"That is the smartest thing you've said all day. You have a few points that you got right, we don't like you or your order. You Hellknights do nothing useful but waste time and money. And your right in that we should do something about it. But you are wrong about a few things. None of us are crying about the tough hand we were dealt. We joke to lighten the mood so we don't turn on each other from the stress. And lastly, he doesn't deserve justice, he deserves the pain and anguish that he has put most of us through. Enough pain to last a thousand lifetimes. Now sit down and grab a drink because this is exhausting." Is Demitri's response to the pompous Hellknight.
"And you." He suddenly turns to Vesera.
"There are those who could use your help right now. Those children that still live under that madman, taken away from their homes to godsknow what personal hells. Each hour that passes is another hour that they suffer, and there is only one way to alleviate that suffering; and it is by freeing them. I don't know what stake you have against that creature, but I can assure you ours is equal or even worse. Fearing and hiding won't accomplish anything. If we stand alone, we'll die like the ones you mentioned. If we stay together we have a hope to end this."
You may keep on roleplaying. I will read the thread a couple of times now, and gauge your characters, and your chemistries. Selections will be done over the weekend.
@Vesera/Quatar: I'm sorry, I failed to see your question about the last name earlier. Yes, Arkona is just fine, it adds to the intrigue.
I see - this is troublesome. I'll end recruitment soon, and keep this in mind - it wasn't light-hearted I was aiming for.
Seated at a side table, Gethric rolls out his knife roll taking a paring knife from it's slot. Passing the knife before his eyes he notices a small nick upon it's length and retrieves a whetstone from his pocket. Eyes gazing with a thousand yard stare, Gethric sets practiced hands to sharpening the chosen knife.
Gaedren Lamm *snickt* His time will come *snickt* He must pay for taking my Ravell *snickt* Murder from the shadows *snickt* He then holds the knife up to see himself in the reflection.
Lythal had remained quiet, drinking in the ambience of the tap room as discussions volley back and forth and as the game of darts progressed. However, as the discussion about Lamm came up, he had to shake his head.
"You all seem to be rather deluded," the hooded figure said during a lull in the conversation, "Do you think that Lamm is unguarded? I seek him dead for purely business reasons, but I know firsthand what his lackeys are capable of. After all, I trained one of them myself.". Lythal sipped the last of his wine from the goblet in his hand before indicating to the barkeep that he desired a refill.
"Rushing headlong into his lair would be folly, not least because you would run straight into his lackeys."
"The heroic become so only by doing so. But even heroes are vulnerable to the whims and passions of the mob. But as I've not yet deduced if I am a hero in this story, or simply an observer, I will sit. And drink. And enjoy the fine company gathered. Should I discern that I am a participant, then, like you, I will remove myself at once through whatever exit is available to me."
Lythal had remained quiet, drinking in the ambience of the tap room as discussions volley back and forth and as the game of darts progressed. However, as the discussion about Lamm came up, he had to shake his head.
"You all seem to be rather deluded," the hooded figure said during a lull in the conversation, "Do you think that Lamm is unguarded? I seek him dead for purely business reasons, but I know firsthand what his lackeys are capable of. After all, I trained one of them myself.". Lythal sipped the last of his wine from the goblet in his hand before indicating to the barkeep that he desired a refill.
"Rushing headlong into his lair would be folly, not least because you would run straight into his lackeys."
So everyone keeps saying, but there is a lot of muscle in this bar alone. Lamm can't stand up to all of us. And it sounds like you have some inside knowledge of his employees--so why don't you speak up and tell us any weaknesses we can exploit before we assume you are still working for him?
Lythal smirked at Gaius' comment about working for Lamm.
"I wouldn't stoop to Lamm's level, the man appears to lack in ambition. As for the hired help, I trained his pet Gnome in the arts of alchemy before the two had met. That didn't stop the miserable little cretin from attempting to kill me with explosives." Lythal pulled his cloak back to reveal some small vials of garishly coloured liquid.
"Rest assured that had I been in the employ of Lamm, all I would have done is throw some explosives through the window of this establishment and let the cramped quarters do the hard work for me," Lythal chuckled darkly.
Sig looks up from his near-empty mug of ale, listens to the noises outside. He nods to the barman, says "another one, if you please ser."
Vyshael rolls his eyes at Gaius, but then stops a moment, tilts his head and responds, "By that argument, you could be working for him, setting us all up for some trap." He holds up his hand without the goblet to forestall argument, "No, I am not suggesting that you truly are, merely that we have enough hatred and enemies without needing to point them on each other.... However, if you need truly rush out and deal with him immediately, then by all means do."
He points back at the Halfling with his goblet, "That one has the right of it -- heroes are made by action and greatness, but they are unmade by blind passion. I would rather be a cautious hero than a dead fool."
"The heroic become so only by doing so. But even heroes are vulnerable to the whims and passions of the mob. But as I've not yet deduced if I am a hero in this story, or simply an observer, I will sit. And drink. And enjoy the fine company gathered. Should I discern that I am a participant, then, like you, I will remove myself at once through whatever exit is available to me."
"Don't worry. If we need to fly topside I can get you all up there. Won't be the first time I've left a bar through the roof, nor the last.
"As far as Lamms defences go, the gnome is the least of the problems. The 'gator is higher on the list but the real problem are the 'lambs'. He has eyes everywhere, children's eyes. They are overlooked but they see a great deal. If Lamm is smart he will travel in a cloud of them, using them as his eyes to find threats and give him warning to prepare for or avoid unwelcome visitors. Unless you are willing to leave a trail of young misguided bodies behind you we will need an indirect approach to Lamm. Or a traitor on the inside to open the way.
"I know of the Lamms. I was one of them! And whatever ambition it may seem Lamm lacks... he more than makes up for with his cruelty. My only purpose in this city is to see him dead, or at least find justice. I'll do whatever it takes."
He puts his starknife away and looks at Vyshael...
"I have no interest in being a dead hero or any kind of fool, but do not mistake passion for lack of caution or conviction. Some passion is not as blind as you would seem to think."
"I know of the Lamms. I was one of them!
Thought I recognized you. Glad to see the knee healed.
"You recognized me?" he smiles. "That's incredible! I'm sorry to say I can't say the same, but my memory plays tricks on me sometimes from those days. I've also... tried to forget a lot...
At the mention of "Lambs", Demitri looks down into his mug and a look of sadness crosses his face for a moment. "Of course, I know he has lackeys to hide behind. I will go through them as well as his pet if we have to. Whatever it takes."
"You recognized me?" he smiles. "That's incredible! I'm sorry to say I can't say the same, but my memory plays tricks on me sometimes from those days. I've also... tried to forget a lot...
No troubles, we both looked different then. I see a few of the old Lambs now and then. I don't talk with them though. Bad memories on both sides. Only brought it up now because you mentioned it.
No troubles, we both looked different then. I see a few of the old Lambs now and then. I don't talk with them though. Bad memories on both sides. Only brought it up now because you mentioned it."You recognized me?" he smiles. "That's incredible! I'm sorry to say I can't say the same, but my memory plays tricks on me sometimes from those days. I've also... tried to forget a lot...
"Well, I hope Lamm recognizes me too. I want him to know it was me that took him down!"
He grabs his starknife from his belt and spins it once around his finger, then slamming it down into the table. "If ya'll after Lammy - count me in..."
He then pulls a pair of manacles from his belt pouch, and hangs them over the blade sticking vertically, "He's as good'as busted."
"I have no interest in being a dead hero or any kind of fool, but do not mistake passion for lack of caution or conviction. Some passion is not as blind as you would seem to think."
Vyshael tips his goblet apologetically toward Jel, "I have nothing against passion or those who have it -- those words were directed at the loudmouth, there, who seems blind about a number of things. After all, my own hate for the man is a passionate one -- though it is also a cold, calculating hatred, if you will.."
"The heroic become so only by doing so. But even heroes are vulnerable to the whims and passions of the mob. But as I've not yet deduced if I am a hero in this story, or simply an observer, I will sit. And drink. And enjoy the fine company gathered. Should I discern that I am a participant, then, like you, I will remove myself at once through whatever exit is available to me.""Don't worry. If we need to fly topside I can get you all up there. Won't be the first time I've left a bar through the roof, nor the last.
"As far as Lamms defences go, the gnome is the least of the problems. The 'gator is higher on the list but the real problem are the 'lambs'. He has eyes everywhere, children's eyes. They are overlooked but they see a great deal. If Lamm is smart he will travel in a cloud of them, using them as his eyes to find threats and give him warning to prepare for or avoid unwelcome visitors. Unless you are willing to leave a trail of young misguided bodies behind you we will need an indirect approach to Lamm. Or a traitor on the inside to open the way.
I don't care what route I take as long as it ends at Lamm. Though I prefer to be direct in most matters, like with my distaste for Vyshael, for example, I can be indirect when the situation calls for it. The goddess has granted me the powers to alter my appearance into a less...desirable form, should the need for infiltration or subterfuge arise. If those of you former Lamms would share some information about his current whereabouts, I will get you close enough to strike. Unlike some of you dart throwers, Calistria ALWAYS finds her mark.
If those of you former Lamms would share some information about his current whereabouts, I will get you close enough to strike. Unlike some of you dart throwers, Calistria ALWAYS finds her mark.
"Do you really think it will be that easy. Lamm has not lived this long and done this much damage by deing a fool. He has no permanent home. He is constantly moving, surrounded by his cloud of deluded children and protected by his web of favors and blackmail.
When I worked for him I had no idea when or where I would find him, and I was one of his enforcers. The ordinary Lambs knew even less than I.There is one way to find him though. Start asking around publically. Make sure you are heard and seen asking for him. Begin to pay attention to children in the marketplaces. Make it clear you are not giving up. He will notice you. You will become an irritant, He will act to remove you. Then is is a simple matter of surviving and defeating the assassins he send against you and making them talk. See simple and direct."
As Vesera Arkona:
"And you." He suddenly turns to Vesera.
"There are those who could use your help right now. Those children that still live under that madman, taken away from their homes to godsknow what personal hells. Each hour that passes is another hour that they suffer, and there is only one way to alleviate that suffering; and it is by freeing them. I don't know what stake you have against that creature, but I can assure you ours is equal or even worse. Fearing and hiding won't accomplish anything. If we stand alone, we'll die like the ones you mentioned. If we stay together we have a hope to end this."
"Yes, if Lamm was dead, then those children could maybe be saved. Maybe, because I'm not sure how many of them want to be saved and how many will perish with their master. As for those that can use my help? Are those the only ones? No, there are many more here that need help. The poor, the sick, women, children and the old. Should I abandon them all, just to throw myself into Lamm's sword?"
She was going to say more, when Lythal spoke up:
"You all seem to be rather deluded," the hooded figure said during a lull in the conversation, "Do you think that Lamm is unguarded? I seek him dead for purely business reasons, but I know firsthand what his lackeys are capable of. After all, I trained one of them myself.". Lythal sipped the last of his wine from the goblet in his hand before indicating to the barkeep that he desired a refill.
"Rushing headlong into his lair would be folly, not least because you would run straight into his lackeys."
"Aye, that is exactly what I mean. He's not alone. He's guarded. Others have tried and failed, and not because they were weak or foolish. Saying 'But the children need us' does only work if you have a plan that actually has a reasonable chance of sucess."
As Jel and Dorant suddenly mention they've been two of the "little lamms" she falls silent, not exactly sure what to answer to that.
"Speaking of which, Durant seems to have a plan. A solid one to boot. Does your plan include where and when this is supposed to happen?"
"Speaking of which, Durant seems to have a plan. A solid one to boot. Does your plan include where and when this is supposed to happen?"
You can start anywhere. You just need a way to survive a back full of crossbow bolts, poisoned food, and a bedroom in flames. Oh and anyone you care about needs the same. Once you get past that you might annoy Lamm enough for him to send a child to brush against you in the marketplace. You will find the poisoned needle later. Or perhaps he will dump a murdered lamb in your rooms. There will be solid evidence pointing to you. Solid enough for you to never see the outside of a cell again, at least. If you can accept that then you can start as soon as that door opens.
As Vesera Arkona:
The young half-elf starts laughing, as Durant begins to explain 'the plan', but cuts off as he mentions being framed for murder. That one hit too close to home, even though it was a bit different.
And she realises something else, that she wasn't the only one who'd have fallen victim to that particular scheme. All those years she had told herself it wasn't so bad, that it guided her to her true calling after all. But she was lucky, and she was sure others didn't have that much luck.
"I think what our friend tries to say, there is no easy way to get to him. If there was, he would be dead already. But I start to agree with you, something needs to be done."
As Vesera Arkona:
The young half-elf starts laughing, as Durant begins to explain 'the plan', but cuts off as he mentions being framed for murder. That one hit too close to home, even though it was a bit different.
And she realises something else, that she wasn't the only one who'd have fallen victim to that particular scheme. All those years she had told herself it wasn't so bad, that it guided her to her true calling after all. But she was lucky, and she was sure others didn't have that much luck.
"I think what our friend tries to say, there is no easy way to get to him. If there was, he would be dead already. But I start to agree with you, something needs to be done."
Durant looks at each person as he speaks his voice is flat and matter of fact.
"There is just one more thing for me to mention. One little thing that has kept Lamm safe from heroes all these years. Go against Lamm and you are killing children."
"He will throw them at you to distract you or slow you down. The children will try to kill you out of fear or misplaced love. You will have to kill them to stop them. Even if you find a way around his child soldiers, you will still be killing them. If they fail to find you some will die. If they fail to stop you some will die. If any child talks to you that child is dead. If you make Lamm nervous and he thinks a child has spoken with you that child is dead. If Lamm becomes aware that you have identified a child as 'his' he is likely to kill the child to close that path to you."
"It cannot be avoided. If you fight Lamm children will die who would have lived if you left Lamm alone. We will each have to decide it that price is too high to pay."
When Demitri is reminded of Lamm's way of doing things, his voice softens as he thinks about her."While that is true, these children are still innocent. Their minds have been warped by that fiend. I think that if we can, we should try to capture them instead of kill them. Get them away from Lamm if we can. But if we can't, then we do what we must." That last sentence came out slow and uneasy as if he did not want to utter it.
"There are worse fates than dying young." Yenrry says. Breaking his silence. "Perhaps that would be preferable to living under his charge, killing your best friend for a piece of crusty, stale bread and living for your next hit of shiver. When you're 12-year-old, that's not a life."
"Ah," says Jel, looking at Durant carefully. "If that is how we think of things, we shall have to all stay in bed at home all the time for fear of tripping over a rock that starts an avalanche..." He smiles his not so charming smile once again, "All actions have consequences. Each must have faith that his or her actions will save more lives than they take, if they wish to act to save anyone."
When Demitri is reminded of Lamm's way of doing things, his voice softens as he thinks about her."While that is true, these children are still innocent. Their minds have been warped by that fiend. I think that if we can, we should try to capture them instead of kill them. Get them away from Lamm if we can. But if we can't, then we do what we must." That last sentence came out slow and uneasy as if he did not want to utter it.
His knuckles white as he withdrawls the starknife he has slammed into the table, reattaching it to his belt. His face looking serious for the first time of the night and speaking in a low and gritted voice "Those kids are not tools for that man to use... They're someone's family. Son's, Daughters, Brothers..." he swallows roughly before finishing his sentence, "Sisters..." he trails off a bit.
"They are all that matter... Without them, Gaedren Lamm is nothing but an old man with a sewage stench."
"There are worse fates than dying young." Yenrry says. Breaking his silence. "Perhaps that would be preferable to living under his charge, killing your best friend for a piece of crusty, stale bread and living for your next hit of shiver. When you're 12-year-old, that's not a life."
"But it is still a life. A life that could change as mine did. A life that will be cut short through our intervention."
As Vesera Arkona:
"Yes, they're someone's family. The question is, do they still remember that? And I don't think you can take them away from him that easily. And people, children, will die. No matter how much you try to prevent it, they will die"
She sighs "But I agree with the halfling - I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name - living under Lamm's rule cannot be any better. Especially since I never heard that he employs adults. So I can only guess what he does to them when they reach a certain age."
He grabs his new beverage from the table, leaning back in his chair roughly with a huff, chugging at his ale. His face is obviously sour and unwilling to admit that what they're saying could possibly be true.
"We all have our beliefs" he says bitterly.
"Yes, perhaps it is better that they die by our hands than suffer what Lamm does to them." Is that what happened to you? No, you're alive and I will find you.
"In either case, we can't just sit here and do nothing. More people will suffer. Those children and ones just like them, have mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles... who don't deserve to suffer because of him."
As Vesera Arkona:
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying those children deserve death, or should be killed. Whoever goes down there should go out of their way not to kill them whenever possible, so as many of them can be saved as possible"
She orders another wine for herself as well,sighing.
He turns his mug up, finishing off the other half of his ale quickly. He sets the mug down, leaning forward, "Just the thought of that rat bastard makes my blood boil!" His anger growing every minute.
"Ah," says Jel, looking at Durant carefully. "If that is how we think of things, we shall have to all stay in bed at home all the time for fear of tripping over a rock that starts an avalanche..." He smiles his not so charming smile once again, "All actions have consequences. Each must have faith that his or her actions will save more lives than they take, if they wish to act to save anyone."
Well said. And that is why I will find Lamm, or die trying. Durant's plan may be a jape, but I'm not easy to kill. I have half a mind to try it tomorrow. You can be sure that if I die, it won't be before I cave in Lamm's skull. Weigh your options, voice your concerns, talk through the risks, but any of you who decide to put these matters right are welcome to travel with me tomorrow. We will not fail, and perhaps the singer can make a song of it when we're done.
"You'd have to beat me to it, lech. Glad to see you're actually taking it seriously."As Demitri takes another drink.
He pulls the manacles that were on his starknife off the table now, re-pocketing them. "That's assuming you'll get to him before me" he winks, his charismatic smile returning to his features.
Vyshael looks into his goblet, confused, The lout isn't making sense... he'll die trying, but he'll succeed before he dies? Surely I haven't had that much wine...
He focuses on the conversation again, cocking his head before saying, "Oh, is it a race now? Shall we see who can feed Lamm's pet first?"
"For the last time, Gaius: I am not a singer. I tell stories, not croon songs. If you remember, I wrote one about you: The Mirror's Curse. Yes, remember, the main character - you - was enchanted by the view he saw in a mirror and spent his entire life gazing at reflection of himself; his life, friends and family completely ignored. Then, he started growing old, gray and decayed. In a fit of anger, he broke the mirror, breaking the curse of the mirror and, tragically, his heart, as he lost his only companion." Yenrry stops and bows his head. "It was met with mixed reviews as the main character was 'so unbelievably dull and self-absorbed.'"
As Vesera Arkona:
She laughs out at Yenrry's comment to Gaius, but otherwise remains silent. She's too caught up in her own thoughts.
'Am I going insane now? Am I actually considering hunting down Lamm? Not only did he do this to me, but to so many others as well, and most of them fared far worse than me. He needs to be stopped. I'm not sure I can do it, but maybe the others are right...'
She sighs "But I agree with the halfling - I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name - living under Lamm's rule cannot be any better. Especially since I never heard that he employs adults. So I can only guess what he does to them when they reach a certain age."
"Rest assured that Lamm does employ adults, but only those he can easily control. That is why the bulk of his workforce are children," Lythal said darkly.
"The death of children will be an unfortunate consequence but as I've heard some say; 'you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.'. However, do not underestimate the abilities of his older lackeys," Lythal absent-mindedly rolled a vial of explosive between two fingers.
Am still looking over the applicants - this is bloody difficult! I think I'll have my final selection tonight.
"For the last time, Gaius: I am not a singer. I tell stories, not croon songs. If you remember, I wrote one about you: The Mirror's Curse. Yes, remember, the main character - you - was enchanted by the view he saw in a mirror and spent his entire life gazing at reflection of himself; his life, friends and family completely ignored. Then, he started growing old, gray and decayed. In a fit of anger, he broke the mirror, breaking the curse of the mirror and, tragically, his heart, as he lost his only companion." Yenrry stops and bows his head. "It was met with mixed reviews as the main character was 'so unbelievably dull and self-absorbed.'"
Vyshael laughs heartily at the Halfling's comments, "Thank you, Storyteller.... The mood in here seems to alternate between somber and daft, and that comment was neither. Please, let my buy you a drink."