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Leliestratt
Tucked into the book, as if marking a page, is a card – a Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Joke. It depicts a giant, two-headed monster, helpless in his mirth, laughing at something said by a bard.
The face of the card is ordinary. On the back, though, written in bold ink, is a short message:
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
Simn
It is a card – a Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Juggler. It depicts a giant, happy-seeming young man juggling a variety of objects (a house, a boat, a clocktower, even a bemused-looking elephant) as he strides across the countryside.
The face of the card is ordinary. On the back, though, written in bold ink, is a short message:
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
Gawain
There is a card tucked between the strings of your mandolin – a Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Theater. It shows a puppet theater, with a monster, perhaps a dragon, attacking a knight.
The face of the card is ordinary. On the back, though, written in bold ink, is a short message:
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
Fraz
It is a card – a Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Survivor. The scene is of a heavily bandaged man seated on a large chair, perhaps the throne, with weapons and treasure at his feet. He is attended by a number of pale figures, perhaps spirits of the dead.
The face of the card is ordinary. On the back, though, written in bold ink, is a short message:
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
Cole
Specifically, it is The Winged Serpent. It shows a white serpent with a green head and rainbow wings, curled upon itself.
The face of the card is ordinary. On the back, though, written in bold ink, is a short message:
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
Avalon
It is a card – a Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Big Sky. It depicts a human and an elf, both with their wrists shackled. The sun is beaming down on the human and the chains have just broken, to the man’s joy, while the elf looks on.
The face of the card is ordinary. On the back, though, written in bold ink, is a short message:
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
"Lamm," Gawain whispers as he reads the card. A cold smile spreads across his features. "I'm coming for you."
Gawain is restless throughout the rest of the afternoon. He cleans his chainmail, repairs a few broken links, sharpens and polishes his glaive, but these preparations only consume a few hours. He strums his mandolin and thinks of Arwen, but he finds his mind wandering to the image of her lifeless body, and he can't stop his hands from trembling. At last the sun starts to sink towards the horizon, and with relief he sets the instrument in its case, arms himself, and makes his way to Lancet street.
Thinking to himself, "This had better not be at trick" Cole will complete his daily tasks as usual, although he can't quite concentrate on what he's working on as his mind races back to that dark time in his life. As the day wears on, Cole grows more and more anxious for this meeting. He debated contacting his newfound kindred spirit, Fraz, but decided against it. Cole will strap on his gear, say a brief prayer to Iomadae and head out. He'll remain cautious of this meeting as it seems too good to be true.
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Avalon
Lancet runs a short distance east-west in the lower section of Slope, nearly down to the West Dock. Some of the odor from West Dock is detectable, but the prevailing winds keep most of it away (and toward the Citadel).
Lancet is a narrow street with a number of closely-packed residences, mostly in one-story buildings. Number 3 is small, but decently well-kept. Most notable is the wooden sign on the door painted with an illustration from the Harrow -- The Theater. This shows a puppet theater, with a large puppet serpent, perhaps a dragon, attacking a knight.
During the day, there is little traffic, either foot or vehicle. The crying of small children can occasionally be heard from the houses, though only silence from Number 3. As the day wears on, workers come home -- men, women, and older children -- mostly from the Dock.
Drawing himself up, Leliestraat paces about the halls of the archive, driven by anxiety and apprehension. Resigned to his decision, he returns to his work in hopes that a focus on his texts will relieve the rising tension.
As the day wanes, the elf makes his farewells and returns to his quarters in South Shore. Turning west on Anita Street and passing through the markets and vendors of South Shore Square, Leliestraat arrives at his humble dwelling on the second story of a weathered and aged structure on Shoreline Way. Gazing out at the darkening sea beyond his window, the elf arms himself with his finely crafted longsword, hidden discretely in a simple sheath, and his ash shortbow. Filling his pack and pouches with a variety of implements and cautionary devices, he wraps his olive cloak about his shoulders and drapes his quiver about his lithe frame.
Stalking down his stairs to the street below, Leliestraat casts about the low light of the passing day and, hardening his determination, makes his way toward Lancet Street and his encounter with fate.
Simn took a leisurely path towards his destination; there was plenty of time before sunset, after all, even given that he intended to case the place a bit before entering. Granted, a location so close to Guard HQ seemed a bad spot for an ambush, but any mysterious rendezvous called for a modicum of caution. It was probably written down in the city rules somewhere.
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Simn
Lancet is a narrow street with a number of closely-packed residences, mostly in one-story buildings. Number 3 is small, but decently well-kept. Most notable is the wooden sign on the door painted with an illustration from the Harrow -- The Theater. This shows a puppet theater, with a large puppet serpent, perhaps a dragon, attacking a knight.
During the afternoon, there is little traffic, either foot or vehicle. The crying of small children can occasionally be heard from the houses, though only silence from Number 3. As the day wears on, workers come home -- men, women, and older children -- mostly from the Dock.
He walked up and knocked at the door right on the dot of sunset. Korvosans did so appreciate punctuality.
As he continues to feign attention to the halfling, Fraz pockets the card as nonchalantly as possible. Cold anger mixes with impulse: he's ready to brain this halfling if it is some kind of trick; but he's also ready to bolt for the door and head for 3 Lancet street.
That's in Midland...I could make it there in an hour, I think.
The halfling gives no sign of knowing anything about the card or its message - he's rambling on with comments that Fraz should check out Grey District, something about the vaults there making great hideouts. Excusing himself as soon as possible and conluding this dead-end lunch meeting, he's decided that he needs to follow this card's information.
Again, the impulse is to rush to 3 Lancet and question whoever might have a clue. But just as quickly, he takes a deep breath and let's his hunter's instincts take over.
To capture prey, one needs to know the land and how the creature behaves.... he remembers his father's words.
So, first to cover his bases. He happens to know that there's a runner service near the Citadel, and he quickly finds one of the lads he's spoken with in the past working this day. He quickly pens and seals a message, and pays the dispatcher the necessary fee. To the delivery runner he says, "Tam, make sure this gets to East Shore and a leatherworks found near the river - Francol's to be precise. Make sure it get's to the manager there - he'll know what to do with it. Here's an extra gold piece for your efforts - am I clear lad?"
Note: Father & Mother - I know you are losing hope that Eva can be found...don't despair. I won't be home this evening or possibly the following...don't worry. Think of it as one of my trips into the mountains for new hides - except I hope to bring home someone much more valuable to us all. Wish me well.
-Your son, Frasides.
Once the lad understands and is on his way. He next turns to gathering an ally...Cole. He hopes the priest can accompany him...if they do find Lamm, someone with healing skills may be needed to care for his sister....the last part he tries not to add....if she still lives. The last thought makes him rush even more to find the priest...
If he does locate him...he'll ask Cole to join him...explaining all that has occurred: the discovery of the Harrow card and his feeling that this may be a legitimate clue. Hopefully, they can make their way there together...plan strategy and measures if this tip leads them to Lamm...etc.
If the priest is unavailable or occupied, despite his best intentions, Fraz cannot wait any longer. He'll leave Cole a note in the care of another member of Iomedae's church, telling him briefly that he has found a lead and where he is headed (3 Lancet).
Then, checking his gear, weapons, and adding some meager rations and water (much as he would while hunting)...he makes his way to the streets where the address can be found. Again, he tries to allow his hunting instincts to guide him...this smells of a trap, but I must know more.
Covering himself with his cloak, trying not to reveal either his face or weapons, he makes several casual passes by the address in question...hoping to note anything unsual about the structure; any unsual inhabitants in or near the residence at first glance; etc.
Finally, all his planning and rushing still places him with several hours to spare. He climbs to the nearest rooftop he can find across from the house in question...using either an interior staircase or nearest rain gutter to climb up, if need be. Placing himself comfortably along the ledge, he uses his cloak to again cover himself - he'll either look like a sleeping vagrant or possibly just a vague shape no different than the rest of the rooftops.
He sits, and waits...watching for signs of activity from the house in question and even its neighbors. When the sun finally sets...despite his impatience throughout the day...he pauses to see if any last minute activity takes place in lieu of his arrival. 10-20 minutes later, he makes his way down to the door...if nothing has occurred...and knocks with the hope that his searching is at an end; but his short sword is close at hand underneath his cloak in case it is an ambush...
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Frasides and Cole
Frasides arrives at the Iomedae temple. One of the acolytes, a pretty, young, yet determined-looking halfling named Nira, recognizes you and offers to fetch Brother Cole as soon as the afternoon service is over.
Cole, Nira brings you the message that Master Francol is waiting in the antechamber, and seems rather anxious about something.
Avalon
Simn
For Cole & DM:
Fraz shakes Cole hand, a look of relief on his face and says, "Good day to you as well, Cole. A new lead has turned up about Gaedren Lamm - one that I feel I the need to act on. I was hoping you'd accompany me this evening to pursue it."
Fraz then proceeds to explain how his questioning of another "informant" was a wash, but that he had found a strange card while going about the work. He then shows him the card:
A Harrow card. Specifically, it is The Survivor. The scene is of a heavily bandaged man seated on a large chair, perhaps the throne, with weapons and treasure at his feet. He is attended by a number of pale figures, perhaps spirits of the dead.
"I wouldn't be surprised - to find a random card tucked on my mug. Hells, it might have been someone's idea of a coaster....but then I read this on the back,"
I know what Gaedren has done to you. He has wronged me as well. I know where he dwells, yet cannot strike at him. Come to my home at 3 Lancet Street at sunset. Others like you will be there. Gaedren must face his fate, and justice must be done.
"I'm not so blind as to not realize it might be trap. I've certainly chased enough blinds to have roused someone's interest...but it's something that can't be ignored. I'm tempted to go there right now and question whomever sent this message."
"But, I decided I was need of your council and support first...I would assume that you would like to have a hand in getting Lamm. What say you, friend, will you join me on the chase?"
Despite the wear of long nights and anxiety on his tanned face, there's a glimmer of energized hope on his face after his rapid exposition and query.
For Fraz
During Fraz's tale Cole will become more and more interested and concerned. He'll reach into his pocket and pull out his Harrow card and show it to Fraz. It's the Winged Serpent. It shows a white serpent with a green head and rainbow wings, curled upon itself.
"It appears we have more in common than originally thought, Fraz. I was going to come visit you after I completed my tasks here, but I'm thankful you came. As you said it might certainly be a trap, it's something Lamm would do. I'm glad that we can face this together, as Lamm's a coward and if it is a trap maybe the two of us together will intimidate him. Let me grab my gear and we can be off."
Once they are away from the temple, Cole will stop Fraz "I've never told you why I hate Gaedren have I? Before we go into this I want you to know, just in case. I used to be one of his "Little Lamms" when my mother sold me to that vile person to cover her drug habit. For years I toiled in his shadow, always afraid of being beaten for some trivial mistake. I managed to escape and the church took me in, I owe them my life and I intend to stop him from hurting others the way he hurt me."
During this tale Cole becomes more and more animated clenching and unclenching his fists.
For Cole:
Once they are away from the temple, Cole will stop Fraz "I've never told you why I hate Gaedren have I? Before we go into this I want you to know, just in case. I used to be one of his "Little Lamms" when my mother sold me to that vile person to cover her drug habit. For years I toiled in his shadow, always afraid of being beaten for some trivial mistake. I managed to escape and the church took me in, I owe them my life and I intend to stop him from hurting others the way he hurt me."
When he sees Cole's own card, a mixture of shock and eerie coldness comes upon him - even as he agrees with Cole's assesment of the situation. Moreso during Cole's personal explanation, Fraz's own face becomes a mixture of surprise, but also of renewed determination. If there was any doubt as to the cleric's intention in his mind, it is all gone.
With a reassuring grip on Cole's shoulder, Fraz answers, "I am sorry to hear this, friend...what horrors you have experienced I can only imagine. But your help in keeping Eva from a similar fate has gained you my thanks and my personal support...no matter the outcome."
He pauses slightly, adjusting his cloak, "Now, we best be off towards this address...I would like to scout the area and perform some surveilance of the house before sunset. If we can remain inconspicous, perhaps we can take note of any unusal comings and goings before our appointment. What say you?"
For Fraz & DM:
"I'm with you Fraz. Let's check this place out and I'll do my best not to stick out like a sore thumb." Cole says as he tucks his holy symbol under his clothes to try to appear more like one of the Korvosan guards who'd likely be seen in this area. He walks with an air of confidence that one expects in their authority figues and hopes that this act fools onlookers.
For Cole & DM:
"Fair enough...let's be on our way." Again, he shifts his cloak - hoping to remain unrecogniazble, and hide his blades at least. They'll try to remain inconspicous as they check the address.
Hide (1d20+4=19)
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Late in the afternoon, Simn is already in place, watching Lancet Street from a well-shadowed alley, where he can keep an eye on Number 3.
Avalon has just arrived and is making a pass up the street, doing his best to remain inconspicuous.
At this point, Cole and Frasides make their way to Lancet Street. Frasides moves to take up position in an alley across from Number 3, while Cole circles the block.
It is still about half an hour before sunset.
Frasides:
Frasides settles into the alleyway, trying to remain is indistinguishable as possible from his vantage point.
Upon Cole's next pass, he'll give a slight signal - hoping Cole will make his way towards his spot with subtlety.
For Cole:
"It appears we have company...although what their intentions are unclear. There's a strong young man who seems rather interested in number 3 much as we are - moving about. More concerning, there's a gnomish fellow staying well hid in another alleyway just down the street...I just barely spotted him. Stay on your guard."
After the quick discussion with Fraz, Cole will continue his "patrol" and keep an eye out for the individuals that Fraz mentioned.
For DM:
Cole strides over to the alley where the gnomish fellow was pointed out to him. As he approaches, Cole attempts to see anyone else that may be hiding with the gnome.
"Good afternoon citizen. A number of citizens have expressed concern over you hiding in the alley here. What are you up to skulking about in the shadows?"
OOC - Cole will be attempting to figure out if the gnome is here to hurt him and Fraz. If Simn tells a decent story and doesn't panic, I'm sure that Cole will leave him alone. If he tells an obvious lie and is caught, Cole will press further and give a signal to Fraz waving him over.
Roll:
"Oh, I'm staking out that house over there," Simn says cheerfully, waving a hand towards number three, "I'm supposed to be attending a meeting there and wanted to make sure there was nobody sinister lurking about." He frowns momentarily, "I suppose in the absence of sinister things, one becomes a sinister thing. Very disturbing idea."
He abandons his hidden position, stretching out the kinks, "I can wait somewhere else and come back later, if you like."
"Well I suppose there's nothing wrong with just waiting around for a meeting. Sorry to bother you citizen. Good day" Cole says as he turns around and walks away from the cheerful fellow, his mind racing.
"Another person here for the meeting? Can it be that he received a card also?" Cole will let Fraz know about the gnome and his intentions.
Simn, for his part, takes up a position leaning casually against a wall, rather than lurking in the alley in a sinister fashion. He observes the man's progress with idle interest. So far, he hasn't spotted anybody else loitering about, but it's still early yet.
Relieved to hear that the gnome appears to have nothing sinister to do with 3 Lancet, Fraz will take Cole's lead and follow the strong young man who appears to be wandering around the area.
If he can, he'll take a moment to approach him, "Pardon me, neighbor...but you seem to have taken something of a shining to that house over there. Are you expecting someone?"
Gawain strides through the streets with purpose, not hurrying, but for the first time in months feeling eager.
for DM:
"I'm just having a wander around to while away the time. I have an appointment to keep with the owner of number 3. Not that it would be any of your business."
"I'm just having a wander around to while away the time. I have an appointment to keep with the owner of number 3. Not that it would be any of your business."
Fraz gives him a bit of a wary glance, and considers he and Cole's own experiences so far...this can't be a coincidence.
"That appointment happen to involve a Harrow card, with a message concerning a thug by the name of Lamm? If so, then it might be more of a concern to both of us than you think..."
Assuming his reaction is in the positive, Fraz shows him his own card to note his reasons for asking.
DM:
Avalon raises his eyebrows for a moment before sighing and pulling a Harrow card from his belt pouch. "Why is this feeling more and more like some kind of setup the later in the day it gets?"
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While the watchers talk, and the sun nears the horizon, two more distinctive figures come along Lancet Street, both walking determinedly. One is an elf, armed with longsword and bow; the other is a young human, wearing chainmail and carrying a glaive -- less surprising when you see Shelyn's bird symbol on a pendant.
Avalon raises his eyebrows for a moment before sighing and pulling a Harrow card from his belt pouch. "Why is this feeling more and more like some kind of setup the later in the day it gets?"
"You and me both, neighbor." He offers his hand as gesture of salutation, adding, "Name's Frasides. And I guess we'll both find out soon enough what's going on, eh?"
"You and me both, neighbor." He offers his hand as gesture of salutation, adding, "Name's Frasides. And I guess we'll both find out soon enough what's going on, eh?"
Gripping the proffered hand and looking Frasides in the eye, "I'm Avalon, and I get the feeling we'll be greeting others soon too." As he says this last, he flicks his eye's over Fraside's shoulder
While the watchers talk, and the sun nears the horizon, two more distinctive figures come along Lancet Street, both walking determinedly. One is an elf, armed with longsword and bow; the other is a young human, wearing chainmail and carrying a glaive -- less surprising when you see Shelyn's bird symbol on a pendant.
With a chuckle, Avalon murmurs "A Shelynite and a woodsman of the old style, this could be fun!"
Cole walks over to Fraz and says "Nice to see you made a new friend. You want to head inside and see what's going on? Those people are probably who we're here to meet."
Turning away, Cole stops and turns around looking at the stranger with Fraz. "My name's Cole, pleasure to meet you."
Gawain walks up to the small knot of people gathered in the street. With a friendly smile, he asks, "Excuse me, could any of you tell me which of these houses is number 3?"
As Leliestraat approaches the location indicated by the mysterious Harrow card, the elf observes a gathering of sorts adjacent to his destination. Knowing Gaedren Lamm’s influence in the underworld of Korvosa and, indeed, the aversion many in the community of the port town, Leliestraat attempts to assess their demeanor and bearing as threat or ally.
Taking their mark and with one slender hand upon the pommel of his sheathed longsword, he gestures affably to the group collecting in the street.
“Greetings,” Leliestraat smiles in the twilight. “I have come to call upon the resident of 3 Lancet Street. Are you at all familiar with the occupant?”
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Gawain walks up to the small knot of people gathered in the street. With a friendly smile, he asks, "Excuse me, could any of you tell me which of these houses is number 3?"
Lancet runs a short distance east-west in the lower section of Slope, nearly down to the West Dock. Some of the odor from West Dock is detectable, but the prevailing winds keep most of it away (and toward the Citadel).
Lancet is a narrow street with a number of closely-packed residences, mostly in one-story buildings. Number 3 is small, but decently well-kept. Most notable is the wooden sign on the door painted with an illustration from the Harrow -- The Theater. This shows a puppet theater, with a large puppet serpent, perhaps a dragon, attacking a knight.
During the day, there is little traffic, either foot or vehicle. The crying of small children can occasionally be heard from the houses, though only silence from Number 3. As the day wears on, workers come home -- men, women, and older children -- mostly from the Dock.
Gawain walks up to the small knot of people gathered in the street. With a friendly smile, he asks, "Excuse me, could any of you tell me which of these houses is number 3?"
“Greetings,” Leliestraat smiles in the twilight. “I have come to call upon the resident of 3 Lancet Street. Are you at all familiar with the occupant?”
"Aye, neighbors...be at ease. If you've come calling here, I think it's for the same reason as the three of us: a message that can find us Gaedren Lamm, eh?. As to who it is that's called us here, I have no idea." He glances around for this last part, seeing if anyone has further information.
"If it is trap, it's the first I've seen from Lamm like this."
Before entering, Frasides will either wave him over or simply walk over and add to the gnome in the alley, "Well, gnomish traveler, judging by your presence here, I'd wager to say you should join us as well. I'd guess your "appointment" also has something to do with this business. If you are interested..." He'll leave the option in the air before heading back to the gathered group and the door to 3 Lancet.
Having quietly watched the gathering group, Simn makes his own way over to join them as the appointed time for their meeting draws near. Frasides' invitation draws a smile from him, along with the comment, "My, Lamm certainly has a lot of people out for his blood, doesn't he?"
My, Lamm certainly has a lot of people out for his blood, doesn't he?"
"Yes, it seems the wheel is about to turn for him. Downward." Gawain says with a cold smile. "And if this is a trap, I don't think Lamm is behind it. A dagger in the back is more his style than this kind of elaborate setup. Anyway, I'll take the risk if it means getting a shot at Lamm."
Leliestraat nods in agreement at the words of Simn and Gawain, as they discuss Gaedren Lamm’s potential involvement in the rendezvous on Lancet Street. Gazing up at the wooden sign depicting the Harrow deck’s The Theater, the elf ponders the irony of the marionettes and conflict dangling on painted strings.
“The Wheel indeed turns this night!”
“I am for it,” the elf announces, following in step as the others make for the entrance.
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Cole opens the door to be greeted with a fragrant haze of flowers and strong spice.
The haze in this cozy chamber comes from several sticks of incense smouldering in wall-mounted burners that look like butterfly-winged elves. The smoke itself seems to soften edges and gives the room a dream-like feel. The walls are draped with brocaded tapestries, one showing a black-skulled beast juggling men’s hearts, another showing a pair of angels dancing atop a snow-blasted mountain. A third tapestry on the far wall depicts a tall hooded figure shrouded in mist, a flaming sword held in a skeletal hand. Several brightly-colored rugs cover the floor, but the room’s only furnishings are a wooden table covered by a bright red throwcloth and six elegant tall-backed chairs around three of its sides. A basket covered by blue cloth sits under the table.
Cole sees a note on the table, weighed down with a stone paperweight.
Anyone who reads the note: