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You should consider yourselves lucky I don't slit your throats here and now for what you've done.
Trisane ignores Yargrin's question until the prisoners, the children (all 3) and the dog, Trefate are secured upon the boat. After re-applying a more efficient gag to Yargrin, he answers his question.
We're turning you in to the Korvosan Guard for your crimes. That's all you need to know.
Trisane reaches into his jacket pocket and produces the keyring taken from Gaedren Lamm. He tosses it to Nik.
You've served the cause of justice nobly today, my friend. I promise I will help you find your brother, Tobar... As long as it takes. Ophelia, go with Nik and retrieve Lamm so we can end this unfortunate business once and for all.
Trisane remains in the boat, guarding his nephew and the prisoners.
Ophelia nods at Trisane, stay safe, we'll be back shortly She makes her way back inside the building, careful to cross the trapped section.
Once inside with Nik, We can get him to talk, to tell you where Tobar is. You heard those two upstairs, they wanted to be taken in, they'll be back on the street shortly after the sun rises. If we don't use this opportunity now, we may not have another chance of finding Tobar. Trisane may think he's doing the right thing by turning them in, but we know the truth, there's only one way to truly see justice is done today.
The outer area is filled with a collection of old cabinets, lock boxes, and piles of clutter that are strewn about. Chipped porcelain plates, a cracked goblet, badly rusted silverware, an old wooden shield with a crossbow bolt embedded in it, the odd dinged helm, and other treasures” litter the floor of this entire chamber. Three tables, their tops heaped with additional clutter, stand amid this mess.
Lamm's room is a foul-smelling combination bedroom and study. A wooden bed with a lumpy mattress stands against the wall, while a round table heaped with dirty plates, bread crusts, stained goblets, fruit rinds, and scuttling cockroaches sits nearby. At the foot of the bed sits a large strongbox, a slighty rusted lock securing its lid. A sagging dresser filled with moth-eaten clothes well past their glory days is in one corner—what appears to be a wooden hatbox surrounded by a small cloud of flies sits atop this dresser.
The hatbox and lockbox contained the magical items.
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Nik wrinkles his nose in disgust.
It's hard to imagine anyone of decent character living in this filth. Seeing this I can almost agree with you about justice, but still I cannot bring my self to just execute them. Let us see what we can get out of this cretin before we discuss his future.
Nik kneels down before the passed out man and slaps him, not so gently, awake.
Wake up beast! Answer my questions and maybe your life may still be worth more than the slop you sell to the local fisherman as bait.
Heal (if necessary)
Gaedren comes to, it takes him a moment to get oriented.
Eh, do yer worst horsers. Just throw me in the drink and be done with it.
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A saddened look passes over Nik's face. He looks down at the old man at his feet.
Can I condone what probably must be done with this man?
I simply want to know where I can find Tobar. I am sure others will see you receive the justice you deserve, but I have no interest in being an executioner. Now, where is my brother?
While Nik is busy interrogating, Ophelia will look in the hatbox. If there's time, she'll look in the lockbox after.
Just spit it out so we can get this over with.
Ophelia - Under the hatbox is a ledger, you can collect the hatbox, lockbox and ledger.
Zellara’s severed head, poorly preserved and decorated with
unsightly makeup in a crude attempt to give her sagging
flesh the semblance of life. A smaller wooden box is tucked under the stump of her neck.
Nik -
Gaedren stares at you, emotionless. Tobar, don't know no Tobar. If he ain't here then he run off.
Trisane stands watch.
Ophelia grabs the ledger and opens the hatbox. She pales and drops the hatbox. Staring at it in shock. It takes a few moments for her to snap out of it.
Nik...Nik, look. She points to the hatbox on the floor.
It can't be her...that doesn't make sense...we just spoke with her just the other day...how did he know?
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Look, I know you are ... Ophelia? What is it?
Nik looks over at Ophelia and sees she seems almost pale. He steps closer and notices the hatbox on the ground. Looking inside he grows pale as well.
What the...
He turns back to Lamm.
What have you done?
Nik backs away towards the door and the boat.
Wait here with him. Trisane needs to see this.
Nik heads outside.
Ophelia stares hard at Lamm. Why? Whatever did she do to you?
Ah, I see you found my lovely. What she did, she wouldn't let go. Sent her son to steal from me, he got caught. I tried to send her a message. Tried to tell her to stay away, to let go, but no. She had to make it personal.
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Nik comes rushing up to Trisane at the boat. He is nearly shaking as he tries to explain.
Trisane, you have to go in there. This is more than I can handle. It's her head. She's dead, I can't understand how, but she's dead.
Nik can't even get his thoughts together.
b]Oh dreamer, where are you leading this child of your's![/b]
Ophelia removes her dagger, pointing it towards Lamm, You will pay, for everything you've done, not just against me, but everyone your vileness has touched. I take on their pain to deliver their revenge. May the Savored Sting guide my hand as I stab at thee with all my heart!
Your wickedness ends now, I will set the world free.
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Trisane gives Nik a puzzling look but tries to remain calm.
What the hell happened to Ophelia? What do you mean she's dead? Where's Gaedren? You weren't gone more than a minute or two...
What in the world is going on? Is there no end the evil of this place?
Stay here and guard Pellius. I'll be right back.
Trisane stands up and moves inside quickly to investigate. He draws his longsword along the way.
Trisane hears Ophelia as he hops over the trapdoor, as he gets to the door to Lamm's quarters, he sees Ophelia about to strike Lamm with a dagger, clearly, Ophelia is alive and well. Lamm is about to be less so.
Trisane - Perception check to notice the open hatbox. DC 12 or better and read the Hatbox spoiler above.
Ophelia pauses, glancing at Trisane, Its time his wickedness ends and justice is served. Look in the box, look at what he did! He is vile and disgusting and it ends now.
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Stop this, Ophelia! Killing the man now won't change the unspeakable things he's done.
Trisane sheathes his sword and steps closer.
I'm not sure I can calm her down from this... Lamm is scum through and through but... but I have to try.
He reaches his hand out to her and speaks in a calm voice.
Please, it's over now...
You're wrong, Trisane, as long as he draws breath, it isn't over. Killing him may not change the past, but will prevent him from corrupting the future. You saw how scared those kids were, and what about your nephew? If you can prevent it from happening again, would you? If there was any chance, even a slim chance, that he could repeat his actions, would you bet on that? Would you bet your nephew's life on that chance?
He's noble, but blind. How could he leave a monster like Lamm to live?
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She's been through so much... I feel bad for her truly. Doesn't make killing him the answer.
I will never forget what happened to Pellius, my whole life I will remember it...
Trisane pauses a moment and looks down at Lamm.
I swear, as long as I live, it will never happen again. You can count on that.
He then refocuses his plea on Ophelia.
Have you forgotten about Nik? What will become of his brother, Tobar? For all the evils Gaedren Lamm may yet commit, will you send that one answer, that single act of goodness he has left to give to it's grave as the price of your revenge?
I've said all I can. This is her choice. No matter what happens, I'll see justice done for Pellius and Tobar.
Trisane retreats back to the doorway.
Ophelia, I've trusted you this far and I'm not about to stop now. I know you'll make the right choice.
He gives Gaedren one final glance before exiting the room.
If I were you old man, I'd start talkin...
Ophelia stares hard at Lamm, The boy the other man was looking for...what do you know?
He's right...if Lamm can help us find Tobar, I can't take that from Nik.
Lamm continues to stare off into the distance. I told ya, I don't know no Tobar.
I'm sorry, Nik, he has no answers for you. I'll do what I can to help you find Tobar.
Then I have no reason to let you live. Ophelia readies her dagger, Do you remember me, Lamm? You kidnapped me, forced me to do your terrible deeds, starved me, beat me..., she pauses a moment, looking for a sign of recognition. Now, I repay you.
She stabs her dagger at him three times.
After Lamm is dealt with, Ophelia will wipe her blade clean on Lamm's clothing and sheath the dagger. She'll then take a deep breath and recover the small box under Zellara's head. I'm sorry for this. I've done what you sent us to do, you have been avenged. Then she'll collect the lockbox and ledger as well, and leave the room.
When she sees Trisane, there was no goodness left within him.
I hope he realizes I had no choice.
She'll continue to the boat with the group, quietly and solemn.
Gaedren Lamm is dead, left among the remains of his "treasures". The Little Lamm's have fled into the night, save for Pellius and the girl you saved.
Taken from his lair are the wooden box from the hatbox, a lockbox, and a journal.
Citadel Volshyenek is the main garrison of the Korvosan Guard. It is several blocks upriver on the point of land sticking out. It doesn't really have an "open dock", so you will have to land again. But Trisane manages the eddies to make the trip quickly and smoothly, even in the darkness. You pull up to a nearby dock and tie off the boat. Above you the walls of the citadel loom block out the light making the darkness and silence deeper. It is a short walk to the main gatehouse where guards challenge you to identify yourselves.
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Where are you Tobar? Lamm knew something more I think but I could not get it out of him. Maybe another approach?
Nik walks slowly behind the prisoners and seems deep in thought. Then he raises stand tall and firm.
Trisane, stop please. These two are the only link to my brother, I can't just hand them over to the corrupt system this place calls justice without finding out what they know. Let me talk to them. And if they won't talk, then the old spirits can do what they want with them for all I am concerned.
The gnome and Yargrin look at each other, seeming somewhat concerned, but they are gagged. Will Nik remove a gag from one or both?
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Does no one have faith in the law anymore? Even outsiders think Korvosans corrupt... In any case, I owe Nik at least a few minutes with these two.
Trisane turns around for a moment. He un-gags the pair of prisoners momentarily.
Ask your questions, Nik, but do it quickly. I need to make sure Pellius gets home safely as soon as possible.
He looks over the gnome and Yargrin breifly.
Well fellas, this is your last chance. Your boss is dead because he refused to talk. Even if you don't talk now, the Guard will find ways to loosen your tongues after hearing my report.
As Trisane removes the gags of the two, Rom stretches out his neck towards them.
Spiritele ma blestemat cu această formă, spune-i ce vrea să știe, sau s-ar putea vânt ceva mai rău!
Nik give me an intimidate roll.
Yargin gives a sideways look at the gnome, and at Trefate, still following at Nik's heel. We handled the fishery business. Kept the work going. The rest is on Lamm. Take us to the guard, we will tell them the same.
Ya be lookin for kin. Ne'er 'ad kin come lookin fer me. If 'ere is anythin to learn it is in 'at ledger, but its in code. We was ne'er trusted with 'e code. the gnome adds as he looks up at the walls of the citadel.
Hearing mention of the ledger, Ophelia picks it up and begins to look through it.
Yargrin hesitates, Only Lamm. Old goat did not trust anyone. Especially us.
Its true. Only Lamm knew 'e code. the gnome adds, shaking his head slowly.
Ophelia looks at the code, she recognizes Taldane (common) characters and characters in an unrecognized language. It is clearly a code or cypher of some sort.
Giggles, the half-orc you killed, said he got the dog from a shiver addict. Other than that we did not ask. Yargrin begins,
W'en it came ta Giggles, 'e less we knew 'e better. 'at one was bad to the core. Not 'at we be saints, or nothin, but that half-orc was jest mean. and the gnome finishes.
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That half-orc was pretty mean... at least he's gone now. We'd better hang onto that ledger though.
I think we've heard enough outta these two. Ophelia, hang onto that book for now. It may be our only link to finding Tobar now that Lamm's dead.
Trisane re-gags the prisoners securely. Then he approaches the Citadel Guards and addresses them cordially.
Good morning! Trisane Imphawke, Sable Company. I've got some fresh gutter rats to deposit.
He motions to Yargrin and the gnome.
Perhaps a quick word with the Commander as well?
A guard comes forward from the gate area holding a torch above his head, the light glints off of his helm and armor sticking out beneath the grey tabbard, but leaves the guardsman mostly in shadow. He is big and scarred, clearly a veteran.
Marine Imphawke, new prisoners, eh... have you processed prisoners here before? No, you look fresh from Endrin. He continues without waiting for a reply, Marcos and the boys, will escort you to the holding cells. We will keep the rats in a cage there while you provide evidence of their crimes and swear out a statement. I will see if the Captain of the Watch is able to see you. Although by the time you get done, it might be day. He then looks over your shoulder at Nik and Ophelia, Are they part of your catch? He asks with an nod.
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I can't believe I'm saying this about Varisians but... it's the truth.
Trisane looks back to his companions.
These are my friends. This is Besnik Fralliniz and Ophelia Wintrish. Without their help, I'm afraid there would've been no "catch" at all. They can both be trusted.
He turns back to the Guard solemnly.
As far as the evidence: a young girl, a woman named Zellara and my own nephew, Pellius.
This better not take all day... I need to get Pellius home.
Look, I know I'm new here but the Guard and the Company have always worked well together. It's been a long night and I'd like to get my nephew home to his mother before breakfast. The sooner we clink these two bastards and see the Captain, the better for all of us.
The guard takes a quick look at Pellius, and scowls.
Marcos, Kiska, Drang get those two into a cell. Altu, get these two a healer and a comfortable place to wait, and make sure he knows they are under the protection of the Sable Company.
As the guardsman named Altu rushes forward, the leader grabs him and pulls him close,The boy is the son of Captain Marcellius Kroft, you make sure that he receives all the care he needs! The head guard hisses into Altu's ear. The girl and Pellius are carried away into the Citadel.
Come Marine, you know the guard loves its paperwork. The sooner you get the charges filed, the sooner you can see the Captain, but I can't promise that it will be quick.
The guard leads you, Nik and Ophelia back through several hallways. Narrow and twisted, but you emerge into a room with a large desk. Manacled prisoners are here and Yargrin and the gnome sit on a bench bound in heavy shackles.
Jessup, Marine here brought in those two. Take their statement, and then get him to the Watch Captain. the guardsman commands a clerk. He then offers a hand to Trisane. Sergeant Agusti, I served under Marcellius.
After he leaves the clerk will want to take your report, he will want to know what occurred, when, what charges you bring, what evidence, what weapons or property were seized.
Ophelia tucks the ledger back into a pocket before approaching the guard. She'll remain quiet, letting Trisane take the lead.
Great, just where I want to be...best to just sit back and let Trisane do his thing. Don't want to give them any reason to shackle me, too.
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Trisane moves along as instructed. He offers a firm handshake to Sergeant Agusti in return.
Thank you, Sergeant. Marcellius was as a much a brother to me as my own blood. My sister, Pavanna will be pleased to know that his men still serve Korvosa with honor.
After Agusti leaves, Trisane will gather and present the evidence to the clerk, Jessup.
The charges against these two men are theft, kidnapping and murder. They worked in secret for a man named Gaedren Lamm who ran his operation out of a rundown fishery on Westpier 17. Their victims include the young girl we brought in plagued with shiver, a fortune teller named Zellara, Pellius Kroft and likely many more.
Trisane presents the hatbox with Zellara’s head, the gnome’s presumably poisoned kukri, the keys and the lockbox (He'll use the keys to open it up and see what's inside before turning it in).
This should be more than enough to put these scumbags away for a long time.
Jessup is a young clerk, tall and slender, pale even for a Chelaxian. His hair is cut short, neatly trimmed. He wears to unifrom of the Korvosa Guard, but is not wearing armor, and carries no weapons other than perhaps a dagger or shortsword. There is another clerk, older and heavier processing a burglar the guard caught at another desk. The burglar, Yargrin and the gnome are all waiting in a nearby cell.
Jessup begins taking notes as you speak. He opens the lockbox and peeks inside, the lockbox is full of items individually wrapped with bits of cloth and tied with twine.
We can inventory that in a moment, first I need some more basic information from you sir, Jessup says politely, let us begin with your name, rank, duty station, and superior officer?
Then we can get into the circumstances that led you to apprehend these individuals. I will need their names, and the specific charges against each? Witnesses to the crimes? Then we will inventory the seized property.
I will also need the current status of, Jessup pauses and looks over his hastily scribbled notes, Gaedren Lamm?
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Nik stands casually near Trisane but occasionally turns to look back to where the children were taken.
I hope this moves along quickly, or at least my part. I should see to the children myself and when they are stronger, ask them about Tobar as well. Lamm, Zellara, and the rest have distracted me but the children need my help more than these bureaucrats do.
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Trisane stands at attention and replies to the clerk with pride.
Sir, my name's Trisane Imphawke. Private. Great Tower, 3rd Wing under the command of Lieutenant Polarius Grathmore.
He then eases back and begins his report.
I first encountered Gaedren Lamm when my nephew Pellius Kroft was taken from me...
He pauses a moment before continuing.
After that I began to search for him. A woman named Zellara came to my aid with knowledge of his whereabouts so I launched an investigation. I found two other witnesses to his crimes as well.
He gestures over to Nik and Ophelia patiently waiting nearby.
Besnik Fralliniz and Ophelia Wintrish can attest to what was found at the fishery. The children there were tortured to steal and eventually murdered. Even the woman, Zellara who tried to help was killed...
Though I don't know how he managed it...
The man's name is Yargrin. The gnome... tried to kill us armed with this kukri. They both assisted in Gaedren Lamm's criminal activities. Gaedren Lamm and his bodyguard are now dead after they refused to surrender. That should answer all your questions.
I hope...
Jessup takes notes, furiously scribbling away, nodding as Trisane speaks.
Thank you Private, but I am enlisted too, he says with a grin, You don't have to call me sir. He waves over a guardsman, who then goes to speak with the gnome. So Gaedren is responsible for kidnapping, the murder of Zellara is apparent. The children that were murdered, do you know who, when, how? And what specific crimes did these two commit?
As you reflect upon it, the severed head of Zellara is weeks old, she had to have been dead long before your meeting a night or two ago.
Besnik Fralliniz and Ophelia Winterish, come forward and prepare to provide your statements.