Here is the Discussion thread. Remember, try to weave your backstories together in some way. :)
Shouldn't be too hard for some of us: Neghed, Nicolai, Daranil, and me were all part of Lamm's Lambs, and seem to all have escaped him and gone our separate ways after a brutal beating.
I can tie myself to Pak easily enough, I think. Lara worked with the Korvosan Guard for a bit (since they're willing to work with mercenaries and adventurers), and Pak could have been one of my contacts at the Guard.
Don't have many ideas at the moment for linking up with Azig, though. But I'm sure we can figure something out when we all get here :).
Not really all that hard....
Azig rubs down his whiskers as he sees the wicked looking human woman. He'd seen her before, several times. A couple of years ago she'd been one of the kids working for Lamm's organization. Azig had been there, buying Shiver with his girl friend. Two rats on a bad path.... Later, after his girl was dead and he'd nearly died, he had fought the hardest fight of his young life, and recovered. After getting his life mostly back he went back to Lamm's people, for work. She wasn't there anymore. But working as a spotter he had noticed her, and occasionally a couple of others. Apparently the bastard either didn't know that some escaped, or he didn't care. Either way, Azig finally saw a chance. There were others that might want to pay Gaedren Lamm back for the crimes that he'd committed.
Azig decided that day to track down the Lamm's Lambs that had escaped. It would take time and he had to be careful. He couldn't risk getting caught by the criminal. He wouldn't last a minute in a fight, at least not alone.
Now just play it out to decide how I track you (and the others) down, or how you notice me and track me down.... Pak would be much harder for me to connect with.
Here's my idea to build on Azig's story.
Neghed was spending his well earned copper at the dockside tavern that his crew frequented. The place was filled with the usual river folk but Neghed soon noticed a new face. He thinks to himself, It's not unusual to see a rat at the docks, though they usually don't order a drink and chat with the staff. The crew of the Laughing Carp begin to go their separate ways for the night and an hour after they first ordered drinks Neghed found himself alone.
Neghed decided to order one last ale and call it a night himself. The server cleared his empty mug and when she passed by, Neghed noticed the rat again. The rat was watching Neghed, almost staring really. The server brought his mug back and he rose to approach the rat. With a simple gesture the rat motioned for Neghed to sit when he approached.
"I know most of da faces 'ere," Neghed begins as he sits. "Your face is new 'ere but ya look at me as though ya know me. Ya lookin' for someone or jus lookin' for trouble?"
The rat smiles and motions with his mug as though making a toast. He explains he is not looking for trouble at all and proceeds to tell his tale.
"You're right, I don't come here much. I was looking for you. Could we go to a more private place to talk though? The walls here have ears...."
Once he is sure there is nobody around he starts, "Nobody notices a rat on the street, or a server in a bar. That's why Lamm's people use them...." He continues, explaining about himself and how he had noticed that some of the abused children had escaped and grown up, and maybe wanted vengeance. ??
In preparation to follow through with her plans, Lara has been scouting out Lamm's place, taking note of who's part of his current crew, their habits and schedules. If she's going to take them all on alone, it's going to need careful planning and picking them off one by one.
As she's looking at the place, she notices the ratfolk watching her. She's not sure what his role his, but given his frequent visits to Lamm, he's probably part of the group, too. That he spotted her is not ideal, but she hasn't done anything - yet.
Well, then, Mr. Rat, let's see who hunts who.
Lara slinks back into the shadows, trying to lose him, and then tries to follow him along - see where he goes, who he talks to. She tails him to a bar at the docks, and stays outside, waiting, not wanting to make her presence known.
When she sees him come out she takes note of his partner, and her eyes widen as she recognises him.
Is that... Neghed? I thought... I thought he ended up dead, after that beating all those years ago for refusing to discipline me. Good to know he also survived that. Still, why would this rat guy seek him out? Is he... Looking for more info on me? Does he suspect anything?
Lara tries to get closer to the pair without getting noticed, hoping to find out exactly what Azig's deal is.
@Pak: My suggestion to you is that, having worked with Lara in the past, you try to get in touch with her to get more info on Lamm. Maybe leave a note for her with the orphanage she's been donating to, setting up a meeting? If you agree, I'll follow up on that when you post.
Hello all! I very much agree with Lara's idea on this. Let's roll with it.
However, Pak is a cautious fellow by nature and would want to gather more information. Perhaps even seeking out a diviner's consultation with Nicolai?
"My apologies, the church of Abadar does not give alms to the poor. However, if you wish to feel the warmth and nourishment of our great community, you may come inside and join us harmonizing our morning prayers?"
Azig notes Lara following but doesn't give any indication until they reach the quiet spot for the conversation. Before he starts the discussion with Neghed he turns to her and motions her to approach.
"Good that you are careful. Lamm's spies are everywhere, or at least he thinks they are. I'm Azig. And I'm NOT a spy for that...." His voice ends without ending that sentence. You sense a bit of anger in the cut off. He visibly calms himself and waits for replies from both.
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Nicolai sits at a table in the bar, absentmindedly shuffling a deck of cards "Harrow readings! he calls out "For the low cost of three copper pieces I'll tell you your future." Then he adds, with a conspiratorial wink "For a silver I might even tell you the truth."
Behind Nicolai, perched on his chair, sits a bird-like reptilian creature, it's sinuous tail draped over Nicolai's shoulder. Nic picks up a piece of food from his plate and tosses it up in the air. The little dinosaur reveals a row of needle sharp teeth as it grabs the morsel in midair. The creature chirps and whistles his displeasure of the "treat" as he swallows something cooked. Nicolai chuckles at his familiars protest "I know, Nipper. Next time I'll order some raw fish for you too."
Looking around the tavern for his next mark, Nicolai nearly drops his deck as he spots someone familiar, a ghost from his past come back to haunt him, talking with a ratfolk near the bar. " Neghed?, is that him? Can't be. I'm sure Lamm would've beaten him to death years ago"
Looks like I still meed more training, if this Azig can spot me this easily. Still, if he wants to give up his advantage for a chance to talk, probably best to play along.
Lara steps out of the shadows and joins the pair at Azig's gesture, touching Nedheg's arm and giving him a nod and a small smile as she casually puts herself between the half-orc and the rat man.
There'll be time to catch up later... Right now, I have to figure out exactly what this guy's deal is.
"You've got quite a good eye, Azig. As for you not being a spy for Lamm... I've been watching you too, you know. You seem to be working for him somehow, so tell us, what's this all about?" She eyes Azig cautiously, but makes no threatening gestures. "If you were trying to get to me, well, here I am. But I'd prefer you left Neghed out of this - he's suffered enough at Lamm's hands on my behalf, and I don't want to make him deal with that snake anymore."
Neghed stares awkwardly at Lara when she approaches then quickly looks at his feet. When Lara mentions that the rat is working with Lamm he stands taller and looks angrily into his eyes. "Explain this now.
Azig accepts Lara's words and nods. "Good. You've kept your eyes open and spotted me when I watched over the kids that Lamm uses. I watch the streets to help them, warn them of trouble. Few pay attention to a rat that isn't causing trouble." He constantly sweeps the area looking for anyone that might be interested in the three of them, especially the big half-orc. "But Lamm doesn't trust me. His men bring the kids out. I watch over them. Keep them out of trouble, which isn't easy considering what they do."
With Neghed's angry words Azig pauses. Of course! They don't know him. They wouldn't have noticed a couple of ratfolk junkies.... "I wasn't one of Lamm's abused kids like you. My girlfriend.... She had the prettiest little white stripe of fur across her face!" He pauses and closes his eyes for a second. "Sorry. We.... We got hooked on that poison that Lamm's people sell. Shiver it's called. It killed her. And my family almost threw me out when they found out that I was hooked too. It took a while to recover, and longer to regain their trust. I know little of the abuses that you two suffered. I know many of the kids he uses just disappear. I assume that you want him dead at least as much as I do. For me, it wasn't about abuse and beatings. It was the drug, the poison that he pushed on my innocent Maizie and me. As if life in the Shingles wasn't hard enough! And when I got off of it, and went back to them, trying to find the man responsible so I could kill him, or die trying...." He chokes off the last words and you can see it was hard for him to say it.
"When I went back to them they thought I wanted to buy more Shiver. I had to think quick and offer to watch over the kids they were using, keep them safe from the watch. They laughed, but then accepted. I'm trying to get their trust so I can find Lamm's latest hiding place. But I realized that I can't get to him alone. I'm not strong enough. I need allies. That's why I reached out to you" He motions to Neghed. "when I found you." He glances to Lara, "You were a lucky find. I'd like to find a few more. But we also need to find Lamm's hidey-hole. And we need a plan. If you will accept me? I haven't been able to follow them back to Lamm's lair. But maybe if there were more of us, we might find him."
Pak approaches the rather seedy looking establishment in front of him.
Why in the hells would Lara want to meet here of all places? Well. She's not led me astray in the past and I've no reason to believe she will now. There's nothing for it then. In I go.
He enters the building and looks around for his contact. After collecting a fair quantity of suspicious stares from various patrons, he spots her at the bar conversing with some unsavory looking characters.
Hmm. She looks busy. I'd best not interrupt and wait until she sees me...
His stomach grumbles from a long day on patrol as he hears the fortune teller's call for customers.
AHA! He seems friendly enough. Perhaps fortune smiles on me tonight after all.
Pak confidently strides toward the distracted Varisian man's table and takes a seat. He slides over a single coin.
"I'll take the TRUTH for a silver shield if you please, kind sir."
As Azig explains his situation, Neghed expression softens a little and then shifts to concern. He looks over to Lara hoping she has a sense of what is happening. "Do we take his word? I'm nev'r been good wit lies." Neghed keeps a eye on the rat, but avoids making eye contact with Lara.
Azig shrugs with Neghed's question. "I don't know what else I could say to convince you. I've given my name so if you were spies for Lamm then I'm as good as dead. I don't have your names, so if you don't accept me, just walk away."
He does watch, mainly Lara though, for either to draw a weapon to attack. Maybe he could run.... but probably not as fast as the big one!
Lara keeps her gaze on Azig as he talks, trying to betray nothing of what she's feeling as she looks for any signs of deception. At Nedheg's question, she lets out a sigh and her expression softens.
"I... I don't think he's lying, for what it's worth. And he did see me keeping an eye on Lamm's guys earlier today - could have easily ratted me out to him then, instead of coming here to talk. I think we can trust him on this."
Yet another who's life got ruined by Lamm. I do think he's got the right idea, though. Probably could use his help.
She gives Azig another long, appraising look, before nodding. "Lara. And I'm in. 'Bout time that bastard got what he deserved, before he wrecks anyone else's lives. Don't know who else we can turn to, though, but that's something we can worry about after we know more. Keep trying to gain their trust, and I'll be close by, watching them and looking for weak links."
She then turns to Nedheg, her expression serious and worried. "Don't feel like you need to get involved in this, though, Nedheg. I'll get him for both of us if you'd rather stay away. It's the least I could do to repay you for looking out for us other kids back then."
"Lara. Thank you. But I don't want to wait for them to trust me. I don't want to wait and I'm not sure it would work. They could invite me somewhere and just kill me. Lamm's reputation is not to trust."
"When they take the kids back they watch for stragglers, and for followers. But I know which direction they go, and where they turn. If you hid there, you could watch down that road and see the next turn. The next day, move to that turn and hide again. There are only so many routes anyone can take to one place. Eventually we'd know where Lamm's hideout is. Then, if we can find a few more to fight with us.... ??" He looks almost ready to jump up and down with excitement. Realizing this he works to calm himself, then tugs on his left whiskers, "I'm sorry. I just really hate...."
Glancing back and forth at the two he adds, "Best to leave the big weapons at home though. Little knives are ignored on the streets. And when nothing makes you look as dangerous as you are, they ignore you. Your weapons.... They'll remember you. And trying to not be seen or remembered, with those?"
After a few moments of silence while Neghed considers the situation, he relaxes more and his voice takes a less aggressive tone. ”Pard’n my tone. Lamm left me wit a habit of see’in lies when da truth is given. If wat you say is true, then ya have much reason to hate that rat… umm, yeh sorry, that monster Lamm.” Neghed smirks awkwardly hoping he has not insulted Azig too much.
When Lara tries to give him a way out of Azig’s plan, his smirk turns into a more serious look. ”You have nothin to repay Lara. Beatin kids who were small’r b’cus they didn’t do Lamm’s want was wrong. B’fore ya came I had done as Lamm ask’d one or two times, maybe a few more. Somethin always told me it was wrong.”
”If ya two are up for tak’n on Lamm, ya can count me in. I felt hidin from him was the option best tak’n to stay alive. Nev’r considered revenge b’cause I was alone. A group though may be up f’r it. If we can stop at my place to drop off gear, I will join ya on the hunt.” Neghed motions to Azig as he continues. ”Ya may need ta walk me through ya plan again. Hidin and watchin ain’t my best talents. Ya right ‘bout the weap’ns Azig. I can bring da splitta when we find ‘em.”
Azig reaches way up to pat Neghed on the back. "Thank you. And no problem with calling Lamm that. There's rats and then there are Rats! With all of his abuses, Lamm is a monster! And it'll be good to have you there, with that.... splitta, when we find him! It will be needed to cut our way through his men, and to finish him once and for all."
He pauses to think, then continues. "Do either of you know of others that escaped him? I think we can find him. But I don't think we can afford potions, and regardless how good we are there will be wounds taken in battle. And a mage could be useful to cloud the minds of our enemies. A blade slips into the body of an enemy that isn't expecting it.... much easier!" He draws his rapier, which looks almost like a kids toy to both. "And my blade will be more of a distraction than anything compared to yours."
Neghed listens intently to Azig and motions with his head as he responds. "Ya, I know one and where ta find 'em." He looks across the bar at a Varisian man offering readings to the patrons. "Nic-somethin, I believe his name is. I've noticed 'em for a time now, 'is eyes are da same. I think he hasn't noticed me."
"But let's keep an eye, and an ear for now. He's got trouble maybe. The Guard 'as noticed. The gnome over dat way." Neghed nods towards the middle of room at the gnome Korvosan Guard who is approaching the young Varisian.
Azig considers things and agrees with Neghed. "OK. You see if you can find Nic. Lara and I can go figure out a good spot for her to hide and watch tomorrow afternoon when Lamm's kids get taken away.
He glances to where Neghed indicates. "We can meet here again tomorrow. Let us all know about anybody you find and what abilities they bring to the game. Don't bring any new people though. The guard will get suspicious of a large gathering. And I wouldn't be surprised to find that Lamm had a man in the guard...."