For my reference only:
- Alandra - 1 - The Rabbit Prince
- Katryala - 2 - The Avalance
- Zalen - 3 - The Crows
- Ayedah - 4 - The Cricket
- Jilian - 5 - The Locksmith
- Krek - 6 - The Juggler
- Nayr - 7 - The Demon's Lantern
- Gern - 8 - The Dance
Zellara gave each of you some time to ponder the card they had drawn, before speaking again. "Since so many fates intervine in this reading, please bear in mind that the cards need not be what you expect them to be. Often, what seems a clear call for action on the surface can become doubtful once you look deeper. " She sighed. "I will provide as much insight as i can. This is a difficult, a special reading. I just hope i will be able to complete it."
Alandra had chosen the card of the Rabit Prince, and Zellara smiled easily enough. "A card that raises questions for one as you. The Rabbit Prince is quick, and very agile. His favor is fickle, and his sword broken. Any combatant can be brought low by a streak of bad luck, and in the end, all come to the domain of your mistress. He fights for the joy of battle. He will aid you in battles for the sheer thrill, for bladework as enjoyment." Her voice had taken on a much deeper timbre than before, and maybe... just maybe... there was some truth to the prophetic gift of this settled Varisian.
Zellara moved over to Katryala, and examined the Avalance she had chosen, and her face darkened. "Your fate aligns with an inevitable catastrophe. Something dark is on the horizon, already threatening to overrun us with mindless ferocity. It is beyond prevention. Yet you might still steer the Avalanche, guide it... bring forth the least destructive outcome in the days to come." As she looked to the side towards Zalen, she nodded. "The Crows. Eaters of Carrion. Deep in the tombs of the dead, you might find something stolen. You will be favored in battle against these thieves. The fortuneteller blinked, and took several deep breaths, before focussing again, this time on Ayedah. "Finally, a lighter note. There will be a time when you can win favor by swiftness, and an easy step. The Cricket will aid you in these times. Just be mindful which way the journey will take you."
She drew in air as she approached Jilian, and looked at her card. "Gaedren. Gaedren... now you will meet your fate. The fates align against you, and you are the key. Kill him, and unlock a greater destiny. Strike him down" Zellara hissed, pinching her eyes shut for a second, but raised her hand to avert any attempts at holding her back. Instead, she quickly went over to Krek, whose card depicted a man (or a giant?) juggling a house, a horse, and other things. "All is a question of the proper balance. Slip and all is ruined, but keep your step perfectly, even in the heat of battle and passion all will turn out well. I am sorry, but... you are linked to the bearer of the Cricket. That is all i can see."
As the young cleric of Shelyn revealed his grim card, an arm longingly graping for will-o-the-wisps that lured him to his doom in the swamps in the first place, Zellara sighed. "Futility. In the dark times, in the Avalance, you may well turn out to push the city further off the Edge of Anarchy. Your fate aligns well with this, so beware. You might cause damage that can not be repaired. As for you..." She turned to Gern, who had been the first to choose, but also the most reluclant "You hold a card of high favor - usually, that is. Intricate dances require precision, like a weave falling into place, with each dancer but a thread in the whole. Once you meet the true master of threads, you will strike true."
She collected the cards, and began to shuffle. Each of you was allowed to cut the deck, and shuffle the cards. In fact, Zellara encouraged it, to even more tightly bind the cards to their individual, and common fates. When finally, she was satisfied, she began laying out the cards. First, three cards, one above another. "Fate springs from what has been", she intoned. Next, she laid out three more cards, to the right of the first three. "It is shaped by our hands every moment". She closed with three more cards, again to the right of the last. "All flows into the misty future." She tapped each of the outer cards with her knuckle, starting from the lowest right one, and moving counterclockwise. Only then did she turn over the first column. The Uprising, The Crows and the Carnival. "The Crows dominate the past. Thievery and their deceit. Gaedren Lamm is one such crow, but far from the only. Shoot down one crow, and dozens more feast on its corpse. He has harmed each of you, and your loved ones. Break their power, and you can draw strength from overcoming them." Deep beads of sweat were by now running down the Varisian's face, and she rubbed her temples. "Your shared pain will prove to become a source of good - if you can rise above it." With a sigh that was almost from beyond the grave, she turned over the second column. The Snakebite, The Teamster and The Cricket. The Cricket, a card normally signifying potential and joyful journeys, in the position indicating the worst parts of the present. More, it was the card that had previously associated itself with Ayedah. "You have taken a journey in search for a treasure. Your treasure is slipping through your fingers as we speak. Be very wary. All you seek hangs in the balance, and you may easily lose all you came for, and more. Still, fleeing the journey will not avail you. Travel the path... but steel your heart. More dark days beckon. Yet if you suffer through them, you may still... at least prevent the worst. Hard work will meet its payoff - even though the scourge may at times be unbearable" She quickly turned over the last column, from top to bottom. A smile formed on her lips as The Unicorn was revealed, and as The Lost were revealed, it remained. Yet as The Demon's Lantern was revealed in its true position, it collapsed. "Once all is said and done, there will be gifts. Freely given, and free from taint and darker thoughts. What you set out out to do will grant you great rewards... including and beyond mere coins. Yet you..." She pointed to Nayr "You will see a seeker of beauty lost. Just as the lights may be enticing, they nevertheless trap you in the mire. One such Light-seeker, maybe even you yourself, will be lost in the mire, and in struggling only slightly prolong the inevitable."
Zellara almost collapsed, managing only barely to catch herself on the table, and the cards began to swim away into a black mist, becoming the shadows she had called them, then disappearing entirely. "I am... spend. The blessing is done... now go out. Do what you need to. If you can find my deck, i will be deeply in your dept. I can not stand knowing it in Lamm's hands." She whispered, almost past the point of audibility.
As the ghost leaves, Jillian pauses for a second, before turning to the group of new friends, and smiles for the first time in weeks. It is the smile of one who knows they are about to win, and can't wait to shove in thier opponent's face, "Am I the only one who has waited so long for revenge?"she asks.
"We have all waited some time I think. But we know now where to go. I think we should not wait a minute longer..."
Ayedah's spirits seemed slightly raised as Zellara explained the meaning of the Cricket. She was mulling over the meaning of the fortune-teller's words when she heard her card mentioned as connected to the half-orc's. She realized she still knew few of their names, yet she was already bound to them by this purpose.
"You have taken a journey in search for a treasure. Your treasure is slipping through your fingers as we speak. Be very wary. All you seek hangs in the balance, and you may easily lose all you came for, and more. Still, fleeing the journey will not avail you. Travel the path... but steel your heart. More dark days beckon. Yet if you suffer through them, you may still... at least prevent the worst. Hard work will meet its payoff - even though the scourge may at times be unbearable"
At this all in the room seemed to go mute to her. Did this mean she was close to finding what she was looking for and in danger of losing it forever? Things are going to get worse? Her mind was so busy screaming questions at itself that she missed the darker implications that came later.
After Zellara dismissed them, Ayedah was only half-aware as she walked outside and leaned against the wall of the house, breathing hard in the breeze as she tried to sort out whether it was fear or excited hope that had most gripped her heart just then. She steeled her eyes, determined to take hold of the latter, as she waited for someone more knowledgeable of this city to suggest their next move.
Alandra understood very little of of the Harrow reading. A bunch of mumbo-jumbo she thinks. Bet she did catch one thing...
"So who knows where the old Fishery is?" she asks the group. "Its time for Gardren to meet my Lady."
Not knowing what to expect from the mysterious fortune teller, Nayr impatiently waited until Zellara focused her attention on him.
"Futility. In the dark times, in the Avalance, you may well turn out to push the city further off the Edge of Anarchy. Your fate aligns well with this, so beware. You might cause damage that can not be repaired."
The cleric's heart leapt into his throat at the dark prediction. Might push the city off the Edge of Anarchy? Nayr had no idea what that meant, but the fact that he himself could indanger Korvosa, the city he grew up in, was shocking.
Stunned, the acolyte tried to listen to the other readings but found he couldn't through his confusion. Nayr only snapped back when Zellara's finger pointed towards him again, heralding yet another prediction of his fate.
"You will see a seeker of beauty lost. Just as the lights may be enticing, they nevertheless trap you in the mire. One such Light-seeker, maybe even you yourself, will be lost in the mire, and in struggling only slightly prolong the inevitable."
A seeker of beauty lost? And losing himself in mire... More foreboding omens. Nayr didn't know what it meant, but the fact that he was receiving such grim warnings didn't lift his spirits much.
Pushing aside his predictions to a place in his mind where he could recollect when needed, Nayr realized Zellara was finished and wanted them on their way. Vocalizing his agreement with the others, Nayr began to walk out the door. "It's time for Gaedren to pay."
Alandra had chosen the card of the Rabit Prince, and Zellara smiled easily enough. "A card that raises questions for one as you. The Rabbit Prince is quick, and very agile. His favor is fickle, and his sword broken. Any combatant can be brought low by a streak of bad luck, and in the end, all come to the domain of your mistress. He fights for the joy of battle. He will aid you in battles for the sheer thrill, for bladework as enjoyment." Her voice had taken on a much deeper timbre than before, and maybe... just maybe... there was some truth to the prophetic gift of this settled Varisian.
Zellara moved over to Katryala, and examined the Avalance she had chosen, and her face darkened. "Your fate aligns with an inevitable catastrophe. Something dark is on the horizon, already threatening to overrun us with mindless ferocity. It is beyond prevention. Yet you might still steer the Avalanche, guide it... bring forth the least destructive outcome in the days to come." As she looked to the side towards Zalen, she nodded. "The Crows. Eaters of Carrion. Deep in the tombs of the dead, you might find something stolen. You will be favored in battle against these thieves. The fortuneteller blinked, and took several deep breaths, before focussing again, this time...
As the pulse and pace of Zellara's mystic reading increased so too did the beat of Zalen's heart. Something in his Varisian blood called out to this...But so much was confusing and/or vague! The Young Shoanti a warrior? The arcane student some sort of savior?? His agile mind worked to try and make sense of it all. When Zellara looked to Him he unconsciously held his breath. Crows? Eaters of carrion? I don't much like the sound of That. Ah but what's this? To find something valuable and steal it back from those who stole it? That sounds...Wait, That's It?? She's done mine already?! That was but a second! There Must be more for me that... But she had already moved on...
His fragile pride somewhat wounded by not having his reading be of more import, Zalen sulked off a bit to brood and drink some more wine...missing much of what followed.Well, she certainly seems to have a lot to say about everyone else. Hmph! As he takes another large swallow of the decent wine. Ah, buck up feather head, you're being silly He turned around to listen to the rest but by that time Zellara was done Now I've gone and missed it, good move genius...
Seeing that the session was done and all we're moving outside Zalen does as well. He address the group "I know this town quite well, I believe I know where we need to go..."
Knowledge(local):...
"...but, um...that is, I don't quite seem to remember at the moment"
I May just have drunk too much wine he seems to realize...
"um, anyone else, have any idea?"
GM
Once they do find it though, Zalen would like to do another knowledge check to see what exactly he knows about Lamm's operation there. Security, numbers of bodies/fighters available to him, weapons, Guards on the pay roll, what's around there, strategic layouts etc. anything that could help their assault basically
Kl:24 (18+4) Much better ;-)
As the reading comes to its conclusion, Gern looks thougtfully at the woman nearly collapsed upon the table in front of him. There was a power in this one, somthing of the ancients reaching forward to guide her hand in this world. He didn't understand most of what she said, but he was sure her reading was driven by more than just fanciful words and pretty cards.
As the others start leaving the room, talking of the killing to come, the dwarf pauses and crouches down to the fortune teller.
"I'll see him dead lass, have no fear. Your son'll be avenged as my brother will be and I'll bring back what I can for ye"
He reaches down and pours a glass of wine and breaks some bread for the exhausted woman and places both near her hands. " Drink and regain yer strength, I'll ensure we lock up after us."
He moves to the door, waiting for everyone to leave so he can shut the door behind him to give this woman some peace and rest.
Hearing motion near the door, Ayedah decided this was no time to keep quiet about her reasons for being there. Zellara's words reminded her how much was at risk.
She strapped her hammer to her back and went over the words of her request she would voice when the others came out. She felt a bit foolish for having stepped out in such a hurry.
"Shall we go now, or wait for tomorrow? If we wait, I know I won't be getting any sleep tonight." Jillian waits for another to act before going anywhere.
Krek lingered inside, something uncharacteristic of him. While he hoped the chance had come for him to stop Lamm, being ostracized by much of the town for his race had made him overly suspicious.
Sense Motive = 9 + [Sense Motive] + [WIS] = 13
: Krek glanced at the spent woman who'd just told them their futures. Detecting no foul play, he walked outside to join the rest of the guests.
Glancing down at the little woman, he responded "It is time to act. I begin my search tonight."
Glancing down at the little woman, he responded "It is time to act. I begin my search tonight."
"I'm going with you. I have to be back in Grey by dawn."
Zalen:
Krek:
Katryala gave a wry little smile as she watched the others come out of the townhouse and assemble one by one in the street. "Perhaps I can begin to fulfill our host's premonitions by trying to steer our own gathering avalanche a little." She fumbled in the pocket of her robes and pulled out a tattered paper, which held a crude sketch that mapped an overview of the city's various districts. The back of the paper read "Theumanexus' Academy Orientation Guide".
"I am a relative newcomer to this City," she said, consulting the overworn map. "But if I am not mistaken, the West Pier she spoke of should be... this way."
Ayedah coughs, clearly uncomfortable with addressing so many people she has only just met.
"I am sorry to ask this of you. I know few of your names and we are strangers to each other. I know all of you wish to see Lamm dead tonight for your own reasons. I do as well and I swear I will see this through with you. He took two people dear to me. I've only found one of them just to lose him again, but I promised him I would find hi...our sister. The only clue I have is that she was taken from her brother's side by Lamm and never seen again. I know it is foolish to hope, but I would have words with Lamm before sending him on his way."
She stops, unsure if she used the right words.
"I have waited two years for this day. I can wait fifteen extra seconds, as long as we accomplish what we have been summoned for." is Jillian's reply
"I am sorry to ask this of you. I know few of your names and we are strangers to each other. I know all of you wish to see Lamm dead tonight for your own reasons. I do as well and I swear I will see this through with you. He took two people dear to me. I've only found one of them just to lose him again, but I promised him I would find hi...our sister. The only clue I have is that she was taken from her brother's side by Lamm and never seen again. I know it is foolish to hope, but I would have words with Lamm before sending him on his way."
Two people close to her? The Shoanti's suffering was twofold when compared to the cleric's. "I... I know if I had the chance to find Loghan once more, I would take it. And if I did have the opportunity, I would hope that you all would give me a chance to speak to Gaedren Lamm. I won't take that chance from you. But... I cannot promise anything past that point."
Turning to the younger wizard, Nayr peered at the wearied map. "Great, show us the way."
As the last of the motley group left the room, Gern turned and closed the door firmly behind himself.
The big Shoanti woman then spoke to them all, asking them to hold back so she could track down a loved one. To the Dwarves, family was all.
"Well girly, I'm thinkin' there may not be much chance to be askin' that one too many questions. When the blood starts flowin' tis hard to control who falls and who lives. However, Family is Family and I'll do what I can te give yer a chance at the Lamm before I go an cut his durned head from his shoulders"
He then turns to the rest "I did nae introduce meself to ye in there, Since we're all about to go do somethin' a mite dangerous, best I let ye know now, in case ye need to let me kinfolk know ifn' I don't make it back. Gern Hammerfold's the name, I'm hopin' we can all work together on this bring Ghaedren down without losing another to him" His gaze lingers ont he half orc and the halfling on this last statement. They both appear eagre to rush off and killl without much planning. This was anathaema toa dwarf and made Gern feel uneasy.
Ayedah looked visibly relieved. "Thank you." She bowed awkwardly, attempting to copy the local manner. "I am in your debt."
He then turns to the rest "I did nae introduce meself to ye in there, Since we're all about to go do somethin' a mite dangerous, best I let ye know now, in case ye need to let me kinfolk know ifn' I don't make it back. Gern Hammerfold's the name, I'm hopin' we can all work together on this bring Ghaedren down without losing another to him"
"I am Ayedah of the Shriikirii-Quah. I am not of your city, but I will be glad to help rid it of that man."
Katryala gave a wry little smile as she watched the others come out of the townhouse and assemble one by one in the street. "Perhaps I can begin to fulfill our host's premonitions by trying to steer our own gathering avalanche a little." She fumbled in the pocket of her robes and pulled out a tattered paper, which held a crude sketch that mapped an overview of the city's various districts. The back of the paper read "Theumanexus' Academy Orientation Guide".
"I am a relative newcomer to this City," she said, consulting the overworn map. "But if I am not mistaken, the West Pier she spoke of should be... this way."
"Then let's set out. I will stay to the front; we need no thieves preying on a small woman like yourself."
Krek interprets the Dwarf's gaze as sizing him up, seeing if the Orc was fit for the job. It will be shown soon enough thought Krek. Leaving the woman to whom he was "linked" unanswered, Krek set in the direction directed by the young lady. He would not have Lamm slip through his fingers, family of someone or not at stake.
Without a word, Alandra follows the Half-Orc.
Gern's anger rose. It had been simmering like a cauldron ever since his brother had rushed stupidly to his death and now this half orc and Shoanti cleric were rushing off again, without so much as a thought to what might happen.
"YOU WILL RUIN MY CHANCE AT VENGENCE SO YOU CAN RUSH OFF TO DIE?!!" he yells at the two, his cheeks flushing with blood.
"You'll not make it past the doors ifn' we don't plan this. Ye'll both be dead and Lamm will move or hide, knowin' there are some who are after him." The words ground out through his clenched teeth.
"If ye wanna die, go find the piers and take a swim in ye armour. But don't ye dare go spoilin' the chances of those here to take a swipe at this damn criminal by charging in blindly where some initial stealth may make the difference!" The last was said as he threw a glance at the two candidates most likely to be thief like in the group.
"If ye want him dead, and ye want some help to do it, then take at least 5 minutes to formulate a plan with us. We won't get a second shot at this" The anger had moderated slightly, but all could see the struggle the dwarf had trying to keep it under control.
Krek and GM
Gern's anger rose. It had been simmering like a cauldron ever since his brother had rushed stupidly to his death and now this half orc and Shoanti cleric were rushing off again, without so much as a thought to what might happen.
"YOU WILL RUIN MY CHANCE AT VENGENCE SO YOU CAN RUSH OFF TO DIE?!!" he yells at the two, his cheeks flushing with blood.
"You'll not make it past the doors ifn' we don't plan this. Ye'll both be dead and Lamm will move or hide, knowin' there are some who are after him." The words ground out through his clenched teeth.
"If ye wanna die, go find the piers and take a swim in ye armour. But don't ye dare go spoilin' the chances of those here to take a swipe at this damn criminal by charging in blindly where some initial stealth may make the difference!" The last was said as he threw a glance at the two candidates most likely to be thief like in the group.
"If ye want him dead, and ye want some help to do it, then take at least 5 minutes to formulate a plan with us. We won't get a second shot at this" The anger had moderated slightly, but all could see the struggle the dwarf had trying to keep it under control.
Krek and GM
** spoiler omitted **
:
Krek turns back to the Dwarf, more annoyed than infuriated; he'd been used to poor treatment and negligence from many in the town.
"Stealth? Your voice is impressive for a man your size, but now was not the time to use it. Lamm employs many thieves in his service, and it is night. Do you think what you just yelled went unheard?"
Krek shakes his head in annoyance. "No doubt they will report back to Lamm as soon as they can, warning him now of a group of loud folk wish to pay him a visit. He will be ready for us if we do not hurry."
Taking off down the street at a good trot, Krek did not wait for a rebuttal.
"Bah!" Gern exclaims in frustration "Damned orc'll get us all killed."
He sighed deeply, letting the tension run from his body. He'd need a clear head for the work of ahead of him and he'd be damned if some half orc was going to get him all riled up. A hint of embarrassment tried to worm its way into his mind at how easily he'd lost his temper but he quelled the thoughts.
To the others he states "Well, best be gettin' after him. He'll have the entire city on alert lest we go help him. Who knows, maybe this might work?"
He begins to head after the half orc and the Shoanti cleric, hoping the others would be back him up.
Noticing the Dwarf's consideration of Zellara, Zalen found a new respect for the diminutive yet mighty warrior growing in him "Now why didn't I think of that?" He wonders to himself "I could learn something from this one
As the group gathers and discuss what to do Zalen answers Ayedah's question, addressing her "My beautiful storm, I have no problem with the length of time it takes before Lamm dies once we have him in our grasp. In fact, the longer it takes him to die the better. So as far as I am concerned you may ask him anything you like"
He then seems again lost in thought for a moment. As Gern and Zek's voices raise in argument he suddenly snaps back again with immediate concern on his face "Wait! No! The Dwarf, sorry my friend, Gern, Gern is right! We cannot just rush in! There are things you do not know!" As he sees Keck move off down the street he runs to head him off and attempts to stop him.
Diplomacy Check:12
"Keck, please remember, Lamm does not just employ thieves. Some of the guard are in his pocket, do we want to bring the whole city watch on our heads? And also, more importantly, half of Lamm's force are children! Do you plan to use that huge sword of yours to cut down children, mighty warrior that you are? Please my large friend, believe me, none want to see Lamm's black heart skewered more than I do. But if we do not at least take a few moments to plan ahead we may not only lose our one chance at Lamm, but may also have innocent blood on our hands. Is that truly what you want?"
As the group gathers and discuss what to do Zalen answers Ayedah's question, addressing her "My beautiful storm, I have no problem with the length of time it takes before Lamm dies once we have him in our grasp. In fact, the longer it takes him to die the better. So as far as I am concerned you may ask him anything you like"
Ayedah looked dumbfounded. She had never been referred to like that before, certainly not by anyone in Korvosa.
"Keck, please remember, Lamm does not just employ thieves. Some of the guard are in his pocket, do we want to bring the whole city watch on our heads? And also, more importantly, half of Lamm's force are children! Do you plan to use that huge sword of yours to cut down children, mighty warrior that you are? Please my large friend, believe me, none want to see Lamm's black heart skewered more than I do. But if we do not at least take a few moments to plan ahead we may not only lose our one chance at Lamm, but may also have innocent blood on our hands. Is that truly what you want?"
"Lamm is still hiding behind children then?" she asked quietly, anger sneaking into her voice while heeding the half-orc's call for less noise.
Noticing the Dwarf's consideration of Zellara, Zalen found a new respect for the diminutive yet mighty warrior growing in him "Now why didn't I think of that?" He wonders to himself "I could learn something from this one
As the group gathers and discuss what to do Zalen answers Ayedah's question, addressing her "My beautiful storm, I have no problem with the length of time it takes before Lamm dies once we have him in our grasp. In fact, the longer it takes him to die the better. So as far as I am concerned you may ask him anything you like"
He then seems again lost in thought for a moment. As Gern and Zek's voices raise in argument he suddenly snaps back again with immediate concern on his face "Wait! No! The Dwarf, sorry my friend, Gern, Gern is right! We cannot just rush in! There are things you do not know!" As he sees Keck move off down the street he runs to head him off and attempts to stop him.
Diplomacy Check:12
"Keck, please remember, Lamm does not just employ thieves. Some of the guard are in his pocket, do we want to bring the whole city watch on our heads? And also, more importantly, half of Lamm's force are children! Do you plan to use that huge sword of yours to cut down children, mighty warrior that you are? Please my large friend, believe me, none want to see Lamm's black heart skewered more than I do. But if we do not at least take a few moments to plan ahead we may not only lose our one chance at Lamm, but may also have innocent blood on our hands. Is that truly what you want?"
Waiting for the rest of the group at the corner, Krek's mind raced with what the well-spoken man said as he had moved. Talk, talk, talk! How many times he'd heard the lip service of the guards in dealing with Lamm. To have it be the same this time when he had some REAL say would be damning to him.
He knew best Lamm employed children. Krek shuddered a bit when Zalen reminded him they would likely be guarding the sick man's interests. However, letting the twisted mastermind gain immunity by that was even worse - the problem would only fester; Krek had seen that over the years.
As the group reached him, he spoke without looking at them:
"There will be many children there. I do not wish any to be slain. Those who do not give way to us must be pushed aside though. The longer Lamm is, the more children he'll ruin."
He motions toward's the young woman with the map.
"You know the way. Where now?"
Korvosa was silent at this hour, and not a soul was on the streets at that moment. A lone Pseudodragon danced up in the air, it seemed as if it was trying to either chase or woo the moon that was hiding behind a few scattered and thin clouds. The breeze was picking up slightly, not to the point of becoming unpleasant, merely becoming noticeable.
It seemed the discussion of the group had gone unnoticed up this time.
When he finally caught up to the group Gern took the opportunity to put his plan forward.
"I'm thinkin' we don't use the targets name from this point on. If we need to, let's call him Wolf, like the beast that prey's on his names sake, and the complex be known as the den" he said quietly to the group.
He looked around at the collection of people with him an asked "Any of you that's good at sneakin' need to go have a recce when's we get close. Lookin' for snipers and alrm posts. Ifn we can silence a few of the outer guards afore we hit the 'den', then we may get a good shot at the 'wolf'". He waited to see if there were any objections or alternatives before going on.
"I aint never met none you afore let alone fought alongside ye, so each of you do what ye do best. Try an team up with those as best match yer style. If possible we clear each room as we go, no point leavin' an enemy behind us as we go for the 'wolf'. Those things hunt in packs to be sure. We need to be as the hammer and shield, some to protect and some to do the hittin'. We'll work that out as we go."
He looks to the Half Orc, Krek, and reappraises the big man after his last statement. "And aye, like the big guy says, none of the cubs are te be harmed"
"And aye, like the big guy says, none of the cubs are te be harmed"
Alandra laughs when she hears this.
"Hah! But some of 'em might be harmin' you! I was one of 'em once, and I woulda stuck a knife in your back when you wasn't lookin, ken?"
"Hah! But some of 'em might be harmin' you! I was one of 'em once, and I woulda stuck a knife in your back when you wasn't lookin, ken?"
"Well then, Alandra is it? I expect ye to be watchin' me back for just such a one" the gruff dwarf states
"With some luck the young'ns will be wantin' te run as much as te fight. We do what we can"
Seeing that his words seemed to stop the headlong rush of the huge half-orc Zalen smiled in relief. Upon hearing Gern's plan of using code words his smile grew even broader. "Friend Gern, I like of your idea of code words, it shows a sneaky mind, of which I can only approve"
"Speaking of sneaky, I believe I have a plan, or at least the beginnings of one, that may address all of our concerns" At this Zalen's smile turned wolfish "Certainly some reconnaissance is in order Gern, you are correct. Also, I believe I am correct in assuming that none of us wishes to harm the children. Yet as our young Shoanti sister here has reminded us, those children are not likely to have the same qualms about harming us, neh?"
"So, what I propose is a two pronged attack; fist stealth and sneakiness, then might and mayhem. Alandra, it is, yes? " He address the young Shoanti "You say you were once a little 'Wolf' yourself? Now, please correct me if I am wrong, but are not 'Wolves pups' controlled directly by 'Overseers'? What would happen if we were to first take Them out? Might doing so, combined with promises of freedom from the 'Wolf's' vile clutches not likely convince many of the little 'Pups' to desert that stinking ship? I propose you and Gillian, perhaps accompanied by myself, make that our prime target, to eliminate the Overseers and free the children from their control, perhaps even turning some of them to our side! A proper rebellion! Neh? And Then, mighty Krek, you and the rest of our more brawny types would be free to rain carnage down upon 'the Wolfs' remaining allies. How does that sound as the beginnings of a proper plan to you all?"
"As long as the children are spared, I have no problem with it. Are you sure just the three of you will be enough?" She gave Zalen, Jillian, and Alandra each what she hoped wasn't an obvious appraising glance.
She couldn't quite get a handle on Zalen, though he certainly seemed confident. She could not help but think of Alandra as a youth, though albiet an unusually grim one. But then again she was Shundar-Quah and that demanded respect. And Jillian...Ayedah knew of the smaller races, but she had not yet been able to shed thinking of them as childlike. And yet these three along with the half-orc seemed to be the most thirsty for Lamm's blood. It seemed incredibly risky to her to send what she could not help but think of as the most frail of their number, but most of the others, herself included, certainly didn't seem fit for sneaking through the night unheard.
"Zalen, if'n ye think you an' the other two are gonna be the hammer then that's fine by me. Just don't go and get yeself so far ahead o' the shield that it cannae protect ye when's most ye need it. Between what's left o' us we should be able te make sufficient distraction as ye and these other two can get yeself ahead and behind o' the den mothers. Don't take on nothin' too big though, leave that te us."
With that he nods to the wizard lass that had accompanied them, indicating he at least was ready to go finally. The plan was rough, but it was better than what they had been rushing off towards.
"So, what I propose is a two pronged attack; fist stealth and sneakiness, then might and mayhem. Alandra, it is, yes? " He address the young Shoanti "You say you were once a little 'Wolf' yourself? Now, please correct me if I am wrong, but are not 'Wolves pups' controlled directly by 'Overseers'? What would happen if we were to first take Them out? Might doing so, combined with promises of freedom from the 'Wolf's' vile clutches not likely convince many of the little 'Pups' to desert that stinking ship? I propose you and Gillian, perhaps accompanied by myself, make that our prime target, to eliminate the Overseers and free the children from their control, perhaps even turning some of them to our side! A proper rebellion! Neh? And Then, mighty Krek, you and the rest of our more brawny types would be free to rain carnage down upon 'the Wolfs' remaining allies. How does that sound as the beginnings of a proper plan to you all?"
"I hear what you're sayin', and for some it might work. But some others, I don't know. I mean, some of them kids do what they do 'cause they like it. Better might be to kill the the big ones then scare the little ones, like we're gonna kill them too, but not. I don't wanna kill no little kids neither, but some them're bad. They won't wanna be on our side. Other than that, your plan sounds good."
"So, what I propose is a two pronged attack; fist stealth and sneakiness, then might and mayhem. Alandra, it is, yes? " He address the young Shoanti "You say you were once a little 'Wolf' yourself? Now, please correct me if I am wrong, but are not 'Wolves pups' controlled directly by 'Overseers'? What would happen if we were to first take Them out? Might doing so, combined with promises of freedom from the 'Wolf's' vile clutches not likely convince many of the little 'Pups' to desert that stinking ship? I propose you and Gillian, perhaps accompanied by myself, make that our prime target, to eliminate the Overseers and free the children from their control, perhaps even turning some of them to our side! A proper rebellion! Neh? And Then, mighty Krek, you and the rest of our more brawny types would be free to rain carnage down upon 'the Wolfs' remaining allies. How does that sound as the beginnings of a proper plan to you all?"
"I hear what you're sayin', and for some it might work. But some others, I don't know. I mean, some of them kids do what they do 'cause they like it. Better might be to kill the the big ones then scare the little ones, like we're gonna kill them too, but not. I don't wanna kill no little kids neither, but some them're bad. They won't wanna be on our side. Other than that, your plan sounds good."
Katryala began to lead the group in the direction indicated, but even now she was greatly impressed at the foresight and consideration of her companions - where she had been ready to rush off blindly and angrily into the hornets' nest without a second thought.
"Now that we are discussing it though, it is a worrisome thing, and I feel I should ask... There is still a goodly chance that some of our number may yet be able to find those dear to us amongst these 'pups'... Or at least I still dare to hope so. If so, how should we best try to tell the others so no harm comes to them? Or even best get their attention so they don't misguidedly try to harm us? If we aren't sure to coordinate and communicate once we are there, it could turn out to be all for naught."
Katryala began to lead the group in the direction indicated, but even now she was greatly impressed at the foresight and consideration of her companions - where she had been ready to rush off blindly and angrily into the hornets' nest without a second thought."Now that we are discussing it though, it is a worrisome thing, and I feel I should ask... There is still a goodly chance that some of our number may yet be able to find those dear to us amongst these 'pups'... Or at least I still dare to hope so. If so, how should we best try to tell the others so no harm comes to them? Or even best get their attention so they don't...
As they make their way to the docks Zalen looks towards Katryala as she indicated her concerns. He says her "Katryala? Do i have the right of it? You have a loved one whom you fear may still be alive and be one of La...the Wolf's pups?" At her nod "Hmmmm, well that Is a concern..in my vast experience in these matters
SenseMotive 17He thinks for a moment "Well mageling, can you not.." and he wiggles his fingers at her " ..somehow keep us in contact? Or if not at the very least could you give us a description and a name? That is all I can think of. Anyone else?"
The party moved through the darkened city streets, and noone went to bar their progress. The moonlight was sufficient to find the path without troubles, and avoid lighting any light of their own. As Zellara had stated, the latest hideout of Gaedren Lamm was close by; you merely had to walk down to the docks, and follow them downstream for maybe 400 yards. The building looked run down, with no lights burning. Behind it, a ship was moored to a decaying pier. That vessel had seen much better days. Once a small cargo runner, years upon years of neglegt had rendered it absolutely unworthy to be called a ship anymore. It was a floating extension of the building, no more capable of moving than the fishery proper.
Knowledge Local DC 10:
Knowledge Local DC 15:
Observing the "target" yielded few new insights. The place was as quiet as most other places in Korvosa at this hour. No snipers were to be found, and from what could be seen from the outside, there was not even any patrol observing them. No city guardsmen coincidentally taking a break here. Even the dirty old bastard that was Gaedren Lamm could not ply his cruelties without rest. Only the waves of the Korvosan gulf gently swashed against the pier, a deceptively peaceful sound.
As the party slowed down and finally stopped to observe the 'target' building, Zalen, his face scrunched up in obvious distaste for the smell and filth of the area, address them again.
"Ok, my hearty comrades, it seems we are in luck, or perhaps Fate itself is showing her hand. Regardless, it appears Zellara has begun us on our mission at the right hour. All Appears to be quiet at least" He stops to consider for a moment. "Ok, I think I have an idea. As previously discussed, group A " He looks to Gillian and Alandra and points to himself " will stealthly attpemt to enter the building, slaying what 'Overseeres' we can and attepmting to rouse or free the children...or killing the ones that prove hostile" He says grimly and nods to Alandra. "What say you give us 10 min for this?"
"Then, upon our signal, say, the Owl, you, group B..." pointing to the other five "...come charging. And if we should run into trouble before that, let's say the signal will be the howl of the wolf?"
"Does this plan work for everyone?" As he looks to all the faces around him.
"Does this plan work for everyone?" As he looks to all the faces around him.
Alandra looks at Zalen with a worried look on her face, now that the reality of what they are about to do is upon them.
"I think we should take one more with us. Someone who can fight good, but still move quiet. How about Ayedah?"
"I think we should take one more with us. Someone who can fight good, but still move quiet. How about Ayedah?"
"I am not used to sneaking around your cities and buildings in the dark." Ayedah unstrapped her hammer pointedly. "And I certainly cannot fight quietly. But I can follow as closely as you think is safe, so that I can be next to any of you as quickly as I can if you need help." She paused for a moment, trying to give Katryala a comforting look. "Actually, if you three go ahead and see to the Wolf's thugs, I could keep any unruly children out of your way should they awaken." She smirked, "After all, they're only pups."
She turned to Katryala. "Did you want to tag along behind me then? An extra pair of hands could be useful if any of them need clouting about the head to keep them in line." she said, humor in her voice but sympathy in her eyes. She had lost loved ones to Lamm's predations; she would not let that happen to someone else when they were so close to saving their own.
"Does this plan work for everyone?" As he looks to all the faces around him.Alandra looks at Zalen with a worried look on her face, now that the reality of what they are about to do is upon them.
"I think we should take one more with us. Someone who can fight good, but still move quiet. How about Ayedah?"
Zalen listens to Alandra's words and considers them. Then he gives Ayedah an appraising look "Well, while under any other circumstances I should be pleased to have another beautiful woman at my side" he flashes her a grin, then turns serious again "if we are successful in our mission that means we should have a minimum of fighting. Personally I think stealth is our first best weapon" Then he stands up straight and sighs. He looks to the fishery then back at the group "but I am not sure. We all have a lot at stake here so I am willing to go along with whatever the group thinks is best."
[
He thinks for a moment "Well mageling, can you not.." and he wiggles his fingers at her " ..somehow keep us in contact? Or if not at the very least could you give us a description and a name? That is all I can think of. Anyone else?"
Katryala flushed and looked away quickly. "Yes... It was my brother, Einsamm. He was taken by Gaedren's hired men some years ago." (Sense Motive DC: 11)
"Perhaps it's too late to find him now. I am not even entirely sure I could recognize him myself after all this time. But my head tells me we are right to use some caution just in case, even if my heart tells me to just go in and gut that bastard Lamm right now."
She turned to Katryala. "Did you want to tag along behind me then? An extra pair of hands could be useful if any of them need clouting about the head to keep them in line." she said, humor in her voice but sympathy in her eyes.
"Thank you, I like that idea greatly. But I am new to these sorts of matters and not as accustomed to knowing the precautions and strategies we will need to take. I'll abide by whatever consensus can be found on how to proceed..."
Krek listened to the group discuss, fully aware of the strategies and codenames they were using. However, he doubted the strategies would hold up for long.
With a pang of sadness as he guessed at how badly the fragile young mage must feel, he said "Proceed is the important part. The group decided should enter the den."
"Proceed is the important part. The group decided should enter the den."
Nodding his head, Nayr broke out of his previous silence. "I agree with him. This is as good as it's going to get, so I vouch we go ahead with the plan and force Lamm to pay up."
"Aye then, go do what needs ta be done. But I'm doubtin' I'll be waiting 10 minutes for ye to get the job done. First sign o' trouble and we'll be right up yer back, no doubtin' it." Gern says, nodding slightly.
"Good luck to ye, and don 't forget to drop back behind our defense if thins get a little hairy in there"
Both Zalen and Jillian crossed the last dozen yards to the old fishery building. It was as derelict up close as it had appeared from a distance, with window shutters solidly rusted closed, the pier leading to the ship in dangerously unstable condition, and no lights burning through any of the windows. Below the wooden-planked walkways, another level was visible. So close to the water, the ground was steep, and the street several feet above the bedrock this building had been placed on.
Carefully, the two assailants eyed the house, and Zalen's idea to first see how it looked like from all directions. The two of them first made their way across the face of the building, and towards the loading dock. A stench of decaying fish wafted here even after the last had been processed for the day, but right then it was slippery, but without apparent guardian or danger. Maybe not the best place for one of the less agile and more heavily armored members of their group. The wide double doors on the loading dock were held fast together by a solid chain of wrought iron, and a heavy lock. The thing was heavy, solid, and looked as if made by a competent locksmith. Nothing the two rogues could not beat given enough time. However, the less-than-ideal light and mandate to make no sound might make this take a little (or at worst, a lot) longer than normal.
Still, the Korvosan night was calm, and no alarm had been raised, neither did a snipers crossbow bolt embed itself into either of their skulls. The two of them hid behind a leftover crate on the loading dock when a tired-looking guardsmen patrolled by. The lawkeeper did not seem to notice them - or even the group they had left behind, as he turned left into another small alley.
After finding a smaller door in the back of the loading dock similarly locked (this lock embedded into the door itself, a bit easier - but less accessible) they tried their luck on the other side of the fishery, near where they had originally approached it. The rotting wood of the walkway creaked even under Zalen's weight, and one of the beams actually started giving way when he stepped off it. The halfling, naturally had no such trouble. Once the two of them had passed this trickery back alley to the fishery, there still was no standing guard. Just the ominous silhouette of ship long past its prime... or even proper time. Up close that impression was only reinforced. Lack of paint, rotting wood, thick sheets of barnacles just inches below the waterline. It seemed this wreck was primarily held together by the rope mooring it to the pylons supporting the outlying parts of the fishery, assorted trash and the stubborn refusal to accept its time was past. Somewhat like its master, it seemed.
Even here, on the deck of the ship (a name was painted on the sides, but the moonlight was not bright enough to make it out below layers of grime) there was no guard posted. Was it really so easy? The answer came when suddenly, voices were heard behind the deck door, which was decorated with a splot of paint vaguely shaped like a fish.
Zalen and Jillian had no interest in trying their luck just yet, and thus retreated as the argument commenced, hard as it was on the creaky, rotting wood. Fortunately, the half-shouted words covered the noises the pair could not avoid. Looking behind themselves, they saw a confident, almost haughty young man, maybe in his middling teenage years, move down the walkway with a swagger in his step. The youth had a cruel face with a pointed chin, the larky look of someone still growing into his own body, and from the sound of his mutterings, a bad mood. He passed the pair, and opened the main door of the fishery with one out of a handful of keys. An angry growl emanated from the room, followed by a short, pointed yelp, and the sound of the door locking again.