Tolenn regards the imposing Shoanti calmly "Know him? Oh yes, I had the good fortune to be one of his 'Little Lamms' back in my younger days. He gave me these " she says, indicating the scars criss-crossing her left cheek "to remember him by."
She pauses a moment , thoughtful "Do I hate the man....no. Pity? Yes. He is a twisted evil little man who deserves to be brought to justice; unfortunately very unlikely to seek the path of redemption."
The Shoanti nods to Tolenn, pushing the sleeve of his shirt up to his shoulder to show a huge series of scar tissues and knots that looks as though the bones didn't ever quite grow right after whatever happened to the shoulder.
"Always good to see another one of us escaped."
Ashimar observes the exchange quietly looking a bit pensive.
I thought I had a good reason to find Lamm. But my cause pales when looking at Tolenn and Akrem'dar. Here are two whose lives have irrevocably been changed by this man. What manner of ugliness does he hold in his heart that makes him want to display it openly on the physical forms of innocents?
Shelyn, grant your servant the wisdom to help their cause. I wish to aid them any way I can if they would have it.
Escaped? Do we ever escape from the likes of men like Lamm? Jarrin Fayne approaches the group of people that appear to have been invited to the host's private party. And I believe it is quite obvious that every one of us knows Lamm in some way, otherwise we wouldn't all be here and the behest of some woman with a harrow deck. Jarrin holds up his card. I'm sure everyone brought their invitation?
Fayne looks carefully at each and every one of the people who have come to see what the woman might have to say. He then looks directly at Tolenn and says, You may not hate him, but I do. I have been seeking out this man for no other reason than revenge. He took my family from me. When I find him I will kill him. I do not care if you or anyone else is in my way. Remember that.
Jarrin puts his card back into on of his pockets, his eyes still watching the eyes of the rest of the party and his mood seems to lighten. If we are to discover what this woman has to say is worth our while then perhaps we should go on inside. I doubt she'll come out here to us. Now, what do you say we go on in and find out what this nonsense is really about? With that, Fayne goes to the door, opens it, and enters the building.
Fayne chuckles, watching the woman. "Fiesty, that one. Has a good point, though. Next I get my hands on him, though, I'll be leaving a few marks of my own before the authorities get him."
And in Akrem'dar goes, following such a strange individual, on his way to furthering the search for Lamm.
Ashimar watches the newcomer and Akrem'dar enter the building. I wonder how he knew our host is a woman. Poor soul doesn't realize that sadly, the thought of revenge might feel good to some people but in no way does it heal the soul. In the long run, the hurt will always be there... a part of you. It is what shapes our persona.
If you do get your revenge and kill him, what then will you live for? What purpose will you seek in life? May Shelyn protect you from the ugliness of revenge and guide you to the beauty of justice.
She mutters under her breath mostly to herself. Cold blooded killing is not the answer... Lamm needs to answer to all of Korvosa, not just one man.
She waits for Tolenn to take the lead and will follow her in should Tolenn enter the building.
As they approach the door, in the dark of night, the placard haning by the door waves in the breeze drawing their eyes to the name there---Zellara's.
Jarrin cracks the door open and they are greeted with a warm and inviting scene. A cozy chamber within the small home-workplace is filled with a fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice. The haze comes from several sticks of incense smouldering in wall mounted burners. that look like butterfly winged elves. The smoke itself seems to soften edges and gives the room a dream-like feel. The walls are draped with brocaded tapestries. One showing a black-skulled beast juggling men's hearts. Another showing a pair of angels dancing atop a snow blasted mountain. A third tapestry on the far wall next to the curtained doorway, depicts a tall hooded figure shrouded in mist, a flaming sword held in a skeletal hand. The floor is of polished hardwood.
The room's only furnishings are a wood table covered by a bright red throwcloth and several elegant tall backed chairs. A basket covered with a blue cloth sits under the table. Plates and settings for 6 are present before each chair.
Hmm, how nice. I should takes notes on presentation if I were to ever do harrowings at home.
Jarrin will walk in, examine the room a little, then sit down at the table in the chair right near the door he just entered. Come on in, everyone. I'm sure our host will make a grand entrance once we are all seated. At least, that's what I would do.
Ashimar will follow Tolenn if she goes into the building.
Once inside, she will stand in one place (just to the left of the door if free) and carefully look around the room.
She's slightly uneasy so will likely not sit until after if/when everyone present sits. 6 chairs... for six of us? Or five of us and our host? Hopefully we get some answers from this Zellara soon. This has been by far the most productive of my leads so far... I hope it doesn't turn out to be another dead end.
Tolenn accepts Jarrin's statement of revenge with equanimitiy, only when he turns to enter the room does she sigh, her eyes following the jaded man.
"Another soul twisted by Lamm's influence, seeking redress in the violence Lamm himself embraced. Sweet Dawnflower, help me unmake at least one of Lamm's tragedies.."
With a look that speaks volumes, Tolenn meets Ashimar's gaze then leads Shelyn's chosen into the building.
Akrem'dar seems to not be immensely brutal, but the Shoanti does seem to carry a heavy burden. Why he wants to wound Lamm, he isn't sharing, but the way he speaks...it appears as though he is fine to let the authorities have the criminal once he's extracted eye-for-an-eye.
Looking around the room, the tall man raises an eyebrow at the tapestries and takes a seat after looking around. "Might as well get things started"
Ellismus walks towards the address mentioned on the card. A few blocks out, he mutters some words to once again alter his vision to see the auras of magic. He then slowly continues to the meeting area, keeping the spell in his mind. He sees others in the distance entering the building... Did I see them with a card too? Curious...
Ellismus approaches the buildings his senses remaining open. He then looks through the door and, seeing a woman standing to the left of it, knocks on the open door, his eyes scanning the rest of the room. "It seems there is quite a large gathering. Did you all receive the cards, or were you the ones who sent them out?" he asks, his hand near his component pouch.
cedric will enter the building and quietly take a place against the wall. He will patiently observe everyone and wait for more to come.
Sitting at the table, Jarrin can see a note on the table, held down by a glass decanter of wine. Jarrin's feet hit a basket under the table, knocking the blue cloth askew, and glancing under the table he see's it is filled with bread.
Zellara's (everybody is inside)
Jarrin will read the note aloud and then reach down and grab a piece of bread and drink for himself. Hmm, quite interesting. Inviting guests to a party and then not being here to greet them when they arrive.
Fayne will get up from the table, eating his bread all the while, and will go to the north side of the room and take a peek inside the red curtain (I think its a curtain on the map).
This still could be a trap.
Cedric will stand by the window and will constantly survey the outside.
Ellismus frowns at his surroundings, his eyes narrowing. Something isn't right here. "Indeed...," he replies absently, his focus elsewhere.
Jarrin pulls some bread out and begins eating Its day old bread and as such a little stale, but good tasting. going around the table and looking in the other room he can see a kitchen. Dishes have been piled up near a wash basin, what looks like a couple days. Its dusty. The Barrel where water is kept, its lid askew and the dipper has fallen to the floor. However there is no water there...its as if it fell a couple days ago and noone has picked it up.
just then a voice can be heard from upstairs It's sweet sounding. Ill be right down, just doing some cleaning
Thought when Jarrin read the note out loud, it said "I had to step out"? Is that our host upstairs? Curiouser and curioser.
Ashimar keeps her thoughts to herself however and doesn't stray far from the door.
If/when the individual speaking upstairs comes down, Ashimar will merely observe and try and gather information beyond what's being said.
When Tolenn enters, she pauses to take in the room. Extending her senses, she ascertains whether there is any of evil intent within or without.
She then takes a seat at the table, turning her chair to allow her to have sight of the curtain to the kitchen.
As the group waits for the woman, Ashimar takes in her surroundings and each member of the group. Her eyes settle on the newcomer.
I wonder if that really is him? After all this time... is that truly Ellismus Rayne?
Tolenn visibly relaxes once her survey of the room is complete.
No evil intent in evidence, that's a relief. Hopefully our host will make an appearance soon.
Tearing a hunk of bread, Tolenn chews as she frankly examines each of the other invitees.
An interesting mix. And all, supposedly touched by Lamm in someway. Including our host, most likely.
Akrem'dar smells the bread, turning it this way and that. "Sure is a nice place.." Hearing a voice, he settles himself in for a wait, taking the earth breaker from off his back. Turning it upside down, he holds the handle and lets the head of the hammer rest against the ground while his hand remains gripped lightly. Better safe than sorry.
Sorry if I appeared rude back there. My name is Jarrin Fayne and I am a performer and part-time, um, amateur detective I guess. It seems we all have a common bond or we wouldn't be here tonight.
"No offense was taken by myself, Jarrin. Our common bond is one that I'm sure stirs the passions of more than yourself." Tolenn says, then stands and bows slightly "I am Tolenn, a Paladin of Sarenae."
Ellismus seems lost in thought as he looks around the room with a slight shiver. Why the elaborate ruse? Why use an old Varisian dwelling and mock it up like this? Food that is dust, warmth that is not, decorations that are out of place. Is it to put us at ease in a friendly manner, or something more sinister? He then looks at the others present, Are they involved, or are they, like me, here on the vain hope to find answers?
"Do we?" he responds to Jarrin's statement distractedly as he moves over to the table and slides his fingers along it, lifting them to his face to examine, rubbing them against his thumb, and then blowing on them, as if the pristine table had been dirty. He then walks over to the tapestry across from the door, beside the curtain, and fingers it, tracing patterns over the shrouded figure that don't follow the existing lines. Glancing back at the group, "Ellismus... Ellismus Rayne," he says, his hand falling from the tapestry to his side.
The room hears Ashimar's sharp intake of breath as she gets confirmation of the mage's identity.
Ellismus... of course! I thought I recognized you. The incident with the laboratory - you were the one brought in on charges. Do you not remember? Ashimar Siril - I spoke on your behalf at Longacre when you were put on trial."
Little do you realize, you were the one who opened my eyes to Gaedran's injustices that day. No one would believe the truth... not after what happened. With everyone here so profoundly affected by Lamm, I guess I shouldn't be surprised to find you amongst us.
"Akrem'dar," the Shoanti says simply. Anyone familiar with the Sczarni would have seen his face as one of the few Shoanti tattoo artists in their territory.
The large man looks around more frequently, obviously not used to waiting for things to happen.
The curtains to the Kitchen pulled back, a woman in plain simple Common Clothes makes her way down the stairs. She has a mixture of Varisian and Chelaxian features. Her dark brown hair mostly tucked under a Varisian scarf of reds oranges and greens. Her eyes are deep chestnut brown and show a intelligence. There is a sadness about her eyes and posture that you've seen before in folks who have suffered loss. She fairly short and thin and in her late 30's early 40's.
She comes down the stairs and moves to the curtain. and says 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 Gaedran 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 several months 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 sole means of support. When pickpockets stole it, my son, Eran, tracked them down. Thieve Thieves were in the employ of Gaedran Lamm, and in reward for finding them, Gaedran 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 Gaedran Dwells. He can be found in an old fishery north of here at Westpier 17, where he trains 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, Gaedran would certainly hear of it and know they were coming well in advance. Even if they did arrest him...what guarantee would I have he would be punished, such is the corruptness of many of the Guard. The criminal has evaded the law for decades. But you know of these frustrations as well, for word on the street has it that Gaedran has wronged each of you, too. So there we are. It is time for him to pay.
"More of his 'Little Lamms'? That is no man we are facing, and not enough power for a demon. He's pure scum, and scum has no place in the world at large."
He looked around at the group. "As much as I'd like to see him hanging from the Gallows, I don't think it's going to happen. The only way he's going to meet true justice is by folks who have intimate knowledge of him and what he does. People touched by his cruelty."
Ashimar takes all the information in quietly as she looks over Zellara and debates what to make of her story. A fishery. Could there be another connection to the Dock Families here? Marcellano did remind me to look behind the layers...
Jarrin listens intently, watching the woman as she tells her story.
Yes, you did seem to go through quite a bit of trouble to bring us all here like you did. I know that my story of personal tragedy wouldn't have been hard to discover. It seems you have some resources at your disposal since if what you say it true, you managed to discover what six others failed to find out. I'm confident a harrowing did not give you this information and we both know why that is.
Jarrin looks at the rest of the collective. So are we to believe this this woman has learned the whereabouts of Lamm and can say he will be there at this moment? I've made no secrets about trying to find him, perhaps you are an agent of Lamm looking to lead us astray, or worse yet, into a trap? Tell me why we should trust you.
As Jarrin all but calls her a fraud, everyone see's her stiffen. She pauses and says quite bluntly No we do not know why that is. Whats obvious to me is you take what is an art, and try to make it a science. Harrow is real and true. Charlatans use it to ply money out of the unsuspecting. A true Harrower, uses it for so much more. Say what you will, think what you will. My information is good, at least for tonight. The window of opportunity is aligning with forces beyond all control. Tomorrow our world will be different and we will have lost the opportunity. Perhaps before our journey together is over you will experience the truth behind the harrow. perhaps.
Ell's Hark jumps up to a chair back and peers around the room.
Akrem'dar shrugs. "I'd rather deal with an ambush than just sitting here. This is the first lead I've had in months, and I'm not just gonna sit and do nothing."
He looks to the woman. "I may not be a believer, but if it gets me to take out Lamm, I'd almost take help from a devil."
Tolenn examined the woman as she told her tale, trying to detect any prevarication.
Sense Motive
"You spin a remarkable story...the invitations you sent...and the fact that you were able to ferret out our connections to Lamm, gives some credence to your claims. You can't expect us to have no reservations however. We don't even know your name." Tolenn says, regarding the woman evenly from her chair.
Ashimar meekly speaks up following Tolenn's lead as she stands by the door. Umm... ma'am. We meant no disrespect. It's just that the circumstances that brought us together were... unusual... to say the least. You obviously appear to have extraordinary means at your disposal. Is there anything more you can share with us about his current hideout? How long has he been there? His purpose? Is he alone or does he have accomplices? Korvosa seeks justice and whatever guidance you can offer will help further our cause.
She takes out her card as she speaks to Zellara and holds it casually in her hand. Is this from your own harrow deck fortune-teller? I wonder how you would react if I were to... perhaps rip it in half?
I hope the impatient ones amongst us see reason. Haste is not the answer here. This information needs to be handled like a trial. We need to research our facts, check the veracity, determine the weak points in the opposition, and attack those.
As Jarrin all but calls her a fraud, everyone see's her stiffen. She pauses and says quite bluntly No we do not know why that is. Whats obvious to me is you take what is an art, and try to make it a science. Harrow is real and true. Charlatans use it to ply money out of the unsuspecting. A true Harrower, uses it for so much more. Say what you will, think what you will. My information is good, at least for tonight. The window of opportunity is aligning with forces beyond all control. Tomorrow our world will be different and we will have lost the opportunity. Perhaps before our journey together is over you will experience the truth behind the harrow. perhaps.
Ell's Hark jumps up to a chair back and peers around the room.
Jarrin continues to look at Zellara as if he was trying to look into her mind. Hmm. Charlatan? You flatter me. Jarrin reveals his own harrow deck, gives it a few swift and deft shuffles, and then replaces the deck from where it was stored. You truly believe that a few dozen painted cards can forsee future events and tell you the secrets of the unknown. I do not deny that what we do is an artform in itself, however usually its the patron that should be fooled, not the harrower.
Jarrin leans forward in his chair a little more, resting his elbows on the table and placing his chin on his hands. Still, as some have already said, your offer is inviting. Even tempting. Considering our plight, I'm not sure we have any other choice but to at least take you at your word that what you believe to know is accurate.
Fayne leans back in his chair and takes a sip of whatever liquid was made available to Zellara's guests. If nothing else, this fine woman has brought us together under one banner with a united cause. Perhaps by working together we might be able to achieve the goal that we all seek, the downfall of Mr. Lamm. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Jarrin gives the room a charming smile, seeing if anyone else agrees with forming an alliance.
Jarrin gets a nod from Akrem'dar. "We'll need as many as we can to take that rat down." The Shoanti seems in strong agreement, the grip on his earth breaker tightening, as he truly seems ready to take on the enemy. "What's the plan?"
Well if the information is true or not it won't hurt to spend a few hours to find out for ourselves now won't it? And if it is a trap doesn't bringing an end to Lamm's reign of atrocities something to die for? said cedric still mostly looking through the window.
the plan? you ask the plan is simple. Head to the warf; Look for sentries guarding the entrances. Knock them out. diving our strengths between the different entry.Burst in and go trough the place until we find him. Knock out his children army, and take him. Yes i know its more dangerous that way.
I hope you all have sap's
Ellismus stiffens on mention of Ashimar's mention of 'the incident' and turns to face her, his focus seemingly returned. Before he can say anything, however, Zellara enters the room, and he shifts his focus to her.
"There is no point discussing the merits or flaws of a form of divination. We live in a world of magic. Although prophecy is lost, divination magic still exists and I have even seen it's use with the Harrow," he says, speaking to all even though focused on Zellara.
He tilts his head with an inquisitive look before continuing, "As this seems to be the first real lead on Lamm, I'm sure we'll be checking it out, as you well know. Tell me, though... why the elaborate set up?" he asks of her waving his hand at the table and room. "Why pretty it up with finery and fake food rather than have the meeting at the dusty old vardo that this place truly is?"
Tolenn examined the woman as she told her tale, trying to detect any prevarication.
Sense Motive 1d20+5
"You spin a remarkable story...the invitations you sent...and the fact that you were able to ferret out our connections to Lamm, gives some credence to your claims. You can't expect us to have no reservations however. We don't even know your name." Tolenn says, regarding the woman evenly from her chair.
oh, I apologize Tolenn, I am Zellara d'Ferra. and yes quite the opposite, I do expect you to doubt. I would if I were in your place. However I come to you with open heart offering justice. Will you take what is offered?
Ashimar meekly speaks up following Tolenn's lead as she stands by the door. Umm... ma'am. We meant no disrespect. It's just that the circumstances that brought us together were... unusual... to say the least. You obviously appear to have extraordinary means at your disposal. Is there anything more you can share with us about his current hideout? How long has he been there? His purpose? Is he alone or does he have accomplices? Korvosa seeks justice and whatever guidance you can offer will help further our cause.
She smiles at the Barrister and says ahh my sweet Ashimar. You of all of these are an innocent her hands indicated the others present but my divinations indicate if they are to be successful they will have need of your talents before this is all through. Yes. I find myself with increasing capabilities of late and wouldst I been able to meet you each in person before, I would have. Perhaps someday I hope to share with you why...but for now let us leave it at that. As for his hideout. I know he has others. Some of his Lts are present as well, you may have heard of them? The Enforcer called Giggles? Yargin Balko, his drug maker? Hookshanks Grueller, the one who runs the Lamm's? He has other guards as well. Foot Soldiers in his organization. and of course that foul pet of his Gobblegut is there. I know he has ways of escape that should you tarry he will slip through our fingers like water down a drain. He shields himself with his Lamm's. The layout and exacts, I do not know.
Ellismus stiffens on mention of Ashimar's mention of 'the incident' and turns to face her, his focus seemingly returned. Before he can say anything, however, Zellara enters the room, and he shifts his focus to her.
"There is no point discussing the merits or flaws of a form of divination. We live in a world of magic. Although prophecy is lost, divination magic still exists and I have even seen it's use with the Harrow," he says, speaking to all even though focused on Zellara.
He tilts his head with an inquisitive look before continuing, "As this seems to be the first real lead on Lamm, I'm sure we'll be checking it out, as you well know. Tell me, though... why the elaborate set up?" he asks of her waving his hand at the table and room. "Why pretty it up with finery and fake food rather than have the meeting at the dusty old vardo that this place truly is?"
a wry smile plays at the corner of her mouth as she listens to Ellismus and she says softly Because Ellismus Rayne, Not everyone has your talents nor your understanding. It is quite possible our friend here Akrem'dar would have balked to enter had the room not be lit and present for reception. As one of the Art, I am sure you understand that part of our craft is making things seem less than in some cases and more than in others? ehh?
There was a subtle shift in her features that was barely noticeable...as if for a brief instant she got older quickly, but it snapped away in a blink. The hawk on the back of the chair's feathers on the back of her neck ruffled forward and her beak cracked open as if to cry out...but thought better of it and shut.
Jarrin looks at Cedric. A man of action. Just walk right in and take him. Simple. Bold. Eh, guess it'll work. Jarrin gets up and walks over to Cedric and stands in front of him. I don't believe I caught your name, friend. And what's your story? You seem to be a hunter of some type. Why are you here?
Addressing the woman again, he looks at Ellismus and then at his bread that evidently isn't really bread. Illusions? Is that what you two are speaking of? You are one that has much more to see than meets the eye, aren't you, madam? What else are you hiding?