Curse of the Crimson Throne: IC

[Mathemagics]

Curse of the Crimson Throne
~~Edge of Anarchy~~



http://i.imgur.com/daOdg2J.jpg?1?9578


For over three hundred years, Korvosa has stood as the greatest of cities in Varisia. Originally a Chelaxian colony settlement, the city lacks the grand history enjoyed by many of the nations of the Inner Sea region, but nonetheless has its own share of culture, prosperity, and influence that are cause for pride among its citizenry. Yet Korvosa remains a city of striking contrasts: honor and ill-repute, altruism and immorality, and wealth and poverty can all be found side by side in abundance. It is another day in the busy city, much the same as any other. Though for some certain people, things are about to get quite weird...

An explosion rattles the windows of a cheap apartment. As the smoke clears, a dwarf alchemist reaches for a rag to wipe the dust off his face. In doing so, he finds to his surprise a harrow card with a picture of the Forge in its place...

Across town, a wizard reaches for his trusty book of spells, only to find a similar card stuck into the pages like a bookmark. The grim expression of the Inquisitor greets him as he pulls it out to inspect the object...

In a small temple to Sarenae, a paladin stares in confusion at the card which until a moment ago was not there. The card is the Paladin, and the image on it, himself...

The young gunslinger is busily working, preparing a fresh stock of ammunition. So absorbed in his task is he that he doesn't realize he just tried to use a harrow card in place of paper for making a new cartridge. When he unfolds it, a crumpled Locksmith stares back at him...

In a noisy tavern not far away, a dark and brawny man reaches for his tankard. As he drinks, something falls away from the bottom of the mug and the Carnival reveals itself to him in all its colorful revelry...

Written on the back side of each harrow card is a message, and though they do not yet realize it, each message is the same:

"I know what Gaedran 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. Gaedran must face his fate, and justice must be done."

And of course, every one of these five has reason to hate the name Gaedran Lamm. And so it comes as no surprise that invariably, they all make their way to the appointed address at the appointed time to meet this mysterious individual who claims to offer them their revenge.

[Bhaakon]

Korman never bothered to find that rag, not after the shock of reading the back of the harrow card now tucked safely in the oilcloth pouch on his belt. The special surprise he'd been preparing for Gaedran wasn't quite ready yet--the blasted trigger mechanism was still balky--but the dwarf was never short of incendiaries. He'd just have to make due without the device. After all, this was the first break in weeks of searching for that thieving, murderous wretch.

The soot-stained dwarf marches down Lancet Street at the appointed hour, any illusion of subterfuge implied by his unintentional black-face shattered by the jangle and clack of his small arsenal of weapons and alchemical vials. Not one for subterfuge, he knocks loudly on the door marked "3".

"It's me, Sootforge. I got the message." He bellows, fishing out the Harrow card.

[Tsriel]

"I know what Gaedran 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. Gaedran must face his fate, and justice must be done."

"Finally, a lead..." Enon thought to himself after he read the card. Enon had only arrived back home to Korvosa but a few days ago. While his early part of the day was forced standing guard within Korvosa's Temple of Sarenrae, he spent the evenings searching for the streets for his friend, Rika.

Each day that passed gave no results. Strangely enough, it was like nobody had ever heard of her, like she never existed to begin with. This note finally gave Enon the satisfaction of the validation to her existence. The thought had crossed him that it could be a trap. Enon knew well enough from experience that Korvosa was a town that would not hesitate to be rid of people for asking too many questions. For good or ill, it was the only lead that Enon had to go on. It might be the only opportunity he would ever get.


* * * *

Enon had to come up with an excuse as to why he couldn't spend some time catching up with his guardian of twelve years, Brother Alphonse. He wished he didn't have to do that to the one man that lovingly cared for him for so long. He would've really enjoyed the opportunity to catch up and gossip like old times.

Instead, tonight was for Rika. Enon kept that thought close to his heart as he stood at the door of 3 Lancet Street. Not knowing what to expect, Enon came fully armored in his scalemail and a shield on his back. His sword was sheathed and ready at his side. Over it all, Enon wore a heavy brown cloak and cowl as to mask any suspicion as to who he really is. It was also because he didn't want people giving him stares on account of being born albino.

With bated breath, Enon grabbed the handle on the knocker, clanging three times on the door. He released his grip on the handle after the third knock and waited for a response...

[Karl Prosek]

In a noisy tavern not far away, a dark and brawny man reaches for his tankard. As he drinks, something falls away from the bottom of the mug and the Carnival reveals itself to him in all its colorful revelry...

Dan looks up and grins at his friends. "How'd you do that? It's a neat trick, I'll give you that." He holds up the Harrow card for them to see, noticing the writing on the back as he flips around in his fingers.

He was, in general, a genial young man. Cayden was a friendly drunk, from most of the stories, and Dan took after him in that way. But as he reads the note, his smile fades into an angry frown. It wasn't one of his friends who'd done this. "What is this..."

That was to be seen. Dan decides then and there to follow up on the mysterious note. It could be a trap; he'd pissed off more than one shiver dealer working with Lamm. Could be they'd decided to try to lure him someplace in order to jump him. If it was, he would be ready.

*****


The soot-stained dwarf marches down Lancet Street at the appointed hour, any illusion of subterfuge implied by his unintentional black-face shattered by the jangle and clack of his small arsenal of weapons and alchemical vials. Not one for subterfuge, he knocks loudly on the door marked "3".

"It's me, Sootforge. I got the message." He bellows, fishing out the Harrow card.

Dan had been watching the building for half an hour, wary of a trap. Seeing this dwarf stride right up and bang on the door makes him grin- safely in the shadows of an alley down the block. That decides him. If this was a trap, he wouldn't be alone.

The big Shoanti-looking young man emerges from the alley and walks down the street with purposeful strides designed to discourage random violence. In his loaned Sable Company armor, in the tricky light of sunset, he looked like a legitimate member of the city guard. Of course, a closer look betrays the fact that all the insignia has been removed- and there's not a hippogriff in sight- so maybe legitimate wasn't the right word for it.

He walks up behind the dwarf. At nearly six and a half feet tall and built like a blacksmith, he would have loomed if he hadn't politely and prudently stayed well out of arm's reach. Dan clears his throat so as not to surprise anyone who hasn't seen him approach. "Now that I think about it, I'm not surprised Lamm has more people than just me who want to see him brought down. They probably could have just posted a bulletin in the marketplace instead of all this cloak and dagger stuff."

[Mathemagics]

As Dan walks up to join the dwarf at the front door, there is still no reply to the knock. Another minute or so passes until it seems obvious that either nobody is home or they don't intend to answer. A quick test of the door handle, however, proves that the residence is unlocked. As they've come this, there seems to be no reason to leave just yet...

Opening the door, the pair find inside a small cozy room that is distinctly Varisian in decor. A number of woven tapestries hang on the walls while the floor is covered by several colorful rugs. A pleasant fragrant haze hangs in the air, produced by a pair of incense burners on the far side of the room. The only furnishings visible are a small table with a red cloth over it and a number of chairs. Lying face-up on top of the table is a small slip of paper held under a stone weight. Upon it is a scribbled message.

"Thank you for coming. I had to step out for a bit, but shall return shortly. Please have a seat while you wait. The basket under the table contains bread and drink for you."

A quick search under the table reveals that there is indeed a basket filled with bread that is a little on the dry side, but good, and a bottle of decent wine.

As the pair are looking around, a threefold knock is heard at the door.


I'm placing Korman and Dan arriving before Enon to smooth out arrivals. So that's Enon knocking on the door that they hear.

[NobodyMuch]

The young gunslinger examines the card, turning it end over end across the knuckles of one stained hand. Not the card he was used to seeing; an altogether friendlier one, with a welcome message. Could Iacomo have found Gaedran himself? Maybe. He certainly couldn't bring the bastard down alone. He needed allies. He needed resources.

He needed someone to get Lamm to stand still while he lined up the shot.

The only thing that he needed which he could furnish in the moment, however, was bullets. Lots of bullets. Finishing off the cartridge, Iacomo scrawls a GL on it in a hasty, looping scrawl. Examining his work, he nods and lets a wicked grin spread over his face. This one's got your name on it, Gaedran.


~~~

Iacomo left for the meet early. He didn't bother casing the joint. Rather, he'd walked the neighborhood for the last two hours, mapping out escape routes and which houses had open windows for startling, spontaneous dives. Always Be Prepared was one of the Rules, capital R. It takes a lot of careful groundwork to let Iacomo look like he's making things up as he goes along.

With that accomplished, up strolls a tattooed Varisian in flamboyantly colored clothes, a pleasant and polite smile on his face, a musket slung over his shoulder. " Evening," Iacomo says to Enon, touching two powdery white knuckles to his forehead in greeting and respect. " Lovely night, in't?" He asks while they wait for the paladin's knocks to be answered.

[Karl Prosek]

A quick search under the table reveals that there is indeed a basket filled with bread that is a little on the dry side, but good, and a bottle of decent wine.

Dan grunts as Korman reads the note. "This is the best catered set-up I've ever been to." He picks up the bottle of wine and grunts again, this time in surprise. The huge man turns the bottle so the dwarf can read the label. "Not the best year, but it's a good winery. Not what I'd leave out to entrap a couple of strangers. What do you think- poisoned or just something to get us to stay here until the thugs show up?"


As the pair are looking around, a threefold knock is heard at the door.

Dan puts down the still unopened bottle of wine and smirks at the door. "I didn't expect them to knock." He puts his hand on the wooden haft of what looks like a spiked mace with a head in the shape of a spiky bronze sun. "Let's say hello. I wouldn't want to be impolite."

He glances over at Korman before going to the door. "I'm not expecting head-thumpers with that knock, but still, be ready."


With that accomplished, up strolls a tattooed Varisian in flamboyantly colored clothes, a pleasant and polite smile on his face, a musket slung over his shoulder. " Evening," Iacomo says to Enon, touching two powdery white knuckles to his forehead in greeting and respect. " Lovely night, in't?" He asks while they wait for the paladin's knocks to be answered.

Dan opens the door- a huge, dark skinned Shoanti man with a bare fuzz of hair on his head and wearing the dark armor of Sable Company, if insignia-less and of an old style- with one hand on the haft of his morningstar. In spite of his intimidating appearance he has a smile on his face. "I was just saying that to my new friend here. Well, about a wine, not the night. Hello. I don't suppose either of you are the owner of this house, or else you wouldn't be knocking. We seem to be in the position of inviting you in, without a host."

[Tsriel]

With that accomplished, up strolls a tattooed Varisian in flamboyantly colored clothes, a pleasant and polite smile on his face, a musket slung over his shoulder. " Evening," Iacomo says to Enon, touching two powdery white knuckles to his forehead in greeting and respect. " Lovely night, in't?" He asks while they wait for the paladin's knocks to be answered.

Enon's head snapped over his shoulder in a start. His hazel colored eyes were wide with surprise for a brief moment before his brow formed a furrow of curiousity.

"Well, the message did say there would be others..."

"Yes, it is," Enon replied, "I don't suppose you would be--"


Dan opens the door- a huge, dark skinned Shoanti man with a bare fuzz of hair on his head and wearing the dark armor of Sable Company, if insignia-less and of an old style- with one hand on the haft of his morningstar. In spite of his intimidating appearance he has a smile on his face. "I was just saying that to my new friend here. Well, about a wine, not the night. Hello. I don't suppose either of you are the owner of this house, or else you wouldn't be knocking. We seem to be in the position of inviting you in, without a host."

Dan's greeting gave Enon and even bigger fit of surprise. Enon thought himself as a decently sized fellow but this man was notably bigger than him if not more imposing despite the friendly grin. Enon looked back briefly at Iacomo then back to Dan, matching grin for grin. This whole scenario was making Enon uneasy, but he could not sense anything that might be a justifiable cause for danger. He did his best to not show his discomfort.

"How unfortunate that our 'host' is not present among us. May we step in?" Enon inquiried as he motioned towards Iacomo behind him. "I guess all of us have things to talk about," Enon tried to sound jovial despite the unusual set of circumstances.

[Karl Prosek]

"How unfortunate that our 'host' is not present among us. May we step in?" Enon inquiried as he motioned towards Iacomo behind him. "I guess all of us have things to talk about," Enon tried to sound jovial despite the unusual set of circumstances.

Dan steps out of the way and sweeps his hand- the one that had been resting on the haft of his weapon- at the room. "Please. Be my guest." As Enon and Iacomo enter, Dan gestures at the note on the table as he closes the door.

"We do have some things to talk about. Our absent host left a note but didn't say when he would be back. Just before you arrived I was asking..." he glances at the dwarf to allow him to insert his name. "I was half-joking that this was a setup. It's damn strange, regardless."

"I'm Dan, by the way." The big man puts out a hand to shake with whoever cares to introduce themselves.

[Tsriel]

Dan steps out of the way and sweeps his hand- the one that had been resting on the haft of his weapon- at the room. "Please. Be my guest." As Enon and Iacomo enter, Dan gestures at the note on the table as he closes the door.

"We do have some things to talk about. Our absent host left a note but didn't say when he would be back. Just before you arrived I was asking..." he glances at the dwarf to allow him to insert his name. "I was half-joking that this was a setup. It's damn strange, regardless."

"I'm Dan, by the way." The big man puts out a hand to shake with whoever cares to introduce themselves.

Enon, in reply, extends his hand, grasping past his hand and onto Dan's inner forearm. It was a handshake of understanding. It was a handshake shared between prominent men.

Good to meet you. I'm Enon and behind me is...errr...

Enon looked behind him with an awkward gaze.

Well...hmm, I'm sorry. I don't think we ever got the chance to introduce ourselves at the door.

[NobodyMuch]

With that grin still on his affable face, Iacomo strides into the room as though it were home. Sure, he's never been here, but he sure seems comfortable. He examines the bottle of wine, nods. " Good stuff." A quick clever bit of business with a pocket knife and the cork is out of the bottle. Scrounging up some small ceramic glasses, the 'singer pours for any of the others who might want a drink.

" Name's Iacomo, YAH-ko-mo. I've got a gun and a grudge." Fishing in a pouch, he pulls a bullet out, tosses it into the air and catches it. " Lamm's got something that belongs to me, and I've got something for him, too."

[Madcrafter]

That was... interesting. Diancan peered at the card that had been stuck inside his book. He was sure it hadn't been there a minute ago. Examining it, he found the message on the back, and was strangely comforted by it's imperative tone. Someone was giving him an opportunity here, and he'd be a fool to ignore that. He gave one last look at the inquisitor, then tucked the card into a pocket and got back to work.

----

Several hours later, Diancan hustles though the streets, large coat billowing behind him. The sun had set some minutes ago; he was late to this mysterious rendezvous. Without breaking stride, he walks right up to the door of number three and gives it a few raps with his staff, catching his breath while he waits for someone to answer. He begins to prepare an apology in his mind, should one prove necessary.

[Bhaakon]

Korman had immediately dug into the food as soon as he'd finished reading the note (Never pass up a meal if you don't know when the next one's coming--whether it's moldy or soggy or cold, advice from a wise veteran sapper that he'd taken to heart). So when the door opens again and Enon makes his introductions, Korman's busy half-choking on a mouth full of stale bread.

He's barely managed to swallow the mass as the introductions are made, with help from several swigs of wine (a better vintage than the backyard brew he's used to finding in the slums, but still no proper drink for a dwarf).

"Korman Sootforge, at your service." He extends a hand, but thinks better of it once he gets a look at the thick coating of soot and worse marring his fleshy mitt. He quickly withdraws it and self-consciously wipes at the filth with the red tablecloth. It was easy to forget little things like basic hygiene when experimenting, or drinking, or drinking while experimenting.

"And if you're also looking to give Lamm a 'special present,' I'm afraid that you'll find yourself fighting me for the honor. I'll not even be giving that man..." he spits the word out, finding it too good for Gaedran, but unable to come up with a better one. "...I'll not even give him the ogre's choice. He's dying slow."

Someone raps at the door as he's speaking, and Korman finishes by calling out, "It's open!"

[Karl Prosek]

Enon, in reply, extends his hand, grasping past his hand and onto Dan's inner forearm. It was a handshake of understanding. It was a handshake shared between prominent men.

Good to meet you. I'm Enon and behind me is...errr...

Enon looked behind him with an awkward gaze.

Well...hmm, I'm sorry. I don't think we ever got the chance to introduce ourselves at the door.

Dan gives a hearty handshake and grins. He glances at the dwarf digging into the food. "We had that problem, too. Good to meet you, Enon."



" Name's Iacomo, YAH-ko-mo. I've got a gun and a grudge." Fishing in a pouch, he pulls a bullet out, tosses it into the air and catches it. " Lamm's got something that belongs to me, and I've got something for him, too."

Dan's eyes widen. "You have a pistol? I've heard of them but never seen one up close. Do you have it with you?"



"And if you're also looking to give Lamm a 'special present,' I'm afraid that you'll find yourself fighting me for the honor. I'll not even be giving that man..." he spits the word out, finding it too good for Gaedran, but unable to come up with a better one. "...I'll not even give him the ogre's choice. He's dying slow."

Someone raps at the door as he's speaking, and Korman finishes by calling out, "It's open!"

Dan had been distracted enough by Iacomo's gun talk that he hadn't properly responded to either his or Korman's introductions. He grimaces at the dwarf's promised retribution, though, and nods at the sentiment. "Sounds like somebody hates him more than I do."

The big Shoanti turns at the new knock and moves to open the door, hand once more on the haft of his weapon. He smiles at Diancan, glancing briefly over the new man's shoulder to look down the street."Come in. It's turning into quite a party in here, and we're still without a host. If I'd known I would've brought another bottle of wine."

[Madcrafter]

Diancan opens the door, only to find a giant of a man on the other side moving to open it himself. "Oh, why, hullo there. Seems like you have quite the gathering here already." he says, noticing the others and the bottle of wine.

"Are you then one I should credit with this fine trick?" he asks, pulling the harrow card from a pocket as he steps confidently through the door. It seemed doubtful, since he looked to be a Sable Company guard, but you never knew with magic.

Diancan takes off his coat, revealing a rather plain rugged shirt and trousers beneath, before hanging it on the staff and leaning both against the wall. He glances around again, trying to judge who's in charge of the proceedings.

[Mathemagics]

Shortly after Diancan's arrival, the group hears the sound of the door opening as a woman enters. She seems to be about middle-aged, though still quite attractive, and is almost unmistakably of Varisian ethnicity. She smiles as she nods at the assembled visitors in greeting before shutting the door behind her.

"Greetings, friends. I am Zellara."

Zellara invites those to sit who haven't already done so as she takes a seat at the table herself. Conveniently, there are just enough chairs for everyone. After seating herself, the woman pulls out a harrow deck, which she begins to idly shuffle as she continues her introduction.

"Firstly, thank you all for coming, and I apologize for the unconventional method of contacting you. I have a reason to remain hidden, you see, as there is a certain individual who would dearly love to see me dead should he learn that I have reached out to others for help. Naturally, I am sure that all of you can guess who this individual is; I speak of course of the man called Gaedran Lamm."

She pauses a moment for impact as she sets the deck down on the table and looks everyone fixedly in turn.

"Gaedran is a monster, a man whose cruelty and capacity to destroy the lives of others are matched only by his ability to avoid justice. Like each of you, I too have been harmed at the hands of this wicked person. A year ago, his thieves stole this deck, a family heirloom over a dozen generations old. When my son tried to get it back... Gaedran had him murdered."

Zellara stops once more, a sorrowful expression overtaking her features. She takes a deep breath and lets it out as a sigh to calm herself before continuing once more.

"I sought justice from the guards, but they would not help. Gaedran is too well connected. So I paid bribes, I consulted my deck, I listened to the drunks in the taverns, and after a year of searching I have finally found where Gaedran hides. And more importantly, I have found others who hate him every bit as much as I do and would gladly see him pay for his sins.

It is time for Gaedran Lamm to die. Will you help me?"

[Bhaakon]

Korman nods as Zellara describes her difficulty in bringing that snake to task. Granted, the dwarf hadn't bothered with the guard--they couldn't be bothered about the fate of indigents and addicts, and Korman wanted to get vengeance himself anyway--but he wasn't surprised. Weeks of searching on his own had revealed hints of other foul crimes, but no line on Gaedran's whereabouts.

Of course, there could only be one answer to the woman's question.

"YES!" The dwarf roars, slamming a fist down in the table. "If you can point the way, do it quickly. I'll see that creature roasting on a spit as quick as I can get to him."

But the excited dwarf's eyes suddenly narrow and his boisterous shout drops to a dangerous whisper. "One thing, though. How did you get your deck back from him?" Under the table, his scarred left hand drops to a vial on his belt.

[NobodyMuch]

" A pistol? Ah, no. Much as I am sure they are admired in certain circles as curiosities, I have something a bit more substantial." Iacomo lowers a shoulder and shifts the musket from where it rests on his back to his hands, cradling the dealer of death with his drug-damaged hands. Given how tenderly the 'singer holds the weapon, one would have certainly expected it to be of higher quality. Anyone who'd seen a gun before would know it to have been an older musket, re-fiited and re-bored by an amateur. To a less experienced eye, of course, it just looks like a big stonking gun. " This would be my rockrana. When trouble comes knocking... she speaks for me."

~~~

Listening to their hosts story, Iacomo nods as she speaks, her words clearly resonating with him. A sip of wine while the story winds to a close, wetting his tongue. " Such are the avrino, always hunting for ways to prey on our people." His is somber now, the grin gone. He seethes underneath his reserve, meaning every word that he is about to speak. " Never again will this beast steal away the life of a child. We will see him broken completely, even the memory of him stricken from the history of the world."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan goggles at the musket, clearly being the latter sort of observer- to him it was just a big ol' gun, not an old, inexpertly repaired one. "Amazing." He shakes his head in appreciation of the exotic technology.

*****

The big man simply nods at Zellara's invitation. There's no trace of a smile on his friendly face. "Absolutely. The man needs to die."

[Madcrafter]

Diancan takes a seat with the rest when Zellara arrives, then watches with curiosity as she shuffles her cards. He munches on a piece of bread as she tells her story, his face shifting to a frown, and he looks quite grim by the end.

"I understand why you all seek his death. I think imprisonment would be more of a punishment myself, but I won't deny you all your revenge. Of course I will help."

[Mathemagics]

The Varisian woman's expression becomes sombre at the dwarf's question, and it takes a moment before she replies. When she does, it is in a drained and dispirited voice.

"I... would rather not recount the events that led me to be reunited with my deck. They are most unpleasant."

Clearly it is a painful or otherwise sensitive subject for her. Hoping that no further explanation upon that topic is needed, Zellara returns to her original topic. Glancing at each in turn, she offers the group a grim smile.

"Gaedran can be found in an old abandoned fishery, not far to the north. The address is at Westpier 17. He is confident that the obscurity of his hiding place will protect him, and keeps a light guard at hand, only enough to keep the enslaved orphans in line."

At this point she picks up her deck once again and begins to shuffle through it. There is decidedly more purpose in her actions now than when she idly handled the cards upon her arrival.

"If you all would wish it, I shall perform a harrowing to see you off. I have some skill with the cards, and the reading may prove useful in the endeavor."

Zellara continues shuffling the harrow deck, clearly indicating that she herself would appreciate someone accepting her offer, but nonetheless respecting the others' wishes and waiting for their reply before proceeding.

[Bhaakon]

After a few moments of consideration, the lure of information on Gaedran proves too much for Korman's better judgement. His left hand returns to the table and reaches once more for more bread and wine.

"Aye, then I won't press you. Let us have a reading, then be off to see Mr. Lamm." He replies, adding, to himself, it will give me a chance to finish eating.

[Madcrafter]

Harrow magic was an obscure topic academically, and Diancan had never been inclined to pay for a reading before. He leans in to better observe the process, food forgotten. "Yes, let's have a reading before we go."

[Tsriel]

Never before had Enon ever felt so out of place. People were talking about this 'Gaedran Lamm' person like he was well known within the city. Maybe it was, but Enon had been gone for so long that he barely knew anybody within Korvosa now.

Look, I don't know where this is going, but I came here to find a friend. What does this Gaedran guy have anything to do with finding Rika? I am guessing you know something about her, right?

[Karl Prosek]

Dan grimaces and turns toward Enon while Zellara prepares her deck. "Lamm's a small time crimelord who runs shiver dens and street crime. The kind of man who's too minor to attract the kind of attention from the rich and powerful to get the Guard or the Hellknights involved, but has enough of an organization to bedevil us poor folk. I don't know your Rika, but he... 'collects' lost children to be pickpockets and lookouts."

[NobodyMuch]

"If Rika's a kid, she'll be where we're going. Which means, in the incidentals, we'll have to be careful how we take this slug down. We can't just, you know, set fire to the warehouse. Too many innocents in there."

The slinger crosses his arms at the suggestion of an examination of the future. Odd for a Varisian to be less than pleased with Harrow reading. " I... if you think it important, go ahead and do a reading. I've not had the best luck with them. But, hey, what's the worst that can happen?," Iacomo askes with reverse optimism, forming the question that more or less is certain to tempt fate.

[Mathemagics]

"First then is the Choosing."

Zellara shuffles the deck, in the process filtering out nine cards which she spreads out in a line face-down on the table. She gestures that each of the party select a single card and reveal it. Diancan happens to be first, and he turns his card over to reveal The Demon's Lantern. The next turn is Iacomo, who draws The Cricket. Enon selects his card and turns it over, and the Peacock is uncovered. Korman's choice is shown to be The Dance while Dan goes last, picking The Juggler.

Nodding, Zellara waits for the cards chosen to be returned, then shuffles them back into the deck, along with the four that remained face-down. She then proceeds to place nine cards face-down in a 3x3 array on the table. Pausing a moment, the Varisian then turns the left-most column over, starting at the top.

"The Peacock. The Dance. The Cyclone. You have been exposed to evil, and it has brought havoc to your lives, yet this has brought about great change. Change which has led to harmony and stability."

Continuing, Zellara turns over the center column of cards, again starting at the top and working downwards.

"The Snakebite. The Idiot. The Survivor. Now you have come to chance upon a great discovery, but you must not let this new-found knowledge blind you to foolishness or greed.... Even now, you may suffer a profound loss..."

She finally turns her attention to the rightmost column and flips it over in turn.

"The Lost. The Owl. The Publican. You must remain calm in troubling times, or you shall lack the wisdom to see you through. Look to yourselves for strength, for refuge shall not be found."

Zellara stares at the cards for several seconds in silence, contemplating to see if anything further might be gleaned from them. She gives a small sigh and sits.

"That is all the cards say. I am sorry there could not be more, but at least it is something. I will not keep you any longer, good luck."

She collects the cards and returns them to the deck, which she begins to shuffle absentmindedly once again. Having said her piece and done what she can to aid her fellow conspirators, she seems reluctant to speak further unless asked.

[Bhaakon]

If there's one good thing about Korman's distracting facial scar, it's that people tend not to notice when less than complementary expressions play across his face Bah, rot and nonsense. I don't know what I was expecting.

Ahem, he clears his throat pointedly, "Let's hit the cobbles, then. I'd hate for Gaedran to slip away on some errand while we sit around chatting." The dwarf stands, takes one last swig of wine, and turns for the door.

[NobodyMuch]

The Varisian exhales as the reading ends. Not nearly so bad as he was afraid of, that! No doom, no gloom. Not really, at least. That bit about no refuge was a bit of a worry... "He's in for the night. Kicking back while his victims make him his gilt. He won't run once we're there, neither. Coward though he be, he loves his money more. He won't abandon his 'little Lamms' until its obvious that he's no chance."

" Though, a bit of surprise wouldn't hurt. Don't suppose you're able to magic us unvisible, yeh mysterious man?," asks Iacomo of the be-robed presumed magic user whose name he still hasn't caught as he preloads his musket, getting ready to head out.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan stands and shrugs at Iacomo. "I wouldn't count on him not running. He's a survivor. We're not going to be the first people who've ever tried to take him down. But hopefully he's as confident nobody knows where he is as you believe," he nods at Zellara, "and we can catch him."

The big man moves toward the door, though he doesn't open it until everyone is ready to go.

[Madcrafter]

" Though, a bit of surprise wouldn't hurt. Don't suppose you're able to magic us unvisible, yeh mysterious man?," asks Iacomo of the be-robed presumed magic user whose name he still hasn't caught as he preloads his musket, getting ready to head out.
"Invisible? That would help wouldn't it. But no, I have never had sufficient prowess in illusion magics to accomplish such a feat. We'll have to rely on more mundane methods of concealment." Diancan gets up from the table, and moves over to the door to put on his coat. "And I am not so mysterious as that; definitely no more than the rest of you." he adds, looking around at the others. A giant and a dwarf, a painted man and an untouched white canvas; he was probably the most normal of the lot.

[Mathemagics]

With most of the group satisfied and ready to act on the Varisian fortune-teller's information, it is high time to track down Gaedran Lamm and make him pay! With the newly-furnished location fixed firmly in mind, everyone takes to the streets and it is not very long until you arrive at the piers district along this portion of the river. By the time you find the building, it is definitively night, though the city is still plenty active.

The old fishery before you is a weathered and ramshackle construction; it could almost qualify for the word wreck if it weren't for the fact that it stubbornly continues standing despite its condition. The stench of dead and rotten fish permeates the area--hopefully you get acclimated to it quickly otherwise it could become very annoying very fast.

A large pair of double doors on the southern side front the street on this part of the pier. A quick search around the corners of the building reveals a rickety walkway of planks running out over the river along the eastern end of the building while to the west you spot what appears to be a loading bay of sorts built up against the wall of the fishery. Several flickering lights in the windows indicate that the occupants are certainly still very much awake.

[Bhaakon]

Korman falls into a dark mood on the march to Gaedran's hideout, his mouth never opening and his hands never straying far from the well-worn grips of his weapons or the cache of incendiaries in his bandolier. He hardly even notes the stench of the old fishery as the group pulls up a discrete distance away and reconnoiters the place.

His mind withdraws into memories, flitting past the grisly scene of the burning drug den and settling on the ash-strewn charnel house scene of his last day as a sapper. "No fire." He mumbles ruefully, remembering the mention of Lamm's orphan slaves, and draws his battleaxe.

With the initial scouting complete, Korman dismisses the tumbledown pier--a swim in the sewage-choked Jeggare isn't on his itinerary this night--and even he isn't foolhardy enough to charge in the front door.

"The loading bay, then?" He speaks at a normal tone for the first time since leaving Zellara's room.

[Tsriel]

OOC: Time for some serious retcon... :smallyuk:


"If Rika's a kid, she'll be where we're going. Which means, in the incidentals, we'll have to be careful how we take this slug down. We can't just, you know, set fire to the warehouse. Too many innocents in there."

The slinger crosses his arms at the suggestion of an examination of the future. Odd for a Varisian to be less than pleased with Harrow reading. " I... if you think it important, go ahead and do a reading. I've not had the best luck with them. But, hey, what's the worst that can happen?," Iacomo askes with reverse optimism, forming the question that more or less is certain to tempt fate.

Enon sighed aloud. She is neither of these things, but rather a woman of similar age to me. We were childhood friends. I lived in care to the Ministry of Sarenrae while she chose to live on the streets. We did not associate with this 'Gaedran Lamm' character that you speak of.

Enon wondered if anybody was listening to him as they all seemed rather intent on hearing this 'reading'. "No," he thought to himself "I shouldn't be so quick to judge. Everyone needs something to believe in...even if it's not the Gods and Goddesses."


Shortly after Diancan's arrival, the group hears the sound of the door opening as a woman enters. She seems to be about middle-aged, though still quite attractive, and is almost unmistakably of Varisian ethnicity. She smiles as she nods at the assembled visitors in greeting before shutting the door behind her.

"Greetings, friends. I am Zellara."

Zellara invites those to sit who haven't already done so as she takes a seat at the table herself. Conveniently, there are just enough chairs for everyone. After seating herself, the woman pulls out a harrow deck, which she begins to idly shuffle as she continues her introduction.

"Firstly, thank you all for coming, and I apologize for the unconventional method of contacting you. I have a reason to remain hidden, you see, as there is a certain individual who would dearly love to see me dead should he learn that I have reached out to others for help. Naturally, I am sure that all of you can guess who this individual is; I speak of course of the man called Gaedran Lamm."

She pauses a moment for impact as she sets the deck down on the table and looks everyone fixedly in turn.

"Gaedran is a monster, a man whose cruelty and capacity to destroy the lives of others are matched only by his ability to avoid justice. Like each of you, I too have been harmed at the hands of this wicked person. A year ago, his thieves stole this deck, a family heirloom over a dozen generations old. When my son tried to get it back... Gaedran had him murdered."

Zellara stops once more, a sorrowful expression overtaking her features. She takes a deep breath and lets it out as a sigh to calm herself before continuing once more.

"I sought justice from the guards, but they would not help. Gaedran is too well connected. So I paid bribes, I consulted my deck, I listened to the drunks in the taverns, and after a year of searching I have finally found where Gaedran hides. And more importantly, I have found others who hate him every bit as much as I do and would gladly see him pay for his sins.

It is time for Gaedran Lamm to die. Will you help me?"

Enon crossed his arms across his armored chest underneath his cloak.

In short answer, no. The long answer. No, not unless you can prove to me here and now that Gaedran Lamm and my friend Rika are connected in some way. Don't get me wrong, Gaedran sounds like a terrible person. I just don't want to get caught up in squabbles I don't need to be in when I could be searching for my friend.

[Mathemagics]

In short answer, no. The long answer. No, not unless you can prove to me here and now that Gaedran Lamm and my friend Rika are connected in some way. Don't get me wrong, Gaedran sounds like a terrible person. I just don't want to get caught up in squabbles I don't need to be in when I could be searching for my friend.

Zellara shrugs.

"I am sorry, but I can offer you no such promise. All I can say is that the cards do not lie, and they chose you. It may be that if you find Gaedran you will find your friend, or perhaps information that could lead you to her."

[Karl Prosek]

With the initial scouting complete, Korman dismisses the tumbledown pier--a swim in the sewage-choked Jeggare isn't on his itinerary this night--and even he isn't foolhardy enough to charge in the front door.

"The loading bay, then?" He speaks at a normal tone for the first time since leaving Zellara's room.

Dan nods, but with a frown on his face. "Best of bad options. But where are the lookouts? I can't believe he doesn't have anybody watching the street."

Perception check for any sign of the aforementioned lookouts around the building or neighboring buildings: [roll0]

[NobodyMuch]

Back in Zellara's house...
Iacomo gives the follower of Sarenrae a bit of an odd look, like some sort of serious incredulity at his request for confirmation. " Look. You're not going to find anyone by yourself, just wandering the streets and hoping for the best to happen. The orphans that this bastard kidnaps, they roam the city picking pockets. They hear things, they see things. We spring them, they'll be able to help you find your 'friend'."

And At The Dock..
"Definitely the loading bay." Iacomo agrees with a nod.

"What folk he has are probably busy watching the nippers. Man spends enough time tormenting those smaller 'n him, he forgets that there's always a bigger fish." The Varisian gunner unlimbers the musket from his back, starts moving towards the loading dock. "Lets remind him, hey?"

[Bhaakon]

In Zellara's House

"It sounds to me like you need friends in this town, long shanks." Korman rumbles at Enon. "Aside from the draw of doing a good deed for creation by getting rid of this parasite, and maybe interrogating a man with a ladle in half the sinister soups simmering in this town, you'd be earning the gratitude and assistance of at least one steadfast ally in your search."

"But if you'd rather go it alone, you can always try asking door to door."

The Dock

"They're there, and like as not watching us now. Lamm is no fool. If we want surprise on our side, we'd better move fast, before they suss out that we're not just loitering fishmongers." Whispers Korman, all business.

[Tsriel]

Zellara shrugs.

"I am sorry, but I can offer you no such promise. All I can say is that the cards do not lie, and they chose you. It may be that if you find Gaedran you will find your friend, or perhaps information that could lead you to her."


Back in Zellara's house...
Iacomo gives the follower of Sarenrae a bit of an odd look, like some sort of serious incredulity at his request for confirmation. " Look. You're not going to find anyone by yourself, just wandering the streets and hoping for the best to happen. The orphans that this bastard kidnaps, they roam the city picking pockets. They hear things, they see things. We spring them, they'll be able to help you find your 'friend'."



In Zellara's House

"It sounds to me like you need friends in this town, long shanks." Korman rumbles at Enon. "Aside from the draw of doing a good deed for creation by getting rid of this parasite, and maybe interrogating a man with a ladle in half the sinister soups simmering in this town, you'd be earning the gratitude and assistance of at least one steadfast ally in your search."

"But if you'd rather go it alone, you can always try asking door to door."

Enon didn't like where this was going, but Zellara had a point. After spending a few days already going "door-to-door" as the dwarf so bluntly put it, there really wasn't anything else to go on. Maybe Gaedran Lamm knew something about Rika, maybe not. The bigger problem at hand was that this group was just a hairline away from becoming a bloodthirsty mob hellbent on extracting vengeance. That wouldn't be good for anyone. Enon let out an exasperated breath in self-resignment. Indeed, it was too late to back out now knowing what was about to transpire.

"Alright," Enon spoke in a begrudging tone, "While I cannot deny that removing a drug dealer from Korvosain streets is a boon to everyone, I am more concerned about if this Gaedran character knows who Rika is. I will assist you if only to further the means of my own search."

Enon could feel a sudden tingling sensation in his chest. It was strange...yet exhilarating. It was there for only a fleeting moment before dissipating. He chalked it up to nerves as he continued to listen to the others speak.

[Mathemagics]

Dan:

You see no guards or lookouts posted at or around the fishery. There doesn't seem to be anyone watching the place in the surrounding buildings or street either.


The loading bay is crowded with old half-rotted barrels and the remains of a broken cart, now mostly salvaged for scrap. A dim flickering light filters out from under the large double doors and windows set in the western side of the fishery. From inside you hear the sounds of many people moving around, presumably still hard at work despite the late hour.

The doors prove unlocked, and a surreptitious glance through them reveals no guards posted within immediate sight. Perhaps Gaedran has begun getting complacent in his old age...

Opening the doors a little further, you are hit with the stink of sweat and rotting fish. A large trough occupies most of the room with a pair of chutes leading through the north wall to an area below. Piled high in the trough is a stack of reeking half-rancid fish, the mixed blood and seawater runoff of which coats the surrounding floor. Almost a dozen orphans ranging from children to young teenagers toil away at the stack, shoveling fish down the chutes. At present, none have seemed to notice your intrusion, though it would likely be difficult not to alert at least one should you try entering.

[Bhaakon]

Ye Gods, that's rancid, Korman very nearly exclaims as he blinks back the tears in his eyes. Breath through the mouth! The mouth! It doesn't help much.

Pausing at the doors to acclimate to the stench seems like the thing to do at the moment, particularly if someone uses to the time to come up with a better plan than charging onto the work floor and possibly starting a fight in the midst of the children. He glances at the each of the others in turn, hoping that one will provide an alternative.

[Tsriel]

Enon kept a low profile on the way to the docks taking a wait-and-see approach. The whole scenario forced Enon to double back in shock and disgust.

That's...that's terrible! Not even adults would work in those kinds of conditions! This is Gaedran's tyranny?

Speaking in a hushed tone to the group, "Anybody have a plan to put an end to this?"

[Madcrafter]

"He may be no fool, but it's always possible to forget a defence. I've seen it happen to better men then him. The lack of any sentries is strange though; perhaps he is not here?"

Diancan stepped back a bit from the door opening, recovering gracefully from the stench with nary but a grimace and a single tear. Traversing through the Vaults sometimes had worse, though as far as odours went, this was pretty bad. He didn't envy the children inside.

"Is it possible they might not alert anyone if we were just to walk in? If I were them, I wouldn't be so quick to alert my captors to a potential rescuer."

[NobodyMuch]

" Let 'em know that the bastard is going to snuff it. They won't run unless they know Gaedran won't be able to hurt them for scarpering. He had a habit orf feeding fingers to his dogs when he didn't like what ye'd done, a decade ago. Can't imagine he's become any more charming with age."

Easing in through the door, Iacomo makes a clicking noise with his tongue to get the attention of the kids, a low and quick sound that won't carry beyond the room they're in. "Oi, little ones. The fish are hungry, and Lamm's on the menu tonight. Get out across the way and hide in the alley; my friend there is looking for someone you might know, and he's got gold for answers," he says in as reassuring a tone as he can, the abject misery the wee ones are suffering bringing back all sorts of unpleasant memories of his own. When he mentions his friend-with-questions, he hooks a thumb backwards at Enon, which also happens to be the direction the nippers should be moving in, back out the door.


Diplomacy: [roll0] for the hell of it; I'm actually expecting someone else to carry the idea that Iacomo is rolling out, here, since Iacomo isn't very good at convincing people he's nice.

[Mathemagics]

A couple of the kids hear Iacomo and glance over his way, their eyes darting furtively about the room. At the gunslinger's offer, the best response he gets is a brief shake of the head; most of the orphans simply get back to working. But from the expression on their faces, it's clear that all of them would love to get out of this terrible place, but they're all terrified of Lamm and his retribution. It will take quite a lot of convincing to embolden them to act out against him.

Korman, Enon, and Iacomo:

One of the shorter children towards the edge of the trough must have heard Iacomo and is glancing his way with a wary glare. However, upon closer inspection, you realize that it's not a child at all, but an adult gnome dressed to look like one of the orphans at a glance.

[Bhaakon]

Korman glares at one of the youths, an oddly proportioned lad with the strangest eyes...

"Oi," he exclaims, no longer bothering to whisper after Iacomo's offer. "That one's no child. That's a gnome in sheep's clothing...or maybe a wolf." Not willing to let the gnome get away--in case it's one of Gaedran's spies--he wrenches open the double doors and sprints in, axe in hand.

[Tsriel]

Korman glares at one of the youths, an oddly proportioned lad with the strangest eyes...

"Oi," he exclaims, no longer bothering to whisper after Iacomo's offer. "That one's no child. That's a gnome in sheep's clothing...or maybe a wolf." Not willing to let the gnome get away--in case it's one of Gaedran's spies--he wrenches open the double doors and sprints in, axe in hand.

A wide-eyed Enon is caught by surprise by Korman's bold charge into the fishery.

"For the love of--"

Enon didn't get to finish his sentence before feeling himself follow after Korman. There was a sense in his mind that he could very well end up in prison tonight before this was all over. This was far more than he was wanting to get involved with. It was far too late to be hindered by regrets now.

Enon drew his bastard sword from his sheathe as he advanced, allowing his trained senses to sniff out sinister souls as he went towards the 'child gnome'.

"This place is no longer safe for children!" Enon called out "Retreat to your 'safe place' within the city. The Temple of Sarenrae will accept you if you have no place else to go!"


Diplomacy: [roll0]

[NobodyMuch]

Once the others start to shout Iacomo grunts a," Loud it is, then," as he lifts the barrel of his gun while he takes a knee. At this close range he doesn't even need to sight, he just points in the general direction of the gnome and fires.

He can't but help smile a bit as he does, a feral grin illuminated by the powderflash.



Either a surprise attack on the gnome, or its time for the Initiative Roll thing to happen (in which case, disregard this attack). I'm also assuming that the gnome is within 30' feet of Iacomo for purposes of Point Blank Shot.
Attack vs a flat-footed touch AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Bhaakon]

Korman isn't terribly familiar with firearms (not for lack of interest, just opportunity), but he knows enough to realize that there's no pulling punches with a musket ball.

"Alive, dammit, we want the gnome alive!" he huffs, not even sure if the shot has hit its mark. "We don't even know what it's doing here."

[Mathemagics]

The musket's roar fills the crowded room, causing children to scream and cower as the gnome spins and hits the ground with a shriek. Almost immediately the howl of a hound is heard from the next-door room followed by a furious scrabbling at the far door. Some of the orphans decide to take the chance and run for it, others try to hide under the scant furniture in the workroom while a few just stare in stunned silence. A boy slighter taller than the others seems to be a bit quicker on the uptake and points at the fallen gnome.

"Bloody 'ell... they done killed Hookshanks!"

"He ain't dead yet, look!"

The gnome suddenly gives a gasp and thrashes around on the floor, whimpering in pain. A large bloodstain begins to spread out onto his shirt from his chest, but he hasn't gone yet.

The dog's howling suddenly redoubles in intensity as a door is heard slamming open through the wall. Footsteps can clearly be heard approaching, only seconds away.

"What was that noise?! Hookshanks! What's going on in there?!"

The door slams open. Before it can even hit the wall, a large mangy mongrel of a dog leaps through the portal, lunging at the intruders. Followed shortly on its heels is a rather ugly human man with his face fixed in a contemptuous sneer of anger and disgust. Iacomo recognizes the man well; even a decade ago, Yargin Balko was always Gaedran's most trusted lackey.


Initiatives are:
Korman- [roll0]
Diancan- [roll1]
Enon- [roll2]
Iacomo- [roll3]
Kurdan- [roll4]

Iacomo and Diancan beat the enemies on initiative, so they'll go first (no restrictions on what order they post in, but I will process their actions according to initiative).

And because we don't have a map. The room is about 30 foot square. Korman and Enon are both roughly in the middle of the room as they were charging forward when combat began. Iacomo is in the eastern doorway at the loading bay while Yargin and the dog are on the far side. Diancan and Kurdan are currently just outside the room behind Iacomo.

[NobodyMuch]

"Every man jack here who isn't a kid kills 'em. Do with that fact what you will," is the Varisian's hurried answer to Sootforge's demand as the barking begins. Then the door gets kicked in and he goes stock still, time seeming to halt for him.

The eyes of Iacomo go wide at the sight of Balko, his lips curling into a rictus, a low growl in his throat. An animal sound as he reloads the musket without letting his gaze stray from the face of Lamm's second-in-command, slamming one of his prepared cartridges down the barrel. Just like a drill. But when he practiced, the hate didn't pound in his temples and ears like the drums of the damned. The gun comes up, rests in his arms, stock against his shoulder. In drill, his hands didn't shake with the fury of a thousand dying stars.

A deep breath and the fury drops sub-zero, everything human in Iacomo freezing over. His hands still and he speaks in a voice as smooth as silk while he sights for center mass, aiming for Balko's black heart," Yargin. Little Yakko's back," as he pulls the trigger, hate etched into his grin as the powder flashes again.



Using an alchemical cartridge to reload as a move action, then shooting at Balko the berk
Attack vs flat-footed touch AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Karl Prosek]

"Get out of there, kids! Run! This way!" Dan waves the cowering children toward the door and hopefully out of the way of slavering dogs and gunslinging Varisians.

Not enough time to do a real Diplomacy check, so this is just fluff until Dan gets a chance to smack something. :smallsmile:

[Madcrafter]

Well, so much for stealth then. Diancan's ears were still ringing as he fumbled his crossbow out of his coat and loaded it. Taking a quick glance of the room, it seemed like the overly aggressive dog was their biggest threat right now. He wasn't a great shot, but tried to aim at it as best he could.
Double move action to draw and load the crossbow, since I never mentioned pre-loading it. He won't be able to fire until next turn.

[Mathemagics]

Once again the deafening thunder of the musket drowns out all sound. A brief spray of blood bursts from Yargin's shoulder, splattering the doorway as the man staggers, clutching at the point where the bullet went clear through him. Yargin screams in pain and shock, a tirade of profanity spewing from his mouth at Iacomo.

Fumbling at a pocket with his good arm, Yargin pulls out a glass flask containing a sickly green liquid and lobs it at the gunslinger in feeble retribution before turning around and running through the same door he had entered through moments before. The attack is hurried and the throw poorly aimed, causing the vial to overshoot and crash harmlessly into the wall behind Iacomo. The contents hiss and smoke as the wooden wall begins to burn from the acid.

The mongrel leaps at the nearest target, which happens to be Enon, and snaps ruthlessly at the paladin. Its attempts are futile, however, and Enon easily pushes it back using his shield.


I'll continue to use the same initiative order, but now everyone is allowed to post their actions (including Iacomo and Diancan due to the wraparound).

[Bhaakon]

Korman curses a blue streak of his own as Gaedran's injured lackey disappears through the door, but he knows deep down that his stumpy legs aren't going to be enough to run the man down. Besides, horning in on Iacomo's prey is bad form.

Instead, he circles behind the mangy cur harrying Enon and swings his axe at the hound's neck with both hands.

If possible, move to flank the dog. If not, charge it. Both, if possible. Either way, +2 to attack (and +4 if both). Wielding battleaxe 2-handed.

[roll0] (includes +2 for charging or flanking, add another +2 if both)
[roll1] 1.5x strength for 2-handing

edit: AC is 12 if charging.

[NobodyMuch]

"Run, avrino, run!," is Iacomo's taunting encouragement of Yargin's flight, punctuated with laughter as the 'slinger pursues him. The musket revolves as he starts to build up speed, a baton in the hands of a drum major, the fluid motion of reloading heavy with menace.


Reloading the musket with a regular bullet with my standard action, and moving to follow Yargin and his trail of blood with the move action.

[Tsriel]

My Goddess, that thing Iacomo carries is loud! My ears are still ringing!

Enon felt the bullets fly by in close proximity. In the moment, he wondered if that thing of his could shoot through a solid metal shield or even armor. The concept of firearms was so strange and new to Enon.

There was a gnome down on the ground and bleeding. Another wounded just escaped through the door. Enon wanted to detain the gnome for questioning but decided it would be best to chase after the escapee. The idea of any potential reinforcements coming up seemed even worse.


OOC: I'm under an assumption that Korman killed the dog in one shot. If not, I'll just take the OA.

Enon spends his turn of the round to chase after Yargin. He will run (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/combat.html#_run) if he must in order to catch up.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan had clearly not been ready for the noise of the musket. He flinched away from the thunderclap and barely registered the wounded gnome as the Varisian managed to load and fire again before he could even set his feet. The man was fast.

But he did register that his newfound companions were streaming after the man, and with his long legs Dan could definitely do something about a that. Shield in one hand and flanged mace in the other, Dan dashed off to chase down Yergin.

He'll chase down Yergin. Hopefully his increased movement will help him catch him before he finds help.

[Mathemagics]

(Been over 24 hours, so I'll bot Diancan for this round.)

With the dog currently focused on Enon, Korman has little trouble circling around from behind. Shifting his balance, he moves in and brings his axe down on the back of the hound's neck, causing a break whimper offset by a sickening crunch as the animal's head comes clean off. With the creature dead, Yargin fleeing, and the gnome Hookshanks rolling about possibly dying on the floor, the last of the fear holding the orphans seems to dispel.

Emboldened, many of them make a run for it, fleeing out of the now-open doors to the loading bay. One of the boys, however, moves towards the fallen gnome and wrests a knife from his belt. His intent to enact his own personal bit of revenge against the scum is clearly evident from the now poised weapon.

Enon gives chase, following Yargin's flight through the doorway into a small front room. Now close behind the man, Enon pursues him to the north through a short hallway and onto a catwalk running around the perimeter of a large workroom. Yargin wheels around as Enon catches up to him, and casts a panicked glance down towards the floor below.

"Giggles! Get over here and help me!"

Enon catches movement out of the corner of his eye and sees a large half-orc leap up from a seat on a crate on the floor below and to his left.

Kurdan was right behind Enon during the chase and nearly runs into him upon emerging from the hallway. The catwalk shudders as the large man brings himself to a sudden stop just before the drop to the work floor ten feet below. The other secondary effect of this is that Iacomo finds himself unable to even get out of the hallway, as the exit is blocked by his allies.

Seeing the massive flux of people chasing directly after Yargin, Diancan decides to attempt taking a bit of a risk at another route and tries a door directly to the north of the first workroom. His guess is rewarded when this leads to a small landing and a set of stairs leading down to the work floor of the same room everyone else has just found, only on the opposite end.

Seeing how many are chasing after him, Yargin decides to keep running. Before Enon can react, the man sprints away and along the catwalk, following it around the inside wall of the room to the far corner. Still spewing profanity as he does so, he orders the half-orc to get moving and attack.

"Hurhur, dey's be flats when eye's dun wit dem bos! Hurhurhurr!"

Following his boss' orders, Giggles stomps up the stairway onto the catwalk and pushes past Yargin, effectively blocking the route. All the while, he keeps on chuckling to himself, continuing to make dim-witted threats which he apparently finds quite comedic.

[Tsriel]

I don't need to use my senses to know that this orc is bad news!

Enon, gripping the hilt of his sword with both hands, advanced towards Giggles with a look of determination. Injuring or killing others wasn't something he wanted to do tonight. The church, however, prepared him for such an event if a proper time would ever come. He thought that now was a more proper time than any. Sarenrae would probably understand.

"You're in the way!!"


[roll0] (add +2 if the half-orc is not adjacent, therefore would charge)

Damage:
[roll1] (3 STR * 1.5 two handed bonus [rounded down :smallfrown:])



Enon will continue to move ahead if if he didn't have to in order to challenge Giggles.



Go everyone! I'll take care of this brute!

[Bhaakon]

"Hold it, boy." Korman calls to the eager young assassin. "Someone's going to tell me where Gaedran is, and it's going to be the gnome if it's not you."

He yanks his axe from the dog's carcass and reaches into his belt pouch for a pair of gold coins. "They're yours if you can tell me where Lamm is hiding, or let me get it out of that little blighter."

Unskilled diplomacy check, I suppose. Hopefully the bribe will buy a bonus.

[roll0]

[Madcrafter]

Diancan moves over to block the bottom of the staircase, and aims his crossbow up at the pair on the catwalk. "Alright, don't move there. We're looking for Lamm."
Yeah, I realize we're about to attack and probably kill one before I ask them to surrender. But anyways.
Move as close to the bottom of the other staircase as possible.
Then ready an action to shoot either of them if they take any action or movement that isn't surrendering. Feel free to roll the attack and damage if they survive and trigger it.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan frowns but nods at Enon taking the orc. He looks at the blocked catwalk, down at the floor below, then at the catwalk again before shaking his head and jumping down to the work floor.

DC15 Acrobatics check to avoid falling damage, I believe. [roll0]

Nonlethal falling damage in the likely case that he fails the roll, since he jumped on purpose. [roll1] Yup.

The big man's feet shake the room as he slams down onto the floor, but he shakes off the jarring he'd just given himself and jogs over to the foot of the stairs. He looks up at Yargin and nods at Diancan's crossbow with a smirk on his face.

"I'd put up my hands and tell us where Lamm is if I were you. But maybe you like beatings, I don't know. You can never tell with some people."

Start a Diplomacy check on Yargin. Intimidate would probably be better, but you work with what you've got. Edit- roll in OOC because you can't add a roll in an edit.

[NobodyMuch]

Hustling into the room once space in front of the door clears, Iacomo brings his musket up once more to the ready. Taking aim at the man who'd tormented him lo those many years ago, he grins as he sights down the barrel.

"Go on, Yargin. Make my day."



If Yargin decides to move, instead of surrendering like he's been asked oh so politely to do so, Iacomo is going to let him get a few steps, just so he thinks he's getting away, and then popping him one in the back.

Rolls if needed-
Ranged touch attack [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Mathemagics]

The boy looks over at Korman with a frown on his face.

"No offense mister, but it ain't about the gold. It's personal. This bastard knifed me brother just last week. I can tells ya where Gaedran is, but I'm gonna make this guy pay first!"

Without waiting for a reply, the youth plunges the knife into the helpless gnome's gut, first once, then twice, and so on until Hookshanks abdomen is a mess of bloody rents. The gnome's death is not quick, and his screams continue through the stabbing until he finally loses consciousness and expires.

Yargin's response to Kurdan's attempts at parley is just to shake his head with a look on his face half condescension and half anger.

"You idiots must think I'm stupid or something. You have any idea what Gaedran would do to me if he found out I ratted on him?"

Meanwhile on the catwalk, Enon dashes around the corner towards the half-orc, his sword poised to strike.

"Hurhur, yuz gonna be real ded when eye'z thru wit- *gurgle*"

Enon's blade cuts deep into Giggles' neck, half-severing the head from its body. The half-orc's eyes roll back in his head as he falls over with a crash.

"Hurhur... burblgaaa hur...."

Deprived of minions, pinned down by Diancan and Iacomo, and backed into a corner by Kurdan and Enon, Yargin has nowhere to go. Yet in the end, it seems his fear of Gaedran's retribution continues to outweigh his fear of the party, and he tries to make for a nearby window. He doesn't get far, however. First he spins one direction as Diancan's crossbow bolt slams home through his leg, before he can finish turning, the sound of the musket echoes through the room once more as Yargin collapses on the floor, shot through the heart.


And that concludes the combat! Also even if Enon didn't have his shield equipped earlier, the dog's attack was just awful so no damage from that. Kurdan does have the 5 nonlethal damage for the time being. I'll get an xp tracker up in a bit.

[Bhaakon]

Korman tosses the kid the gold once he's finished filleting the gnome. "You're right, kid. I shouldn't have offered you blood money to buy off just vengeance." That would be more than a bit hypocritical, given the dwarf's current quest. "But I've got some revenge of my own to see through, understand? Where is Gaedran cowering?

And there goes the last of my money

[Mathemagics]

His face splattered with blood and his breath coming in ragged gasps, the boy picks himself up, dropping the bloodied dagger on the wooden floor. He catches the bag of coins and hefts it, probably more out of reflex than any deliberate intention to gauge the contents. Once he calms down a bit, he nods to the dwarf.

"Yeah, I can tell ya where Gaedran is hiding. But well, it's gettin' to him that's the trouble. Over here."

The youth leads Korman along the same path followed by the others earlier, arriving in the larger workroom shortly after Yargin's demise. He indicates a hole in the middle of the floor surrounded by a shakey wooden fence.

"Down there. That's where Lamm lives. Sometimes they lower a kid down there, when he's broke the rules or done somethin' they don't like. The ones that go down there don't get seen again..."

[Bhaakon]

Korman peers down into the pit, wondering how he's going to get down there. "Well then, let's go make sure that Lamm doesn't make it back out either. You're a good lad, settling your brother's debt. You should do as the big man said and take yourself to a house of Sarenrae, they'll understand and help you."

To the others in the group: "Someone should stay here and watch the hole while the rest of us search. There must be a more convenient way down."

Taking his own advice, Korman begins toss the large workroom in a search for any hidden doors.

perception to find secret doors: [roll0]

[Mathemagics]

Korman searches around but finds no telltale signs of an alternate route downstairs. He does, however, see the pulley system that is apparently used to lower someone to the area below. Another quick look down the opening confirms that the surface of the river can be see about 5 or 6 feet below, maybe they bring a boat around down there when they lower someone down.

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo spits on the thoroughly venilated corpse of Yargin. Having accomplished that, he nods and says," Pour some acid on that, ye wretched beast. Now..," a whistle as he notices the crossbow bolt stuck into the fiend," Not a bad shot, Diancan. Not bad at all."

In response to the alchemist's suggestion. "I can handle that. You lot find us a boat, then." The Varisian puts his back against a wall, leans against it with his loaded weapon at a casual slope. He's positioned himself so that he can maximize his field of fire, keeping an eye on the hole down to the water. "Don't get carried away and leave me behind, mind. Lamm is still here, holed up. I can smell him, the rat. And I want a piece."

[Tsriel]

With the immediate danger subsided, Enon took a moment to clean the blood from his blade and give a near decapitated Giggles his Rites of Passage. Enon spoke in whispered tones as he closed Giggles' eyes for the last time.

Lady of the golden sun,
Bless and protect your servants
Now that the day is done.
Grant this soul your serenity,
And a place amongst your tenants.
You are the Everlight.
So long as Sarenrae endures, the sun endures.
So long as the sun endures, we endure.

With the rites concluded, Enon recalled that his companions mentioned being somewhere below on a lower level. Enon's overcloak had a strong spattering of half-orc blood which caused him to frown. He liked that cloak as it had served him well during the last two years of his life as a squire. He hoped it would wash out as unlatched the leather strap that had his shield harnessed to his back. It fell with a loud metallic clang as it hit the floor. Enon looked at his companions while strapping his heavy shield to his left arm.

If that is our only direction to go, send me down first. I can cover for everyone while the rest of us take the ride down.

Enon looks down at the the lower level.

...I might need a light source in order to see.

[Bhaakon]

"Let's make sure there's no other way before we resort to jumping, eh?" He glances down at the black water rippling beneath the opening. "Maybe humans are different, but dwarves don't float in a a suit of mail."

While he's talking, he mounts the catwalk and follows it around to the door in the corner. "What's through here, I wonder" He mutters, pushing it open.

Korman's going enter the grayed-out room with the door by A3 on the map, and search it

Perception [roll0]

[Mathemagics]

The room Korman enters appears to be an office of some sort. A desk occupies the center of the room, its surface crowded with piles of writing slates, each of which contains scribbled records of transactions, shipping orders, and contacts. A cabinet sits in a corner of the room, which turns out to contain scrolls with similarly transcribed accounts. This would appear to be where Yargin tracked the more legitimate aspects of the business operations which serve as the front for Gaedran's more illegal activities.

An open door in the opposite corner of the room looks out into the front room passed through on the way to the large workroom, while another door nearby appears to open out onto the walkway that winds around the eastern edge of the fishery.

[Tsriel]

"I was talking about using the pulley," Enon was speaking to Korman while pointing over to the hanging apparatus, "but if you have a better idea, I'm open to it."

Enon sheathed his sword as he went over to join Korman. The replay of the events just unfolded still fresh in his mind, he decided to announce a personal request to the group.

I've noticed that everyone except for me has some kind of personal grudge against this Lamm fellow. After what I've seen tonight, I'm thinking that he has something to answer for. However, do you think we could capture him so I can ask about my friend before it gets ugly?

[Karl Prosek]

Grimacing at the necessity of it, Dan goes through Yargin's pockets. "He might have keys," he explains if anybody asks him what he's doing. "Somebody should do the same for that gnome."

[NobodyMuch]

"Lamm 'fellow', is it? Rich laugh, that. " Iacomo shakes his head. "Not likely he'll give himself up, no, and not much use if he were. Rabid dog that he is, he thinks that everyone else is jes like him. He fancies he'll be tortured something fierce if he's taken. And on that topic, torture is the only way you would get him to talk." The 'slinger gives the religious man an appraising look, shakes his head. "You planning on pulling out his toenails, friend? I don't think so. Your best bet for information were those kids what just scampered, like I said before. They were his eyes and ears. Now? Now we should probably hope the bastard has a diary or something."

"And as for getting down there... the pulley, at this precise moment, would just let you slowly be sorter lowered into the river, instead of just going sploosh. Need some sort of boat, maybe a rowboat to get lowered into. Heck, a raft would do." Iacomo heads for the corner window that Yargin was going for, still figuring that the man was headed for the safety he saw in his boss. Pathological loyalty like that, stronger than loaded weapons pointed at you, should draw like a magnet. Pushing it open, he slips out over the sill, saying,"You know what? I'm taking a look outside, see if there's any clearer path down and around."

Dropping to (what appears to be) a walkway, the young Varisian pokes around, looking high (though mostly low) for some means of getting down underneath the building, down to where the pulley would have lowered the unfortunates. Has to be an easier way than that, he figures. While he looks, he mutters to himself, amused by the idea of Lamm's journal. "Dear diary, today I fed an orphan to my horde of pirahna. He'd dropped a ceramic cup. Dear diary, today I blackmailed an old lady because one of her grandsons is addicted to shiver. I made her eat a beetle, just to see if she would do it. Dear diary, I'm a complete monster."

[Mathemagics]

Dan picks through the possessions of the recently-deceased Yargin. In the process, he finds:


An unidentified wand, 2 vials of acid, 2 tanglefoot bags, a garnet amulet worth 100 gp, a dagger, a light crossbow with 10 bolts, and the leather armor he's wearing.

You also find a key on his person.


Meanwhile, Iacomo finds himself on what must be the back end of the rickety walkway attached to the western side of the building. Once reaching the riverside face of the fishery, it angles in to go behind the structure before becoming a dock. An old derelict ship is moored at the end of the dock, having been there so long that it's since become fused to the structure of the wooden pier. On the side of the ship, he can just barely make out the faded name "Kraken's Folly".

[Madcrafter]

Crossbow stowed away, Diancan goes to the fence and peers down to the water below. "Might not need a boat if the exit is close. I wouldn't fancy doing it in armour, but it might be possible to swing to Lamm's hideout?" To test his theory, Diancan gets down on the floor and tries to stick his head into the hole, to see how exactly the building is structured underneath."If that man has any more of that acid around, it might also be possible to just burn through the floor above, if we can find the right location. Probably safer than mixing armour and small watercraft."

"As for capture, I'd be perfectly happy to let you chat with him." he says to Enon "I'm not of a preference for killing him outright either, but there are enough people here of that mind that he won't be leaving this building alive."

[Bhaakon]

Eying the pully, Korman raises and eyebrow, but says nothing of what he thinks of the idea. If he wants to dangle over the river while Lamm takes potshots at him, I'll not dissuade him.

"Alright then, let's tie you off proper and we'll lower you, if that's what you're wanting. Just swing yourself to floor, if there is one, and you can have a nice, long palaver if you want. I'm in no hurry on that account." The dwarf is feeling magnanimous with his goal so close, and doesn't plan on making quick work of Gaedran anyway.

He grabs the rope and pulls out enough slack to make Enon a loop to stand on--better not to leave him trussed like nobleman's fowl. He can't help but chuckle at Iacomo's speculations. "Oh, aye. Dear Diary, I hear angry voices and crashing up above. I think they've killed my mooks and got my hiding place out of one of my wee slaves. I seem to have messed my pants, but I'm too frightened to come out of my hole and get a fresh pair."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan holds up the key. "I've got a key here. Anybody find a locked door?" After finishing his search of Yargin's corpse- and leaving the man clothed in his leather armor, yuck- the big Shoanti joins the others by the fence.

Perception check to see if he spots anything down the hole: [roll0] ...probably not.

[Mathemagics]

Kurdan can see nothing through the hole, save for lantern light from the workroom reflecting on the dark face of the river below.

Diancan's attempts to inspect the underside of the hole go slightly better, though it's a little difficult to tell exactly what he's seeing with things partially inverted due to the angle. He is reasonably sure that he sees a pier or walkway of some sort built onto the surface of the water, and that it's somewhere around a dozen feet away from the hole.

Meanwhile, Korman has readied himself at the rope to lower anyone down who wants to try that way.

[NobodyMuch]

Coming back inside through the same window he left through (agile cat that he is), Iacomo describes what he found. " There's this wrack of a boat out there. Not useful to us, really. Might be something in it, but.. " The idea of scouting via pulley is explain to him and he shrugs as no one else stands forward.



" Right." The 'slinger stands in the loop, wrapped around the rope, leaning into it such that his hands are free for his musket. " Don't pull me back up unless you hear me call out for it, hear? If there's something dangerous down there, I'll be aiming at it. Don't need you jostling me." And with that, Iacomo readies himself for the descent.

If nothing attacks him, sets him on fire, or otherwise harms him, he'll call to be pulled back up once he gets a good look around.

[Mathemagics]

Iacomo is lowered down through the hole. It's dark down here, under the building, but there's just enough ambient light from nearby buildings and the room above to make out the general layout of the area. There's only about 5 feet of space between the surface of the river and the ceiling here, but in this cramped area he can see a walkway built over the water a few feet away to the east. It should be a relatively easy jump from the rope if one were to swing over.

To the north he sees the wreck of a ship from before, it seems to have become lodged immediately against the pier down here as well. To the south, it looks as though a small shack-like structure has been fashioned beneath the underside of the fishery above. A door can just barely be made out on the nearby walkway.

As he is taking all this in, however, a stray glance happens to reveal something... concerning. Down below him and off to the side, in the water, a shadow is steadily approaching him, one that seems like it should be familiar. And that's when he notices the telltale fin rise from the surface of the river and knife through the water towards him...

[NobodyMuch]

" Oh you've got to be kidding me," Iacomo grunts in a deadpan voice. A shark? The musket goes off almost on autopilot, leading the shark to account for the tricky business of shooting into the water. Even as the shot is fired the cocksure 'slinger turns and leaps from the loop of rope, using the kickback of the gun to swing the rope for him.

Or that's the plan anyways; the reality is a bit different. The wad of lead jams in the mouth of the barrel as the musket misfires, and so the kick of the weapon is all wrong. His leap is twisted as a result, and he angles wrong towards the pier. He still makes it, mind, but its far from graceful.

Rolling to his knees on the narrow walkway, Iacomo calls up, doing his best to sound nonchalant," I jumped to a little boardwalk sorter thing. Shark down here, though. Don't suppose there's any sort of magic for that, Diancan? Kurdan? A miracle? Anything?"


The Attack:[roll0]
The Damage:[roll1]
The Acrobatics: [roll2]

[Bhaakon]

Korman, who put his dwarven density to use anchoring the pulley rope above, falls flat on his arse as Iacomo's musket misfires the line suddenly goes slack.

He scrambles to his feet and makes for the hole in the floor to see what's happened, rubbing his sore rump on the way. He peers over the edge just in time to hear the gunslinger's explanation.

"Listen," Korman explains as he hauls the rope back up and weights its end with his warhammer "I'll drop the line back down and start it swinging. You grab it and tie it off so we can slide down. Just make sure you tie it tight, I don't want to be feeding the fishy."

If there are no objections, Korman executes his plan.

[Tsriel]

Alright! Rope slide!

Enon liked that idea alot better now that he knew that the waters were shark infested. To think that he was willing to become shark bait!

[Mathemagics]

It is relatively simple to fasten the rope in place and create a way down. While not exactly easy or convenient, the impromptu route isn't so difficult that it prevents any of the group from reaching the lower walkway. The shark circling just beneath your feet is a bit more concerning, but luckily it doesn't decide to try leaping out of the water at people... yet.

It will probably be a little more difficult to get back up that same way... unless you find some other sort of way out of course. In the meantime, the only areas down here that appear to be worth checking are the dilapidated ship and the lower floor of the building that must be accessed through the nearby door.

[Madcrafter]

"Well looks like Lamm'll be in there if he hasn't escaped by boat already." Diancan says, gesturing towards the under-building. "Maybe you should go stand in the doorway so you get a chance to talk to him about your friend, before he faces the attentions of the bloodthirsty mob." he adds.

[Tsriel]

"Yeah, you're probably right on that," said Enon to his robed companion. Enon looked at the rope and then at water below. Deciding he would need both hands, off came the shield again. This time, Enon had to take off his cloak to strap the shield onto his back.

Enon's scale armor looked too new for a run-of-the-mill adventurer. Each scale was hyper polished and well maintained without any signs of apparent damage to any of them. The leather bindings underneath was firm and creaked softly with movement. Around his neck was a line of a golden colored necklace that dropped down underneath his chestpiece. None of that was so peculiar as the fact that Enon was pale in skin color. Eerily pale. He featured a strong looking physique despite his strange appearance.

Once he had finished with his shield, he took ahold of his bloodstained cloak, folding it up and twisting it until it looked like a strung out spring. Placing it over the rope, Enon grabbed ahold of both ends. He eyed the water once more, knowing that letting go prematurely could spell disaster. With a bevy of confidence, he jumped forward to give his rope slide a nice head start on the track before letting it catch and support him on the slide down.

[Bhaakon]

Korman shrugs his acquiescence to Diancan's suggestion, having already agreed to let Enon talk. Plus, it's just plain strategically sound to let someone else walk in on Gaedran first.

When the Sarenite is clear, the dwarf spits on his callused hands, rubs them together, and grabs the rope. His grip firm, he wraps a leg around the line and drops himself down to the lower platform hand-under-hand. "Thank-ee kindly," he mutters as he retrieves his hammer and secures it to his harness. In its place, he retrieves his spear and readies it in case the shark has any ideas about snapping at dangling legs.

If possible, ready an action to spear the shark if it gets too close to the rope-slide:

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Karl Prosek]

Rolling to his knees on the narrow walkway, Iacomo calls up, doing his best to sound nonchalant," I jumped to a little boardwalk sorter thing. Shark down here, though. Don't suppose there's any sort of magic for that, Diancan? Kurdan? A miracle? Anything?"

Dan laughs. "Cayden's more of a 'punch the shark in the nose' sort of deity. Either that or he'd say you shouldn't have fallen in the water in the first place." He shakes his head. "I'm happy to leave the big fish alone if it leaves us alone."

The huge man navigates the rope bridge awkwardly but eventually finds himself on safe... not ground, exactly, but with wood under his feet.


"Well looks like Lamm'll be in there if he hasn't escaped by boat already." Diancan says, gesturing towards the under-building. "Maybe you should go stand in the doorway so you get a chance to talk to him about your friend, before he faces the attentions of the bloodthirsty mob." he adds.

Dan nods and holds out the key he'd found in Yargin's pocket to Enon. "Maybe this will help. I'd still watch out for a crossbow bolt in the face, though, even if the key opens the door. We've got to assume Lamm knows something's going on by now."

[NobodyMuch]

"Bloodthirsty mob? Pfah, says someone who shot an unarmed man trying to do a runner," Is all Iacomo has to speak on that particular bit of nonsense, rolling his eyes and spitting into the fetid river. He's spent the time the others took clambering down the rope to clear the jam and reload his musket. Now, he's primed and ready to go, leaning against a begrimed piling.

[Mathemagics]

Everyone manages to navigate the improvised rope bridge without incident. The shark must not be aggressive enough or is sufficiently content that it doesn't try leaping out of the water at anyone, though it still continues swimming around for several minutes. Eventually it seems to get bored and leaves, disappearing into the dark river.

Meanwhile, a quick glance at the door is enough to tell that it doesn't even need a key. Apparently Gaedran felt secure enough in this position that he deemed locks an unnecessary expense by this point. Unfortunately, he's soon to regret that financial corner cut.

[Bhaakon]

True to his word, Korman nods Enon towards the door.

Not being a fool, Korman also pulls a flask from his belt and drain its contents. The mutagen takes hold immediately, elongating his arms and face with a painful crack and pop as the bones expand and the joints adjust in concert. Muscles ripple and bulge, filling out sleeves and belts left ever so slightly slack for precisely this moment. Finally, the dwarf's callused flesh thickens and hardens into plates, forming a ragged coat of flesh-colored scales.

A pained grimace reveals several new teeth--long, white, and sharp--pushing up among his normal collection of crooked yellow gnashers. Korman's hand, now nearly large enough to throttle an ogre, rises up to massage the dwarf's temples. It's nothing but a symbolic effort against the splitting, reason-stealing migraine that always accompanies the mutation.

"Make the questions quick," Korman hisses, tightening his grip on the spear. "I can't do this all night."

Drink mutagen. It's good for 10 minutes. +4 str, -2 Int, +2 natural AC. I've noted the changes on my sheet

[Madcrafter]

"Bloodthirsty mob? Pfah, says someone who shot an unarmed man trying to do a runner," "Errr... he had information we needed, and I was just trying to stop him from escaping. You're the one who killed him as best I could tell."


As he reaches the bottom of the rope, Diancan pulls his crossbow from his coat once again and loads it, eyeing first the shark, then Korman warily as he does so.

[NobodyMuch]

"Gods above. Who gave you that crossbow without making sure that you had any idea what it was first? It's a weapon. A lethal weapon. You shoot it at someone, you're going to stop them alright. Stop them for good, follow? You want to ask somebody something, probably best not to shoot them with one."

Bringing his musket to the ready, aimed at the door that is presumably about to be kicked in, he adds,"Nor for that matter did the puss bucket know anything we needed knowing, neither. Carrying on like we're watchmen, you and Enon both. We're here because their way doesn't work. We're here to put an end to this."

[Tsriel]

Upon landing safely to the other side, with a key given to him by one of his companions, Enon resituated his gear to having a shield equipped again and his cloak draped over his body. Enon wondered if the key actually worked on this door but thought it would be more of a surprise to kick in the door.

Enon kicks in the door, taking 20 on the strength check if possible (23 DC). {[roll0]} If it's not possible to kick down the door, Enon will try the key.

Having opened the door, Enon forged ahead into the room.

Gaedran Lamm! Are you in here? I have something I want to ask you!

[Mathemagics]

The door is old and flimsy, clearly not the sort of thing meant to bar access so much as provide a modicum of privacy. In fact, kicking in the door was rather excessive, as it turns out there wasn't even a lock on it, but at least Enon has the dramatic entrance down.

As the paladin enters the room shouting, a crossbow bolt buries itself in the wooden wall only a few inches from his head.

"Right, that's close enough. Take a few more steps and I won't have the courtesy to miss next time."

Turning slowly to face the direction the bolt came from, Enon sees an old man, shrunken with age, amidst several cluttered piles of junk at the far end of the room. His wrinkled features contort into a twisted sneer of contempt as he glares at the intruding warrior. In one hand he holds a small crossbow, which he loads using his free hand; it is a practiced movement and he never once takes his eyes off of Enon during the process.

"And why in the Nine Hells should I answer anything to you? When you're the one barging into my establishment, killing my men, and scarin' off all the children in my care? Sounds like I'm the one with a proper case to bring to the guards here, mate."

The room you've entered could best be described as a large rectangle. The westernmost fourth of the area contains an additional inner room of some sort, and an alcove filled with piles of scrap, trinkets, and other assorted junk. The rest of the room consists of a narrow walkway five feet wide along the walls going around the perimeter of a large hole that opens into the river below.

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo slides into the room after Enon, taking a knee and aiming his firearm across the water in the general direction of his ancient demon. Not quite at him, mind. Just about the same sort of posturing that Gaedran himself is engaging in with his crossbow. Iacomo's betting he'll be able to bring his weapon to bear faster, anyhow.

The Varisian remains silent, his expression tight and controlled, a mask of calm contempt. The only thing he has to say to the wretched old man will be said in a voice of thunder.

[Tsriel]

Enon gave a disapproving shake of his head, uncaring that he almost got a bolt between the eyes. Aside from this room being disgusting to look at, it was an old man behind the roots of this display of tyranny.

"If by proper case you are talking about, then you must also include the gross violation of labor laws. Not only do you have children that are much too young to work legally, your 'standards' of following city cleanliness laws leave much to be desired. Furthermore, I have multiple witnesses pinning you as a drug lord peddling shiver into the streets. ...I also doubt you have legal claim to this building, which means you are trespassing."

Enon shakes his head again in disapproval.

"By Order of Korvosain City Code 103, paragraph B; ordained religions within Korvosa city limits, and their officially recognized clergy, may serve as city watch in the absence of an official city watch personel in due absence until an official representative may take control."

Enon reached into his cloak and underneath his scale armor, withdrawing a metallic holy symbol of Sarenrae. Enon's eyes went cold as he gave a hard stare to Gaedran.

"I am Sir Enon Caythewright, Ordained Minister of the Church of Sarenrae of Korvosa. Behind me are the men that lead me here to you. They are the ones you really should be worried about as I am involved in a different investigation. All I want to know is if you ever heard of a Varissian girl named Rika who grew up on these streets. Give me the truth of what you know and I walk away from this."

Enon doubted getting any real information from this character. Gaedran Lamm had a thing for children. Rika was a woman by now, assuming that she was still alive. That thought chilled Enon to the bone to think about. Besides, who would be so sick as to forge letters to a kid for so many years?

[Bhaakon]

While Enon is speechifying, Korman marches through the door and begins working his way around the opening in the middle of the room and towards the door on the far side.

I'll be damned if that snake slithers out through some hidden back door, he grumbles to himself, almost forgetting the splitting pain in his skull at the sight of Lamm.

Indeed, the dwarf's fiery glare never strays from the pathetic wreck of a man and his crossbow. "Flesh as twisted as his soul," he whispers aloud. A hackneyed refrain in copper dramas and buskers' tales, but true enough in this case.

[Karl Prosek]

The massive Shoanti enters the room with a grimace on his face that makes him look like he's ready to use the spiked mace in his hand. He glances at Enon in surprise when the other man lays out his authority. "Really? I didn't know we could do that."

Dan clears his throat and re-focuses on Lamm. "Give him his answers and we might consider turning you over to the watch instead of beating you unconscious and leaving you for your little lambs to kill while you're out."

[Mathemagics]

"And why would I keep track of every kid what shows up at my establishment? I-"

He suddenly pauses, as if catching himself, and a cruel light springs up in his eyes.

"Ooooh... Wait, I think I do remember... small pretty little thing, and a shiver addict to boot. That deadbeat couldn't pay up, so she came here begging fer mercy. And of course, being the magnanimous gentleman I am, I said she could work off her debt by taking care of some business associates. Trouble is, after they was finished, she still hadn't quite paid it off, so I sold her to that Barvasi fellow."

As the others begin to enter the room, Gaedran rolls his eyes and sighs dramatically.

"Oh, wonderful. More of ya come to deprive an old man of what's his, is it? You lot feel tough all ganging up to take down one person? I should-"

At this point, the man seems to take proper notice of Iacomo for the first time. His eyes widen in recognition, and his face spreads into a crooked and insincere smile.

"Iacomo, my boy... So you managed to live after all eh, you always were a scrapper. Ya know there weren't anything personal about that thrashing I gave ya, right? Even though you went and gobbed in me face. That was fer your own good, it was! I had to teach you to respect your elders, otherwise they might not be as kind as I was to leave ya alive afterward!"

Lamm's eyes dart shiftily about the room, tracking each of the group in turn and trying to assess them. He then turns back towards Iacomo.

"Tell ya what, Iacomo. You take that fancy lil' toy of yours and put a few bullets in these other blokes heads, and all that's forgotten. Sounds like ya did in Yargin on the way down here, so I'm needin' a new second; I don't have to tell ya that the pay'll be more than fair. I'll even give ya back your pa's old gun, eh?"

[Madcrafter]

Diancan stood as the others started pushing into the room. So much for negotiation. He sidled up to the door just in time to hear Gaedran's last statement. Judging by his behaviour so far, he didn't think the Iacomo fellow would be too keen on the offer.

He peeks around the others to see Gaedran at the other end of the room. Why hadn't he fled already? There was no chance Lamm would be able to take them all with his little crossbow. Diancan's eyes scan around the room, looking for the trap.

"It's very strange he didn't run when he had the chance." he whispers to those close by. "I would be wary."

[Tsriel]

Enon's mind raged with fury, shaking his very foundation to the core. It would be easier to accept that Rika had been killed than to know that she was enslaved against her will. This was all too surreal to accept, yet it made perfect sense.

Rika's last few letters to Enon depicted an image of her not doing well financially, but she never explained the reason why in her letters. She always refused to answer it or just simply stated that "the troubles will pass". If Rika was addicted to shiver, it would explain alot concerning her money troubles. It would have also fit her personality. Despite being close childhood friends, Rika was the one always getting into trouble and never letting anyone getting too close to help her out. She always was a child for the streets while Enon accepted a docile upbringing provided by the priests of Sarenrae. She had stayed that way long after Enon had left Korvosa to become a squire.

Ignoring Gaedran's offer to Iacomo, Enon advanced ahead on Gaedran with the intent to get more answers from him.

"Who is Barvasi and where can I find him?"


[roll0]

[Karl Prosek]

Though he wasn't close enough to the door to hear Diancan's warning, Dan was smart enough to know that Lamm had to be up to something. He also looks around for the trap that has to be there. "Tell you what, Lamm. You stand up and come peaceful like, I'll see that you get to the authorities instead of dying here in this little fish-smelling hole of yours."

Perception check for anything out of the ordinary about the room or Lamm: [roll0]

[NobodyMuch]

"Heh. Heh heh. Hahahahah." The laugh starts out slow and restrained, but it builds speed as the absurdity of the situation fully dawns on Iacomo. Truth be told? It makes the young man sound more than a little unhinged.

" Your sense of humor still kills me, Lamm. Let me return the favor." And the musket comes up fully, drawing a fatal line between the ancient evil abuser of children and the vengeful doom he has crafted for himself.


Initiative Time~

[Mathemagics]

"That's how ya wanna play it, eh? Fine by me then. Sod the lot of ya! You'll all be chum for ole Gobblegut!"

Gaedran fires his crossbow, but surprisingly aims not at anyone in the room. Instead the bolt whizzes unerring towards the pool in the center and vanishes into the water. An instant later, a muffled bellow rumbles through the room and the murky water of the river churns as a massive crocodile thrashes its way to the surface, the same crossbow bolt lodged in the hide on its scaly back.


Initiatives:
Korman- 3
Diancan- 23
Enon- 15
Iacomo- 12
Kurdan- 15

Diancan, Enon, and Kurdan beat enemies on Initiative. Keep in mind that you can spend Harrow points to reroll initiative if you're unhappy with it. If you choose to do so this fight, go ahead and post with a reroll. If you beat 13 (enemy init) then go ahead and post with the first block.

[Madcrafter]

Ah, there it was. The trap. Raging crocodile, thin wooden platform. Diancan jumped back as the beast emerged from the water, letting fly a bolt it it's general direction more out of surprise than anything.
"Watch the walkway!" Judging by the rest of the place, it probably wasn't well supported, and the thrashing bulk of the creature could probably break it easily.

5 foot step back

[roll=Damage]1d8
And then reloading

[Karl Prosek]

Dan hefts his shield and points at Lamm with his spiked mace. "Korman, make sure Lamm doesn't get away!" He bares his teeth at the crocodile and sidles down the walkway to get in front of the croc. "I'm gonna have a new pair of leather boots come tomorrow! Come on, ugly!"

He'd like to get adjacent to Iacomo so he can hit the croc if it moves in this direction. He'll cast Divine Favor on himself with a standard action.

[Tsriel]

Enon visibly gritted his teeth in fury at Gaedran. All senses of logic and reason were failing him from noticing the larger threat emerging from the water. Enon's pace quickened towards Gaedran, drawing his sword as he went from his scabbard. The soft, luminous glow of light illuminated from the blade.

In a moment that seemed to surreal, Enon could feel something. It was bigger than his anger. Bigger than this moment. Bigger than anything he had felt before. Even as he moved, he felt as if he wasn't completely in control. He watched in resolution as the speeding blade came down across Gaedran.


Move action to advance on Gaedran Lamm and draw a weapon while moving
Swift action to invoke Smite Evil
Standard action to attack Gaedran Lamm, using Smite Evil bonuses (+2 hit/+1 dmg)

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If Gaedran lives, I get a +2 deflection bonus to AC for as long as he's alive.

[Mathemagics]

Diancan's crossbow bolt goes wide, missing the crocodile entirely. As the beast continues thrashing about in apparently pain, Kurdan shifts towards the gunslinger, invoking a divine spell in the process. Enon's attack crashes towards Gaedran with a righteous fury, and the aged man barely avoids losing his head. He does not escape unharmed, however, and the deep gash in his left shoulder betrays the damage of the paladin's strike.

Lamm backs away from the enraged warrior, unable to withstand this sudden assault. With a snap of the wrist, he sends another bolt flying, this one aimed at Enon in an attempt to fend him off only for the projectile to rebound harmlessly off his armor.

Perhaps the missed shot further angered the creature, or more likely it's blind fury just caused it to aimlessly attack at random. Either way the massive reptile finds its way towards Diancan and attempts to haul itself up out of the water and onto the walkway above. The beast claws and scrambles at the rickety wooden planks, but is unable to gain purchase. As its massive bulk and weight begin to work against it, it sinks back down into the waters.


And now anyone can post actions.

[NobodyMuch]

Control the breathing. In, hold it, out. The sudden explosion of violence, the eruption of a horrifying beast from the water, none of this seems to faze the young Varisian.

No, Iacomo takes his time on this shot; he doesn't want to miss. Only the one bullet with the bastard's name etched on it, after all. Despite this care, he doesn't aim for the center of mass (as all of his experience tells him to). He goes for the headshot.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Bhaakon]

Korman hesitates a moment, split between throwing himself at the soulless reptile and helping his allies fight off the enraged crocodile.

With a growl, the dwarf pushes aside the moment of indecision. He grabs a vial from the bandolier and gives it a violent shake, breaking a small tubule of catalyst inside. The resulting reaction immediately warms the alchemical grenade with the promise of impending combustion.

He throws his bomb at the crocodile before it grows hot enough to burn his hand (a lesson learned through personal experience) and hustles around the walkway to bring his spear to bear against Lamm.

Standard action to throw a bomb at the croc, move action to continue around the walkway towards Lamm.

Attack vs touch AC: [roll0]
damage: [roll1]
Miss roll: [roll2]

[Tsriel]

The old, withered up wretch was still spry for his age and Enon wasn't able to land a clean strike. His furloughed brow remained absolute as he came down once more with his sword at Gaedran.


(Smite Evil still in effect)
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]


"Sarenrae's Mercy upon you, for I have none!"

[Karl Prosek]

Dan cursed and started to circle around the pool in the direction of Lamm and Enon, but the big man kept his eyes locked on the water. "Come on, you big dumb beast. Come out and play!"

He'll start moving counterclockwise around the water to get closer to Diancan and where the croc was last seen. Perception check to see the croc in the water: [roll0]

[Mathemagics]

Dan cursed and started to circle around the pool in the direction of Lamm and Enon, but the big man kept his eyes locked on the water. "Come on, you big dumb beast. Come out and play!"

He'll start moving counterclockwise around the water to get closer to Diancan and where the croc was last seen. Perception check to see the croc in the water: [roll0]

Try as he might, Kurdan cannot find trace of where the crocodile may have vanished off to. But considering how angry it is, it's a safe bet that it won't be long before it attempts to strike once again at whoever might be near its reach...

[Madcrafter]

Diancan looks across the water to Gaedran, who seems to be dealing with enough problems of his own right now and doesn't look too threatening. Instead, the crossbow gets trained at the water, ready should the crocodile return. Getting one's legs bitten off was a much more pressing concern.
Readying an action to shoot at the croc if it comes back.

[Mathemagics]

Iacomo's musket roars and a bullet flies towards Gaedran. The shot connects, but not with the intended target, instead Gaedran's eyes widen in pain as he clutches at his chest. It's hard to tell if it's a mortal wound in the heat of battle or not, but regardless, he's not quite down yet. Enon tries to finish the aged fiend off, yet Lamm stumbles unexpected causing the blow to go wide.

Korman lobs his grenade at the crocodile just before it can dive, causing an explosion of fire to blossom over the murky surface of the river. From the bellow of pain it's easy to tell that the creature took a direct hit. As it sinks below the waterline, Kurdan and Diancan keep an watchful eye out for it to emerge again.

Wounded. Bleeding. Dying. Lamm tries to escape the enemies closing in around him. This was his, they weren't going to take it from him! That's what he had though, but by now the instinctual urge to live had taken over and his only thought was escape. Lurching a few steps forward, he turned to shoot at the first thing he saw, giving little thought to aim or reason. A bolt flies through the air, striking Korman full in the chest. It hurts, a lot, but the combination of his tough hide armor and the mutagen's effects manage to save his life.


Gaedran managed to score a critical hit. Unfortunately for him, it was really pathetic and only did 3 damage to Korman.


This fleeting moment of triumph turns out to be the man's last. Time seems to slow as the scaled bulk of the crocodile surfaces a scant few feet from the man. The beast hoists its bulk out of the water and halfway onto the platform, recognizing no master or ally in its fury. Lamm turns at the sound, his eyes filled with the primal terror of one who realizes that man is not at the top of the food chain...

The reptile's mass comes crashing down, its maw latching onto Gaedran in the process and mercilessly tearing into his torso. Before he can even scream, he's pulled under by Gobblegut's weight. For a few seconds, the waters writhe as the pair thrash about, before all goes still as the water darkens with blood...

[Bhaakon]

Korman gasps and staggers back a step as the bolt drives home. Even his smoldering fury at the man in front of him and the numbing effects of the mutagen can't dull the pain of a direct hit. He looks down at the tail end of the missile protruding from his chest and tries to calculate how close the tip is to his heart. Either I'm already dead, or it's just a flesh wound, he figures, and turns his attention back to the fight...

...just in time for the crocodile to burst from the water and drag its master down to certain doom. All Korman can do is gape at the scene below as the beast savages the butcher. Not exactly the end that he had imagined for Lamm, but it would do.

Korman tries to enjoy Gaedran's end, but all he feels as the bloody water calms is a cold, empty pit where his rage had previously smouldered. Mission accomplished...now what?

Despite the introspection, years of military training have instilled certain practical considerations so deeply that his body performs them without mental direction. Chief among these is not dropping one's guard around potential dangers. The dwarf hoists his spear high, ready to drive down into Gobbleguts if the crocodile proves unsatisfied with its meal.

Ready action to attack the crocodile if it reappears

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Tsriel]

Having momentarily forgotten about the crocodile in his fit of fury, Enon was surprised when it came out of the water but felt fortunate that it went for Gaedran instead.

"A fitting end to such a wretched beast..." proclaimed Enon as the water turned red with blood. His sword lost it's luminescent glow. Believing the immediate danger over, Enon turned to Gaedran's former quarters looking for anything that could be valuable as proof of what had been transpiring here.

This would be a damned mess to clean up. The fellow clergy of Sarenrae would be unwittingly tasked to help care for all the orphans recovered from tonight's events. If Enon could obtain enough proof of wrongdoing, he might be able to convince the King to assist in the matter and help provide a home to each of the recovered children.

[Karl Prosek]

In spite of himself, Dan flinches when the croc takes Gaedran. "Ouch." Unlike the more militarily minded of the group, the big Shoanti does relax a little bit. "Well, I won't say he didn't deserve that. But still, that had to hurt."

He glances at Enon heading for the door. "Yeah, that's a good idea. If we find any money in there we can distribute it to some of the poorhouses and soup kitchens to try to take care of some of those orphans we just freed."

[Mathemagics]

The crocodile does not emerge again from the river, it's wrath apparently sated for the time being. Checking the unopened door, you find it locked. Luckily, a ring of keys appear to have fallen from Gaedran's pocket as he was pulled under, and one of them unlocks the door.

Gaedran's personal quarters are, in a word, disgusting. In addition to the all-encompassing reek of fish that pervades the entire building, the stench of sweat and the lived-in smell of stale air assail the senses. The pieces of old and molding food leftovers on uncleaned plates in the corner do nothing to help this affair. (In fact several roaches even scurry about among the cutlery before fleeing into the woodwork at your approach.)

The soiled lumpy mattress bed occupies the center of the room, a nearly-full chamberpot only half-shoved beneath it. At the foot of the bed is a large chest sealed with a rusty lock. Off to the side of the room sits the small combination desk and table covered in assorted mess, while a sagging three-drawer dresser sits in a corner by the bedside. On top of the dresser sits something akin to a hat box, around which buzz about half a dozen flies.

[Bhaakon]

When it becomes apparent that the crocodile isn't coming back, Korman turns his attention to the wound in his chest. He's no sawbones, but he knows enough not to yank the bolt free until he has something to staunch the bleeding. To that end, he select a handful of vials from his pack and spends a few moments mixing the correct proportion of reagents. It's not easy to concentrate with the splitting headache from his mutagen, but he perseveres.

"ARRRRRRGH" bellows the dwarf as he tears the bolt free of his chest, then immediately downs his healing extract.

Cure light wounds: [roll0]

With that done, he joins the others in Gaedran's filthy rat-hole. Hearing Dan's suggestion, Korman can't help but make his position clear. "That's very charitable of you to pledge your share to the church, but some of us have expenses to cover with our cut. We freed the kids and--Pharasma willing--Gaedran's somewhere being buggered by a balor, that's enough good deeds to sate my conscience for a fortnight at least."

"But we're getting ahead of ourselves, eh?" The dwarf becomes noticeably more talkative--and less beastly--as the effects of his mutagen fades. "I wouldn't put it past a man with a crocodile in his parlor to trap his own bedroom."

Perception check to search the room for traps

[roll1]

[Mathemagics]

Search as he might, Korman can see no sign of traps that may be hidden in the room. Evidently Lamm felt secure enough in his position down here that he felt them unnecessary. At this point he's fairly confident that it should be safe to enter the room proper.

[NobodyMuch]

"The croc wasn't for his protection. Lamm thought he was untouchable, mad dead bastard that he was. Picked on the weak long enough to believe his own lies. Same reason there weren't no lookouts. Naw, the croc was for the kids. Put the fear into them. ' Misbehave bad, and ye get beat. Misbehave real bad? Ye get fed to the croc.' Irony sure is a bitch, huh?," opines Iacomo as he leisurely reloads his musket. Calm as a lazy summer afternoon, as cool as a cucumber now that Lamm is dead and gone.

"And speaking of them... Not the sort to go in for that sort of help, the poor little Lamms. The beast," a spit into the pool of water where Gaedran vanished in a torrent of blood moments before,"beat the trust and the hope out of them right proper. They'll be hidden away, picking pockets and stealing disreputable meat pies, mark me." Iacomo janders along the rickety walkway, headed for the den of Gaedran.

" We're not done, either." With a nod over at the paladin. "Enon there still needs to rescue his lady friend, and considering who's got her now?" A long, low whistle. "Boy howdy, trouble like twenty miles of country road. Barvassi has connections like you wouldn't believe. We need more cash than we're likely to find here to be able to even make a reasonable showing against him. On that note... If you're not rooting through Lamm's loot, if you could start thinking about how we're going to get back up out of here? I'll.. I'll take a look see in this rank box. Take one for the team, I will." And he makes good on this, opening the hatbox and looking inside, bracing himself for something horrible.

[Tsriel]

Enon turns towards Iacomo with a quizzing expression on his face. "Forgive me for being ignorant, having been away from my hometown for so long, but do you know who Barvasi is?"

[Mathemagics]

The flies buzz out of the way as Iacomo approaches and lifts the lid off the box. The Varisian peers inside and finds...

Zellara's severed head.

After the initial shock of this discovery, it becomes obvious that she's been here a good while, at least a few weeks. The skin has begun to sag with decay, but outright rot is only just barely setting in, and a poor makeup job has been applied to her features to preserve some cheap semblance of life. To all accounts, it looks like Lamm murdered her and decided to take her head as a trophy...

Sitting beneath the grisly prize, the gunslinger notices a deck of cards. Specifically, it's the same worn harrow deck that the lot of them saw only a few hours ago.

[NobodyMuch]

" I know who he is, yeah. Not like I've ever sat down for high tea with the man, but he-," Iacomo doesn't finish that sentence as he visibly pales and gags, the miasmatic stench of the nearly staggering him. He makes one of those impulsive judgement calls and snatches the Harrow deck before he bungs the lid back on the box, trying to contain the horror. She might have family that would want the deck; cousins or something.

" Holy heavens above. Don't, ah, don't look in there. Unpleasant. And more than a bit confusing, to boot." The sheer oddness of the situation helps insulate the Varisian from the shock of finding the severed head of someone he'd been talking to earlier that day." It's Zellara, well... her head, leastways. And its been a bit since she lost it. No idea how that works exactly."

[Bhaakon]

"Don't be ridiculous, she's back on Lancet street waiting for some good news. Hopefully with better drink and fresher vittles. Maybe, if we find Lamm's horde, we should stop and pick up some..." He stops short as he snatches open the box lid.

Huh.

...

...

When staring with mouth-agape fails to rearrange the features on the head, Korman carefully shuts the box once more. "Well that's...um, maybe I'll..."

With no simple answers presenting themselves, the dwarf defaults to practical considerations. He wanders over to the footlocker and gets to work with what few tools he has, making sure to strip off his bulky hide gauntlets before setting to work.

"Hand me those keys, eh?" He mumbles, rather hoping that none will fit and he'll have a few minutes of distraction from the troubling contents of that box.

Take a 20, if necessary. +2 modifier (+4 base, -2 for no tools)

and a roll in case there's a trap or something [roll0]

[Mathemagics]

It takes a little doing, but eventually the lock comes open. After seeing the contents of the box, Korman is a little worried about what the chest may contain, but is relieved to find that it contains the usual chest apparel: loot!

Indeed, it seems that Gaedran decided to keep the favorites of his ill-gotten treasures here, each of them carefully wrapped in cloth and tied with cheap twine. No less than a dozen such packets of various sizes can be seen sitting on the chest, providing a sort of informal record of the man's thievery over what is probably a period of several years.


The loot:
teak cigar case- 25gp
2 pound gold ingot bearing the Chelaxian coat of arms- 100 gp
miniature gold crown- 350 gp
kraken scrimshaw with garnet eyes- 200 gp
silver ring- 150 gp
ivory carving of a pair of entwined succubi (highly realistic and wonderfully scandalous, do taunt the paladin with it)- 450 gp
holy symbol of Shelyn made from abalone shell- 300 gp

Total Cash When Liquidated: 1575gp

masterwork shuriken
adamantine arrowhead
oil of keen edge
dose of silversheen (in a crystal vial itself worth 50gp once emptied)
an obsidian wand (unidentified)


Among the treasures, however, one in particular stands out as clearly more noteworthy and valuable than the rest. A jeweled brooch, circular with the design of a pseudodragon and an imp coiled around the perimeter. The pseudodragon's eye is a large sapphire while the imp's an emerald while the rest of the brooch is either gold or silver. The only flaw appears to be a broken clasp on the back side of the item.

[Madcrafter]

Diancan had been content to watch the others do the looting, keeping an eye on the water from the doorway, in case the crocodile returned. He turned at the announcement of the grisly discovery in the box though, his mind trying to come up with an explanation. Either the person or the head had to be a fake.

Diancan steps into the room, mumbling out some arcane words, and takes a look around at the contents with his enhanced vision, taking any magical ones and examining them more closely.Casting Detect Magic, and concentrating to get all the information I can. I'll pick up any magic items and try to identify them too.

[Mathemagics]

Most of the items are entirely mundane, the exceptions being the vial of oil and the obvious wand. Studying the oil, Diancan confirms that it is enchanted with the same effect as Keen Edge magic, and when applied to a weapon would grant such an effect for a limited time. The wand appears to be a Wand of Magic Missile, and contains 23 charges.

As he studies the items, Diancan is also aware of a magical aura radiating from Iacomo's pocket, one that detects as a moderate divination.

[Bhaakon]

The sight of the loot momentarily drive the image of the rotting head from Korman's mind. He pours through the loot, picking up each item and examining it with a critical eye. He wasn't much of a judge of craftsmanship but, as a dwarf, certain appearances must be maintained.

He pauses at the lewd statuette of the succubi, holding it up in front of the others for an exaggerated appraisal. "Heh. I think I figured out what to do with my share."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan doesn't argue with Korman about the distribution of the loot. They could all do whatever they wanted with what they had earned, after all, and it wasn't his business to tell the others how they should spend their money.

He frowned at Iacomo when the Varisian tells them what's in the box and goes over to look down at Zellara's head. "Hmph. I always thought those ghost stories were just, you know, stories. Unrestful spirit guiding people to avenge her death." The big Shoanti nods his head appreciatively. "Well, Zellara, I hope you're satisfied."

Once they're all looking down at the loot, the big man points at the beautiful holy symbol of Shelyn. "We're not fencing that."

Knowledge skills aren't really his thing, but I'll take a shot at recognizing any of the items, specifically whether any of the patterns denote noble houses or were part of some famous heist. [roll0]

And I'll try a Know (Religion) check to see if any of the items have any particular religious significance. [roll1]

[Tsriel]

"I'd have to agree with Dan," said Enon eyeing the symbol of Shelyn, "That should be returned to their clergy as it probably was stolen." Enon hears Korman's appraisal of the entwined demoness figurine. "I think you could do better," he proclaims in a half-jesting, half-sincere tone.

Of all the items presented, only the oil had any immediate practical function in helping keep his blade well maintained. From what he had seen tonight, he surmised that he was the only one trained in the use of the blade. That wasn't important right now. What remained of poor Zellara required a proper burial.

"We should take Zellara's remains and give them a proper burial. It seems unlikely that every owner for each item will ever be found, especially that remarkable looking brooch with the blue gem. Probably best to sell it off as a way for Zellara to say 'thanks for bringing me peace'."

[Bhaakon]

"You really think so?" Korman mutters wistfully as he examines his prize. "I've got a few designs in my head, but I've never had much practice at carving.

No, you right, I'll never know if I don't try my hand. I could be a natural talent."

Whether he's his misunderstanding is purposeful or genuine is left as an exercise for the listener.

Discussion of Zellara draws his attention away from the carving, which he wraps carefully inside his waterproof bag and stashes in his pack. "Varisians usually worship Desna, right? They'll have an idea of what to do with her at one of the Starsong's temples. For now, let's give this place the once over. I don't think we've been though all of the upstairs, and there's the boat. Maybe there's more stashed away."

Not sure how you want to handle search the place (thee are more encounters for all I know), so I'll just make some perception checks just in case:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[Mathemagics]

Further inspection of the brooch leads to Kurdan suddenly recognizing it. This brooch is a personal possession of Queen Ileosa, the wife of the aging king Eodred II. How it came into Lamm's possession is anyone's guess, but something so obviously valuable probably would warrant a reward for returning it to its rightful owner.


How are you trying to look around the place with Korman? Your only obvious route up is the rope you used to get down (or swimming through the crocodile+shark water). There's possibly a route up through the boat, but if you're attempting to climb the rope bridge it takes you by a totally different path regardless.

[Bhaakon]

Up the rope and look around upstairs, to start. I think there's a room we missed.

As far as I can see, the only way onto the boat is around the dock upstairs.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan swears once he recognizes the brooch. "We need to get rid of that. That's the friggin' Queen's. We're meat if we get caught with it." He shakes his head. "Either that or turn it in." He looks over at Enon and Diancan. "Maybe somebody who looks respectable could take this to the magistrates or the guard and not get arrested. Come away with a reward, even. But, uh, I wouldn't want to try it."

[Mathemagics]

Korman shimmies up the makeshift rope bridge back to the workroom (a feat which is quite a bit more tiring than going down was). Once up there, he does a quick sweep of the fishery, just to be sure. The orphans have long since fled; with any luck maybe a few of them took the others' advice and made for one of the temples, gods know Korvosa already has enough thieves and homeless on the streets...

There is little of interest to be found in the main workroom (unless one had an interest in half-rotted fish paste). The business transaction slates kept in Yargin's office might be of use to a financially-minded person, but there's nothing in them immediately suspicious or noteworthy either. Passing through the front room, Korman checks the room next to the office, which turns out to be a bed room of sorts. A pair of bunk beds are shoved against a wall; a table and chair with a dresser round out the furniture in this otherwise bare room.

A quick search reveals nothing of interest. If he had to guess, this is where Yargin, Hookshanks, and Giggles slept, and probably none of the three trusted the other two enough to leave anything valuable hidden here...

The last room in the sweep of the fishery proper is the upper workroom. The bodies of the gnome and dog are still here, and everything seems relatively undisturbed; the kids were probably smart and scared enough to not try coming back after their initial escape.

Korman does notice a small locked cabinet on the wall here in this room.

[Bhaakon]

The workroom floor doesn't strike Korman as a likely place for loot, but he's fast running out of places to search, and the cabinet is locked. "Eh, why not. At worst it's full of fish-knives." He tells himself, the strips off his cumbersome armor and gets to work.

Perception for traps: [roll0]

Disable device (take 20 if possible): [roll1]

[Tsriel]

Faced with this revelation of information about the brooch, Enon turned to address Dan. "It would be foolish to even try to keep it," said Enon to Dan, "Keeping stolen property of the crown is punishable by death. Sarenrae have mercy upon you for I fear that the crown would not if a guard ever found this brooch in your possession."

"Do not worry, Dan. The King is a fair and just man. If we present this find to him, I'm certain that he will understand that we are loyal to the crown, not a band of some petty criminals. If it will ease your worries, I will happily present it to the King on our behalf."

[Mathemagics]

The lock is cheap and simple and comes off with barely an effort. The cabinet inside holds half a dozen small bags that go *clink* when handled. Checking inside each of them reveals an amount of petty change, mostly copper and silver pieces with the occasional gold coin. In total, the amount comes to only 10 gp.

[Madcrafter]

"I'll agree that it would probably be best to turn it in, but depending on who you're going to talk to you might want to come up with a better story than 'found during acts of lethal vigilantism'." Diancan says, as he gathers up the box with Zellara's head and any other valuables the others had not yet taken. "Probably safest to just give it anonymously to a guard and not try for a reward."
No longer concerned about the crocodile, which seems to have disappeared for the time being, Diancan begins walking back to the rope.

[Bhaakon]

Korman greedily grabs at the first pouch, then the second, and third, and, with much less enthusiasm, the remainder. Uttering an uncouth oath (then turning to make sure Enon wasn't nearby to hear it), he briefly considers leaving the pocket change in the cabinet.

But it will buy a few drinks, at least. He shovels the coin into his pack and heads back to the rope-ladder. "You done down there?" He calls down. "I found a few bags of coppers up here, but nothing much else. I say we clear out before the smell of fish guts sticks in my beard for good. Back to Zellara's place? Maybe there are answers there...or hints, or something."

Korman still can't wrap his head around the idea of a dead woman sending them on a quest. Must have been a sister or a cousin, looking for revenge. All these humans look alike, anyway.

[NobodyMuch]

"Knew the bastard was lying about the gun. Probably flogged it off at some pawn shop, no idea what it was really worth." He reassures himself at the presence of the deck of cards, though, hand slipping in to his pocket. At least someone's heirloom came out of this alright.

"Korman's right, I think. Just about had my fill of this rotten place. First stop is Zellara's, see if she's still about. After that, we need to find some merchant who's willing to take this stuff off of our hands. We'll be needing more gear an' some golden grease if we're looking at springing whatshername from Barvassi's hospitality. We probably should go through whatever the proper channels are with the piece of Her High Nibs' jewelry, though. Bet there's a reward for it.." The gunslinger seems itching to be gone.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan nods. "Back to Zellara's." He gestures at the brooch. "Why don't you carry that, Enon? In case we run across any overzealous guards."

[Mathemagics]

Their revenge exacted, but confused by the discovery of the severed head, the group begins the trek back towards Zellara's place. The trip isn't very long, but they make a small detour to stop off at a dwarf-run shop by the name of "Stonefist Brothers Reputable Pawnbrokers (As Opposed to Stonefist Brothers' Disreputable Pawnbrokers, Those Bastards)", where they liquidate the various items, excepting the brooch because that stuff is waaaay too hot to fence.

While there, they do notice a small ad on a bulletin board mentioning a reward for the stolen brooch, how convenient...

Regardless! The group arrives at Zellara's place, where nobody answers their knocking. The door turns out to be unlocked, so they look inside and find everything to be covered in a layer of dust that definitely wasn't there several hours ago when they visited. Cobwebs have begun to collect as well and the only signs of anyone having been here in several weeks are the footprints that match the various boots and shoes of the party...

[Bhaakon]

Korman rues giving up that ivory statuette, but splitting the loot requires coin. "I'll be back for you, ladies," he murmurs as he hands it over to the 'reputable' Stonefist brothers. What are they reputed for, anyway?

At Zellara's house, all he can do for the first few minutes is gape at the dusty room. "Weeks! Weeks, if it's been a day!" He finally exclaims. "We should hire an exorcist for this place, for ourselves!" Then he remembers, with horror, how much of that bread he ate. How long it must have been sitting there. He lacks the courage to examine the heels and crumbs for mold. "For my stomach!"

[Madcrafter]

"You think any ordinary haunt could do this? No, what we saw was magic for sure. I think some third party is involved here, and is using us to their, and the late Zellara's, advantage." He looks down at the box. "I'm not sure if there is much for us here. Perhaps we should move on to getting things back to their proper places."

[Tsriel]

Enon agreed to carry the brooch, keeping it wrapped up in a soft cloth as if to not damage the craftsmanship. He kept the brooch closely guarded underneath his scale armor while on the way to somewhere to fence all the excess junk and back to where they "met" Zellara.


~~~~~

"Well, I'm convinced we just did a job for a vengeful spirit. At least it was for a good cause."

[Mathemagics]

Iacomo feels a faint warmth that seems to radiate from the harrow deck he retrieved earlier. Along with the sensation come... impressions or feelings... ideas from some foreign source that touch upon his mind.

Regret. Loss...

I'm sorry...

Justice...

Thank you...

Danger comes...

Please...

Protect Korvosa...

In some unexplainable way, he understands that these impressions in his mind are Zellara. Or at least the same individual they met earlier who called herself Zellara.

[NobodyMuch]

All of the little hairs on his body stand up, and his eyes slowly inch up as well. It does not take a genius to spot that something has spooked ten kinds of hell out of Iacomo, and its not just being here that's done it. Something happened.

"I'm, uh, ah, pretty darn sure its not a third party. Definitely, definitely the ghost of Zellara." He visibly swallows. "She's talking to me through her Harrow deck, and ah, she wanted to thank us. Wants? Wants to thank us. And to say sorry for tricking us. And... we're meant to protect Korvosa?"

With the retreat of the presence, he takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Huh. Not sure what it needs protecting from exactly, but I figure cleaning out more of the trash like Gaedran Lamm wouldn't be a bad beginning."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan shrugged his broad shoulders. "It's not anything I'm not already doing. Does, uh, she have any suggestions about where to start?"

Edited because I have low reading comprehension skills.

[Mathemagics]

An unusual sound begins to make itself heard. In fact, it's really more like one of those sounds that has been on the edge of hearing for a while and is just now entering one's conscious perception. It's somewhat distant, whatever it is, and muffled further by passing through the walls from outside. But whatever it is, it sounds as though it's steadily getting closer...


Korman and Iacomo:

Amidst the dull rumble, you manage to make out the sound of many footsteps and individual voices all trying to shout at once. You groan inwardly at the realization that all the signs begin to indicate the approaching presence of an angry mob on the streets outside...

[Bhaakon]

"Taking out the trash isn't such a bad calling, but I hope there isn't too many like Lamm." Korman mutters. "Drug dealing, bribery, thievery, murder, kidnapping, child slavery, mistreatment of animals. My nose says that dung heap of a fish mongery was dealing in rotten fish, to boot."

The dwarf quiets for a moment, cocking his head as he listens to a distant rumble. "Speaking of boots, you hear that marching? And shouting, I think. Sounds like a full blown riot's coming our way." He walks over to the door and steps outside for a look at what's happening.

[Mathemagics]

Korman peers down the street towards the junction where it joins one of the larger avenues of the city. Watching the intersection, he sees a crowd of some two dozen or more townspeople, most of them in poorer styles of attire, marching down the street. Many of them are carrying torches, as well as clubs and other improvised weapons. They pass by the intersection in a clamor of shouts and swears, but amidst the din Korman is absolutely sure of one thing that is repeated several times.

"The King is dead!"

By now the racket has reached the others inside, causing them to join Kormon out on the street. The sounds of riot grow louder still, and now everyone can realize that it's not just here. Smoke can be seen rising from multiple sources in almost any direction, and the shouting comes from all around. In the space of just a few short hours, all of Korvosa has begun to spiral into anarchy...

[NobodyMuch]

"There's a rot inside this city. I don't know what it is, 'zactly. Greed might be a good word for it. Or fear, maybe. I don't know. There's plenty more Lamms out there, and worse. Lamm picked on the weak, because no one cares about the weak. But the big fish? People so rich they can ignore the rules. They're the ones that make the weak weak and the poor poor. Barvassi's one of 'em. Choosers of the slain."

When Iacomo heads outset, he already knows what to expect. Doesn't take the edge off, though. Especially once he hears what they're chanting.


"That's not good."

[Bhaakon]

Having seen enough, Korman shuts the door.

He walks back to the table, shaking his head and checking to see if there's any more of that wine left. "What is it with you humans? The King died, so what? That's no reason to riot." He grumbles. "Ain't there supposed to be an orderly line of succession? Like a prince or a queen..."

He glances over at whoever is holding the brooch. "You know, maybe it would be better to bury that brooch somewhere until things cool down. Who knows what kind of wild conclusions the guard might jump to if we go and hand in the Queen's personal jewelry during in the middle of a, a....whatever that is." He waves his hand back towards the door.

[Mathemagics]

As if to spite Korman, a shout rings out with surprisingly clarity.

"The King is dead! Long live the Queen!"

It is immediately shouted down by several more, much angrier shouts.

"Death to the Whore-Queen!"

...

...

Well that sentiment would probably explain at least some of the unrest...

[Tsriel]

Enon approached a dusted window to get a glimpse of the uprising happening right before him.

"Hey Dan? Remember when I said all those things to Lamm right before it got ugly? Well...I might have left out that it only holds true for when the state is in anarchy."

Enon sighed with his thoughts drifting towards the temple. They would be very cross with him for not being there to help protect the temple with a state of crisis happening within Korvosa.

"I need to get back to the temple. I'd recommend that we we all get to somewhere safer than here. You're welcomed to join me, but it will probably be dangerous getting there..."

Enon continued to look on out the window.

"I hate it when people fight..."

[Bhaakon]

Korman shrugs. "It will probably be dangerous anywhere, but a pack of seditious stevedores waiving scaling knives and gaff hooks are less likely to take on a half dozen properly-armed men than one strolling alone."

And it's not like I have anywhere better to go. He adds as an afterthought. "Er...safer. I meant safer."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan nods at Enon. "I've got people to protect, too. But neither your temple or my family's gonna be served by our getting knifed in an alley somewhere as we try to push through a riot."

The big man sighs. "Gods above, I want to be hunkering down with my family. If they're smart they'll just make sure the doors are barred, the shutters are good and tight and turn out all the lights, pretend no one's home."

He frowns out the window and shakes his head. "Who thought setting fires was a good idea? A fire's gonna burn down our houses and shops as well as those of the rich. Probably more. Rich folks've probably got anti-fire enchantments on their roofs. Cayden damn idiots too drunk and stupid to realize who they're hurting."

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo stands in the doorway still, keeping it open so he can have his eyes on the mob as it sweeps past outside. "We really should not tarry with the matter of the brooch. Its just the sort of connection we need if we've any hope of taking on Barvassi, and its strength wanes with each passing moment. Little use to be owed a favor by a Queen besieged, and the mob does not seem pleased in the least."

To punctuate this last remark, he gestures with the sweep of his arm at the chaos outside. "Out there's where we're needed, in any event. Folk'll be using this as an opportunity to settle scores. Not going to be but a few innocents who're going to suffer tonight what could have used a few more to stand for them. Zellara's asked us to stand for the city. I'm not going to be letting down the last wishes of a dead woman what helped us all."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan shakes his head at Iacomo. "I don't get what you're saying. You think we can put down the riot by ourselves?" He gestures at the same chaos Iacomo had. "Or do you just want to go out there and keep people from setting fire to people's houses? Because if that's the case, I've got family and friends nearby and would welcome help keeping their neighborhood safe."

"About the brooch... do you really think we're going to be able to get within bowshot of the castle with this going on? And the Guard's going to be busy with rioters. We're going to have to wait until this dies down before we can even think about approaching anybody to return the Queen's brooch."

[Tsriel]

Enon listened to the concerns of his companions before determining within his mind a resolution and a course of action.

"No, Dan. I don't think it will happen tonight. It might not happen for awhile or even at all. No one here expected a full scale riot to happen tonight."

Enon seemed somber for a moment as the realization that alot of people were going to suffer tonight, regardless of whom they supported. Buildings and homes would be looted, fires would be set ablaze, people would die tonight.

"Look," Enon calmly declared to everyone in the room, "if things are as bad as I fear them to be, we certainly can't stop a full scale riot by ourselves. Not without serious help. That's what the Korvosian Guard, the Hellknights, and the Sable Company are there for. No doubt they have their hands busy tonight."

Enon cleared his throat as he continued to speak.

"We should let them do their job so that we can focus on ours. Zellara seems to think that serious danger is coming. If that's true, then I know that my priority is to protect the people of Korvosa. I can't allow any more people to needlessly suffer tonight if I can do anything about it. I know for a fact that there will be many injured pouring into Her Grace's temple for healing. That is where I must start tonight. If I manage to help others along the way, so be it. I just can't stand here any longer."

Enon turned toward the door, making his way forward. He grasped the handle before turning back to everyone one last time.

"One way or another, we'll get this thing sorted out. With any good fortune, the riots will be over by sunrise. We can meet up later then. I think all of you will know where you can find me."

Giving the handle a squeeze and a tug, the door swung open to the ruckus going on out in the streets. With an uncanny measure of conviction, Enon boldly pressed ahead out into the rioting streets...

[NobodyMuch]

Once Enon is gone, Iacomo addresses the others,"The Guard and the Sable Company are a bunch of tossers. I think the fact that Gaedran Lamm existed unmolested for decades is a pretty proof of that fact. And the Hellknights? He thinks the Hellknights are going to be able to help with a riot? Maybe by drowning the city in blood."

"We do what can to stop what we can. Saying,' Oh, no point in doing anything since we can't fix everything' more than misses the point. Any of you want to stick your head in the mud with the valiant Sir Enon, you can probably catch up with him. Me? I'm going to go out there and see what I can do. First stop is Danny Boy's familia, make sure they're safe and sound."

Once the remaining members of the group decide where they're going, Iacomo heads for the rooftop of the building, figuring that its shingled skyway is going to be faster and safer than the streets themselves. "Brave Sir Enon ran away. Bravely ran away, away," he half-sings to himself as he climbs,"When danger reared its ugly head, he bravely turned his tail and fled." He keeps on humming to himself as he slips from roof to roof. If any others come with him, Iacomo slows his movement to a speed they're comfortable with, helps them navigate the rooftops. Regardless of company, he's going to be looking for 'trouble' where he can hopefully intervene to restore a bit of order and sanity, starting with wherever Kurdan's family is located. "S'catchy tune, that."

[Bhaakon]

It's a nice speech, but once Korman realizes that Iacomo intends to make his way across Korvosa on rooftop, the decision is an easy one.

"There's a good reason why you don't see many dwarven cat burglars. I'll see about catching up with Enon." He announces, and ducks out the door.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan snorts at Iacomo's analysis of the city's military forces. "Sable Company ain't that bad. And, hell, they ride hippogriffs, which is cooler than anything I've ever done. But yeah, if we see Hellknights putting down rioters we'll have mountains of bodies to climb over come morning. Hopefully the Watch can keep things under control enough to keep that from happening. Tossers or not."

The big Shoanti clambers up to the roof a little awkwardly, primarily by sheer brute rather than skill. He looks around at the city, orienting himself before pointing in the direction of his nearest family members. "Thataway."

I'm not really clear on where Zellara's house is, but between his grandparents in Eodred's Walk and his parents and younger siblings living just inside Midlands near the gate to North Point, I figure we're not too far from some of his family members.

[Madcrafter]

"I wouldn't count on them having enough manpower to cover the whole city. Luckily there aren't too many Hellknights, and I would hope most of the people aren't too far gone to realize they should turn around and go home if they encounter them."
Diancan watches as the others start to go, and stares mournfully at the box sitting on the smashed table. If there was a riot about, it would probably be safest to stay here for now, at least until someone lit the place on fire, instead of running about the streets. Still, it would be best to stick with a few others in case things really got ugly. He wouldn't be much use at the temple, so he quickly darts outside and clambers after the Shoanti and Varisian, leaving the box with Zellara's head to it's own devices for now.
"This may get us above the crowds" he huffs to himself as he makes his way to the roof "but is it really that much easier to travel up here?"

[Mathemagics]

As Iacomo, Diancan, and Kurdan make their way along the rooftops, Enon and Korman take to the streets. The air is thick with tension as madness seems to settle on the city.

From their vantage point up above, the group traversing by rooftop has a much better view of this part of the city. It looks as though the plumes of smoke they saw earlier are indeed fires, but that they're largely contained for now. The sudden sensation of wetness upon his cheek causes Iacomo to look up, revealing a squad of Sable Guard riders flying back towards the castle. Most of them look wounded, proven further by the blood on his cheek; the last of the hippogriffs is visibly lagging behind the others, struggling to stay airborne. Then, with a tortured cry, its strength gives out, sending both mount and rider careening into a nearby rooftop. It doesn't even take a second glance to tell that neither survived...

Meanwhile the pair on the streets press onward. They find to their dismay that they are forced to take an increasingly circuitous route to avoid pockets of angry citizens, debris, and the occasional bonfire, but slowly they make their way towards the temple of Saranae. However, upon rounding a corner, they suddenly find themselves at the back of a crowd. Half a dozen men, all of them large and with the powerful build of a day laborer, carrying various improvised weapons such as shovels, pipes, and chair legs have surrounded a young noble. The evident leader of the mob, a heavyset man with a bald head and stubbly jowls, leers at the hapless aristocrat and leans in threateningly.

"Betcha never worked an honest day's wage in yer life, eh ya pretty little dandy?! Me brother had his arm crushed by a barrel down on the docks when he was younger than you, never was able to lift a mug with that wrist again! Maybe you'd like to know what dat's like eh...?"

The noble cowers, backing against the wall as far as he can. The men press in closer, violent intent clearly displayed in their expressions and movements.

[Bhaakon]

Korman's can't help but enjoy the scene a little bit. The fop probably had a bit of a humbling coming, after all, but the laborers didn't look like they were going to stop at frightening the man.

He reaches for his hammer, under the questionable assumption that it was ever so slightly less deadly than the axe or spear, and mutters to Enon. "You seem like the talky type. Why don't you try to dazzle them with your silver tongue before it gets to head-smashing."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan shakes his head in disbelief. "How in hell did a bunch of rioters hurt, much less take down, a Sable Company rider? If I thought either of them were alive I'd say let's go check on them. But there's no way they survived that fall."

[NobodyMuch]

"Broken bottles and cobblestones if they didn't have crossbows. If ye've never been hit by a half brick, I would not recommend the experience." The gunslinger shakes his head. " "That'd be the trouble with riding a great flying beast, it makes you a hell of a target. Idiots probably flew down at a crowd, thinking they'd panic and run. 'stead, they panicked and started heaving crap at them."

Iacomo picks out the next pathway they're picking through the rooftops." "When we get to yer place, you'll need to call out targets if there are any hostiles. Don't want to make any mistakes."

[Tsriel]

Meanwhile the pair on the streets press onward. They find to their dismay that they are forced to take an increasingly circuitous route to avoid pockets of angry citizens, debris, and the occasional bonfire, but slowly they make their way towards the temple of Saranae. However, upon rounding a corner, they suddenly find themselves at the back of a crowd. Half a dozen men, all of them large and with the powerful build of a day laborer, carrying various improvised weapons such as shovels, pipes, and chair legs have surrounded a young noble. The evident leader of the mob, a heavyset man with a bald head and stubbly jowls, leers at the hapless aristocrat and leans in threateningly.

"Betcha never worked an honest day's wage in yer life, eh ya pretty little dandy?! Me brother had his arm crushed by a barrel down on the docks when he was younger than you, never was able to lift a mug with that wrist again! Maybe you'd like to know what dat's like eh...?"

The noble cowers, backing against the wall as far as he can. The men press in closer, violent intent clearly displayed in their expressions and movements.


Korman's can't help but enjoy the scene a little bit. The fop probably had a bit of a humbling coming, after all, but the laborers didn't look like they were going to stop at frightening the man.

He reaches for his hammer, under the questionable assumption that it was ever so slightly less deadly than the axe or spear, and mutters to Enon. "You seem like the talky type. Why don't you try to dazzle them with your silver tongue before it gets to head-smashing."

Watching this scene unfold, Enon nodded to Korman in agreement. Even as Enon advanced to intercede with the angry mob, there was an underlying sense that this was madness. Even possibly suicidal. Nothing really about this scenario really got through to Enon. He seemed oblivious to the whole thing.

"So you would cast judgment upon someone who was given circumstances in life different from your own?" Enon called out loud enough for all to hear. Being here reminded him of his own childhood when it was Rika that was always protecting him from bullies because he had been born albino. Enon naturally was an easy target for just being different. The gods saw it fit that I be made to look different from everyone else," Enon said making sure to put himself in prominent lighting, "Would you cast judgment upon me?"

Enon used himself as a distraction while casually placing himself between the hapless aristocrat and the violent mob. "Each and every one of us were born under circumstances that we cannot change. What we can change is the way that we live our lives. If your are unhappy about how your life is going, you have the power to change it. However, that power does not include the right to hurt someone else." Enon pointed back towards the frightened aristocrat.

"If you are angry about how your life has turned out, find the power within yourself to change it for the better. Be it selling hand crafted furniture, making shoes for horses, stitching fabric to make clothes, baking the daily bread, or whatever else you can think of, the power exists within you to do something to improve your life. Killing an innocent man is not one of them. Killing someone whom you know nothing about only serves to take away your power. It makes you less than what you really could be. Don't do that to yourself. Don't allow yourself to throw away your own potential."


[roll0]

[Bhaakon]

Korman does his best to insinuate himself into the crowd as Enon speaks. When the man's argument reaches a crescendo, he shouts his agreement.

"Oh, aye, he's right!" He calls out, then moves a few steps and calls in a slightly higher tone, "Yes, what he said!" Another few steps and he calls out in a third voice. "I'm no cold-blooded murderer."

[roll0]

[Mathemagics]

Upon completion of Enon's speech, a couple of the men in the group give a begrudging mutter of assent and peel off from the gathering. The primary antagonist of the mob remains, having backed off somewhat, but still glowering at the noble and now Enon with several of the others standing behind him. One of them walks up and puts a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Eh come on, he's right. This nob might be a right twit, but it ain't like killin' him would help anything."

The hefty man seethes for a moment, then relaxes with a frown on his face. With a resentful glare towards the paladin and the young aristocrat, he gives a heavy sigh and turns to leave.

"Yeh... fine. Let's just go see if the pub's still open..."

The remaining members of the crowd lumber off, leaving the trio alone in the street. It seems to take a moment for it to properly register in the young noble's mind that he's safe, but at last he lets out a deep breath as an expression of relief spreads over his features.

"Oh... Oh thank you so much-"

He looks Enon up and down a moment and seems to note his armor and attire.

"-sir? I genuinely feared for the worst just now. Abadar bless you for arriving when you did."

He reaches into his pocket and withdraws a pouch which he presses into Enon's hands, accompanied by profuse thanks. He doesn't wait for the paladin to object taking it and quickly begins to hurry down the street.

"Here take this as my thanks. If ever you need a good word put in for you, mention Amin Jalento and I'd be happy to help!"


Inside the bag, you find 5 platinum coins, each of which is worth 100 gp.


Meanwhile! On the rooftops above!

Those on the roofs are treated to a rare show. Korvosa is home to a reasonably robust natural population of pseudodragons who proliferate among the various heights of the city. However, this same territory is disputed by the imp population, spawned from escaped summons from the Acadamae. A couple times a year, the tensions between the two species reach a boiling point and both sides take to the skies in an aerial small-scale battle (this is often accompanied by various opportunistic street vendors selling suspicious-meat sausages in buns to spectators on the streets below). Evidently the chaos recently afflicting the city has riled up these old tensions, as the two sides are currently going at it early.

Currently the pseudodragons appear to be winning as they make a valiant press against the imps' right flank.

A lone imp straggler, off to the side of the conflict, happens to take note of those on the rooftop and decides picking on some humans might be more fun than fighting a losing battle against the miniature dragons. With great looping spirals, it flutters down towards Iacomo, Kurdan, and Diancan...


Initiative!

Iacomo- 10
Kurdan- 3
Diancan- 21

Imp- 9

[Bhaakon]

Korman considers following the dispersing mob to the nearest pub, but decides against abandoning his ally. Plus he remembers promising to help the man find that woman, whats-her-name. Not that it means he has to follow him around everywhere, but it would be bad form to abandon him now.

Plus there's that pouch the beleaguered nobleman had left, almost certainly fat with coin. "You're going to give me my half, right? You know you couldn't have done it without me working the crowd from the inside."

[Madcrafter]

"For sure. Hopefully none of your family has gotten caught up in the violence.

As for that marine, judging by the amount of blood splashed on your face..." Diancan trails off as he sees the imp circle around behind Iacomo. "Maybe it was something else that could fly." he muses distractedly, oblivious to his lack of warning to his colleagues. He pulls his crossbow from his coat again, and loads it, eyes still fixed on the imp.

Move to draw, move to load.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan looks doubtfully at the drop on either side but hefts his spiked club anyway. "Gods, I really hate imps. Nasty little bastards," he mutters.

He'll ready an attack if the imp gets in melee range.

No offensive spells and no ranged weapons means Dan's not going to have much to do if the imp stands off and throws poop at them or something.

[Tsriel]

"The Dawnbringer's Light guide you!" Enon waved goodbye to Amin Jalento as he went away. Curious to know what was in the pouch, Enon opens it and finds the 5 platinum pieces.


Korman's question goes here.


"Couldn't have done it without you, Korman." Enon gives the dwarf a grin. "Although it's probably best to split this somewhere other than here. Let's get moving."


Korman and I get to add 25gp to our sheet. Woot!

[Bhaakon]

"Aye, I know your good for it. Now let's keep going before someone mistakes us for filthy rich fops."

Korman waits for Enon to lead the way.

[NobodyMuch]

Up comes the musket, resting against his shoulder, sighting along the barrel as the small devil approaches. "Come on, then. Come on..."


Holding attack until the imp comes within 30 feet. Rolls for it.
Attack against Touch AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Tsriel]

There definitely was truth to what Korman said. While Enon didn't know about the dwarf's finances, he was still carrying the queen's brooch. Easily worth a fortune in it's own right, it made the remnants of his graduation money and his split of Amin Jalento's gift of gratitude pale in comparison.

Enon, with Korman in tow, proceeded onward to the temple of the Dawnbringer. He wondered how the others were doing...

[Mathemagics]

The imp shrieks as it's spun around by the momentum of the bullet. Righting itself in the air, it swoops in closer, bent on exacting revenge on the noisy stick that wounded it so. Iacomo deftly ducks underneath the miniature fiend's tail as it lashes through the air in futile anger. It does still have the presence of mind to avoid Kurdan's attack as he swings through empty air at it, however.

[Madcrafter]

"Pazūdi jums blēdi, citādi mums ir nodot jums leju!" Diancan yells imperiously at the imp. He glowers at it down the barrel of his crossbow, waiting to see how it responds.
Commanding it to go away or be killed, in infernal. And readying an action to shoot it if it tries anything besides flying off.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo is more than a little stunned when the Imp keeps advancing and isn't, you know, dying. He's sure he placed that round dead center of mass. He's so startled that he almost forgets to dodge. " Whoah,!" is his clever quip is he ducks.

"Aw, hell, Dan! The Imp possessed Diancan!" Iacomo exclaims as he burns through another of his cartridges, reloading his firearm in one smooth, flourishing spin. Up the stock comes to his shoulder, aimed once more for the Imp. Bang it goes, and even as the gunsmoke lingers he adds,"Can you do something about that?"


Taking a five foot step back away from the Imp

Reloading as a move attack, and shooting the blasted Imp again.
Attack versus touch AC: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Karl Prosek]

Dan glowers up at the swooping imp. "That's devil talk. I've heard Asmodeans singing and talking in it. I think Diancan's, um, trying to talk the imp out of getting its tail stomped."

Same deal- ready attack with his morningstar if the imp gets into melee range.

[Mathemagics]

In response to Diancan, the imp merely sticks out its tongue and makes a rude gesture. As a reward for its behavior, it gets a crossbow bolt to the face. Oddly though, it doesn't seem to do a whole lot...

With the imp literally in his face, Iacomo has difficulty priming a second shot. The miniature devil lashes out one more with its tail as he tries to fire, this time catching him on the shoulder.


Iacomo takes 4 damage and has to make a DC 13 fort save or take 1d2 Dex damage.


As a stinging numbing sensation burns at the site of the hit, the Varisian manages to swat the imp just far enough away to take a shot at it. The bullet doesn't even seem to phase the devil though.

Kurdan attempts to help, and takes another swing at the enemy, but the imp is too quick for him, swooping out from underneath the large cleric's weapon at the last moment. It wastes no time in refocusing its attention on this new threat and zooms towards him, not realizing that Kurdan is quite a bit quicker than he looks. As it tries to close in, the imp takes a direct and solid hit from the morningstar. It flails about weakly, but isn't able to recover properly, causing its intended attack to utterly fail.

[Madcrafter]

"Alright, you're choice" Diancan mutters to himself, as he shoots the imp again. Not surprising really. These free imps had gone native and forgotten their proper place.

[roll0]
[roll1]
Bah, wonderful there.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan moved in to finish the creature off with his morningstar. "Serves you right, you little beast!"

Morningstar attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[NobodyMuch]

"Son of an Osirion whore!," is Iacomo's vivid description of how he feels about being mauled by the devilish beast.

The 'slinger takes another step away from the creature. The musket is reloaded and brought back up. "Kurdan, duck!" And with that prequel, the gun goes off with a thunderclap.


Attack:[roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Mathemagics]

Although Kurdan's mace connects squarely with the imp, it doesn't seem to do much of anything. On the other hand, one could argue that it was more effective than Diancan's crossbow, which missed completely. Iacomo's shot seems to actually faze the imp, though at this point one would have to conclude that it's only its infernal fortitude that is allowing such a small creature to endure such a severe beating.

Evidently the imp itself is getting tired of this as well, that or it's actually starting to feel the hurt. With a couple more rude gestures, it flits away from Kurdan and mutters something in Infernal, after which is vanishes with a distinct "poof" sound.

When no unseen attack presents itself, the group is forced to conclude that the creature decided to make a run for it when they proved tougher than it had originally thought...

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo puts a hand to his shoulder, takes a look at the fingers as they come back with blood on them. But not much blood. He sighs. " I'm going on record here. I. Hate. Imps."

Having said that, he's ready to go. " How much further to your house, Dan?"

[Mathemagics]

The journey across the rest of the rooftops proves uneventful. Once the group reaches the more northerly districts of town, then begin to look for a way down to the streets. It doesn't seem quite as chaotic around here, though it's hard to tell if that's due to people not rioting as much or if things have just started to calm down for a bit.

It takes relatively little effort to locate the tavern run by Kurdan's family. And the trio arrive to find it intact, with a sign hanging on the door. In the large, carefully drawn, letters of someone not too very used to writing, is the notice "CLOSED".


Meanwhile, a short ways across town...

The rest of the trip to the temple proves to be relatively uneventful as well. When Enon and Korman arrive, they find a few dozen people loitering in and around the temple, all of them commoners. Most of them look unhurt, but there is the occasional injury to be found, probably caused from incidental damage in the riots. Notably, a few dirty children are lurking around, a closer inspection of which triggers the realization that they were some or the orphans enslaved by Lamm. Evidently there were at least a few who listened to the advice to seek shelter here.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan produces a large key from a pouch and unlocks the front door, only to find that in addition to being locked, it's also securely barred from the inside. The big man smirks and shakes his head. He nods at a nearby alley as he turns back to his new friends. "There's a back door. Let's go around."

Not trying to slow things down, just wasn't sure how you wanted to approach this, DM.

[Mathemagics]

The door at the back of the tavern is also locked. Rattling the door provokes a response from inside, however, when a loud voice bellows out through the walls.

"Didn't ya see the sign out front?! We're closed! You'll have to find your drink elsewhere!"

It's a practiced voice, the authoritative kind of bark learned by barkeeps everywhere when having to deal with drunk or rowdy customers. The kind of voice that would normally be congenial and accommodating until the owner had to reach down beneath the bar and pull out the wooden club because someone had gotten a bit crazy with their booze.

Of course it was also the voice of Dan's father, but those with him would have no way of knowing as much.

[Bhaakon]

Arriving at the temple, Korman isn't all that surprised to find things relatively calm. People were mad at the Queen, not the Dawnflower.

"Doesn't look like it needs much protecting," he says to Enon. "I'll bet there are plenty of mansions in the Heights that could use some strong arms, but no one is fool enough to loot a temple."

[Karl Prosek]

"Dad, it's me. I brought some friends to make sure everything was alright around here. We would've come in the front but, uh, somebody barred the door."

[Mathemagics]

There's a brief moment of quiet, then footsteps are heard approaching the closed door, followed by the sound of a lock being turned. The door swings open to reveal a man a bit past his middle years, with a heavyset frame and powerful arms (because hauling all those kegs is a real workout). His tensed expression turns to one as relief as he sees Kurdan and he also gives a nod of acknowledgement towards the other two.

"Dan, thank the gods. We were getting worried."

He glances into the back alley behind the group to make sure nothing is out of place outside, then gestures into the building.

"Best get inside, you and your friends."

Once you're inside, he goes about locking the door and rejoining you. The commons room is empty, save for the other members of Kurdan's family gathered over at the bar. Bedrolls have been gathered together to form a makeshift sleeping area, clearly with the intent that everyone be close together and ready to flee the premises if necessary.

"Before you go asking, we're all alright. Nothing's happened here, but we figured it was best not to take any chances. You alright? We heard it was getting pretty bad out there."

[Madcrafter]

"Well, we a..." Diancan began conversationally, before trailing off as soon as he saw everyone's eyes switch to him. He gave an awkward wave to indicate that Dan should probably do the explanations, before standing up a little straighter and casting his gaze about the room nonchalantly.

[Tsriel]

Arriving at the temple, Korman isn't all that surprised to find things relatively calm. People were mad at the Queen, not the Dawnflower.

"Doesn't look like it needs much protecting," he says to Enon. "I'll bet there are plenty of mansions in the Heights that could use some strong arms, but no one is fool enough to loot a temple."

"That's sort of the idea. Wait here a moment." Enon placed a reassuring hand on Korman's shoulder with a sincere smile as he stepped away from Korman.

"Father, are you here?" Enon called aloud, setting a mild disturbance within the temple. Moments later, a middle-aged half elf with wavy auburn and greying hair and thinly wrinkled skin enters the room. He seemed to be muttering something about more being injured before taking note of Enon.

"Oh, you're back my boy! I guess the madness outside didn't cause you too much trouble."

Enon smiled at the man, "Nothing we couldn't handle."

The man looked quizzingly back at Enon with a cocked eyebrow. "We?"

"Yes," replied Enon, "Myself and Korman right behind me. Korman, meet my Dad Soma. Anyway, I found a lead but we should talk about it elsewhere."

Enon led Korman and Soma to the living quarters of the temple, well enough away from those seeking refuge within the main hall, to the living area with a quaint fireplace providing a warm hearth to rest by.


to be continued...?

[Bhaakon]

"Er, yes, Korman Sootforge," the dwarf manages to spit out, a bit confused. He even doffs the stiff leather skullcap he uses for a helmet to reveal a greasy mop of hair. "Pleased to escort your, I mean, young Enon, here. It was no trouble, really."

As he follows the pair back to preists' quarters, Korman manages to hold Enon back a few step and whisper. "Wait, is he your father, like you sprung from his loins, or a Father, like a priest? Or both?"

[Tsriel]

"Er, yes, Korman Sootforge," the dwarf manages to spit out, a bit confused. He even doffs the stiff leather skullcap he uses for a helmet to reveal a greasy mop of hair. "Pleased to escort your, I mean, young Enon, here. It was no trouble, really."

As he follows the pair back to preists' quarters, Korman manages to hold Enon back a few step and whisper. "Wait, is he your father, like you sprung from his loins, or a Father, like a priest? Or both?"

"Neither. I'm adopted. I'll explain later once we're done here."

[Karl Prosek]

"Before you go asking, we're all alright. Nothing's happened here, but we figured it was best not to take any chances. You alright? We heard it was getting pretty bad out there."

Dan nods. "I'm fine. We came along the Shingles here from docks; there are fires all over the place and people are rioting in the streets, but we didn't run into anything out of the ordinary up there. I'm glad you guys haven't seen anything around here." He glances back at his new friends.

"Um, this is Iacomo and Diancan. We, uh, we've been working together."

[NobodyMuch]

"Pleased to meetcher, Dan's dad."

Iacomo more or less makes himself at home in the bar, since it seems like this is where they'll be staying for the night.

"In the morning, we've got to go meet up with the others. Get this other matter sorted out."

[Mathemagics]

The man quirks an eyebrow at the mention of getting an "other matter sorted out", but otherwise makes no reply to the comment. Apparently he trusts his son's judgment enough to not make an issue of it. Following the others back towards the bar he motions that they make themselves comfortable and takes a seat himself.

"Well if you're friends of Dan's you're welcome to stay the night. Probably safer with a couple more lads like yourselves, if any of the crazies do get it into their heads to try something. We got a couple spare bedrolls and blankets we can bring down in a bit and there's plenty of space until we reopen."


So at this point I can play things out in both scenes if you guys want to RP a bit more or we can just fast-forward to the next morning. Lemme know what you'd like to do in the OOC.

[Mathemagics]

What remains of the night passes in relative peace, punctuated by the occasional angry shout which quickly fades (nothing unusual here in good ole' Korvosa). The next morning dawns, soggy and gray as if to mirror the mood of the city. Recalling that Enon and Korman had been planning to head to the temple of Sarenae, those at the tavern decide to head out early to try and meet up with them (but not before being treated to a quick breakfast by Mrs. Townson because she's far too nice to let the young lads go walking round the city hungry). It takes a bit of hiking through the city, but they eventually manage to reach the edifice without incident and rejoin the others from the revenge group.

[Bhaakon]

Korman yawns and stretches his back. The pallets at the temple weren't exactly high living, but they were plenty fine for a dwarf used to the common room floor or worse. He wanders out to the temple proper, taking a bowl of the oat gruel the novitiates were spooning out to the scores of people who had taken shelter from the riots on consecrated ground.

Most of them were indigents with no home to hole up in, but some were, after the events of the previous night, newly indigent. A handful, he was quite sure, were petty nobles or wealthy merchants thinly disguised in smeared on soot and their servants' clothes.

I bet he'll pay a shiny copper for an escort to his home. Korman considers as he looks one of the the later group over--a portly fellow who forgot to take of his ten platinum behir-leather loafers when he slipped into a sackcloth tunic. He's interrupted when the others approach.

[NobodyMuch]

" M'thanks for the vittles, ma'arm. Lovely place you have here," and other effusive, awkward politeness. It isn't often these days that the young Varisian gets a warm, homecooked meal. Though, he figures, that there are benefits to having home be a tavern, essentially.

He whistles as they walk to the temple, in something that approximates a good mood despite the civil disorder. He's still got a mission, after all.

"Had a nice night in Chez Sunflower?," is his greeting to Korman and Enon, grinning as he looks around the place. "Rested enough to go try and claim whatever reward we can get for the thing from the place, in any event?," Iacomo asks, more or less taking it for granted that the answer will be 'yes'.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan thanked his parents, particularly his mother (who, despite being a very lovely woman, was clearly where Kurdan got his size from). "I'll be back tonight. I figure it'd be good to be around until this all dies down. At night, at least." After hugs all around, the big Shoanti followed his new companions to the temple.

He nods at Iacomo but he looks skeptical. "I still think we're begging to get tossed in a cell, but maybe after last night all their cells are full up."

[Bhaakon]

"Eh, I've slept in better...and worse." The dwarf responds warmly to Iacomo. When the man comes closer, he leans in and whispers, "I think I should have followed you to Dan's. This temple is as dry as a fire giant's rear."

[Tsriel]

Enon sat waiting in front of the cozy fireplace with Korman while Soma brought a fresh kettle of tea with simple wooden cups. Not exactly the type of refreshment the dwarf was expecting.

"I must say, I'm a little surprised to see you here right now Enon." Soma spoke with a flat monotone as he poured tea for everyone. "I would've figured that you would find more excitement out there than here."

"Heeey... You're the one that's been telling me that we should spend some time together ever since I came back to Korvosa. Besides that, I had something I wanted to tell you about."

Soma's expression on his face soured slightly. "Am I to assume it is about your friend, Rika?" There was definitely a hint discontent in his tone of voice as he passed out cups of hot tea.

"Yes, it's about Rika... I think I know where they've taken her."

"They?" Soma's expression changed from a dour look to one of interest. Enon regaled the night's events to Soma, sparing the more gruesome details. Eventually, he got to the point about Rika being sold into slavery and into Devargo Barvasi's clutches. When Enon finished, Soma shook his head in a disapproving fashion.

"The stupid girl..."

That statement caught Enon off guard. "...Excuse me?"

Soma sighed aloud as he relaxed deeper into his chair. "Enon, there's something I should tell you. You're not going to like it."

Enon had known for years that Soma had disapproved of his friendship with Rika. Soma was borderline furious when Enon wrote to him, announcing that he had picked Korvosa to serve out his tour of emissary primarily to be close to Rika again. Soma saw nothing but trouble in that quirky girl. Whenever Enon was in any danger, Rika was usually also involved. He tolerated it only because Enon had so few friends growing up because he looked different from everyone else. Soma had hoped in time that Enon would find better choices for friends when he sent Enon away from the city. It was frustrating to no end that even after all the years apart, he still regarded her so highly.

"Three weeks ago, Rika was here under my care. She submitted herself to my care to treat her addiction to shiver. She had thought that money could alleviate her addiction. A quick wave of my hands and a prayer to Sarenrae would be all that was needed and she would be cured of her addiction. As you and I both know, we can treat the symptoms, but it's up to the individual to find the cure within themselves."

Soma didn't need to say any more. Enon knew what he meant. Now her cryptic messages in her last letters were starting to make sense. Enon felt flooded by a mix of emotions with betrayal and hurt at the forefront.

"...Why couldn't she tell me this? Why are you telling me this now?"

"Rika asked me not to. She wanted to be there for your ceremony but--"

Enon didn't want or need to hear any more. Setting the cup of tea down on the table, he stood up and proceeded towards the door.

"Wait, where are you going?"

Enon paused for a moment in his tracks, not bothering to turn around. He thought that the answer should be obvious. "To find Barvasi. If he's the one dealing out this junk on the streets, I aim to put an end to it and find my friend." Enon continued out the door.

"Damn it..." Soma turned to Korman. "That's my boy... Once he's got something in his head, there's no getting it out until its done. I'm sorry to get you dragged into family affairs, but I would appreciate it if you kept an eye on him. He's never been known to have the best sense of judgment."

[Bhaakon]

Korman starts when Soma addresses him directly. The room was amply heated, and the tea--while lacking in inebriating powers--was still pleasantly warming, and it felt like he'd been on his feet for a week. Those snorts were just the dwarf clearing his balky sinuses, not nascent snoring...

"Huh? Oh, don't worry about that. I've already given my word to help him find this Rika girl, and he's already followed through on his end...so I'm in for the long haul. I'm sure we'll roust this Barvasi fellow, whoever he is, and shake the girl loose" He grins broadly as he follows Enon out the door, hoping the confident smile inspires some optimism in the elder Sarenite, but coming off more like a drunken leer (despite the dwarf's relative sobriety).

[Madcrafter]

The floor of the inn had been surprisingly comfortable, something that Diancan had not expected. And breakfast the next morning more than made up for any shortcomings in accommodations.

The amount of people at the temple was somewhat surprising, and Diancan spent the rendezvous watching everyone around as they ate their gruel. "Well I'm certainly glad I went to the family run establishment instead" he remarks quietly to no one in particular.

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo shoots the others a look as the Paladin wanders out of the temple, ignoring them. It involves a raised eyebrow.

Out the door after him, Iacomo hooks a thumb, pointing down the street,"Bright boy, the castle is that way. The streets should be clear enough, though there's probably still a few idiots out and about some where. If we hurry, we can catch the day shift of guards while they're still fresh and glad they weren't around when the brown stuff started flying last night."

[Bhaakon]

"Off to claim our just rewards then? Or is it a noose?" Korman asks rhetorically. "Let's hope that Enon's golden tongue is as effective on royalty as the rabble last night, because, in all honesty, most of us look the part of the thieving blackguard."

He shakes his head. "I've half a mind to stay behind, but those 'official' types have ways of making you give up my name if things go that way."

[Karl Prosek]

The amount of people at the temple was somewhat surprising, and Diancan spent the rendezvous watching everyone around as they ate their gruel. "Well I'm certainly glad I went to the family run establishment instead" he remarks quietly to no one in particular.

Dan smiles at Diancan. "I'll be sure to tell dad. He's always glad to hear about happy customers."

He nods at Iacomo. "We definitely don't want to run into anyone who was on duty last night. They're going to be in a really bad mood."

[Mathemagics]

Seeing as most of the group seems ready to embark, the party takes to the streets once again. While far more subdued than it was last night, an air of tension continues to hang over the city. Even the pseudodragons and imps seem to have decided to call a momentary truce from their aerial mock battle, though it looks as though the imps are throwing together a makeshift fort on what is presumably a strategic rooftop to prepare for the next push.

The trip through the soggy and sullen streets is largely unremarkable until you draw near to a tavern. Unlike Kurdan's family, the owners of this particular tavern elected to remain open through the night, capitalizing on those who chose to cure their depression over the state of affairs with alcohol instead of torches and pitchforks. As the group passes by the open front door, a man stumbles out drunkenly and collides with Kurdan (though he rebounds a bit off the part-Shoanti's heavy frame).

Unshaven and dressed in a soiled and thinking city guard uniform, the man reeks of sweat and drink. Somehow managing to recover his balance (such as it is), he peers blearily at Kurdan, his face breaking into a cheerfully stupid smile.

"Neffi! Hey Neffi! How... howreya doin?! Itshme! Grau! From.. from... fromShandpoint! Remember? Heyheyheyhey... how yabin buddy?"

It's painfully obvious that the poor sod is drunk out of his head, and probably has been all night. Apparently he's managed to mistake Kurdan for another acquaintance.


Knowledge (Local) check passed...

Diancan happens to recognize the unfortunate drunk, though it takes several seconds to identify him with how far he's fallen. The man is Watch Sergeant Grau, a well-liked and well-respected man about the city. Grau has always been particularly known for his attentiveness to the plight of the commoners and respect for his work (not to mention attention to personal grooming habits). To see him fallen to this state is an indicator that he must be going through something truly devastating.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan grins and puts a steadying hand on the man's shoulder. A priest of Cayden wouldn't get through his first night if he didn't know how to deal with a drunk. And this one seemed to be a happy drunk, which was the best kind to deal with. "Hey, Grau! Good to see you, buddy. You look like you've been having a good time." He gestures back into the tavern. "Why don't we go back in and sit down, catch up? I'm up for a coffee; you want one?"

The best thing to do with someone this drunk was to get them sitting or laying down. If all it would cost Dan was a coin for a drink- even better, some coffee- to get Grau someplace he wouldn't hurt himself or someone else, Dan was willing to make that sacrifice.

[Madcrafter]

Diancan had been about to step around the drunk and continue on their way when he greeted the Shoanti. Looking a little closer, he vaguely recognized the man, confirmed when Grau gave his name.

Diancan stares questioningly at Dan for a second when the latter invites Grau in for coffee though, as if to confirm that is indeed, not Neffi. "You sure that bringing him back into the tavern is the best idea, even if just for coffee? He puts a hand on Grau's free shoulder, and asks him "You wouldn't happen to have a home you could go to, would you Sergeant?" putting a bit of emphasis on Grau's rank.

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo doesn't say anything in this exchange; he's keeping an eye on the area around them, one hand on the strap of his musket. The recent riots have kept his paranoia finely honed.

[Bhaakon]

Korman tightens up as the guardsmen--make that guard sergeant--stumbles out to the group. Great. Someone to catch us with the brooch before we can return it. He tries his best not to look at the one toting the royal jewelry.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan shrugs and looks into Grau's eyes. "What do you think, buddy? You want us to walk you home?" The way Grau was stumbling, they'd end up carrying him before they got more than a block.

[Mathemagics]

"Aww but... butyajust got... just got here... Neffi...? Letsh go out drinkinagin jusht like we used to...!"

Grau lurches in the direction of the tavern but then stumbles back to his previous position. Once again, his ability to remain upright despite his intense inebriation is actually kind of impressive in a twisted sort of way.

"Oh.... okay... okay... okayokay... mebbe... mebbe I have had juuuuuuusht a bit toomuch. Letsh go home then.... That way!"

He spins around and promptly walks into a wall, which he rebounds off of seemingly unfazed.

"That way!"

[Karl Prosek]

"You got it, Grau!" Dan puts his arm around the man's shoulder to steady Grau.

OOC:
Dunno where you want to go from here. Dan will walk the guy home, but that's not exactly going to further the plot. Or is it? Dun dun dun!!!! :smallwink:

[Mathemagics]

It's a bit difficult to tell if Grau actually knows where he's going or not, but you half-follow, half-guide, half-support him as he stumbles forward. (You also ignore the impossible mathematical implications of such a combination of actions.) Unfortunately, his stumbling pathway seems to be leading generally away from the palace towards the river and the east side of the city. At some point, it vaguely occurs to you that the city guard has their headquarters stationed in that direction; maybe he's heading there?

About an hour later (you can't go very fast since you have to stop every few feet for Grau to regain his footing, and then stop again every 5 minutes so he can dry-heave), you hear the sound of several armored individuals approaching from around the corner. The brief fear that you may have stumbled upon a patrol of Hellknights and their over-zealous penchant for order is quickly dispelled when a handful of city guardsman stroll into sight. The young man in the lead takes in the sight of the drunken sergeant with an expression of mixed dismay and relief.

"Oh no, Sergeant... why?"

By this point Grau is barely even aware of what's going on around him and merely teeters in place with a bleary-eyed smile. The couple other guards in the group move to gently take him by the shoulders while the younger one in the front turns towards the group.

"When he didn't show up for duty a few days ago, we were worried something might've happened to him... Honestly didn't expect... well... Never seen him this bad before, but at least he's not hurt. Thank you for looking after him, we'll take it from here."

The patrol moves to escort Grau back down the street, effectively taking him off your hands and assuring you that he'll be taken care of and given the rest he needs to recover back at the citadel. With that interruption resolved, you return to the original task at hand. Luckily you make much better time going back the other way without having to tote a drunken guardsman along for the ride and reach the gates of the castle a few hours before noon.

The front gates leading to the stairs up to the castle proper are guarded by a pair of royal soldiers watching the street impassively. Everything seems pretty orderly, though tense. Apparently nobody was stupid enough to actually try raising open rebellion in such close proximity to the castle during last night's riots.

[Bhaakon]

It's obvious that the dwarf is a bit uncomfortable, as he nervously combs his fingers through his beard in an vain attempt to look more presentable. Suddenly Korman was glad that he'd agreed to give his clothes a light rinsing when that novitiate overseeing the refugees at the temple had threatened to burn them.

"Let's get this over with then," He whispers to the others. "Enon to the front, he knows how to handle these blue-bloods, and the more disreputable-looking ones back here with me."

[Karl Prosek]

Dan was glad he was in fresh clothes, having changed into spare kit he kept stashed at his parents' place. Still, he didn't look like the kind of person who typically visited the castle. The big man does his best to look inconspicuous as he looks over at their more socially acceptable looking teammates.

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo can't quite believe that they're diverting from their goal to walk a random drunken sot home. He's about to say as much when his hand in his pocket jostles against the deck of Harrow cards. "Fine. Fine. Korvosa needs all the defenders it can get," he mutters to himself afterwards.

---

"The guards' blood is the same color as yours and mine, Korman," is Iacomo's half-snorted rebuttal of the dwarf's concern. In any event, the young Varisian is hardly going to sit about and wait on Enon's attempts at parlay. Up he strolls to the pair of soldiers, doing his best to look like something other than a tattooed, gun toting mercenary and failing completely.

"Hello there gents. My friends and I there are a company of adventurers." He says with a grin, settling on the A-word since 'violent vigilantes' doesn't play well with guards. "Our story is a long one, but suffice to say that in all of the hurly burly of last night we came upon something belonging to Her Royal Highness in less than savory hands, and are here to return it for the posted reward."

[Mathemagics]

The guard on the left raises an eyebrow at Iacomo, but says nothing. The one on the right seems slightly amused and decides to humor this "adventurer" with a bit of a sarcastic smile on his face.

"Yeah, that so? Well, it just so happens Mr. 'Adventurer' that a personal item belonging to the Queen was stolen recently. But ah... why don't you just show us what it is you got and we'll see if anyone up above needs to hear about it."

His tone is pretty self-explanatory: they don't really think Iacomo has anything worthwhile on him, and figure he probably doesn't even know exactly what has been taken. But this whole exchange alleviates the tedium of guard duty, so they'll play around, humor him a bit, and eventually tell him to get scarce when he looks silly trying to show them an obvious fake. Little do they realize that soon it is they who shall be shown up when the brooch is revealed!

[Bhaakon]

Korman grows more and more fidgety as the pregnant pause gives birth to an awkward silence. His fingers, formerly combing his mangy beard, begin tugging harder and harder at his tangle of facial hair. Finally they yank too hard, pulling loose a tuft of greasy locks.

"By the thrice-damned spawn of the rough beast, show him the brooch already!" He explodes, no longer able to contain himself. He grabs for the pouch holding the piece of royal jewelry and virtually throws it at the guard.

Realizing what he's done, the dwarf goes quiet. Knew I should have drank my breakfast.

[Mathemagics]

The instigating guard stifles a small chuckle as he catches the pouch. The dwarf's frustrated reaction apparently is at least providing a brief respite from the general tedium of guard duty. Rolling his eyes a bit, the guard fumbles at the drawstrings of the pouch, opening it up to take a look at the contents.

"Alright then, let's just take a look here and... see...huh...well... that's odd..."

His tone which started out rather sarcastic drifts into confused, then downright puzzled. With a vexed expression, he squints into the pouch, then at the party, then the pouch, then the other guard, then the party, then the pouch again.

He steps over towards his comrade and holds the pouch open in front to allow him a look as well. The pair go into a quick huddle and a whispered conversation is hurried through. Turning around quickly, the first guard unlocks the gate behind him and begins jogging up the stairs towards the castle with the brooch still in the pouch. The other soldier closes the gate behind him and nods to the group with a bit of a forced nervous smile (but at least he's trying).

"He's uh... he's gonna go run it up to the captain and ask her to take a look at it. Just wait around and he should be back in a few."

It actually turns out to be closer to 10 minutes before the man returns, breathing heavily from his hike up the stairs to the castle and back. Trying to catch his breath as the gate is opened once more, he waves the party over.

"Captain Sabina says to let you lot in, wants to speak with you. She also said to leave your weapons here at the gate; you can collect them on your way out."

He slumps over against the wall near his original post, still trying to take some deep breaths.

"Gods, I need to get in better shape... running up and down those stairs all days takes it out of ya..."

A small squad of 3 guards files out of the guardhouse, apparently assigned to escort you up to the palace. The apparent man in charge nods silently and signals that they're ready to lead you forward just as soon as everyone has deposited their armaments.

[Bhaakon]

"Such a fool...what was I thinking...what did I do with that flask." Korman mutters as he strips off his small arsenal of weapon and bandolier of incendiaries.

"You see, this is why I don't do the talking!" He finally snaps at the others as he turns in his sizable bundle of dangerous items. "Probably going to drag us off to the gallows..."

[NobodyMuch]

Iacomo just snorts at the continuing hypochondriac reaction that his companions seem to be suffering from, terrified like mice here in a place where law holds sway when only the day before they'd fearlessly held forth against a giant crocodile of all things.

"Now, you take good care of this, y'hear? Delicate bit of machinery, she is," is the gunman's warning to the guards as he unslings his musket and passes it over. And with that, he's ready to get on into the castle.

[Karl Prosek]

Dan doesn't have much in the way of weapons, just his improvised but effective flanged mace, though he also leaves his shield. He nods at the escort leader, indicating his readiness to go.

[Madcrafter]

Diancan too is somewhat amused by the dwarf's antics. It wasn't like they were breaking the law, and turning themselves in. And the guard's reactions certainly seemed to indicate they weren't being invited in just for an execution.

He casually hands over his staff, crossbow and extra bolts, then waits with a pleasant smile with the escort while Korman finishes disgorging his arsenal.

[Mathemagics]

With the party disarmed and sufficiently helpless should the guards be plotting an impromptu hanging, the escort motions for the group to begin the hike up the stairs. Hike really is the most appropriate word, considering the palace is built on top of an ancient stone pyramid that's predated the city's founding. The ascent takes almost 10 minutes at a walking pace, eventually depositing everyone in a small walled-in inner courtyard.

Here, you are met by a strikingly beautiful woman in full guard regalia. From the deference (and possibly just a bit of fear) the other soldiers regard her with, it's obvious that she's the one in charge in things as far as they're concerned. Eying the somewhat ragtag group in front of her, she steps forward; at this closer distance, the handed-over brooch can be clearly seen in her possession.

With a nod, she indicates the escort guards should return to their post at the base of the stairs, then turns her attention to the party.

"Welcome. I am Sabine, personal guard to Queen Ileosa."

She diverts her piercing gaze from the group to the brooch and inspects it with a critical eye before returning her focus.

"I will not ask how you came upon this brooch, nor do I wish to know. However, the Queen has instructed that any who should happen to return it to her be thanked personally. If you are ready, I shall take you to the audience now. I suggest you be on your best behavior and most presentable when in her majesty's presence."

[Bhaakon]

Upon reach the top of the stairs, Korman wipes the sweat from his brow with a soot-stained handkerchief. Hell of a climb, he thinks, even his mental voice panting. Suddenly he has a new-found respect for the palace guard.

His relief is evident when the impressively kitted guard captain commutes their death sentence. He slumps and sighs, letting the tension escape his body, but immediately sets his back in the stiffly upright pose drilled into him as a soldier.

"A royal audience..." he whispers. The mind boggles. Gold, gems, strange and exotic flammables. "Yes, Captain." He responds with military formality. "May I wash up first, ma'am?"

[Karl Prosek]

Dan's jaw drops open and he closes it with a snap. "Uh... yes, ma'am?" She hadn't asked a question, but it was clear the big Shoanti was ready to do whatever Sabine said.

[NobodyMuch]

"We'll be good," the young Varisian assures the guard.

The gunslinger tries to elbow Sootforge in the ribs, though this requires him to duck down a bit. "Come on, Korman. It'll take more than just a quick scrub to matter much, ey? And I don't know that we want to keep Queen Ileosa Arabasti waiting while you soak, do we?,"needles Iacomo, teasing the dwarf for his fearful awe of the newly minted ruler of the city.

[Madcrafter]

Diancan took the news in stride, perhaps not realizing that a ruler didn't personally meet with every group of adventurers to show up on her doorstep. He gave a chuckle at Iacomo's comment. "We've been out defending her city. I'm sure she'll understand." He hoped they didn't get too close though; Diancan's jacket looked presentable (well, maybe not to a queen), but he still smelled of fish and smoke from their escapades.

[Bhaakon]

"And how do you know I wasn't politely inquiring so that you could rid yourself of your weapon's sulfurous fumes?" The dwarf snaps back at Iacomo. "I can be subtle when I want to be, but the smell of rotten eggs about you is about as subtle as your musket's report."

Then he realizes where he is, and turns a bright shade red (or would, if his flesh weren't permanently stained a dingy grey by decades of soot buildup). "I mean, um, well, I'm sure the Captain is a better judge of whether Her Majesty would prefer clean guests or hasty ones." He looks expectantly at the woman in charge.

[Mathemagics]

"Given the circumstances, I think the Queen may overlook your less than appropriate appearances and attire... Though I would suggest you all remain on your best behavior; the Queen has been through much in the past few days with the loss of her husband the king, and the current situation has done little to alleviate the burdens placed upon her."

As she speaks, Sabine waves a hand, motioning the group fall in step behind her. Entering through the front doors, the soldier begins leading you through a number of hallways and rooms. Apparently the audience isn't going to be held in the main hall, but a more private venue, at least that seems to be the only explanation for why it's taking so long to get there.

Sabine has little else of note to say as she leads the way, save for reminders that everyone carefully mind how they conduct themselves in the Queen's presence. The almost-reverential way in which Sabine speaks of Queen Ileosa makes it immediately obvious that the woman respects her a great deal, possibly even idolizing her. It probably would be a good idea to try to meet her expectations of conduct, regardless of how the Queen herself might perceive them.

After a couple minutes of this, Sabine stops in front of a door with a servant stationed outside it. The girl nods meekly as Sabine informs her that the individuals responsible for returning the Queen's brooch have arrived for their audience and to relay this to the Queen, which the girl scurries off to do. While waiting for her to return with permission to enter, Sabine turns back towards you.

"Do you have any way in which you'd prefer to be introduced to her Majesty? Or shall I make something up?"

[Bhaakon]

"'Korman Sootforge,' is the only name I have, ma'am. No impressive titles." The dwarf responds as he continues to move the dirt around his face with the filthy kerchief. "I think 'Master Sootforge' is appropriate for a simple tradesmen like myself."

Because making liquor disappear and blowing things up are perfectly respectable dwarven vocations.

[NobodyMuch]

The gunslinger gets a good chuckle out of the idea of Korman being 'polite' and 'subtle' with the Hells not freezing over. "Iacomo Andrenatti would be my name, miss. I think simple would probably be the best thing to shoot for in our introductions. Simple folk, and all."

[Karl Prosek]

"Kurdan, ma'am. My father is Pavolius Carthagnion of North Point." The big half-Shoanti smiles as he nods at Iacomo. "Feel free to make up something simple, ma'am, for us simple folks."

[Madcrafter]

Diancan pauses a moment, unconsciously straightening himself even more, if that were possible. "... Diancan Molthune, of the Acadamae. That should be sufficient." He might as well go with the bright side for meeting royalty.

[Mathemagics]

Sabine gives a curt nod, satisfied with the proposed introductions. A moment later, the servant emerges from behind the door and nods, indicating they should enter now. Sabine opens the door and steps inside, assuming the others follow behind her.

The private audience chamber is still rather spacious, and certainly luxurious in design and decor. Every element is of impeccable taste and conveys the kind of beauty that you'd generally have to pay quite a lot of money for. That said, any notion of beauty about the room is rather dwarfed in the presence of the individual sitting on the miniature throne across the way.

There always had been a couple rumors floating around the city about how scandalous it was that old King Eodred had gone and married a woman less than half his age, but actually seeing the Queen in person you find it rather hard to blame the guy. Even dressed in a subdued black mourning gown, Queen Ileosa is stunning, almost otherworldly, beautiful.

Sabine drops to one knee, her arm crossed over her heart in a salute and her head inclined toward the floor. Realizing that it would probably be wise to show the same respect, everyone else attempts a bow as well (with varying degrees of awkwardness). Rising, Sabine raises a hand in the general direction of the party, indicating each in turn.

"Your Majesty. These are the adventurers responsible for returning your brooch. Korman Sootforge, Iacomo Andrenatti, Kurdan Carthagnion, and Diancan Molthune of the Acadamae."

Having completed the introduction, Sabine crosses the room and presents the brooch before taking her place to Ileosa's left. The Queen remains silent for a moment, studying each of the intrepid "adventurers" before her with a solemn expression before turning her attention to the jewelry in her hand.

"It was some time ago that this brooch was stolen from me, and to be honest I had not expected to see it again. And yet now, among such sorrow and loss it returns in an act of kindness. Such an act goes far beyond the mere value of the brooch itself; it is an inspiration, a hope that whatever evils befall we shall overcome."

She redirects her attention towards the party once more, her gaze resolute and piercing.

"I love Korvosa, as my late husband the King did. For the sake of his memory, and for the sake of all its citizens, I will not see this city tear itself apart. You have already done much in returning this keepsake to me, inconsequential as it may be, and for that you shall be rewarded. Yet perhaps there is more still you may help accomplish. Korvosa has a need of people like yourselves, honest and simple individuals unafraid to stand against the chaos that threatens to engulf the city. The common people need an example to look to, if you are willing."