the place, or we could just walk over there kick the door in and slay any resistance we meet in the name of Truth and Justice."
After the outburst, his anger wanes, and he slumps into the chair, holding his hands against his head. "It's just...I feel so...useless. She's been gone for such a long time, and I can't find her or do anything...Now we have a lead, and I don;t want to waste it by over-thinking...Do your recon, but do it quick, a little information may save a life after all."
He grabs his holy symbol for strength and mutters a quick prayer under his breath, allowing the sneaky types to have their due.
Ellie quickly gets up and goes over to Galen, trying to cover any pity she might feel with action. "I'm sorry, I was so caught up in my own troubles I scarcely realized other people here might have more urgent ones. What is her name?" She puts a hand on his shoulder, a familial gesture, while waiting out an answer, then: "I'm sure we'll find her. And I'm sure you'll get a chance to seriously kick down a door. And imagine the look on his face then!"
Under Korvosan law, a building abandoned in this manner immediately reverts to the city and is held in escrow for 2 years, during which time any rightful owner who can prove a claim can regain control of the building. After the 2 years, the city claims the building, yet even then, the government is slow to handle its eventual fate.
Gaedren has found that by choosing the right building in the right location, one can effectively live for free for years at a time.
The old fishery is no doubt no exception. It is a new site for Lamm and not one you're familiar with. You are, though, aware of the area and 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 suntainted wares, fish reeking with the first hints of decay.
No doubt 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.
You expect that Lamm himself has secret chambers in the fishery’s underbelly.
Rolling to know about Westpier 17.
[dice=Knowledge (Local)]1d20+4
when a devilfish attacked his boat.
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 suntainted wares, fish reeking with the first hints of decay.
It's aplace where you can buy 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.
Walden shakes his head at the call for immediate action. "Youth never change. he turns his head back to mysterious Varisian woman. "Madam, you called us all here. Do you perhaps have any thoughts on the best way to approach our endeavour? What is the nature of Lamm's stronghold? Does he keep many men with him? Further, I'm interested further in how you reclaimed your Harrow Deck and..." he flashes a mischievous smile, "perhaps you might grant us a reading to provide further guidance?
Zellara listens to your conversations and when Walden addresses her directly, she waits for the noise to die down before responding.
"I'd be delighted to provide a reading, it's the most helpful thing I can do I suspect."
"In terms of who you might run into? Well I'll start with Gaedren’s right-hand man - Yargin Balkro. He's worked for him for almost ten years now. He's a sour-faced man with short blonde hair and a fondness for expensive clothing. Then there's any number of Lambs - who could either hinder or help you, depending on the circumstances. There's a gnome called Hookshanks - who looks after the Lambs. And then there's Giggles, a half-orc brute. I'm not aware of anyone else."
"How I managed to redeem my deck is something I cannot say for now. Nothing to worry about but it is, I assure you, not a sinister secret. Now who's up for a reading of the cards?"
As the conversation turns back towards Zellara and her harrow deck, the dwarf nods in agreement. No harm in try'n... Then an obvious question comes to mind, Zellara, can I ask ya how ya came across this information 'bout Lamm in tha first place? An how did ya come ta find us?
Zellara nods sagely at your questions. "I listen to the music of the city, and my Harrow cards tell me more than they tell most."
You're not sure if she's being cryptic or this is the way that all Harrow readers behave. Either way, she is coming across as a helpful but slightly desperate woman rather than a sinister or suspicious force.
"Lamm bounces from place to place. He depends on the city's disinterest in collecting or selling property that has reverted to the state. He is a squatter; he may have even had the original owner murdered or experience an accident. When the city finally comes to collect, he moves on to the next. In addition to stealing from the urban poor, Lamm will have my old family working the fishery too. Lamm likes to have his bolt holes and escape routes in all of these dumps. Mr. Gwanae, are you familiar with the sewers perhaps we could take them by surprise from below."
Wilthorn looks at Galen, serious yet compassionate, "Galen. I know how you feel." Wil pauses, looking down at the ground. "My own sister, Meryl, was nabbed about 8 years ago. Tried to stop him, but I couldn't do it. That feeling, knowing she's out there, and there's nothing you can do, it's horrible. Every day, for 8 years, I've been hunting Lamm, hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. Now that I've finally got a shot, we need to do it right. We have one chance, and if we blow it, it's likely we won't get another, and if Lamm hears about either of us being involved, if Meryl and you sister are still alive, they won't be for long. I want as much as you to just kick down the door and cut down everyone between me and her, I really do, but with one slip up, one bad decision, the chance is wasted. Trust me, we'll get them. They won't stand a chance." Wil gives a smile, and sticks out his hand for a handshake towards Galen.
Anyway, Westpier is basically the poor man's fish market. It's run down, ugly, and usually somewhat busy, perfect for us to sneak in with crowd cover. When we strike, we'll need to get close without being spotted, with sort of disguise or distraction. With so few of them, I actually think we don't need quite as much recon. If it's just the four, we could wipe 'em easy, and Matam should be able to keep the kids from getting involved. Wouldn't hurt to check it out first, though."
Hearing Matam's suggestion, he sits back, stroking his beard. "The sewers? Might work, I'm not sure. I do know there are certainly a number of beasts that live down there, off of the main lines. There's probably a line the runs under the main area, the market, but I don't know if there's something that'll lead us into the building."
"On second thought, maybe that might not be the best of ideas."
Gwernach sits back in his seat sombrely as Galen recants his tale. ...Fighting for another's life is a more pressing matter than avenging one... And now Wilthorn too seeks to rescue a sibling...
Sitting back in his seat Gwernach rubs his face with his hands. Turning to Professor Ettinmoor, Now it'sa rescue. Professor, time is short'r than we'd first thought. How much information do ya think we need bef're we act?
With new information on the table, the dwarf ponders another option, If it'sa backdoor we're look'n for, why not tak'a boat? Westpier is on a pier, isn't it? Tha means tha backdoor is on tha water, don'it?
Matam grimaces thoughtfully, "Galen how long has your sister been missing?
Eight years is a long time. Even under the best of conditions. If Wilthorn's sister is alive, she won't be anything like what he remembers.
Walden sags in his chair as the others discuss their missing family members. He even seems to forget the mysterious woman, and the promise of a Harrow reading for a moment. He appears lost in thought when the dwarf questions him, and acknowledges he's been spoken to only with the faintest raise of his bushy eyebrows.
He speaks to no one in particular, eyes distant, voice flat and sombre "If it's subterfuge you're in for I may be able to provide some assistance, though I've nothing prepared at the moment. I do have knowledge and access to magical glamours and figments, such as might be beneficial. Such was the case in my helping Ms. Titansglade..."His voice trails off as he slides back into concentrated thought, his eyebrows now working furiously up and down.
With few ideas taking root, Gwernach's thoughts turn to what questions he could pose to Zellara and her deck.
... how t'approach Westpier needs ta be addressed. Tha Professor an I possess tha means ta get one or two o'us inside for'a peek...ba we need time ta reconnoita'it. Time. Time. Time....jus how much time do we 'ave?
Perhaps Zellara's cards migh' take some of tha pressure off'o Galen an' Wilthorn; their need ta rescue their sisters withou' much delay cannot be ignored. A read'n start'n with tha well being of their siblings might buy us some time. Tima ta gather information...
Smiling politely the dwarf catches the fair Zellara's attention, Zellara, I wonder if we migh' start tha' read'n?
Gwernach pauses long enough for Zellara to prepare her deck of cards before asking, I've gott'a question concern'n tha fate of Galen'an Wilthorn's sisters. Firstly, are they alive'n well?
Gwernach will wait for her answer before asking his next question. Tha tha girl's lives are in danger tis clear, ba do ya foresee a dramatic change, far tha worse tha is, in tha next two days?
Galen sighs. "There is little chance my sister is still alive. It has been so long since she disappeared and there has been no word. But I will take the chance that she may be there, and take my vengeance on the man behind her disappearance if she it not."
He impatiently taps is foot while waiting to see the outcome of Zellara's "reading".
At least he is being realistic.
Zellara smiles patiently at the group. "I'm afraid the cards don't respond to questions quite like that. They tell me what I need to know, not what I might want to know. But anyway, I'll begin."
She asks you each to randomly select one of nine cards. She explains that if it comes up in the reading, it has great importance.
She places the nine cards back into the pack and shuffles the deck. She then draws nine cards and places them facedown in a three-by-three pattern.
She explains that the left column implies an aspect of the past that affect this reading. The central column represents the events of the present and the right column represents the events that might come to pass.
She deals the cards and you note that all of the cards that you drew appear in the nine dealt. She shakes her head. ”I see disaster looming. Not as part of your actions, but disaster none the less. Our city faces ruin. And I see the Queen. Yes, she’s central to this.”
And on this bomb-shell, she gathers the cards and smiles at you all. ”I hope you found that useful. I’ll not keep you, the Old Fishery is not so far from here but I suggest you do not dally.”
The cue for us to depart.
The dark young man bows again to the Varisian woman, "De concediu și binecuvântare."
"Excellent!" Ellie, who has been standing near Galen throughout the reading, seems entirely too ebullient considering the results. "With any luck, we'll be able to kick Lamm into a cell, rescue captives, reunite families, cleanse reputations, see justice done and maybe even save the city, just in time for breakfast!" She produces three tiny vials from seemingly nowhere and juggles them easily as she makes for the door. "C'mon Professor! All the good heroism will be taken!"
Galen murmurs his thanks to the Varisian woman, so tied up with his internal thoughts that he fails to be kind or use appropriate manners as a guest.
As the group steps outside her cottage, he says to the others:"Now what, if the direct approach is out, you'll have to show me the right indirect approach."
The cue for us to depart.
The dark young man bows again to the Varisian woman, "De concediu și binecuvântare."
** spoiler omitted **
Zellara bows politely as Matam leaves.
You make good progress to the docks. It is only a short walk from Zellara’s home. As you approach them, you are aware of the increasing reek of brine and the stink of week-dead fish hang thickly in the air.
You reach the building Zellara identified just as a light breeze starts up, bringing with it fine rain.
You see that the old double doors in the side of this weathered building are tightly closed, with a drooping signpost hanging above. The sign it once displayed is long gone, leaving behind only a single short length of rusted chain.
Walden pulls his hood up, protecting his head from the rain, and hunching inside his overly large robes. He shuffles along behind the others, still saying little, his brow furrowed.
After realizing that his idea of a secret entrance was a bust, Matam doesn't offer any more suggestions. He is down to follow any reasonable plan that someone in the group puts forward.
He and Tamat make perception checks.
Right before they enter the building, Matam will cast Mage Armor on himself and Tamat.
After realizing that his idea of a secret entrance was a bust, Matam doesn't offer any more suggestions. He is down to follow any reasonable plan that someone in the group puts forward.
He and Tamat make perception checks.
[dice=Perception (Matam)]1d20
[dice=Perception (Tamat)][1d20+4Right before they enter the building, Matam will cast Mage Armor on himself and Tamat.
[spoiler=Matam]
It occurs to you that you could try knocking.[/spoiler
Gwernach is at first intrigued as Zellara begins her reading. He'd never been to a reading before and he looked forward to seeing the mysteries of this magic unfold. Still, his skepticism nagged at him, ...this is noth'n more than a game o'chance...
Learning that the cards would not be able to answer his question concerning the girls did little to boost his confidence. Only by reminding himself that, ... tha cards had somehow brought everyone here t'gether, did the dwarf resign to listening in silence to whatever the cards had to say.
Having bid farewell to the lady and her cards, Gwernach travels with the rest of the group. Pulling his cloak tight to ward off the coming rain, the dwarf idly comments to the professor, Seems 'er suggestion ta not dally as tipped our hand ta action soon'a than we'd'of liked.
Gwernach remains silent for the rest of the journey. Letting his mind wonder, he ponders Zellara's message, What does tha queen hav'ta do with tha city face'n ruin? Tha city's not exactly had a lot o'luck with thar sovereigns; tha doesn't exactly add merit. And how does this relate ta us an' Lamm?...
Clearing his mind, Gwernach sees they have arrived at Lamm's hideout. Glancing at the old building he asks, Is that tha only entrance?
Trying to be inconspicuous, the dwarf begins to unstrap his shield and battle axe. Ya realize, we're 'bout ta enter a building based on tha recommendation of'a deck o'cards. Just say'n.
"Actually, we're about to enter a building on the recommendation of the person drawing the cards. Subtle difference, but crucial. And I'd like to point out that knowing that, we can account for the possibility that that person was lying." Ellie opens her satchel and pulls out a vial, full of something that seems to shimmer; she doesn't put it back in her satchel, but it does seem to disappear in her hands. "I'm just varisian enough to think she was telling the truth, but enough of everything else to think she might have gleaned that truth from something other than a harrowing. In any case, we have three options - we can watch the building for a while, see what's what. Or we can try a frontal assault. Or we can try a frontal hello, ask 'em if they've caught any existitial- ixtisatchl- big fish lately."
Galen sighs deeply into the damp fall night. "You can split hairs all you want, I don't believe in the card mumbo-jumbo and it didn't even get us good information on the place. While you stand her contemplating, I am going to take a quick look around the perimeter for other means of egress or any sign of what's happening down there."
Without another word, the paladin begins to cross over to the weathered building and begins to walk a circle around it, looking for alternate points of entry, or signs of any activity.
"I'm not the quietest of scouts, but the others would debated for days before sending someone over here. I trust in my faith and my swordarm if things begin to go south. I know The Inheritor walks with me, and the greater the glory if we get into a scrape with Lamm or his minions."
I just cannot let him get ambushed or killed.
Matam follows after Galen, trying to keep to the shadows.