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GM Again fair warning it's something of a long read. Roleplay Preview: A blood red dusk was coming to an in Korvosa, the chatter of the markets int he Shingles District was starting to dwindle into a soft cacophony of whispers, closing doors, and creaking wheels. Merchants and customers alike were heading home. Their hope was to get there before the purplish hue that now dominated the sky completely swallowed what crimson was still there. A few were in no such hurry, some even looked up to stare upon the finally of the play between light and darkness, and many a painter would find the scene worth drawing, no matter how many of their predecessors put the image to canvas before them.
Two of the Korvosafn guards were occupied with looking at another kind of portrait. But unlike the calming solemnity that sunset brought, this sight made them swallow bitter morbidity and wipe sweat drawn from the oppressive grimness of the sight. A small streak of red was along the alley they were in, and under it was the body of a street tough, the pool of blood around his neck and head began spreading across every crack in the street that it could reach, seeking to spread before it was swallowed by the stone underneath or dried by the upcoming night air. "Rusty Shank member" Said the elder of the two guardsman as he held up the left arm of the corpse and lifted up its sleeve. On his bicep was a poorly drawn tattoo of a knife with no hilt "Couldn't have happened to anyone more deserving if you ask me" "Sir, didn't we find another of them two weeks ago?" Asked his newly recruited companion, his hand nervously rubbing at his almost hairless jawline. Which only helped to further draw attention to the salt and pepper stubble of the older guard. "Aye we did, and didn't I say the same before?" "But who do you--" "Listen lad, I do not give two damns who decided to decorate a few alleys with the blood of a bunch of gangers. The scum are probably fighting among themselves. I'll be damned if I extend my shift over worthless, never do wells who finally got what they deserved. Let the next shift handle it!" He shouted his subordinate down, then turned on his heel and exited the alley, glad to be moving away from the metallic scent that possessed every breath he took. A nearby tavern's door opened slowly and a brown haired cloaked man entered, his steps were measured and light. What eyes turned his direction caught the sight of a weapon's hilt poking out of the grey cloak. The man's stoic stares were only directed to the bartender, who sighed in frustration the minute she caught sight of him. "Lazlo" She said under her breath as she brushed her black locks back, preparing for herself for whatever inquiries he might have tonight. "I am done with the fisherman" His tone was formal, cold and dead serious "He was not as useful as before" "Oh so you didn't get him to talk like last time?" "Not unless you know how to make the dead speak again" He placed a few coppers on the bar tab. The raven haired woman gave a judgmental stare, but his face showed no sign of reacting to her accusing eyes "You killed him?!" She said in a barely hushed tone "I told you I don't want the damn guards knocking on my door!" "He was a corpse before I arrived" It was eerie to her how he spoke of a dead man in a manner so calm and composed that it wouldn't feel misplaced if he was talking about the weather instead. "This Lamm covers his steps, I'm impressed" She handed him a mug of water. "You know more" "Look even if I did and I am not saying that I do--" "More money?" He placed small satchel of on the barter it jingled with what she could only guessed to be several silver pieces. "It isn't about the money, damn it!" Once more she adopted the hushed tone and glared at the few patrons that were looking there way, wordlessly warning them to mind their own business "You think i don't know? About the corpses you've been leaving here and there? I don't want the damn guard to coming knocking on my door if you ever get captured...you don't look like a rat, but I am not willing to bet on looks alone! That's how I got married!" After her rant Lazlo remained silent. Minutes seemed like hours as he kept his green eyes on her and occasionally drank from the mug that she handed him. Customers left and came. Maids cleared the tables and more orders were delivered to fresh ones, and the former still kept his silence...until he placed the mug down one last time. The soft sound was enough to make the woman refocus on her annoying customer. "Lamm has caused harm to someone very dear to me, she's safe at the moment but what has been done will still cause her suffering for days ahead. I cannot stand by as you cannot if it was someone dear to you" He said in his usual formal tone, that had been become easier to swallow because of the hint of something new...sincerity and maybe even some warmth hidden behind that expressionless line he calls his mouth. "Children..." Lalzo's right eyebrow raised and he looked at the tavern owner with utter shock gleaming in his green eyes. If they had been discussing anything else she would have been glad to finally crack that stoic mask of his, but talking of this matter brought her no joy and made her dread what may become of her should Lazlo be captured and bring unwanted attention her way. "I've heard he uses children for various tasks, that's all" She took the small satchel filled with silver and weighed it in her hand, she'd been happy to receive such a payment if she wasn't looking at a very familiar sight. Lazlo's eyes communicated all she needed to know, he was livid, as she knew he would be; every time she had told him of a heinous criminal or a pimp, that murderous glare would immediately possess his otherwise emotionless countenance. "I need something more specific there are many orphans and urchins on the streets" "Probably as many gangers but you're working on that aren't you? We'll probably have more urchins after a year or two" She quipped before pouring herself a mug of ale and downing half of it in one swig "That's all I have and even if you pull out three other bags of silver that won't change. So will you put him in the ground too? Lamm I mean" "After I get what I want from him...yes, I will" Lazlo turned on his heel and began walking towards the exit, there was more haste to his step than before. He couldn't possibly follow any child at random but it was still a clue, and the more of those he collected the closer he'd be to drawing a map that would lead to the crime
"Oh and if you ever get to speak to the dead, talk to my bastard of a husband. I am sure the son of a whore was cheating on me before he died!" She called out after him before taking another swig and emptying her mug.
This is Wolfgang Rolf's character. Fair warning the backstory is long, here is a brief summary: Lazlo is a former noble who was motivated by a childhood tragedy to try and make Korvosa a better and safer place, however he found no support among the nobility and could not make these ideals a reality. Due to another tragedy and terrible relations with some of his family he thought it best to disappear from his past life. Lazlo is currently living in the Shingles District, he does what he could to drive away criminals, and small gangs but is under no illusion that the actions of a single individual could achieve his original goal, still doing what little he can achieve with his strength is better to him than sitting idly by. The framing of his sister(the only living member of his family he still cares about) for murder is what connects him to the plot and what allows him to first hear of Gaedren Lamm. Lazlo is currently after the crimelord to find evidence that his sister was not in anyway involved in the crime and remove any doubt about her honor and standing among the nobility. I will include a roleplay preview later on.
Once she was free from his grasp, Lazlo did his best to not let allow his signature scowl to dominate his face, and instead focused on giving chase once more No good will come of this He commented mentally as he surveyed the next obstacles before him swiftly.
Sorry guys I've got a cold, if I start feeling better I'll make posts, please DM PC me as you see fit.
Lazlo surged through the open door, ignoring everything in the room and heading for the window, she used as her exit. His face was an expressionless mask, and his eyes were locked in stern but melancholy stare.
"We are not trying to bring you harm, we are trying to prevent it" He said to her in a controlled tone, as he gave chase "I realize that you have little reason to trust me or anyone else for that matter, but ask yourself why would I bother giving chase when I could have simply took aim with a bow instead?" He ran across the roof, trying to control his breath and ration his stamina for the chase.
A moment passed, and two pick locking tools appeared in Lazlo's previously free hands "Indeed" A grim expression inhabited his handsome face, as he studied the lock and door.
Lazlo begins working on the lock, his hands moving at a quick pace, exchanging one tool for another, twisting the lock, inhibiting its inner working, pushing and prodding in an attempt break this mechanical guard.
The silence felt almost as stifling as the smells they had encountered on their way here, Lazlo had thought that he had seen his share of terribly kept buildings but this was by far one of the worst. His green eyes looked about the hallway and he tried to listen to any noise that may occur behind the closed doors that flanked them from both sides. Then he signaled his companion to wait and began moving towards the door they were informed about as silently as he could manage, all the while trying to remember what he knew about this area, if it had any rumored secret escape routes or the like. Finally he was at the door, he stood there for a few moments, closed his eyes, brought his hand up to knock but stopped "Miss, I know things have been hard for you, I won't claim or presume to know half of what you are going through, no innocent should suffer the same as you are suffering now and while as I have said I lay no claim to comprehending your feelings right now...I have an idea of what it is to feel like there is no one standing beside you" He paused, his left palm forming into a fist "It feels like no one wants to listen, like its you against the world, that if you dare to remotely trust anyone you are simply asking for a dagger to find its way to your back, and I lived with that feeling for a good part of my life...it is only now after I left everything behind, lashed out against everything, and started my own self proclaimed mission and war that I understood, that I was not really as alone as I thought I was, that there was someone willing to help me and stand beside me" Lazlo's teeth clenched as he sighed in melancholy. "I think you are a far better person than I am, if I had been in your place? I would have wanted to make everyone who made me feel such pain to suffer it twice over, I would make it my goal to obliterate everything they held dear and end their life with the understanding that they made a mistake for crossing me" Lazlo felt his anger rising, and quickly stifled it, causing an expressionless mask to come over his face instead of a frowning one "But here you are, doing nothing but trying to survive, hurting no one, I am impressed, I truly am...which is why I am asking you to let me help you, I know it cannot be easy to stand alone against anything, so let me help you, I am not naive enough to believe that you'll trust me, but all I am asking for is a chance to prove myself to be something other than an enemy or someone unconcerned by your plight"
Hope you're feeling better Grax, and don't worry we are all still here.
In silence Lazlo motions wish his hand for Crux to remain calm, his eyes look to his companion and you could almost hear them say Have patience with her ignorance for now Lazlo's green eyes turned to the woman and her minions. "My name is lazlo, I have urgent business with..." He pauses and looks about "Tirina Sabor" he speaks the name in a barely audible whisper "I realize the danger she's in, and my only intent is to see her free of it, may my friend and I pass?"
"He stands out" He looks to Crux, his eyes gleaming with surprising sincerity "I mean no offense, it is the truth" Lazlo turns his head from one group member to the next "If there are no objections its best we split up now, if all goes according to plan we should meet up after Marnos and I have secured the girl" Lazlo finally turns his attention towards the small dragon "Can you fly upwards when we reach the girl's apartment and help Kalvin, Graxton and Crux insure that no one suspicious is able to get near without notice?"
There is my plan...let the criticism begin ;)
Once the nobleman leaves Lazlo turns his attention to the party "I doubt the sight of five armed individuals will inspire anything short of worry, she may think us men sent to silence her" Lazlo looks to the direction nobleman pointed out to them "This is what I propose; we split into two groups, Marnos and I will be in one and the rest of you will make up the other" He looked to Kalvin and Graxton "It will fall to both of you to insure no one suspicious enters the area near her building" His gaze moved to Crux "If you can ask the dragon to fly upwards and scout the area from above it would make securing the area even easier" Lazlo points to Marnos then to himself. "The two of us will enter her apartment and try to find her before anyone else, failing that...Marnos I believe is the best equipped among us to follow her trail" His focus moves to the half-elf "The two of us while armed are not clad in heavy armor nor in anyway do we stand out, which is why I believe we are best to handle getting to her before someone else does"
Not sure what exactly you were trying to Sense, but the nobleman is nothing but grateful and helpful. He has no malice or artifice that you can detect. Okay, thanks Doc.
That Sense Motive check lead anywhere Doc?
"Then its better if you do that now, I doubt the streets will get any safer" Replied Lazlo, his chilling tone working seamlessly with his unreadable stare.
Yay summons!!!! Hello more flanking partners!
"Justice?" Lazlo grabbed the man by the shirt, his green eyes boring into him "If I were to follow your justice you would be a corpse and my blade would need cleaning" He unhanded the man and stalked towards his friends "Let us see if we can bring this noble..." The word lingered in his tongue for several uncomfortable moments "About, but lets not discuss any details we have with him just yet, remember he could be an agent of the Arkonas" He continued in a whispery tone "And I agree with Crux, its best we do not waste anytime on this misguided fool, if I were to kill every fool I'd met half of Korvosa would be barren and haunted"
LOL, if the rest of the guys got into the picture we could put the avengers to shame. Oh and my mistake I forgot about the favored class bonus, another 1/6 rogue talent.
*Obligatory cool level up pose* HP: +6=4+1+1(Con) BAB: +1 Fort: +1 Will: +1 Sneak Attack: +1d6 Trap Sense: +1 Acrobatics: +1 Diplomacy: +1 Perception: +1 Sense Motive: +1 Disable Device: +1 Knowledge(Local): +1 Stealth: +1 Intimidate: +1 Bluff: +1 Sleight of Hand: +1 Lazlo gained a feat! Skill Focus(Diplomacy)!
A second past before Lazlo was on the move once more, his green eyes focused on the fallen rioters. They were in his range in even less time, he pulled his blade back and stabbed downwards towards one of the mob.
Lazlo lunged forward quickly, running past his companions and into the fray; each one of his steps leaving behind a soft echo before it left the ground once more. The thug that was engaged with Graxton was soon in range but instead of standing by his companion and facing the thug, Lazlo flipped into the air and landed behind him, effectively flanking their enemy between himself and Graxton. A small cloud of dust rose to greet the former noble as he made his landing, in an instant his rapier snaked its way towards the back of his opponent, slashed downwards at his right thigh and ended its deadly dance of stabs and slashes with a rising slice that returned Lazlo's weapon into a guard position.
Seeing that you weren't hit at the beginning of the battle put a smile to my face.
I am hoping my demoralize attempt is enough to make the mob leader shaken, a -2 on attack rolls, saving throws and skill checks should be really helpful especially with the grease under his feet.
Swiftly the bow surrendered to the chains of gravity as Lazlo unhanded it and brandished his new rapier. He moved in haste and stood next to Marnos, his eyes scanning the chaotic battle that awaited him "You" Lazlo pointed his rapier in the direction of the mob leader "Surrender or I will present you as a meal to the rats and ravens of Korvosa" He said in his stern tone, his green eyes boring into the man.
"We find her. We disguise her." He pats the small bundle he is carrying, "We leave with her." "That is an idea, but I was thinking more along the lines of how will we approach her first" Replied the rogue, his eyes showing signs of interest.
Lazlo turned towards Kalvin "I am glad you share my suspicions, there are far too many coincidences and plots in the story that we've heard" He paused, his mouth forming an emotionless line "What is more maddening is that the crown would just released this information instead of dealing with it in secret, I do not believe that this Trinia poisoned the king, I believe that she is a convenient sacrificial pawn for someone's game" There was much loathing in the previously serious tone of the rogue. "And if the Arkona's could buy off some guards, you can be sure that whoever wants this girl to be punished for the supposed murder of the king, will be able to get to her, even if she was with the guards, after all where did the information about her come form?" Lazlo crossed his hand in front of his chest "From the queen herself...who in her wisdom chose to let the mobs tear her apart" He shook his head in disgust. "You think Marshal Kroft will refuse the queen's command even if the girl is found innocent? She's a soldier, she will follow orders" Said Lazlo, as they continued on their way. .......................................................................
"I suggest we approach the matter with subtlety, Marnos and I can go to her room, it would be better than barraging in with five armed individuals" A vision of how Kalvin handled the angry mob flashes before Lazlo "Should a mob appear we might need you to hold them back till we can get her out, Kalvin" Before he could continue any further, the former noble caught sight of the thugs. Wonderful Lazlo behind the cover of the boxes and unsheathed his bow, and within moments released an arrow towards the red thug.
Being a soldier is not easy Lazlo gave a simple nod and followed his companions out Forced to say that this was mis-step from the queen, hardly...I met the queen and she hardly seems like a person who would make such a trivial mistake He quickened his till he finally caught up to those in the lead. ........................................................................
"Does anyone have any suggestions on how we should approach this?" He asked his companions, his green eyes shifting across all of them as he awaited their responses.
"We will be off then" Said Lazlo as he got up from his chair, but then he stopped, his eyes still on the marshal "Marshal Kroft, before I leave is there anything else that you could tell us that would help us in this matter? I realize that we are told what we are needed to know, and I realize that this matter is of greater importance than the previous mission we've accomplished...but that does not explain the worry I see on your face, I mean no disrespect but if something is causing you of all people to worry, then it must be grave indeed, especially if it relates to this case" The rogue's voice rang with its usually hardness, but that sternness was equally matched by a respectful and slightly empathic tone.
How long was it since he stood the side of the gates of the Eastshore district? He didn't know, he was just compelled to stay there...since he failed at his original objective which was entering it; this failure didn't occur because he couldn't lie to the guards about being called to perform a service or whatnot, it was his own doubt and worry that made him stop at the last minute, so here was instead, standing near the gates, and hoping that he may catch a glance of his sister and her new family, news had reached him that she was the mother of girl and a boy...he was an uncle now, but he doubted he would ever be a part of these children's lives, even he could muster the courage to visit her after these years, he didn't think that she would ever want to see him again Hate me for every waking moment of your life dear sister, if it means your safety, I will handle the burden of your hate With that thought he left the wall he was standing against and walked away. Of course news of his sister was not the only thing to reach his ears, over the week he had heard talk of royalty, illnesses, assassination, poisons and possible suspects Typical how the suspects shifted so quickly Lazlo walked out of the alley and into the street, the light of day covering his now unprotected form, then his green eyes picked his companions, after a moment, he walked to them in neutral strides, easily shifting between the people who walked the street with him. After nodding to them in greeting, he looked them over "I assume you heard the news? He asked in a manner that didn't seem to fit the tone of an inquiry "A painter was a conspirator in the king's murder, and the only eye witness just happened to commit suicide, it seems the grieving queen is quite in desperate in her attempts to push suspicion towards this girl" He continued, his voice being slightly marred by his mocking tone. Lazlo shook his head "I don't claim to know who poisoned the king, but if they are trying to push the blame on someone, when their only witness is a man who committed suicide, then the crown is protecting someone" Lazlu paused "The obvious answer would be..." He stopped once more when he saw a guard walking by "The grieving widow, but then again she could be trying to protect someone else"
I've got a question Doc, when would it be fair to assume that two days and eight hours have passed? Should I wait a few more posts? Or can I start posting with the assumption that they have passed and that Lazlo has fully recovered?
Yeah I'll definitely sell my old rapier and tools and I totally forgot about the Cow Hammer gp. So yeah I am at 380 gp now, thanks Doc.
"Thank you for allowing me to help my city" Said Lazlo, sincerity clear as a newly minted coin in every word he spoke "Since you have no need for us now I will take my leave" .......................................................................... After spending a decent amount of what he had on better equipment in anticipation for their next assignment, Lazlo walked into the inn that pretty much served as his home, ignoring the hustle and bustle of the customers and and giving a polite nod to the owner on his way to his room. After locking the door, taking off his armor, bag, weapons and propping his rapier against the wall just within arms reach, he climbed into bed and waited for sleep to take him.
Okay 278.4 gp + 488.7 gp + 1.9 gp = 769 gp. Decisions, decisions... Masterwork rapier will cost me 320 gp, so that will leave me with 449 gp. Masterwork thieves tools will cost me a 100 gp, so that brings me down to 349 gp. I'll also get four caltrops which will cost me 4 gp in total, 345 gp left. Two smoke sticks, that's 40 gp and I am left with 305 gp. Anything else I should get?
Relief was not something Lazlo felt very often these days, but when he left the docks and entered a more reputable area of the city, it washed over him like a flood. His face relaxed ever so slightly before regaining its usual grim expression upon entering the citadel. He walked to the Field Marshal with purpose clear in his footsteps and immediately upon hearing her inquiry his hand deftly unveiled the letters they had "acquired" from Barvasi. "I think you will find all the evidence you need within these letters, and you'll be happy to know that we did not need to give that scum any coins for him to spend on further poisoning Korvosa" Lazlo handed the letters Kroft, his eyes set on the Field Marshal's own.
Don't worry. He hates you too. We should have killed him. Crux can't wait to tell Kalvin 'I told you so.' LOL, when that moment comes I am sure we'll all happily murder Barvasi and not look back. Still I guess it will be interesting to have someone come after our characters with revenge on their mind...if that actually happens.
Well after we pass in peace...I hope, I am going to have Lazlo rest for two days and eight hours to get rid of the strength damage. I hate Barvasi...
You sure you want to buy it with your own funds? If we are all pitching in to get the above mentioned wands we may as well pitch in on the CLW wand.
Don't we own two wands of clw?
Ah the sweet sound of gold! I'll finally be able to buy a decent weapon, and maybe some masterwork thives tools too.
Don't forget it isn't just 900 gp, we've got all the weapons and armor we looted of the thugs bodies and Barvasi's own equipment. I am assuming we left the stuff we found in the chest alone as per Kalvin's post. Oh and I don't have a masterwork weapon yet....I know, don't look at me I am hideous ;) Okay we've all had 278.4 added to our pockets before...except for Marnos who spent it on getting a better bow. Anyway this is what we looted of Barvasi and his goons after the battle: 1) MWK bladed gauntlets
Crux identified the potions as follows: Potion of Invisibility
The masterwork bladed gauntlets should fetch a nice price, and so will the hand crossbow if no one wants it and if no one wants any of the 6 chainmails or 6 longswords then they should fetch a hefty amount as well, also lets not forget the 120 gp that brings our gold before selling all this stuff to 1020 gp. Oh and Graxton, loved your goodbye to Barvasi.
Silence came over Lazlo, he stared at the speaker and the rest of the supposedly surrendering guards; studying their movements and facial expressions for any hints of deception, his ears heard their words and tone, looking for signs of lies; the stretching of certain words, or an attempt to hide a shaky tone.
"Enjoy your kingdom" Lazlo walked out of the room and began his trek to the exit.
"We have what we came for" Lazlo got up from his crouching position near the chest, in his right hand two letters "We don't need his cooperation or information now" He tucks the letters in his back pack. "I suggest we leave, unless you plan to burn the ship...which would be better done from the outside" Said the former noble, his green eyes shifting towards Barvasi and then the rest of the group.
Lazlo just then remembers the twi metal keys they found, pulls them out and tries them one by one on the chest.
The sounds of shifting furniture and footsteps filled the air as Lazlo began searching the room for anything that would interest them, taking extra care in this particular search because of the state of the room and the ornate bed This is Barvasi's room, I doubt he'd have such luxuries for the men he hires Lazlo took of the sheets of the bed, messily discarding on the floor and then looked under it for anything that could catch their attention.
After he was done with the room, Lazlo turned towards the sea chest and studied it from afar, as with the doors he looked for any signs of tampering, and whatever markings left behind by their hosts attempts at securing his belongings.
Lazlo opens the chest and peers at what lies within it.
Lazlo works on disarming the trap.
Welcome back. Speaking of classes, I've looked through the Advanced Class Guide again a few days back, I don't know why, it only makes the wait harder for the book does, but it made me decide that if I do find an opportunity to put Lazlo in a second game, I am definitely giving him the investigator class.
"I agree, the northern door it is" Said Lazlo as he opened the door he mentioned.
Marnos you ninja!!
It was surprising to Lazlo how dull the rest of the ship was compared to the "throne room" of Barvasi, it was now clear without a doubt that Barvasi was a man who only cared about what he presented, but on the inside...he was as common as any thug that walked the street, and that made the former noble wonder how someone like the supposed King of Spiders find his throne.
After the tedious job of searching the room, Lazlo went to the northern door and studied it like he did the previous doors that followed And here I was expecting a man who would turn his whole ship into a death trap if he could, one measly trap door to show his supposed cleverness... The rogue turned his face towards their prisoner, but there was more in his stare then hatred...it was something akin to indifference.
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