Nicolas

Nicolas is an Imperial thief. He is the former guildmaster of the Abah's Landing Thieves Guild. He serves as the main antagonist of .
==Background==
Nicolas was born around 2E 534, joining the guild in 549 at the age of 15. Having served as the Guildmaster of the Thieves Guild since the age of 23, Nicolas commanded great respect and power from his guild members, who looked up to him for guidance. Under his reign, the guild soared to great heights and most of the veteran members saw the organization as a tight-knit family whose influence scared even Abah's Landing's merchant lords.
Following a failed heist in Taneth involving Magnifica Falora's dowry inside her family tomb, Nicolas was believed to have been killed, though in truth it is revealed he betrayed the guild and faked his death. He is later found imprisoned in the No Shira Citadel by the Iron Wheel.
He was supposed to be shipped off to Taneth to face justice but was reportedly thrown off the ship and lost to the waves. He survived the incident and left his past life of thieving and intrigue for good, having promised marriage to an unsuspecting widow named Volunidai and living in her mansion away from civilization.
Nicolas later claimed that he had not intended to betray the guild at all, but due to everyone not acting as they should such as Velsa retiring and Zeira not returning to the guild earlier to warm them of the Iron Wheel, the Thieves Guild was decimated and left ruined by the invading police force.
His fate is left to the Vestige's decision – either kill him for vengeance for the guild, or leave him alive and decide whether or not to reveal to Volunidai of his past expoits.
==Interactions==
===Forever Hold Your Peace===
The Thieves Guild wishes to crash Merchant Lord Cosh's wedding ceremony inside Hubalajad Palace and prevent him from marrying Magnifica Falorah. Zeira suspects Nicolas is behind it all.
===Prison Break===
Nicolas can be found in Zeira's presumed cell block in the No Shira Prison. The Vestige is given the option of deciding his fate, though it is recommended to consult with the guild members beforehand.
===The One That Got Away===
Zeira tasks the Vestige with finding Nicolas whom she believes survived an accident on the ship that was supposed to carry him to Taneth.
==Dialogue==
;Prison Break
"You certainly don't belong. Who are you, and why are you here?"
:Tell me where I can find Zeira. "Straight to the point. Very good. I know where Chief Inspector Rhanbiq took Zeira. I'm willing to tell you. My only price is a single lockpick."
::Why would I free you? "I didn't ask you to free me. A single lockpick, from one thief to another. A tradition Zeira began, which means bad luck for her should you break it. Ah, but we have company. And they seem... ambivalent to the idea."
:::Hold that thought.
"Well? Is there honor among thieves, or will you prove Zeira wrong?"
:I've made my decision. "Good, good. Always commit fully, even when your heart brims with doubt. Now. The lockpick?"
::If you tell us where to find Zeira, you'll get a lockpick. "Head through the prison and look for the docks. Should you hurry, the ship bearing Zeira in its hold will still be present."
:::We're done. Walks-Softly, give him a lockpick.
::You don't get a lockpick. You don't get anything. "Misguided, but I understand. Zeira always treasured loyalty over … well, treasure. To show there's no hard feelings between us, you could try the Warden's Office for her transfer papers. It's under guard, but you look like you could manage."
:::We're done.
;The One That Got Away
"You are not who I expected to see. I knew my time here wouldn't last. I hoped it would take longer, though. Zeira wanted to make sure I was truly dead, yes? I taught her too well."
:We have unfinished business. "What business? The man you knew as Nicolas truly died in that storm. I am a changed man, a married man. I live quietly in this house, painting things that my wife adores. I... retired."
::Before I decide what to do with you, I have some questions. "Ask. I'll tell you everything you want to know. No more secrets. None of them matter anymore."
:::What was your plan? "I wanted more. Alone... Abah's Landing is a meager prize. But if I could find a way to bring in Taneth... With a stake in both cities, you control all trade in Hew's Bane."
::::But why betray the Thieves Guild? "But I hadn't! Velsa should have joined me at Malooc's Path. After my 'death,' she would lead the others back to Abah's Landing. Zeira could scatter the guild before the Iron Wheel's arrival. But then Velsa retired, and everything changed."
:::::You're saying this is Velsa's fault? "Of course not. But had all gone according to plan, Zeira could have filtered the guild into Taneth. Set up there, while the Iron Wheel was chasing them here. And when I was Magnifica Falorah's puppet in Abah's Landing, Zeira would be mine in Taneth."
::::::But that's not what happened. It's time I decided what to do with you. "Very well. We both know my part in what happened to the Thieves Guild. I won't beg for my life, if that's what you're expecting. If that's what Zeira wants from me."
:::::::You don't get to have a happy family. Your wife should know who you really are. "But I love her! I see … Zeira wants you to take away what's important to me. Go on, then. Do what you must."
:::::::Zeira wants you to stay away from Abah's Landing. "Truly? You will never hear from me again. I swear it upon the love I hold for my dear wife. This home, my wife... it's all I shall ever want. My only ambition is to keep my wife happy. I will not leave this place. Not until I do it."
:::::::She didn't want you to beg. She wanted you dead. [Nicolas dies]
The Vestige may tell Volunidai, or simply leave. Either way, these are the last words exchanged between the two.
==Conversations==
;Prison Break
Nicolas: "Ah, Walks-Softly. So good to see you again. How have you been?"
Walks-Softly. "Hunted. Missing too many dead friends."
Nicolas: "And Velsa as well? I thought you'd retired!"
Velsa: "And I thought you were dead. Seems we were both disappointed."
Nicolas: "And … who are you? I don't believe we've met."
Quen: "I'm someone who knows better than to listen to your lies."
==Quotes==
;Prison Break
*"I can't imagine we'll ever speak again, but I wish you luck in your many endeavors." — If given a lockpick
;The One That Got Away
*"My darling Volu, is that you in the kitchen? My muse has left me. Perhaps kisses would restore it?" – Upon entering the kitchen
*"You are not who I expected to see." – When approaching him
==Appearances==
*
Category:Thieves Guild: Hew's Bane Characters