Zellara the Varisian's page

The voice of Zellara is audible by all as Perivolt calls on her --surprising perhaps to Sable, who had not seen this trick before.

"I have no love for the young Queen, no? She is from Cheliax and an enemy of my people, you see. On top of that, she married a man more than half her age for money and power. My people have a word for that, but I will not share it here. I love this city, that is why I am still with you, yes? And that "Queen" is part of the problem and not part of the solution, I wager. Tread carefully and with eyes open, like one would with a poison asp, no?"

Her voices trails off on this last word, disappearing slowly as if the energy that powered her presence had run out. After that, silence.

"I am sorry to have deceived you, my friends, but I could think of no other way to bring down Lamm. In this you were successful, but now my beloved city is faced with a more grave threat. The civil unrest is only the beginning I fear. Please do what you can to help Korvosa and its people. They have so few who will defend them." She looks quite sad, but earnest as she flickers in and out.

"I will help you in the small ways that I may. My spirit still resides in my harrow deck, and its power may assist you from time to time. First, I can do more readings for you, but only occasionally. The deck will tell you when it is time. Next, I can communicate with anyone who holds the deck though my ability to manifest as I am now, is quickly waning. I can create an illusion of myself reading the harrow once per day, should you need it. Last, holding a card to your forehead will allow you to identify the properties of magic items up to 3 times per day. You do not need to be trained to accomplish this."

"Again, thank you friends. As you can see, I was not fortunate to survive Lamm's crime spree, but you have ended all that, taken my vengeance, and now hopefully will defend the city in her time of need. May the fates always favor you!"

And with that, she disappears.

Zellara pipes in before others can answer. "The place in question is at North Dock, not far from here, perhaps 15 minutes to walk. The docks are a bustling place in the day, but at night, there are few around. If you are careful, you should be able to approach without being noticed, yes?"

Zellara nods at the the gnome's words. "My deck is attuned to the city in ways that hard to explain. It led me to you, is the easiest way to explain, yes?"

When Nox asks about returning to her cottage, the fortune teller merely shrugs. "You may return here, though this is not a keep or stronghold. If you succeed in killing Lamm, I find it unlikely his minions will stay a cohesive band, but anything is possible, yes? Also, I know fate has a way of pushing us along a path, not always of our choosing. While you may intend to come here, perhaps other things will become more important. I will know if you bring justice to Lamm; you needn't come and report to me."

She looks to the others to see if they have questions.

Finally, the Varisian fortune teller gets to the last column of cards. "These cards tell what will be. For good here at the top, for evil at the bottom. Let us see what we do not yet know, yes?"

She reveals the top card and it is a frightening image, The Lost. Zellara has a sharp intake of breath. "This is a truly evil card it can mean insanity or loss for the future, but since it is in the top row, it has an opposite meaning-- one of Good. It is clarity of purpose, even under duress. Success in a difficult venture, perhaps. This bodes well not just for tonight's work, but jusy maybe for more greater things to come, no?"

She flips the next card, which should be neutral. It is The Uprising. Zellara explains that this card is very important due to being partially aligned in this space. "The Uprising can mean an overwhelming groundswell, where the people are aligned with or against something. I don't yet know what that might mean, but it is possible that a move against Lamm is the start of something bigger, or perhaps other forces are at work, eh?"

Only one card remains unturned. "This space may show us evil tidings of the future, so be prepared for bad news, yes?" says the woman, with foreboding. She flips the last card, and a familiar card shows. OIt is The Dance, the same card Daesra drew in the Choosing.

Zellara looks right at the masked woman. "This card is meant for you, my dear. It cannot be any other way. It is a card of Good and the Law, but here, in this place, it fully misaligned, which means it has the opposite and very important meaning for you. The card typically means staying in order or harmony. But in this case, it means that breaking away from rigid conformity is best and that staying lockstep is perilous." She continues looking almost as if through the young warrior. "I know the order you keep. You may not yet understand what this card means, but perhaps you have an inkling now, no? It could be that your own order is your undoing?"

The Dance is another in the suit of Keys, so everyone gains a 3rd Harrow Point. Since this was Daesra's Choosing card, she gains an extra to stand at 4 to start this chapter.

With a practiced sweep of her hands, Zellara gathers up all the cards and begins ordering and shuffling them again, almost without effort or any concentration. She speaks once again, a look of earnestness on her dark features. "Thank you for humoring me once again, my friends. My deck tells me many things, some things I don't understand at the time, but these events often come to pass in some way. It seems luck smiles on your outing to Westpier 17. Great things loom on the smallest turn of events, and perhaps this is one of those occasions, no? I urge you to act tonight, and with all haste. Move quickly before Lamm becomes aware of what you know, if you delay, he my uproot and all of my work will be lost. Strike at him, my friends. You are my only chance to bring that conniving old dog to justice at last. Do it for yourselves and your loved ones, and do it for my poor lost Eran as well!"

"I mean no offense," says Zellara quickly, raising her hands. "The goings-on at Castle Korvosa are very much on my mind, and in the cards, of late. I fear there are portents there that bode less well for the city, than even a scoundrel like Gaedren Lamm can achieve. But perhpas that is just in the cards, no?"

When it appears the group is ready to continue, she goes to the middle column, which stands for the present. The top card, which would be in the Neutral Good position, turns out to be The Idiot. "This card is misaligned for it is evil in nature. The idiot means grave foolhardiness and greed, but here it is the opposite. Some clever is feigning idiocy to trick or fool you. Be on your guard, yes?"

The next card is in the direct middle of the Spread. It appears to be The Locksmith. Zellara says, "This card means the unlocking of a new fate, or a finding of a consequential object. Maybe this means us finding Lamm in his hideout, maybe in means something yet to be revealed. Either way it is a partial match, so important. "

This card is also from the suit of Keys, so another Harrow Point is awarded to the group.

The last card in the middle column is turned next. It is revealed as The Big Sky.
"This card is misaligned, a good card in an evil position. It's meaning is opposite, so instead of indicting freedom or great change, it instead means replacing old bonds with new ones. I don't know what that portends, but it an evil omen, and you should be watching out for such a change, no?"

We will do the reading of the last bit of the Spread tomorrow night, and then see what happens next. Make sure your character is ready to enter combat having all the gear, spells prepped, etc needed while we are still in downtime.

Zellara reaches out, her bejeweled fingers, moving with swift confidence, and flips over the top card in the first row. She has a quick intake of breath at what is revealed. The Winged Serpent.

"This care is a true match! it is of utmost importance in the whole reading, and a very good omen for all of us. The Serpent means bringing judgement from knowledge and knowing when to strike. Given our discusson about Lamm, a few moments ago, I cannot help but tell you this bodes very well for your endeavor this evening, yes?"

The second card down in the first column is The Cricket. It is partially aligned, and so of importance. Zellara tells you it often means quick travel or the reward at the end of a journey. She thinks this means your trip to Westpier 17, but cannot be sure.

This card is from the suit of Keys, so everyone will add 1 more Harrow Point.

The last card in the first column is The Betrayal. This card is also partially aligned.

"The betrayal is not a friendly card. But it can be a warning if heeded," the soothsayer tells you. "It stands for selfishness leading to ruin or perhaps loveliness hiding an evil heart. I can't help but think this card may be about our ignoble Queen, who is lovely, but not very royal in intentions, no? Be wary and trust only those in this room. Give your selfishness up for the good of all, my friends."

Will do more Choosing tomorrow night, while you digest this much.

The last card, held by Morganne, is flipped and shows The Demon's Lantern, a stylized will o wisp. Zellara frowns when looking at this card. "It means an impossible situation, yes? A problem with no solution. I don't like to think of Lamm like that, so maybe this means more, no? Maybe something to do with you, or the city, or something?"

With a deft swipe of her hand, Zellara gathers up the cards one more time, and begins shuffling and re-mixing them all together. Finally, she lays stops and begins laying out a 3x3 row of cards, face down.

"Now it is time for the spread, ok? The left column of three cards represents secrets of the Past, yes? This column also represents Law, because, the Past is unchangeable and set in stone. Also the top row of cards represents Good, the bottom wickedness and evil. The middle row, is portents that are, neither good nor evil. Now, I will reveal what the Past tells about you."

As Daesra draws a card, Zellara motions for her to flip it over, and when she does, The Dance is revealed. "Like a complicated dance, this card indicates you must stay in harmony with each other. Grief and pain bonds this group, let it hold you together."

Then she answers Daesra's question. "Those tokens I left from you are of my deck but not part of my deck. I do not require them to make my deck complete. You may, in fact, see those calling cards in the spread before we are done, yes?"

Laijiri's card is The Cricket. Zellara explains this card stands for quick travel, speed, or the reward at the end of a journey. "This card speaks for itself. You must use speed if you go Lamm, do not let him escape. The journey will be his punishment, no?"

Just one more card for Morganne to chose from. Only cards 3, 5, 8, and 9 remain, I believe. You can just roll 1d4 and choose that way, if you like.

The card Rienas draws is The Locksmith. Zellara smiles at this card. "The Locksmith is a card of good fortune, yes? It means the keys to a new destiny. Our meeting tonight, your actions against Lamm, they will forge a new destiny for you, for all of us, perhaps for the whole city, no?"

Nox flips over his card and reveals The Avalanche. Zellara tells you this card is this card is a bad omen for all. "It portents unrelenting disaster. This disaster may still be averted, through your actions, but it is a large scale, no? Not just personal disaster. Great things are, perhaps, at work here."

Camber shows his card, which is The Juggler and Zellara relaxes again. "If disaster is to come, we now have two cards that say fate is on your side. This card means the gods themselves may intervene but on your side. Again, perhaps more than just the fate of Gaedren Lamm is told here. Your gorup may be meant for greater things, yes?"

Once her tale is down, Zellara wipes the tear streak from her face, and smiles at you with real warmth. "I cannot fight or use magic, but I hav my talents. If you will seek out Lamm at his fishery hide out tonight, I will perform a reading for you, yes? My cards often tell important things about what has happened, or what perhaps will happen. Please allow this indulgence, yes"

She proceeds without waiting for an answer and spreads out 9 cards in fan, facedown on the table. "The first part of the harrowing is the Choosing. You will select one of these cards, and it will represent you through the rest of the reading. Each card is important, and the meaning of each will be revealed."

Please pick a card by rolling 1d9, and re-rolling if you end up with a number that matches someone else. By the end, you should each have a unique number in the 1-9 range.

Thank you all for getting the intros done quickly!

She gives a wry smile and nod of understanding at your confusion and anger, and a quick nod when Camber mentions Gaedren Lamm. Her hands never stop moving the cards around even while she speaks again.

"Thank you for coming, my friends, and for putting up with my unconventional method of contacting you. I have reasons to remain hidden, you see -- a vicious man would see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out to you for help. This man had 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 Lamm's pickpockets stole it, my son Eran tracked them down and returned my deck to me. But Lamm had him followed, and soon after he left my home, Lamm's thugs murdered my son."

Her voice is a bit choked with emotion, and a single tear runs down her face but she continues. "I sought help from the Korvosan 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 Gaedren 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."

"But I need your help. I cannot hope to face this man on my own, and the Guard moves so slowly that if they were willing to help, Lamm would certainly know of their coming well in advance. And even if they arrested 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 Lamm has wronged each of you, also. So there we are, it is time for him to pay."

Not long after Laijiri arrives and settles in with a bite to eat, the door opens, and you long awaited hostess arrives. She is an attractive middle-aged Varisian woman with long dark hair that is tied back with a brightly colored scarf. She smiles slightly and says, in a voice heavy with Varisian accent: "I am Zellara, a teller of fortunes," she takes out a deck of harrow cards from a pocket, and idly shuffles and mixes them as she speaks. "You are all known to me, yes, but perhaps not to each other. It would be fitting to begin with introductions, no? And then, I will tell you the reason I have summoned you all here."

Zellara's skill with the deck is quite apparent to anyone who watches. The cards seems to float and dance through her fingers, sometimes moving, it seems, of their own volition. With a nod of her head she indicates to anyone who is not yet seated to come to the table, as Rienas pointed out, there are just enough chairs now for the entire group.

If you have not introduced yourself sufficiently, please do so now. If you don't get to post, assume it is done in the intervening time before I am back to add more.

As Billi suggest Zellara going with them, or taking her to a place of safety, the Varisian raises her bejeweled hands in protest. "You don't need to worry about poor Zellara, master dwarf. My Eran is dead, Lamm can do nothing else to harm me that has not already been done. If you succeed on your mission tonight, there will be nothing to protect me from. Besides, it is not my fate to fall this night, it has been foretold, yes?"

She does not respond to Perivolt's pledge but bites at her lip as if trying to keep silent but finally says. "Lamm did not grant my Eran mercy. His blade did not pause or ask questions. He does not deserve yours. I trust in the cards, not in the lies of that blackguard."

"My friends, do not fight among yourselves, for that only benefits Lamm and those like him. Your differences are not that great. I suggest you find a way to work together now, for the cards say it takes all of you to win this day. Please don't let Zellara's work be in vain, no?"

After all have spoken, she urges you to head to Westpier 17 and see what there is to see. "You can talk along the way, if you'd like, yes? The pier is not far, but Lamm may already know that I have found him. Move now, before he scuttles away like the rat he is."

The last card in the column representing the present is The Carnival. The fortune reader explains that this card symbolizes illusions or false plans. It is strongly aligned. Zellara gives a wry smile. "It is possible that things are not as they seem, even now in the present. Who knows, yes?"

The last column, which means the future, starts with a card for Good. The deft hands turn his card, and Zellara smiles. "This card is strongly-positioned and bodes well for all of your futures. It is The Keep. As you can see it means unshakeable strength, something you will have. Some way to protect us all perhaps."

The middle card is revealed to be The Survivor. Zellara raises an eyebrow. "This card is misaligned, so it has opposite meaning. Normally it means finding some thing lost, but in this case, it means profound loss. In the future, you will face loss, perhaps something dear to you. Be prepared, yes?"

The last card, which is the evil perspective of the future, is finally turned, and is shown to be The Peacock. "This means a sudden personal shift. A change is coming for evil for someone. Maybe in this group, may just affecting this group. But be wary!"

Zellara regathers her cards, and goes through the motions of shuffling and mixing them again. "My cards are special to me. You may not believe, but they are attuned to the music of the city. They know much even things that we may not yet know, or that have not come to pass or to our attention. Be vigilant for what I say shall transpire, whether you see it or not."

Finally she puts the harrow deck away in her pocket once again. "My friends, I brought you here to reveal the location of our common enemy. I am but a humble fortune-teller and have no skill with magic or blade. So you must act for us. I have told you where Lamm is, and I will tell you the way there, but you must do the rest. Strike for my son Eran, strike for justice, strike for all of Korvosa!"

Zellara lifts the card in top left section which indicates past good and lawful events. The card revealed is the Queen Mother. Zellara explains that this card means obedience or fealty, and that in the city, those who obey the law were rewarded, at least in the past. "In this location, this card has importance, therefore greater meaning for you."

The second card of the the past column is then turned by the deft hand of the fortune-teller. It is The Rakshasa. "Again this card is aligned to the space," says Zellara. "That means it is meaningful. The Rakshasa means mental control or enslavement. The people say the Chelaxian queen Ileosa casts spells to control old King Eodred, it could mean that. It could also mean the way Lamm enslaves his little lambs, making them do evil deeds in his name."

The last card in the row of Law/Past is revealed to be The Tangled Briar. "This card is misaligned It is a Good card in the row for Evil. This means it has the opposite interpretation. in this way, the card means elder evil returning to make an impact. I do not know what this portends, but something evil has been at work in Korvosa, you can be sure."

Zellara turns to the middle row, that which represents the present. The first card, when flipped shows The Rabbit Prince. This is the card Sable drew during the choosing and Zellara looks right at her. "This card is for you, my dear. In this place, it represents the chaos of combat or defeat in combat. I would say this bodes ill for your, but the Prince is a fickle card, and it could mean defeat for your enemies as well. Let us hope that is the case, yes?"

The middle card of the spread is next, which represents the neutral nature of the present. It is The Courtesan. Zellara says, "This card is also positioned in a place of great importance. It means political intrigue is going on in Korvosa, even as we speak. I had heard rumor that the old king was ill, but perhaps there is more to that story, no?"

Just splitting up posts for word count reasons. Sorry for the wall of text. Another to follow.

When there is a break in the discussion, Zellara reads the last card chosen by Perivolt. It is The Demon's Lantern showing a picture of a will-o-the-wisp or some other similar eerie lights.

Zellara looks concerned. "This card is not good, no.. It is very bad even. It means an impossible situation. Traps or mind games. Something very difficult lies ahead for you. Perhaps it is an encounter with Lamm, perhaps something else."

with the Choosing over, Zellara takes your cards back (just the choosing cards, not the ones found that summoned you here) and shuffles them back into the deck. again, you are fascinated, almost hypnotized, by the movement of the cards and her hands...all thoughts of Lamm, and the trouble that brought you here momentarily forgotten.

When the fortune-teller stops shuffling, the thoughts rush back, but she hushes you with a word. "Now, the reading begins in earnest," she says her accent perhaps even more pronounced as she slips into the Varisian persona. She lays out 9 cards in a 3x3 grid before you. "Here we are the Spread. It will tell you of things past" (she indicates the first column of the grid with a deft hand), "things present" (the middle column) "and things future, you see?" her hand waves past the last column on your right.

"The first column, it also represents Law, for the past is unchangeable and set in stone. The middle column stands for neutrality; for the present is the sum total of the events of the past yet open to the infinite possibilities of the many futures. It is a crossroads between order and chaos. The last column shows events that might or might now come true. This is chaos, the unknown and unknowable. The future is not set in anything, and all things, for good or ill, are possible."

"Also," she continues. "The rows of the Harrowing have meaning. The top row is Good -- things that benefit might benefit you. The last row is where Evil dwells -- things you must be careful of, yes? And the middle row, is things that in balance, they are neither good nor evil, they simply are, adn must be dealt with accordingly. You understand Zellara, no?"

She looks at each of you in turn, making eye contact that is intense, and perhaps a little disturbing before exclaiming with a sideshow flourish: "Now, let Zellara reveal what the harrow will!"

She reaches for the first card on the top row of the past (law) column.

Will have to stop there for tonight, and get to the reading of the spread tomorrow.

Lenrelle chooses first and flips her Choosing card over, revealing The Avalanche

Zellara sighs and arches an eyebrow. "An auspicious beginning. This card represents unrelenting disaster. I hope it is for Lamm, and not for you..."

Next Talindra, who changes her mind at the last moment, picks one. Her card is The Crows.

The fortune teller purses her lips and looks at the elven woman. "Another card of woe, this symbolizes the taking of dear items or loved ones. I was a victim of both, at Lamm's hands. I feel that you also have seen the loss of one close to you. As have many of you." She waits for Ioca to flip his card.

When revealed Ioca's card is The Dance.

"At last, something hopeful." says Zellara with a wry smile that doesn't quite reach her dark eyes. "Like a real dance, this card evokes a sense of harmony or cooperation. Your group must maintain this sense of togetherness if you are to have hope of cornering and killing Gaedren Lamm. He is a slippery one as you well know."

Sable knows cards and cardplay, so she trusts her luck and chooses. When the card is flipped upright, it reveals The Rabbit Prince.

A slight shrug from the Varisian fortune-teller reveals that this card is not ideal, but not terrible either. "You live with luck, yes?" she asks Sable with another raised eyebrow, saying she already knows the answer. "The Rabbit Prince means capriciousness, like luck itself. It means sudden and unexpected changes of a given situation. Lamm is crafty; he is capricious. You must be on your guard, and make your own luck." She give Sable a slight nod to reinforce her words.

Listening to Billi's brave words, Zellara gives the dwarf a smile. "Your card, Master Dwarf?" He lays it on the table showing a man tossing several items in the air at once -- The Juggler.

"This is a good omen, my friends. The Juggler tells us that Fate is on your side. That bodes well for your actions on this grave night. It fills me with hope for your endeavor."

We will see tomorrow what Perivolt draws for the Choosing, and then move to the Spread where more fortunes are foretold, and Harrow Points will be given out. I will post your cards in the Campaign Info tab for future reference once we have them all drawn.

"The first step of a harrowing is The Choosing," the fortune teller says in her Varisian accented speech. She gathers up all the cards and with a final shuffle, spreads nine of them before you.

"Take one of these cards and it will be tied to you for this reading, and perhaps longer."

Each of you may react to her speech as you will, but then please roll a 1d9. If your number matches what someone else has already rolled, then please re-roll until you get a unique number.

Once each of you have a card, the fortune teller motions for you to turn it over and show the others. She quietly explains what each card means in turn.

Please keep note of each card that appears for you in this (and any other Harrowing), as they will have properties that can be used in certain parts of the adventure. This will be explained later. I will record each person and card and property in the Campaign Info section for later reference.

"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 vicious man woudl see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out for help. This man 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 or 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 Lamm's pickpockets stole it, my son Eran tracked them down and returned my deck to me. But Gaedren had him followed, and soon after he left my home, Lamm's thugs murdered him."

"So there we are, it is time for him to pay!"

The whole time she speaks, her hands move the cards back and forth, in an almost hypnotic pattern, and when she is finished the cards are laid out in the 3x3 pattern of the Harrow.

"Should you wish to take may information and act against Lamm tonight, I will give you a harrowing, which may help you prepare for the task ahead of you, finding Gaedren Lamm, and meting out justice."

Without much hesitation, the ghost of Zellara moves to the middle row of the Spread, flipping the cards in order, revealing more of the prophecy.

Position 4 - Past, Neutral - The Betrayal. This card is partially aligned, but partially misaligned, which means it may have more than one meaning. The Betrayal indicates a person whose loveliness hides an evil heart. Misalignment indicates a turning away from the material world and its temptations. Zellara also points out this card likely highlights Queen Ileosa, and her past betrayal of the old king, and the entire city. It may also indicate your group's turning from vengeance seekers against Lamm, to stalwart defenders of the city.

Position 5 - Present, Neutral - The Cricket. This card is partially aligned, which underscores its importance. The Cricket represents speed and quick passage, and is commonly associated with travel. The peach it sits by represents treasure at the end of a journey. Zellara explains that some sort of important or lucrative trip might be in the offing.

Position 6 - Future, Neutral - The Carnival. This card is fully aligned, it may be one of the most important cards of the entire reading. The Carnival is the card of illusions and false dreams. This card depicts imprudent plans or unrealistic ambitions. Zellara says even today, there are imprudent plans and dreams that are being carried out, particularly those who wish Korvosa ill. You need to stop these actions and make them false or unrealistic.

"Here are the actions that are neither for good or ill. I am afraid only the bottom row remains. It usual brings bad tidings. Strenghthen your hearts, and hearken to this final message."

The Varisian fortune teller lays out the the Spread with a flourish, her spectral hands moving rhythmically, almost hypnotically. When the 9-card figure is complete, she reaches for the top card, flipping it slowly and deliberately.

Position 1 - Past, Good - The Trumpet. This card is a declaration of power. The archon is an aggressive force who wades into the direst situations without hesitation in the cause of right. This card is perfectly aligned, which means it is quite powerful. Zellara says this card represents your appearance on the scene in Korovsa, a powerful new force that has acted for Good.

Position 2 - Present, Good - The Twin. This card is partially aligned, which means it has strong indications. The Twin signals indecision, as a person or group wavers between very different options. It can also mean divided loyalties abound. Zellara relates this card stands for the present situation with Queen Ileosa. While she intends to rule, much of the city is less than happy with her on the Crimson Throne. If any place had divided loyalty, it is Korvosa, right now.

Position 3 - Future, Good - The Courtesan. This card is also partially aligned, and likely to be very meaningful. The Courtesan is the card of political intrigue. The card also indicates a woman of power who shapes events. How she is treated decides the outcome of the situation. Zellara shrugs when this card is overturned almost as if to say this card needs no explanation in the present situation.

"It is obvious that yoru presence creates a challenge to the Queen. This spread indicates that for the good of all, this challenge must continue. The messages on this line of the spread are very strong and not very ambiguous."

After the Choosing is complete, Zellara shuffles those cards back into the deck, and once they are mixed in well, she begins laying out the Spread in a 3x3 grid.

"Recall," the spirit-woman says in her accented speech. "That the pattern of the spread is important. The top row is for things that have good effect. The bottom row for those things that have bad or evil effect, and the middle row, things that have effect that may not be either good or ill. Even so, the columns of the Spread are also important. The first column are things from the past. The middle column are things from the present, and the last column is things that will be, in the future." As she speaks she lays nine cards out face down in the pattern she indicates.

"In this way, the top left card is something good from the past. The bottom right card, something bad in the future, and so on." The ghostly form looks at each of you to make sure you understand, nodding to each in turn.

"Further, where a particular card lies will indicate its importance. Some will be critically important, while others merely trivial. Additionally, some cards may be misaligned. That is, if a traditionally good card ends up on the bottom (or evil) row, that card will have an opposite meaning than is usual. Last, if the card that you selected in the Choosing comes up in the Spread, that part of the Harrow will have very strong and specific meaning for that individual. Shall we begin?"

I have dealt the Spread of the Harrow, but explaining will take a while. Will get to it tomorrow. Needless to say, it will be very intersesting...

Here are the cards selected during the Choosing, and the meaning ascribed to them as explained by the ghostly Lady Zellara.

Atticus: The Brass Dwarf. The Brass Dwarf shows an azer who represents invulnerability to a current danger. Although others might fall, he remains hale and strong. The Brass Dwarf can also mean a failure or dark fate for one, which in turn might save all others around him from a greater danger.

Nargun: The Sickness. The Sickness represents plague, pestilence, famine, and disease. It can also indicate corruption of the soul or of a multitude of souls. Perhaps it references the madness in Nargun, perhaps something darker to come.

Mirela: The Survivor. The Survivor represents a person who has been through an ordeal of some kind. Surrounded by his fallen comrades, the man represents someone or something thought lost forever, but found once more. It can also represent rebirth.

Twilight:The Teamster. The Teamster is a driving external force that keeps the subject going, no matter what. This force can be physical or mental, as a person who exhorts others to continue on when they have no more strength to give. The force can be for good or ill but cannot be ignored. The half-orc depicted is leading a life of constant toil, but for his own betterment.

Devan: The Waxworks The Waxworks is a place of helplessness and physical entropy. The mind might be willing, but the flesh is frozen in this place of horror. It is also the card of torture and imprisonment, signifying literal inability to move or a paralysis of a more prosaic kind.

As in Book 1, there will be situations where the Choosing card may give you some temporary benefit. The use of Harrow Points for Book 2 has been updated in Campaign Info tab. Check it out when you can.

Everyone's attention is drawn to the manic card-shuffling actions of the Professor, and as you watch in fascination, a ghostly figure seems to lift from out of his body and move to the chair next to him. The form is none other than Zellara herself. Now she holds the Harrow Deck and begins spreading the cards for the choosing, which initiates the Harrow.

"My friends!" she says, her Varisian accent heavy even in death. "You have done well protecting our city and rescuing an innocent girl from certain death. Madame Zellara is proud of your accomplishments. But...there is a peril out there of which you are unaware. A danger that will bring this city to the edge of ruin. Madame Zellara cannot stop it, nor can she directly you tell you the nature of the concern, but she can read the cards and perhaps their riddles will provide enough answers for you to act, once again, to save the city. Shall we begin?"

The spectral fortune-teller folds and unfolds the cards, but finally holds them out to you, fanned out, for you to choose one.

If you wish to have your Harrow read, please roll a random number 1-9. If your number equals one already brought up, please roll again until you get a unique number.

Beside the chair where Lamm's corpse rests, a spectral figure appears, slowly solidifying. You recognize the figure of Madame Zellara herself!

"My friends," she says slowly, spreading her hands in a gesture of patience. "You must forgive me for my ruse, but as you can ascertain, my ability to get revenge on Lamm was limited given my...unhappy ending. I do apologize for making you my cat's paw but I suspected you would see this foul task to completion and find my deck. As you can see, I am not without my resources. My essence now resides in the deck of harrow cards you have reclaimed. Keep them well, and keep to my purpose -- the defense and protection of Korvosa -- and I will be able to aid you from time to time."

"While I cannot directly intervene in events, some of which I foresee will be quite damaging to my city, I can help you prepare. Periodically, I may be able to use my deck to predict the future via harrowing, thereby preparing you for what lies ahead."

"Additionally, three times per day, I can help the wielder of my deck identify magical items. All they need to is hold the item in one hand, and hold my deck to their forehead in the other. In this way, I may be able to assist."

"I have sensed greatness within each of you, greatness that is more than the revenge you have not satiated. Korvosa will need you, each of you, in the near future. I implore you in the name of my murdered son, and in my memory, to heed the call and act to defend this fair city and its people, despite the odds that may be stacked against you. Even now, the city is thrown into chaos and turmoil. Be brave, dear ones, and fulfull your destinies."

And with that, the image fades from view, just as quickly as it had appeared.

Recovering Zellara's cards and discovering her fate earns the PC's an additional 200xp per player. That moves their cumulative total to 1612/3300 or about 15% to level 3.

With a sigh, Zellara gathers back up her deck. "Who can say about the mystery of the cards? They have spoken about your past, present, and future. Some is unchangeable, and some may never come to pass. Take the messages for weal or woe, and do what you will with them."

She shuffles the cards a few more times, then slips them deftly into her pocket. She looks at your seriously, then speaks in an urgent voice.

"Now, I must implore you to move quickly to confront our mutual foe, Lamm. I know you want to take time to plan and size up your new-found allies, but Lamm is crafty and has spies everywhere. If you tarry too long, he may learn of your plans, and uproot or shift to a new hideout. I gave up much to get his current location. Don't let that sacrifice be in vain!"

"Now I must rest, as the divining of the Harrow takes its toll on my vitality." She does look visibly worn as she stands and shows you all to the door of her simple cottage.

You may continue to interact with each other here or in the front garden or street as you see fit. I will watch and see when you seem ready to move along to the address on Westpier.

As she gathers back the Choosing cards and shuffles them back into the deck with an effortless flutter, Zellara looks to Aleria's question:"The Harrow tells us something true, but we must be open to see its meaning.That is not always easy or obvious. What will happen may not be seen by us now, but the cards know."

As she speaks, she deals out the nine more cards in a 3x3 grid. "The left column of the Spread represents secrets of the past. It also represents law, for the past is unchangeable and set in stone. The middle column is the present. It is the sum total of the past, but opens to the infinite possibilities of the future, and as such is a crossroads between order and entropy. The right column, then, represents the chaos of the future, where anything is possible and nothing is set."

She has dealt out the cards face down, and indicates the top row. "This row is good, the bottom row is bad, and the middle row is the balance between the two. It can be, based on how the cards fall, that these influences are reversed, so pay attention."

In this way, the top left card is LG, the bottom right card is CE, and so forth. The middle card is true neutral. Make sense?

Zellara begins reading the spread by turning over the top left card. Which is The Marriage. Zellara indicates this card, besides the union of lovers, indicates the union of persons or ideas from the past, for the good of all. She also explains that this card has increased importance based on its position. She postulate that it may symbolize the coming together of yoru group to stop Gaedren Lamm.

The middle card on the top row is then revealed to be The Locksmith. The fortune-teller smiles at this placement. "This card is a true match in position. That indicates it is extemely important. The Locksmith reveals keys to a new positive destiny is occurring right now. That can only mean that fortune smiles greatly on your fellowship. That is a great portent for your success!"

This card also adds one more Harrow point to everyone's total, which is now 2.

The last card on the top row, which indicates good things for the future is revealed next. That card is The Liar. Zellara explains this is a card of wickedness and typically means treachery or unrequited love, but since it is in the good (top) row, it has a different meaning -- that of a new relationship beginning in the future for the good of all.

The Varisian mystic then turns the first card in the middle row over showing The Joke. "This placement indicates increased importance," says Zellara in her soft voice. "It's meaning is overcoming danger by artifice or subterfuge in the past. This may indicate my method of reaching out to you to bring you all here..."

The middle card of the middle row is flipped over next, and The Teamster looks up at you. The fortune-teller explains that this card is also a "true match" and therefore of extreme importance. She says The Teamster indicates a current driving external pressure by which she explains the need to stop Lamm, or perhaps something even more important.

The last card on the middle row is shown to be The Cricket, which was Atticus' Choosing card. She looks hard at the bookish professor. "This card is for you, my friend. It means a future need for speed or quick passage. I know not exactly what it portends, but be warned, there will be time when you have the need to move quickly. More quickly than you have ever moved before..."

This card also earns each player an additional Harrow Point. Since this was Atticus's Choosing card, he earns an additional Harrow Point bringing his total to 4, everyone else stands at 3, so far.

"The bottom row is often tidings of evil or woe, so be forewarned. The first column, as I said, is past events." Zellara turns that card, revealing the The Inquisitor. "This card indicates an immutable reality that has borne ill for you in the past. I divine this represents each of your past interactions with that swine Lamm."

The middle card of the bottom row when exposed shows The Rakshasa. This card has stressed importance in this location Zellara explains. It's meaning is the current evil of dominance or slavery. She interprets this to represent the enforced servitude of all the Little Lamm's that Gaedren keeps under his dominion.

The last card of the Spread is turned upwwards, and The Publican is shown. "This card is misaligned, which means it has an opposite meaning. Typically, this card means future fellowhip or camraderie but instead here it means a future wicked state where safety cannot be found. Again, I do not like this portent. It bodes ill for all of us."

As you start to plan for an attack on Lamm, Zellara speaks again, "It sounds like you are willing to take on the challenge. I shall perform a reading for you in return for your pledge of aid." She immediately deals a card to each of you. "This is the Choosing. The card I have dealt you has special meaning to you. Show us your card, and remember it, then return it to me."

Mirela - The card dealt to you is The Avalanche. The fortune-teller grimaces at this card, "This card means disaster. Be forewarned. Woe may befall us all before long. I do not like this omen."

Devan - The card dealt to you is The Juggler. Zellara says "This card represents Destiny and the fates of others. You are tied to the destiny of more than just yourself, perhaps many others. Your responsibility is great."

Nargun - The card you recieve is The Crows. Zellara looks at you sympatheticlly. "Sometimes the Harrow reveals things that have already been in addition to what will be. Your card, gentle dwarf, means the violent loss of a loved one. I know you have already experienced that loss. You have my sympathy."

Atticus - You are dealt The Cricket. "I divine this means quick travel, but great rewards at the end of your journey. It is a lucky card. I wish you well in your travels" she says with a smile.

Twilight - When you turn the card, you see The Dance. "Much like a ballroom dance, the solution to your problems are complex and require the cooperation of others to be successful. Perhaps that indicates those gathered here, perhaps others..."

Aleira - You are dealt The Peacock Zellara divines "The Peacock means an object or person of great beauty, but that beauty is fleeting and must be preserved even if it means stopping time itself. One who is lovely but vain will try to gain power to maintain herself.

These cards might foreshadow real or possible events. They do have real game significance later in the chapter, so please remember your card. I will try to post on the Campaign Info tab later tonight. I will get to the rest of the Harrowing -- The Spread -- later tonight. React to your Choosing card, or continue to interact as you see fit, even if it is out of chronology exactly. Be back later.

Just then, the door opens and an attractive middle-aged Varisian woman with long dark hair enters. "Welcome, my friends, to my humble home. Thanks you for coming to visit me." She takes a seat at the table, and nods to the group of you, motioning that you all take seats as well.

"I am Zellara Esmeranda. Please introduce yourselves to me." As she speaks, she withdraws a deck of cards from her pocket and idly shuffles the cards while listening intently. The cards seem to float and dance through her fingers, and her skill with the deck is supremely obvious.

If you choose to sit, there are, conveniently, the exact right number of chairs for the party. Once you are all seated and introductions are made, she speaks in a soft but clear voice.

"Thank you, my friends for putting up with my unconventional method of contacting you. I have reason to remain hidden, you see -- a vicious man would see great harm done to me if he knew I was reaching out for help. This man 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 Lamm's pickpockets stole it, my son Eran tracked them down and returned my deck to me. But Gaedren had him followed, and soon after he left my home, Gaedren's thugs murdered him."

"I sought help form the Korvosan 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 Gaedren 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."

"But I need your help. I cannot hope to face this man on my own, and the Guard moves so slowly that if they were willing to help, Gaedren would certainly know of their coming well in advance. And even if they arrested 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, word on the street has it that Gaedren has wronged each of you, too. So there we are. It is time for him to pay."

You may make your introduction, and then react to Zellara's information.

The final row of cards are indicative of things that will have negative impact.

The first card is The Joke This card is an opposite match, which indicates it has the opposite meaning of its usual interpretation. It also indicates momentous significance. Zellara cries out when this card is revealed, fear contorting her features. "It should not be here. This is very very bad." She goes on to indicate the card in this position indicates a very dangerous plot occurred somewhere in the past. Something not funny at all, and not random or haphazard. Rather, a very meticulous and detailed work to create a very negative outcome.

The second card represents negative things occuring at present. The card here is The Avalanche. This card indicates disaster. Unrelenting, unthinking, unforgiving disaster. Zellara's concern grows as she sees this card. "Things are going to get very bad here. Very bad, and soon." This card is also partially aligned indicating strong importance.

The last card indicating negative future events is turned over and reveals The Idiot. This card is also partially aligned and indicates greed and grave foolishness will continue to lead the city to disaster.

The second row of cards indicate items which may be neither positive or negative or maybe a bit of both.

The first card is for the past and the drawn card is The Rakshasha. This card is partially aligned indicating importance. The Rakshasha is an indicator that in the past, mind control or dominance has been used. The outcome of such control is unclear, but it's impact will be felt.

The second card representing unclear outcomes in the present is The Crows. This card indicates the loss of loved ones. Zellara suggests this card may indicate the loss of Brienne Soldado to her mysterious disease, unless actions are taken. She hints that Brienne may only be the first.

The third card in this row represents items of unclear outcome that may occur in the future. The card revealed in this spot is The Tyrant. As you suspect, this card indicates the cause of much of the future problems in Korvosa stems from one primary source: the crown. This card is not aligned.

This is the middle row, or the cards of unclear outcome in the spread reading.

It looks like only one CON based card, therefore each player has 1 Harrow Point to spend during the adventure (see Discussion for a more detailed explanation).

In the morning before you depart for Trails End, Arianna calls you all to her chamber. There sitting at a table, she deals the Harrow cards saying that the reading is quite important, and must take place now. As Arianna spreads the cards, her word hands and voice become eerily possessed as if by the spirit of Zellara, the lost Varisian fortune teller herself. Even the accent and mannerisms change, as she offers cards for The Choosing and then lays The Spread.

The first row of cards are positive or good things, starting with the past to the present to the future. The first card is The Keep. This card is partially aligned which indicates it has importance. This card represents the past strength of the City of Korvosa, a strength is which is currently threatened by unseen forces.

The second card is the The Mountain Man. This card is not aligned. It signfies an external power that is present in Korvosa now. One that may serve good. Zellara/Arianna tells you this card represents you, the PC's.

The third card is The Dance. This card represents a complicated series of harmonious steps that must be achieved in the future for Korvosa to remain safe. This card is also partially aligned, and threfore of added importance. Zellara indicates the path to safety will be arduous and complicated but must be followed or destruction will result.

These are the top row of cards, indicating forces for good.

One last thing...

As the evening winds down and she rests in her private room, Arianna is visted by the spirit of Zellara the fortune-teller through her Harrow deck.

"Another reading is necessary, guardian of Korvosa. There is much at work that is dire for my fair city. I beg you, perform a reading with your allies present in the morning. The cards will show them some of what has happened, what is happening, and what may yet happen. Do not delay, this information may be key to understanding the larger currents at play here."

Each player needs to roll a d10 to determine the card selected during the Choosing. If a player gets the same result as a previous plyer, then please re-roll until you have a unique number. After that, Arianna, if you like you can lay out the cards for the Harrowing, like was done before, and I will provide interpretation.

Zellara's spectral form flickers, disappears for few seconds, then reappears more ghostly and translucent than before.

"Allies will come from unusual places and traitors when you least expect them. Beware, heroes, beware...Use the resources you already have, use them wisely..."

And with that, her form disappears and does not return. An explosion shakes the ground and a chorus of shouts from not far away reminds you of the anarchy engulfing the city.

What do you do next?

Zellara nods her head once. "Yes, I can answer your questions as best I can, but only for a bit more before I must return."

"The King is dead. Like the City, the spirit world is filled with unrest. Queen Ileosa is now the city's reigning monarch, and she is not popular with the people. The city has always been a powder keg of civil unrest, and now the crowds are rioting in response to the death of their sovereign. The Hellknights of the Order of the Nail have been brought in to help restore order, but their means are, well...not helpful. The city stands on the edge of anarchy and blood will spill if order cannot be restored. Just how that happens, I cannot say yet."

"But that is where you come in my friends. My Harrow Deck summoned you because you have the strength to help the City overcome it's time of crisis without destroying itself. The exact path to that future is still in shadows, but I can guide you in the right direction as the skeins of possible futures unwind themselves."

"Now ask me quickly, as I can feel the pull to return to the spirit world."

"Yes, Gyllan the Ranger, the city has need of you, but the exact path is shrouded in uncertainty. Your path you must follow is still to tangled for me to see clearly. Just be prepared as events will move fast, and many are not what they seem. My advice is for you to stick together, I was inspired to bring you all here for a reason, and do what you think is right, to help save the City."

With that, her image begins to flicker.

"Feel free to use my house as a base for your group, but do not feel that obligation. I will appear to you next when I have more information."

With that, she is gone. Leaving darkness in the room and the sounds of civil unrest outside.

""I must apologize my friends for deceiving you. But the greater good needed to be served. By recovering my Harrow Deck, you allow my contact with you from beyond the grave. Even this contact would not occur without a dramatic need."

"Korvosa is undergoing convulsions, my friends, and the city and all who live here are in peril. My Deck will assist you in saving the city should you choose to take on this task. The Harrow Deck has several powers, but the most important is the connection it allows with my spirit. I will come to you from time to time and read your futures, these readings may give you certain advantages throughout these hard times. I beg you to keep the Deck safe and consult me if you are troubled by events."

"Additionally, the Harrow Deck can be used 3 times per day to identify magical properties of items by touching a card to the enchanted goods."

"Now, ask me what questions you will for my time to manifest in this way is short."

Zellara nods her head once. "Yes the king is dead. The spirit world is filled with that unrest, as is the city. How is not known. Queen Ileosa is now the city's reigning monarch, and she is not popular with the people. The city is a powderkeg of civil unrest and riots. The Hellknights of the Order of the Nail have been brought in to help restore order, but their means are, well...not helpful. The city stands on the edge of anarchy and blood will spill if order cannot be restored. Just how that happens, I cannot say yet."

"The peril is to the city and it's people, not the monarchy. The Queen can hang for all I care, but I love this city and it's people and don't want to see them suffer any more." she says to Arianna, an edge to her voice.

"I must apologize my friends for deceiving you. But the greater good needed to be served. By recovering my Harrow Deck, you allow my contact with you from beyond the grave. Even this contact would not occur without a dramatic need."

"Korvosa is undergoing convulsions, my friends, and the city and all who live here are in peril. My Deck will assist you in saving the city should you choose to take on this task. The Harrow Deck has several powers, but the most important is the connection it allows with my spirit. I will come to you from time to time and read your futures, these readings may give you certain advantages throughout these hard times. I beg you to keep the Deck safe and consult me if you are troubled by events."

"Additionally, the Harrow Deck can be used 3 times per day to identify magical properties of items by touching a card to the enchanted goods."

Now, ask me what questions you will for my time to manifest in this way is short."

Zellara then gathers back up the cards, shuffles them back into the deck efficiently, and begins laying "The Spread". The Spread is a 3x3 grid of cards laid face down. The top row is indicative of Good to befall you, the middle row is things that will be neither good nor bad, and the bottom row is bad things that will come to you. The left column is things in the past, the middle column is things in the present, and the right column is things in the future.

In that way, the bottom right card will indicated bad things that will happen in your future, the top left - good things that happened in your past. The cards all have an alignment, if they are misaligned or fully or partially aligned the meaning changes or is more significant. If anyone's drawn card (not the invitation one) comes up in The Spread, it has very significant meaning.

Here is how she turns the cards over {ooc]Using a standard deck of cards to randomly draw these and then impart some meaning[/ooc]

Positive Past: The Dance (fully aligned) - this card is fully aligned meaning a very powerful message. The indication is in your past you were all in perfect harmony. Zellara thinks this means you all answered the summons to come here at the same time. This is also Kalvin's Chosen Card, meaning the harmony is doubly powerful for him.

Positive Present: The Unicorn (partially aligned) - This card means what you seek is yours. This is an obvious reference to the information about the whereabouts of Gaedren Lamm.

Positive Future: The Tangled Briar (fully misaligned) - This card is completely misaligned so it's traditional meaning is opposite and very powerful. In this position, it means that the in the future old evils will endanger you, but you will overcome.

Unclear Past - The Crows (partially aligned) - This card signifies the taking of loved ones. Also a clear reference to Lamm's depredations of some of your loved ones.

Unclear Present - The Vision (partially aligned) - This card signifies arcane knowledge either held by you or by other about you. It is hard to say who may be spying on you, Zellara says.

Unclear Future - The Desert (partially aligned) - This card symbolizes the traversing of a bleak passage or trial. Zellara says this is also referring to your coming confrontation with Lamm.

Negative Past - The Big Sky (Completely misaligned) - In this position the card has an opposite meaning -- new shackle replace the old. In your past, you traded one set of burdens for a new set, she tells you.

Negative Present - The Queen Mother (partially aligned) This card symbolizes knowledge through fealty. Zellara says, you may gain insight if you choose to serve that leads you to a bad outcome, perhaps her in her revenge, perhaps others?

Negative Future -The Bear (not aligned) This card means that in your future, brute force will reign to a negative end. Watch for the strong to overcome the weak to everyone's disadvantage.

From this reading you each earned 1 Harrow Point. The uses of Harrow Points are shown on the Campaign Info tab. Also, each of your choosing cards is valuable to you at a later date, of which I shall try to remind you.

As you doubt her information, Zellara says: "My Harrow cars listen to the music of the City; they find out more than any man and are in tune to more sensitive vibrations than we can hear. If the Deck says Lamm is at the Fishery, then you will find him there."

As you make ready to go she says: "I am no warrior just a grief-stricken mother, and so cannot accompany you on this mission of vengance of which I would partake. I can, at the least, give you a free Harrowing which may benefit you in unexpected ways on your journey. If you would be sit a while longer, something key may be revealed."

With that, she finishes shuffling the cards, lifts a small stack of nine cards from the top, and fans them out expertly on the table top, inviting each of you to choose one card.

She explains "This is The Choosing. The card you draw is specially tied to you, and if it comes up in the spread later, it has emphasized meaning especially if properly aligned."

If you wish to not stay for the Harrowing, just LMK, but I will proceed as if everyone stays and is part of the reading. You may read these spoilers as she is explaining the results in front of all.

Graxton: 1d9 ⇒ 4 The Locksmith - Zellara explains this card means your action today are key to a new destiny.
Crux: 1d9 ⇒ 3 The Juggler - Zellara says this card indicates Fate is on your side.
Viviana: 1d9 ⇒ 7 The Avalanche - According to Zellara, this card says you are headed for unrelenting disaster unless you change your course.
Rodan: 1d9 ⇒ 6 The Rabbit Prince = The fortune teller says this card signifies the capriciousness of combat, some win some lose, some die.
Kalvin: 1d9 ⇒ 1 The Dance - Zellara says this card indicates you are now in perfect harmony.

Quietly, the door to the cottage opens and a light and airy voice from the step says: "Welcome, everyone, to my home. I am Zellara. I apologize for not being here when you arrived, but I hope you all availed yourself of the refreshments."

As she steps into the light, you see that she is an attractive middle-aged Varisian woman with long dark hair tied back in a colorful scarf. (AP drawing here and on Campaign Info tab.) "If you have not done so, please introduce yourself to the others, as I prepare."

She takes a seat at the table, produces a Harrow deck from her pocket and begins idly shuffling her Harrow Deck. Her skill with the deck is obvious - the cards seem to float and dance over her hands and the table. With a nod of her head, she indicates that anyone still standing should sit at the table. Conveniently, there are exactly enough chairs for everyone. Once all are seated, she speaks in a soft but clear voice.

"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."

She slowly looks around at each of you gauging your reactions. "This is a man known to you, 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." She says the last in a choking voice, blinking back tears. She pauses for a moment to compose herself before continuing.

"Of course 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 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 there we are. It is time for him to pay."

She looks down at her cards, then up at each of you again in turn, trying to read your expressions.