It’s barely dawn when the shouting rouses you from sleep. The voice is all too familiar, and one you’ve come to hate first thing in the morning. The choice to stay at the barracks during cadet training seemed like a good idea at the time, considering the emotional attachments to your family’s home and the loss of Mara, although the last few mornings have you reconsidering that decision. The second guessing only lasts a moment as the shouting grows louder, the drill instructor walking up and down the rows of bunks, and the sounds of groans, armor clanking and weapons rattling before you're up and getting dressed.
Another morning of practice and conditioning forces you to focus your mind on the tasks ahead. While the sun may be up, it does nothing to remove the chill in the morning air. A few laps around the barracks and sparring for hours is broken up only by a brief meal. It’s not long after when a familiar face is heading your way, Dalvun Krand, one of the young stable boys. It’s easy to see that something has him on edge, his eyes darting back and forth as he walks.
”Sorry to bother you this morning sir, but uh...well...I was, it’s just that...well, you see, I was making to feed Charge like I do most mornings, when I uh...noticed something underneath his saddle. Since it was on the shelf, I uh, well I took a look, not really thinking nothing about it. I mean he wasn’t saddled, I wouldn’t go nowhere near him if he was, but uh...well, I found this laying on the shelf. I don’t know what it means...or even if it’s yours, but since it was under your saddle, I thought I should see if it’s yours.”
He glances around a few times before handing you a tarrow card, the Keep. Written on the card is a message.
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
The day started like any other. You rolled out of bed, washed up, put on your clean clothes and made your way to breakfast with the other holy members of the bank. One of the best parts of the church is the breakfast. Eggs, ham, sausages, biscuits, fresh fruit, and dozens of other dishes are scooped out and served by the lower ranking members. As you sat down to eat, the crier began to recite the latest news, none of which drew your attention.
Although long, the morning prayer wasn’t particularly riveting, but with a full belly and less instructors than the academy, who could complain? Everyone at the church was friendly, and most were even jovial this early in the morning. The bells rang signaling the end of the sermon and you headed towards the collectors table to find out where you would be collecting taxes and from whom. With a smile and a brief nod, the cleric handed you a folded piece of paper and bade you well with the same aphorism you’ve heard countless times over the last few months.
”This can help us all.”
As you open a piece of paper, a tarrow card almost falls out, but you’re able to catch it before it flutters through the air. No one seems to notice. The Forge, and written on it is a note.
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
Once the boy has gone his smile fades. He pockets the card without another glance and tells himself to worry about sparring practice before he addresses the card. Of course, after several rude smacks on the back with a training sword on the field Kendrick admits that the card, and its message, are distracting him.
Once off-dity he finds an empty space to change out of his uniform and into civilain clothes with his armor over top. He tucks his sword under his billowy gray cloak and adjusts the dagger in his boot.
It is a trap of some sort. I have been asking too many questions. Then again, mother always said those cards had power. She also said to be wary because fortune tellers rarely have any talents, gifts, or skill beyond their grift. But, what if? What if I could have allies taking down Gaedren?
He sighs and leaves for the meeting early to find a space just outside of the address in order to recconiter the building.
Taking a deep breath she opens it, removes the contents and reads message.
(TaxMaster Yonescu please report at once to the ArchBanker's office.)
Shaking her head, she stuffs the missive in a pocket and hurries to change into her best uniform.
"Wow, what now? Shouldn't there be a limit on the number of shocking notes allowed in one morning?
Standing before the ornate desk of Arch-banker Darb Tuttle (leader of the Church of Abader in Korvosa) Nuriel is dressed in her Scale Mail (coin-pattern), and mustard cloak of the Inquisitors.
The Arch-Banker smiles. ”Well my newly minted coin. Are you ready for the new assignment?”
The Half-Elf Bows slightly. ”Yes, your Eminence. This will help us all.” Reciting one of Abardar’s aphorisms.
The Arch-Banker nods to two other priest’s in the room. They bow and quickly leave. When they are alone he walks over to Nuriel and claps her on the shoulder. ”Why do you look like your balance sheet doesn’t add up?”
The young woman hesitates, takes a deep breath. Your Eminence, why this new assignment? You always said my work as a Taxmaster was excellent. Surely there are others will more experience than me who are better suited. Have I displeased the Master of the Vault in some manner?”
The man chuckles and puts his arm around her shoulder. ”Nuriel, this assignment is a good thing. Your performance as a Taxmaster is the best I’ve ever seen. So good in fact it makes the others look lazy. I choose you for this because of your martial skill as well as your dedication. The Master of the Vault provided us with this opportunity and you are his chosen minion for this. So it is judged. Now go your escort to the Palace is waiting outside.”
Nuriel gives a half-hearted smile, bows, and turns to go. Just before she reaches the door he says.
”Remember, your first loyalty is to The Master of The Vault.” This causes her to pause. Turning she gives him a curt nod. ”So it is Judged.” She says. Then pivots and leaves.
A Few hours later. She is standing before a not quite so ornate desk in a small room of the Palace. After a whirlwind tour of the Palace and a brief meeting with the Queen Ileosa. Nuriel is wide-eye and a little overwhelmed. Sabina Merrin, the Queen’s bodyguard and Mistress of the Order of Grey Maidens. Steps up to Nuriel, now dressed in the plate mail of the Maidens.
”Kneel Nuriel Yonescu.”She solemnly kneels.
Sabina raises her sword and lays the flat of the blade on each of the Half-Elf’s shoulders. [/b]”I anoint you and dub thee a member of the Order of the Grey Maidens. Arise Lady Maiden.”[/b]
Rising proudly Nuriel snaps to attention. Crossing her right arm across her chest and touching her fist to the left shoulder in salute.
”I vow to protect and honor the crown and my sisters in arms.” Sabina gives a thin smile and nods to a Maiden aide standing nearby. {b]Take our newest member down to the barracks and get her settled.”[/b] Looking at Nuriel. ”Training starts early, better get some rest.” Giving another brisk salute.”By your order Dame Commander.” Nuriel falls into step beside the aide as they march toward the door. Just before they leave The Commander says. ”Lady Nuriel, remember your first loyalty is to your sisters and the Queen.” She stops turns nods to the Knight Commander and leaves with the aide.
How can I be loyal to the Master of the Vault and the Order of Maidens and the Queen…How did I get myself into this?
One hour before sunset
”Lady Maiden, you should be resting, busy day tomorrow.” Said the squire tending the room Nuriel had been assigned. The Half-Elf checked her weapons and armor once more then pulled on a heavy grey cloak. ”Just going to the temple, evening prayers. Be back soon.” Nuriel said quickly as she headed out of the Maiden’s barracks area of Palace. Nodding to the guards, that snapped to attention as she passed. Once outside she headed southeast down Field Marshal Avenue. After traveling less than a block she noticed that the looks she was getting for most everyone.
I guess being a Grey Maiden is going to be a bit conspicuous. I never used mind drawing attention as a Taxmaster. But this is different.
Ducking into an alley, she quickly removed her red plumed helmet and stowed in her backpack. Then pulled the cloaks hood up she resumed her journey to whatever awaited at this meeting.
It was that one moment each day that the sun actually shone down on the street, through the clouds, the rooftops, the clothes lines with clothes hanging to dry, through the occasional balcony and canopy, and somehow through the dust and dirt that always seemed to hang in the air. The smell of rotten food, urine, and trash filled your nostrils as you stood on the street.
It was hard to come here, to be on this street, but it was even harder to stay away. As you had done numerous times over the years, you returned to the place where your life had forever changed. It was the spot that Luther found you, the spot that Gaedren had left you to die. Even years later, your blood still stained the wall, albeit heavily faded. No one ever cleaned the alleys.
The sounds of the city echoed off the walls of the nearby buildings, a roaring cacophony of the destitute; footsteps, children crying, armor clanking, weapons rattling, horseshoes clopping on the cobbled streets, wooden wheels clacking, and birds cawing, all punctuated by the occasional scream, until all the noise faded.
You were on your hands and knees. It was dark. Blood filled your mouth and nose and slowly dripped to the street. ”You bring this on yourself, you know.” It was an all too familiar phrase, one that you heard every time Lamm had you beaten. Your jaw ached and one of your eyes was swollen shut. Another blow struck your face. ”It didn’t have to be like this.” A kick to your ribs knocked you onto your back. ”Didn’t I teach you how to survive? When no one else wanted you!”
You're startled back to the present by the sound of running footsteps. You turn to look and see a child fleeing away from you. You take half a step to follow when you realize you’re holding something in your hand. As you open your hand, you realize it’s a tarrow card, the Cricket, and written on the card is a message.
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
The address belongs to a fortune-telling Varisian woman named Zellara. The rumor is she is very good and most people believe her to be very talented.
Rumor has it that something has happened to Zellara's son. Zellara was seen weeks ago asking about and not hiding her inquiries.
"Oh...ok. Haha, yeah, that makes sense. Oh, thank you sir. You are too kind. Don't mention it sir. Thank you."
Before you can get another word out, the boy turns and takes off at a run back to the stables, no doubt to return to his duties.
"Thanks. Hey, here is a second coin, don't tell anyone about our talk, okay?"
Okay, sounds like this invite is on the level. Hey, who is that? Kendrick watches a young woman approach the house. Interesting. Clearly not this Zellara woman. The note did say others would be here...
He almost stepped to the house but held back a moment and checked the sun's position. Others, more than one other. Let's wait a bit longer, it isn't quite time.
Daxori tries to hold back the tears that the memory of what Gaedren has not only done to her but countless before and after her. Others like me? she thinks to herself, turning the tarot card over multiple times in an attempt to gains some better understanding behind the meaning of the card.
A million questions run through Daxori's head. Who's behind the tarot card? What does the "Cricket" mean? Can they be trusted?
These thoughts occupied Daxori's attention all the way home. Narrowly avoiding running into several people along the way. The idea that Gaedren getting what he deserves start to bring the feelings of joy and anxiety that only grows as sunset approaches.
Turning onto Lancet Street, Nuriel suddenly halts her determined pace.
You know this isn’t a tax collection or an edict from the Order. I probably shouldn’t just barge in. Not without a quick look about first.
Studying the location of the meet and the houses next to and across from it. As well as anyone on the street.
Low Light Vision
Nuriel turns and looks directly at Kendrick. Damn. I've been made! He grins his most charming grin and slowly draws the card with the message and holds it up. He flips it in his fingers showing the writing the woman likely can't read from this distance and cocks an eyebrow.
The sun is starting to set as Daxori cautiously makes her way down Lancet street, not knowing what to expect. She notices a lovely half-elf woman standing on the street, obviously studying her surroundings as well as a smiling human male holding one of the same cards she was given.
"I guess they must be those like me the card was speaking of." Daxori thinks to herself.
Patently she waits for the sun to set, not really knowing what to think of these two people before her.
When the decidedly handsome man, she just spotted lurking near the house, begins to move. Her fingers quickly curl around the hilt of her sword. They uncurl just as quickly when he shows the harrow card. She slowly slides her hand from beneath the cloak holding her own card. Nodding to the man.
”So why do you not like Gaedren Lamm?”
Looking over at the Tiefling standing a little way down the street.
"Are you part of the 'Card' club as well?" Waving the card in her hand.
Kendrick crosses the street and glances back at the Hellknight. "Lamm took advantage of someone close to me who was in a lot of pain. I...lost her recently," he turns away from Nuriel as his eyes water some.
"Uh, sorry, I'm Kendrick. I feel like we might start attracting attention, shall we head inside?"
She pulls out the card from her pocket and waves it so half elf can see.
"He and I have a little. . history. And I am here to see that he gets what he deserves.
She begins to follow Kendrick's lead and begins to head inside.
"Well met Kendrick, my name is Daxori. You have a idea whey we were asked here and what is up with these cards?
Nodding to the Teifling. "That's what I like to hear."
Looking over at Kendrick.
"I fear you may be right we should get off the street."
She starts to move then stops. Oh, where are my manners, Father would be most displeased. I am La..."
Lady Taxmaster Nuriel of the Order of the Grey Maidens, 'is' a bit much
"My name is Nuriel and I too want to see Lamm gets what's coming to him."
"If you're out to get Lamm, then I'm very pleased to meet you both," says Kendrick before tapping on the door of 3 Lancet Street.
With a but a touch, the door swings inward. The cozy chamber within this small home 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-filled 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 depicts a tall-hooded figure shrouded in mist, a flaming sword held in a skeletal hand. Several brightly-covered rugs cover the floor, but the room's only furnishings are a wooden table covered by a bright red throwcloth and several elegant tall-backed chairs. A basket covered by blue cloth sits under the table. Sitting on top of the bright red throwcloth is a folded piece of paper with a stone paperweight resting atop it.
Thank you for coming. I had to step out for a bit, but shall return shortly. Please, have a seat while you wait. The basket under the table contains bread and drink for you.
"Great, she probably wants to make an entrance," Kendrick mutters after picking up and reading the note. He hands it to Dax and says to both women, "We are early, it seems."
He sits down in one of the chairs and pulls back the blue cloth to see what refreshments their host was offering.
”Always better than being late.”
Looking around the room for anything suspicious.
Studying the tapestries.
Customs, traditions
General
General
Cast detect Magic
Daxori takes the note for Kendrick and quickly reads it before placing it back on the table.
Curious, Daxori take a quick look around the room, taking a moment to study the tapestries before sitting down.
The tapestries themselves aren't of much note, other than being particularly well done. They don't reflect any particular scene or time in history that you can recall. You also don't notice anything suspicious or unusual around the small room.
For those partaking, the bread is a little stale, but filling. The wine tastes good, but is obviously not expensive.
You definitely detect magical auras coming from pretty much everywhere. Just as you detect the magical auras, you are interrupted by the door closing.
While looking around, you hear the door close with a bang. A rather plain looking, human woman walks towards the table, setting down a small, covered basket. She wears traditional Varisian clothing and rests her hands on the back of one of the chairs.
"Ah, good, you're all here. 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 when 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 here we are. It is time for him to pay."
”I congratulate you on your information gathering prowise…Sorry I didn’t catch your name.”
Stepping forward and bowing slightly.
” And I offer you my most sincere condolences on your loss.”
Stepping back and taking a seat.
” You are quite correct regarding Gaedren Lamm’s ability to avoid the justice he so richly deserves. While I make no attempt to speak for the others. I am very interested in your proposal.”
"I'm very sorry for your loss. He also took someone I care about away from me, though I couldn't begin to understand the pain of losing a child," Kendrick says to the woman in a low voice while staring through the table. "But I guess you already found that out for yourself. A location is helpful, but do you think we can take on his little kingdom of crime?"
"Oh my, where are my manners? Please forgive me. My name is Zellara, and this is my home, and where I work, when I can."
"Please, won't you have a seat?" she asks as she walks around the chair to take a place at the table. Her hand slips into a pocket that you didn't notice was there and produces a harrow deck.
"My proposal is simple. Bring justice to Gaedren Lamm, whatever form that means to you. I have little in the way of money, but I can be a valuable ally in what is to come."
"Gaedren Lamm is vulnerable, to the right sorts. Most of his, kingdom of crime, as you say, are children. He has only survived by the coin they bring him, the little pickpockets. It has allowed him to pay the right people to be ignored. He has a few goons" she says as she spits with contempt, "but all of you are strong warriors. I have no doubts that you can accomplish this task."
"Please, if you would allow me, I will see what the cards predict about our aligned future."
”Thank you Zellara. The information you have provided is more than enough reward. But I would be most honored for you to perform a reading. I have many good memories of my Grandmother and her cards.”
"Why not? Couldn't hurt, could help." Kendrick was still on the fence in regards to the woman's divinatory skills, but if she was as gifted as the neighborhood talk indicated, a reading cod be a major boon. Mara kept entering his thoughts, but he finally took a deep breath and reminded himself that Zellara and many others knew the same pain. Focus on ending this for everyone in Korvosa. Sure, someone else will take his place and many other users and abusers still walked the streets, but one thing at a time. And this one thing first.
Daxori bites her lower lip as she struggles to not show her anger at the mention of Gaedren and his "Little Lamms." Something which she was all to familiar, the memories of her broken childhood flooding her mind.
After a couple of moments, Daxori snaps back to reality.
"Yes, please. I'm interested in what your cards have to tell us." Daxori says shifting her attention from the wine to Zellara's cards.
"Excellent! Thank you" She proceeds to shuffle her harrow deck for a moment, before drawing nine cards and setting them on the table in front of you.
She looks to Nuriel first and while she tries to hide the shock on her face, it is evident. "The Avalanche" she says in a hushed tone. "I fear disaster follows you. A fork lies in your path, and neither direction is without consequence. Know that steel awaits you on either path. The tide that will follow will be devastating. I'm sorry my dear. There is no escaping it." She seems genuinely bothered by the reading.
She tries to compose herself before turning towards Daxori. "Ah, the Cricket, no surprise there eh? Your mind will need to be as sharp as your blade. Your road has been long and fraught with danger at every turn, but here you sit, still breathing, and no worse for the wear. What awaits you at the end of your journey is more valuable than you can imagine." She seems much happier and at ease.
Finally she turns to Kendrick. "The Locksmith. You will always have the tools you need, and nothing will bar your entry, but you know not what you seek, nor what you will find. You have lost treasures, but have found new ones. Those lost cannot be replaced, but those found were not meant to replace. They will take you to different places, ones you must learn to embrace, lest you end up with keys to no locks."
Well the jury is still out on whether or not she has the Sight. Vague and mysterious. But there is no reason to doubt her sincerity.
"When we confront Lamm, is there any message you'd like us to deliver on your behalf, Miss Zellara?" Kendrick asks after tearing his eyes away from Nuriel's "Avalanche".
"For Eran" she whispers quietly.
As Nuriel watches Madame Zellara shuffle the cards her mind wanders.
These people.
Glancing at her companions and Zellara.
Their loss because of Lamm is so recent, so raw. They have such fire. Why am I not excited? Has 6 years made such a difference? Do I still care about clearing my name? Time and my new calling have effectively done that. Why do I still feel an obligation? He did kill people. The man I was framed for and the hapless witness. He avoided justice on those counts. Yes, he still needs to pay. I do still care.
As Zellara turns the Avalanche card.
Wait, I think that card means…I pretty sure, Oh crap is the answer.
After Zellara pronounces the fortune.
Nuriel’s eyes go wide, she shakes her head. ”Should have known better than to come back to this city.”
Still shaking her head. This fork? It must be my two callings.
”Madame Zellara, That’s… Uh… Disaster? Two paths? No, no escape? Is there any good news?
Daxori rubs the side of her face, feeling the scar that Lamm left her the night she almost died.
"I've waited a long time for Gaedren to answer for what he has done to you, me . . . all of us. No one is above justice, and if the Law wont deliver then I will."
"For Eran," Kendrick repeats back in a firm voice, resolved to deliver the message. And for Mara.
"So Dax, Nuriel? Should we go now? Or do we need to prepare? I have roll call in the morning, but can get away in the afternoon if either of you would feel more ready." Kendrick didn't have his bow, but he had already decided the close combat of a crime lord's city home would make the sword his most useful tool. He was ready to get started, but did not know how prepared for this venture his new allies were.
Zellara gathers the cards and begins shuffling again as she speaks. "Not all caught in the Avalanche perish my dear, but what is coming, you cannot escape. It will follow you where ever you go and if not careful, you will be swept away by it." She finishes shuffling the cards and begins to deal them out again, this time in three rows of three.
She flips over the first card in the top row. "The Wanderer. Often called the collector. He sees value where others do not. He protects what he finds. You have all been collected, in your own way. A father collecting artifacts. A son collecting friends. A knight collecting a squire."
She flips over the card beneath the first. "The Joke. You have all overcome that which could have defeated you. Something terrifying, something you did not think you would survive, but something that did not leave you unscathed."
She finishes the column flipping over the 3rd card with a frown. "Oh my. The Cyclone. I fear war is coming. Fire. Death. But with it change. Whatever is left, if anything, will be forever changed."
She starts with the middle column, and her frown deepens. "The Forge. With fire, all is changed. This war will leave a scar on the city, if not the world, and those that survive will never be the same."
With the middle card, she sighs, her shoulders slumping. "The Rabbit Prince. This battle will be fought by all. Even the royalty will not escape it. A change in power is coming."
With the last card in the column, she is visibly disturbed. "The Uprising. Again tells of this coming war. The people will not stand for it. They will take to the streets, but they cannot win. Without help, they will be subjugated, enslaved, or killed. They will die in the street where they stand, the roads running red."
She flips over the top card in the remaining column, regaining some of her composure. "The Cricket." She looks at Daxori and smiles. "Luck will be with you on your journey. You will need to be fast, and smart, but there is always a way. What you cannot pass, you must go through. What you cannot go through, you must go around."
Warily, she moves to flip over the 2nd to last card. Her eyes shift to Kendrick. "The Brass Dwarf. You will stand through it all, surrounded by the fallen, but you can save them, for strength is your weapon. Not brute force, but the strength of your heart."
She looks at Nuriel before turning over the last card. "The Idiot. You have been fooled. Greed is at the heart of it all, and you have been surrounded by deception. You too must learn to hide your gifts, lest they be used again you."
"I am sorry my friends. I did not expect a reading like this. It seems the cards have a message for you, one of war and bloodshed. I do apologize. I meant only to see if the cards would tell us if you would be successful with Gaedren Lamm. I fear my own tragedy has started you down a far more serious path."
She stands, slipping the cards back into a fold of her dress. "Here, please take these. It isn't much, but maybe they can help." Pulling a cloth of off the basket she had been carrying, are four potions.
"I have friends that would see an end to Gaedren as well."
At the conclusion of the reading Nuriel sits with a blank expression staring at nothing. She remains like this for more than a minute. Then blinks several times and looks about. Finally she nods resolutely, stands, turns to Zellara.
”Thank you again for your help. We will attend to Mr. Gaedren Lamm I assure you. As to the reading…” She looks pensive for a moment. ”As to the reading. I thank you for that as well. What is to come, will come. You have given us some insight as to how we might persevere during the difficult times ahead.”
Turning to Kendrick and Dax
”But concerns over those issues are for another day. Today we have more pressing problems. While I agree we should deal with Lamm quickly. I think some reconnaissance is called for before we engage.”
"Okay, so let's see if we can get a look at this place tonight and take it from there then. That going to work for you too, Dax?" Kendrick looks at the potion bottles. "Three of us and four of them."
The Old Fishery
- The reek of brine and the stink of week-dead fish hang thickly in the air here. 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.
- A fifteen-foot-wide loading dock abuts the side of the building here. A few carts sit nearby, partially loaded with large tar-caked barrels marked with a fish-shaped splotch of red paint on the side. Double doors to the immediate south of the loading dock's ramp provide access to the building's interior, while a rickety flight of stairs descends nearly to the river's surface to the east, where a second door provides a secondary entrance.
- A slippery boardwalk clings to the side of the fishery, held together by barnacle-thick pilings that have been worn halfway through their thickness at the waterline.
Clinging to the shadows, Cato stares at the building occupying the address provided by Zellara. He says nothing for a long while as he just scans the building. "More doors than us, I don't like that," he says aloud. "And I don't like the condition of...any of that. Anyone have any thoughts?"
Standing before the dilapidated building and smelling the ‘fish’ odor triggers a sense memory.
She is back in the Acadame on that fateful day, when Sandu the fisherman accuses her of murder.
Nuriel stands staring at the warehouse not moving for almost a minute, then blinks a few times. She then begins to carefully study the structure.
Low Light Vision
She casts Detect Magic
"It seems to almost radiate his malignant nature. A fitting abode indeed."
Nuriel looks thoughtful for a moment.
”You know despite the fact that a very evil man lives here, breaking and entering is still a crime. Then again I doubt he has paid his taxes. So an inspection of the premises would be in order.”
She grins at her companions.
”And pursuant to tax collection code section 17. ‘All reasonable and necessary force may be used to recover past due revenue'.”
You don't detect any magical auras emanating from the fishery.
The building has seen better days and is in disrepair.
"I doubt that he owns the place, plus he is holding little children. Beside, I'm just here to pay on old friend a visit." Daxori says with the most devilish grin.
"I would be willing to bet Nuriel can quote a section of the tax code dealing with squatters," Kendrick chuckles with a grin. "We should watch out for the children. Some may be brainwashed, but let's try not to kill any. It isn't there fault and who knows, they could come out of this and grow up to be strong and dedicated people. I'm thinking we breach the building on one side and two doors. Move quick and take them by surprise. The problem is..." He pauses and bites his lip, "No obvious guards watching the building means he is either incredibly confident or has some sort alternate warning system."
”Well there is an unregistered tennant levy codicil.”
She says with a smirk.
”If there is an alarm it must be mechanical as I detect no arcane auras. I also find the lack of sentries disturbing. Then again it may be an open secret that this is Lamm’s place and everyone in the neighborhood knows better than to intrude…I suppose it’s a good thing we’re not from the neighborhood.”
"You know what? Let's just pick a door, force it open, and barge inside," Kendrick says as he withdraws a prybar from his pack. "Dax, pick a door, Nuriel, let's move."
"Might as well start at the front door." Daxori says while pulling out her lock picks. She then takes a look over the door.
Kendrick hustles over, putting the prybar back with a shrug and drawing his sword instead. He ditches his cloak in the alley they watched the building from and adjusts his buckler. "I should have brought Charge, he would have loved this, the human mutters as he clings to the side of the building beside Daxori.
Moving to the door with the others, along the way she readies her shield. When Dax begins to work on the lock Nuriel leans over her shoulder.
”Looks like a double tumbler. I picked up some lockpicking a few years ago… from my cellmate.”