Ruke considers the woman's question and says, "I find it unlikely, unless it were merely a coincidence. The Harrow is not something to be taken lightly nor should it be manipulated in such a way."
Stranger things have happened, don't be so easily lulled into a sense of security.
"Ah! I see everyone has made it," a female voice sounds from the hall, moments before an attractive middle-aged varisian woman steps into the room.
"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."
Zellara takes place at the table, and motions for anyone standing to do the same.
"I know my means of contact have been rather suspicious, but I promise that I mean no harm to any of you. I merely wish to see justice served against Lamm and his accomplices. Please, will you hear my story?"
Staryth inclines his head and takes a seat after both ladies do, "There's no harm in listening, I suppose." I suppose I should see if there's evil any of them, yet... it always seemed so rude to start out that way. It can wait. Rude not to listen anyway
"Indeed, there is much benefit to listening, if it means the downfall of Gaedren Lamm." Silvio leans in toward Zellara.
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Please go on Mistress." Nicolai says with a slight bow of his head
Ruke plops quickly into a chair, throws his elbows up on the table, and rests his chin in folded hands. It is obvious that the woman has his full attention at the mention of a story to be told.
This should be good!
"I will listen to your tale. The possible downfall of a notorious criminal is worth that. If I find you are wasting my time, I will have you brought in for trespassing, as you admitted to us all that you are the reason we have these cards." says Sera coolly. "Now please, continue so that all accounts can be balanced, regardless of the price one must pay."
"Please accept my apologies if my cards found themselves in improper places. They do tend to be such fickle things."
The woman offers an apologetic nod as Sera brings up the threats of justice, though she does not seem troubled by them.
"First and foremost, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Zellara, and I have been holding business in this shop for many years now."
After the party introduces themselves, Zellara continues, producing an elaborate harrow deck from her pockets. An observant eye would note that it matches your cards.
It is a fine thing, of very high quality, the tool of an expert. Though the backs are faded by time, the hand-painted front of the cards are vibrant, and almost seem to move in the corner of the eye. Their frames are lightly marked with silver, giving them a faint sparkle under the candles' light.
"A year ago, Gaedrenn's 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 fear that I am no combatant myself, and I would be of little help confronting that dangerous man, and that is why I am reaching out to you. I hope that what information I could give will allow you to seek justice."
The next time a member of the party turns their attention back to their harrow card, they find that it has rejoined its deck as Zellara spoke.
Staryth finds Sera's threat a bit harsh. Still, her faith is not mine and mine not hers. And I don't know WHAT she's suffered so she may have good right to be low on tolerance for any distraction
"A year ago, Gaedrenn's 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 fear that I am no combatant myself, and I would be of little help confronting that dangerous man, and that is why I am reaching out to you. I hope that what information I could give will allow you to seek justice.
"My sympathies for your loss," Staryth takes a deep breath, "The harm he did, that I know of, was not to me, but dozens of others, including a friend. The man sells a poison named shiver that...well, it is a horror. Every time I have mentioned it to the guards, they have said others sell more, or that they have not the time for such a 'minor' crime. It's why I came here. He has to be stopped before more beauty is stripped from the eyes of other innocents. I cannot speak for these others, but I will aid you"
"I will see this man brought to justice for the crimes against this great city." replies Sera solemnly.
Silvio's normally cheerful face darkens considerably at Gaedren's tale. "I have made a thousand prayers to Sarenrae to bring justice to Gaedren. Look about you. Gaedren has ravaged the lives of young and old, giants and smallfolk, men and women. His depravity knows no bounds." He looks about to each person at the table in turn.
"I too will join."
"Lamm took someone I loved, too. I would see him pay for that and for all his other crimes. You can count on me."
Ruke considers the woman's words, clearly understanding what a man like Lamm is capable of when it comes to hurting someone's loved ones. The slowly burning fire in his belly only becomes more fueled as the other members present air their grievances with Zellara and affirm their willingness to track the man down.
An unusually seriously looks forms on the small halfling's face, one that seems quite out of place as he says, "I have a personal matter that needs settling with this swaddler, and you can bet your knickers that I will see it through. If that means a rum cove such as myself finds common friends with the likes of you lot, then all the better. The knave will taste steel before I'm laid to rest. Deal me in."
"If you would allow me, I would like to conduct a harrow for your group, so as to speak. I would guess that some of you are rather skeptical of my art, but I believe you will find useful guidance even in disbelief."
As she makes her offer, Zellara begins shuffling the cards, and noticing her experience and talent in the art is a trivial task. The cards seem to float and dance over her hands and the table, in a dance of glitter and color that is a true spectacle to witness.
"Please allow me to offer you at least that much."
Staryth looks a bit embarrassed at her offer, "I was just telling the others this harrowing business makes me nervous. But I don't believe it is explicitly against my faith's teachings, so if you truly do wish it, I will take one."
"Yes, it would be an honor, Zellara." Silvio had heard enough stories of the Harrow growing up in Varisia to believe there was some truth in them. And Zellara was clearly a talent. He looks intently toward her handiwork.
"As Krojun said, it would be rude of us to deny you the joy of performing for an almost captive audience." replies Sera with a hint of exasperation in her voice. "My fate is between myself and the Master of the First Vault. Let us see if he gives you an insight into his plans for us."
Ruke hasn't moved since her story began, and sits captivated by the woman. He nods repeatedly as she offers the party a harrow reading, eager to see her skill with the cards after her impressive display in their handling.
This should be wonderful!
Please do, Ma'am. It's always a pleasure to watch an expert at work." Nicolai steeples his fingers and watches Zellara deftly shuffle and lay out the cards.
Zellara appears surprised by Sera's attitude, and perhaps somewhat disheartened.
Placing the deck onto the table, she fans the cards out in a long arc, and slides nine of the cards out in a square formation, before gathering the rest back up in a pile.
"Please, let destiny guide you and choose a card. You are, of course, free to refuse, but I must restate that this is not about me or about making a show, but about offering what guidance I can."
Silvio will go for the middle card (5).
Nicolai will choose the Number 3 card.
Sera watches the others begin to choose cards and waffles between her options. Coming to a decision, she takes the [1] card. For the Master of the First Vault.
Staryth takes a deep breath and pulls out the number seven card.
Ruke smiles with an almost childlike excitement as his small hands reach for the lower right card and pulls it slowly across the table towards him.
"These cards, Zellara explains, are what we call your role cards. Fate has guided you through your choice, whether through divine inspiration or what some would believe to be pure luck. No matter the reason, your fate will speak to us through them."
Zellara invites everyone to turn their cards over.
"Oh. I see. Before I go any further, I must warn you: The times to come will be very trying, and events will unfold faster than you could hope to see them coming. You must be swift of thought, of foot, and of action. Speed will be of the essence above all else do not forget my words."
"Now then, let us begin with you, who boldly picked first."
Krojun's card is revealed as the Cricket.
"The Cricket is speed and quick passage, or, in the case of a warrior such as you," she nods, noting the presence of Krojun's battle axe, "A rapid and charge against a foe or a quarry. The time will come where your prowess for athleticism will shine. Finding yourself more driven and ever, you will surpass yourself in agility, and perhaps save the day for one you would consider a friend."
Zellara's attention next turns to Silvio's card, The Rabbit Prince.
"The Rabbit Prince is a tricky one. Standing for combat and battle, it gives all a clear warning that no one is above falling prey to an unexpected opponent, be it at war or in a dangerous game. The Rabbit Prince now comes to you at a warning: Faced with a disadvantage during an unexpected battle, you will need the greatest of your wiles and speed if you are to come out on top."
Nicolai's The Dance is next.
"The dance comes as a sign of harmony and cooperation. In the dance, one must follow their fellow dancer in perfect step, and know his place, as stepping out of the pattern would prove dangerous. You may, in time, find yourself faced with an unexpected menace, but, working in harmony with your group, you will escape unscathed."
Next comes Sera’s card, The Locksmith
"The Locksmith comes giving the keys one needs to unlock his destiny. He brings new clues to help resolve a mystery. However, The Locksmith cannot tell you how to use his keys. That will be up to you. The time will soon come to seize your own destiny and unlock your freedom from a long-held grudge. When that time comes, you must think quickly and act swiftly."
Staryth's card reveals itself as The Avalanche.
"The avalanche is disaster. It cannot be reasoned with, only mitigated. This is certainly a foreboding card, but being the one to draw it is not a warning aimed solely at you. Rather, it is a plea for help. In time, people will look to you for help. Amidst the confusion and the panicked crowds, you must act and lead the people."
Finally, Ruke's card, The Peacock
"And, last but not least, The Peacock. The peacock represents personal change, and avoiding those who would remain frozen in time in fear of losing beauty. The peacock tells me that you will encounter one who has changed, but whether or not that is for the best remains to be seen. When you encounter that person, you will need quick thinking to ensure the best outcome."
"These are the roles you will come to play," Zellara adds, as she gathers the cards once more and shuffles the deck, spreading another set of nine cards.
"The avalanche is disaster. It cannot be reasoned with, only mitigated. This is certainly a foreboding card, but being the one to draw it is not a warning aimed solely at you. Rather, it is a plea for help. In time, people will look to you for help. Amidst the confusion and the panicked crowds, you must act and lead the people."
Staryth stares at the card for a moment, "I'm not sure what to say. I do not consider myself a leader by nature though your reading is most flattering. On the other hand, had I not been so blind to certain evils in this city before... I might have helped more against the Shiver. However fate unfolds, thank you for your troubles."
Sera listens to the woman's words, nodding as she explains the Locksmith. Of course the man of keys will help guide my fate and destiny... I worship Abadar, who's holy symbol IS a key. Sheesh. The warrior should charge, the rogue should be wily, the seer should cooperate, I should follow Abadar, and the flamboyant one is going to waffle. Excellent observations... thinks Sera, doing her best not to let her complete disbelief of fortune tellers show.
"A broken sword can still be deadly," remarks Silvio at the sight of the Rabbit Prince. "What does this next set of 9 show?"
"The nine cards," Zellara explains, "Are a way for fate to speak out to us and give us warnings to follow. The three rows from top to bottom represent the day's light the glow of twilit times, and the night's darkness. The columns from left to right are ascent, apex, and descent. Now, let us see what fate has reserved for you.
Zellara reveals the cards one by one:
"The Paladin stands proud in the sunrise, a sign of strength in the face of adversity. Fate seeks to encourage you to follow your course and do what you know is right, even if the cost should be high."
Staryth, you note that the back of The Paladin no longer bore the message it had when you recieved it that morning.
"In the noon sun, the Publican encourages camaraderie and friendship. In harmony, you will find success."
"The Big Sky stands strong in its rightful sunset; It bears a loud shout for freedom and promises that old shackles will be cast off for the better, for a newfound freedom from past problems."
"In the twilit morning, the teamster speaks of the forces that drive you forth; friends and family, the promise of good health, and the relief of vengeance accomplished. In hard times, forget not to recall your goals."
The Peacock reveals itself in the eclipse, and Zellara turns to Ruke. "Your role card is aligned as it should be, in Eclipse. You should beware those who oppose change at all costs, for change is required in order for time to move forth. Those who would forget it are like statues in the cockatrice's gaze."
"The mountain man hikes as the evening comes upon his moutain. Much like the man who must one day cross a chasm if he wishes to reach the peak, you may soon find yourself before a bigger threat than you could hope to oppose. It is wise to do what one can to lessen the impact, but one must also remember that a deceased hero can no longer help those who suffer."
"As the moon waxes, The Crows caw quietly. They speak of shocking thefts, of losing that which one appreciated. This loss may come as a surprise; it may be something you did not realize you had. The Crows in the waxing moon, sadly, are a vague message."
"The uprising in the full moon is another partial message. It speaks of chaos in times to come, though what that chaos is to be, and how dire it shall be remains a mystery."
"Finally," Zellara turns to Nicolai, "The Dance in the waning moon is a warning to you; it stands in complete opposition to the morning where it belongs, inverting its prior meaning: You will often be expected to play by the rules of others, but you should beware. There will be times where guile and unpredictability shall be your best servants. It is perilous to remain in lockstep with those who would mean you harm."
"Thus are the words of fate. If you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge."
"The Paladin stands proud in the sunrise, a sign of strength in the face of adversity. Fate seeks to encourage you to follow your course and do what you know is right, even if the cost should be high."
Staryth, you note that the back of The Paladin no longer bore the message it had when you received it that morning.
Staryth takes a deep breath, and nods. Whatever my goddess requires of me, I shall do. My rewards await in the hereafter if they must. Still, he cannot deny he worries he may not be the ideal tool for his goddess' needs.
"Do the cards speak of where Lamm is now or how we can find him?"
The paladin nods in agreement with the question , also curious.
"The cards do not need to, warrior," Zellara smiles, "For, if you recall, I have already told your group that Lamm dwells in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17."
"Yes, unless anyone else has a question, I think we should thank our kind hostess and make haste."