Welcome to Baldur’s Gate, a veritable nest of rats and vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River. From their high perches in the Upper City, the local nobles — known as patriars — gaze down with veiled contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower City, which hugs the foggy harbor. The whole of Baldur’s Gate reeks of blood, crime, and opportunity. One can easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this place like flies to a carcass.
Following the river farther east would eventually lead you to Elturel, capital of the holy land of Elturgard — or at least that was the case until a few days ago. The flood of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news first arrived that the city has fallen. Everyone is saying Baldur’s Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or what has claimed Elturel.
The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming Fist to protect their interests in Baldur’s Gate, and by extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence, the Flaming Fist has sealed the city’s gates to staunch the flow of refugees. No one is allowed in or out.
All of this was brought to your attention shortly after you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city’s eastern wall and takes its name from the various statues that rest in its niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm’s Crossing, then to distant realms beyond.
Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed with only a vague description of Captain Zodge — a tall man with long black hair and a leather eye patch — it takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throwing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.
Drafted into the service of the Flaming Fists, now father should see me. A young handsome man with a somewhat haughty expression moves swiftly through the rabble, approaching Captain Zodge. He wears an exquisite red mantle over a red cotton shirt embroidered with small intricate black symbols, black pants and black high soft leather boots. He has slick black hair in a short ponytail and piercing gray eyes now glaring at the commoners. This city clearly needs strong new leadership or everything will soon revert to chaos. On one hand he wears a plain signet ring but on the other a thin golden ring inset with a small but enticing ruby. He carries a well made black leather shoulder bag by his side but does not seem to be armed. Everything about him seems remarkably clean and tidy in spite of the surrondings. "Captain Zodge I presume, Damian Ravenshade reporting for duty."
Remi Swiftmantle is a swarthy dark haired human with a ruddy complexion that is surveying the situation from the side, watching the crowd, the back and forth, the emotions, the anger and passion rising up.When violence breaks out a half grin on his face, he sees his opportunity.He wears dark leather armor, has a rapier and dagger in his belt, and a bow over his back.He wears a cape and an emblem that has a flaming fist on it.
When you see him move within the crowd, he is faster than he looks on initial appearances, darting back and forth, moving in between and around people, aiming to run, spin and twist his way to reach Captain Zodge.“Looks like some heads are about to get bashed.”he says to himself.“Captain Zodge, Remi Swiftmantle, reporting for duty.Whatcha need Captain?”Remi surveys the scene and the mayhem.
Damian & Remi - Captain Zodge delivers a punch to the face of an angry man in merchant's garb that knocks the man backwards into you. Zodge says, "Hold that one for a second, will you?" and rolls up his sleeves as he approaches.
Please make a Strength (Athletics) check if either of you would like to grapple the man. You may roll with Advantage assuming the other helps with the grapple. If they indicate otherwise I will use the first roll.
Merchant's Strength (Athletics) check to attempt to resist the grapple: 6
Ankita is a strong 7' tall firbolg with blue skin and wild red hair. Her eyes are constantly darting as she takes in her surroundings, never being comfortable outside of nature. She wears dark brown leather armor with her wooden shield and carries a wooden quarterstaff proudly that bears an oak leaf symbol.
She enters the fray and after she finds Captain Zodge, she sees two others assisting him take on an angry merchant. While that is happening, she notices another of the angry mob take advantage of the situation and is about clock the Captain on the back of the skull. She lifts up her quarterstaff, twirls it around and brings it down hard on the man. Attack: 21 Damage: 4
After, she introduces herself, "You must be Captain Zodge, I am Ankita."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"With pleasure Captain."Damian says sternly and takes a hold of the merchant's arm. (Help action to Remi.) Damian would also glare ominously at the merchant to make him understand that any resistance is futile. Intimidation: 15 (Nevermind, really missing that Lucky feat now :-P)
“Basilisk Gate….if only these statues could pacify this crowd in the same manner as the creature they are named after.” As Sam approaches Captain Zodge, he sees Zodge deliver a blow and knows this scene will only get uglier. Feats of strength had never been Sam’s forte, but his dexterous figure might be of some use in the inevitable fight. Sam places his hand on the hilt of the rapier which hangs at his side, thinks better of drawing it, then breaks out into a run towards Captain Zodge. As Sam arrives, his loose, shoulder length dirty blonde hair bounces for a moment with the momentum of his run. His normally very neat appearance is a bit messy from all the commotion. He cast a quick Prestidigitation to clean his black leather boots, sleek, almost tight burgundy colored slacks, and sky blue shirt. His appearance isn’t fancy, but definitely shouts that he doesn’t fancy himself a commoner either. Under his cleaned travelers cloak is the impression of a lute, with only the tuning keys really visible from underneath. A flute hangs from the right side of his belt. A grimace, almost of disgust, comes across his normally very slender, handsome, smiling face. He tucks his hair back behind his slightly pointed ears and says, “Captain Zodge! Samuel Gladesong reporting for duty!” He thinks to himself how great a song this encounter will make.
Following suite of those around Captain Zodge, Samuel begins hurling insults at the crowd surrounding Captain Zodge. “I didn’t realize so many women and children were trying to escape.” Sam says to a fully grown man engaged with one of the soldiers. “You can’t even handle a few guards, why would you think you can handle things outside those walls?” Sam will add as he cast vicious mockery at members of the crowd.
Ankita - After Zodge deals with the merchant-looking fellow, he turns and sees the man that was about to sucker punch him lying unconscious on the ground behind him. He looks up to you and smiles, then turns and spits on the man before offering his hand to you, "Nice work Ankita, if the damn rabble would learn to follow orders we wouldn't have to remind them who's in charge."
Samuel - You find Captain Zodge standing amid a small space where the bodies of the angry mob and equally as angry mercenaries aren't pressed in so closely. You see a large firbolg woman knock a man senseless while the Captain punches a man in merchant's garb in the face. After Zodge deals with the merchant and speaks to the firbolg he turns to you and says, "I hope you aren't too attached to those fineries Samuel, I have only dirty work to offer you."
All - The mass of angry people is a boiling cauldron of violence with neither side backing down. Zodge shouts to be heard above the clamor, "DISPERSE IMMEDIATELTY!" He then turns to those present and says, "Ok, time to end this. Make a few examples. No killing, but break an arm or two if you have to." he then grabs a shouting woman by the throat and slams her to the ground.
No need to roll for initiative or for a battle map, pick a non-compliant person from the mob and do what you feel is appropriate for your character. Samuel and Ankita have provided great examples based on their characters.
Samuel - The first man you speak to falters as he shouts verbal non-compliance at the Flaming Fist mercs, "HELLS NO! WE WON'T GO! Hells... n-no..." He looks embarrassed and hurriedly pushes his way out of the crowd and away from the scene. The second man looks over to you with a frown and starts to say something that is cut off as he is drop-kicked from behind. The Flaming Fist that delivered the blow nods her thanks to you as she stands and kicks the man.
“All in a days work,” Sam says with a smile to The Flaming Fist. Sam will give the man a small kick as well (STR mod is -1 so unarmed strike would do no damage), mainly for show. Sam knows making nice with this group could open many doors. Slightly embarrassed by Captain Zodge’s comment on his fineries, Sam will also cast Prestidigitation to dirty himself up as he kicks the man on the ground.
Remi - Captain Zodge punches the man hard in the gut, leaving him gasping in your arms. Zodge says, "When I say disperse," PUNCH "I mean DISPERSE!" PUNCH. The man crumples to the ground gasping and writhing in pain.
Damian - The merchant pays little mind to you as he is grappled by Remi and subsequently beaten by Captain Zodge.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ankita nods at the Captain and turns to the closest attacker of the Flaming Fist. She raises her quarterstaff up again, swings around while saying “Capt’n says disperse!” and brings it down: Attack: 15 Damage: 4
And once they are down after being hit, she looks at him quizzically, “Why don’t you listen?”
At Captain Zodge's orders Damian turns to the crowd and makes a quick gesture. "Flamen!" And a beam of red crackling eldritch force blasts the ground in front of the rabble. "DISPERSE NOW OR THE FLAMES OF JUSTICE WILL CLEANSE YOU ALL FROM THIS PLACE!" Damian bellows with a commanding voice. Intimidation: 6 if the blast would give him advantage then here's another roll: 22
Damian - The blast and shouted command convinces a fair amount of the mob to scurry away from the scene, allowing the Flaming Fist mercenaries to band together to tackle the remaining crowd.
All - Any rolls made to persuade or intimidate the crowd now have advantage and the crowd has disadvantage on WIS and INT saves, both for the next minute due to Damian's display.
“Disperse! Our weapons have remained sheathed, but continued non-compliance might justify more force. There is no need for more violence. Return to your homes. See to your injured. Disperse!” Sam will shout in an effort to persuade the crowd to leave. Persuasion: 8
(unsure if I did the advantage right from my phone, if I did ignore this next roll 17
Ankita - The scruffy man wears a brown leather cap on his head and stares at the sky with an unfocused gaze before coming to and grasping his aching head. He pushes through the crowd and finds some place to nurse his headache.
Samuel - If the majority of those that join you and Damian in your shouted commands to disperse roll 10 or higher, I will consider it a group success.
All - I will move the narrative along once the rest of our party has had a chance to post.
A green dragonborn comes drifting out of the crowd. He has apparently been distributing food and rations among the mass of people trying to get into the city, but now he begins to make his way towards the captain, Remi, Ankita and Damian.
"Can you all please disperse so that we don't have to use violence?" The dragonborn looks disgusted at Captain Zodge striking one of the refugees. "Captain, please unhand the gentleman. I'm sure he'll listen to you without the need for violence." He walks over to the man who has been punched and uses 1HP from his Lay on Hands pool on the man.
Then he rises and turns to the refugees.
"I am Rhogarr Turnuroth, of the Turnuroth family of this great city! We request humbly that you abide by the captain's request and disperse! House Turnuroth will send runners to you to see if we can find a place for you to go! Food, money, and healing will be sent if you simply leave the gates!"
The dragonborn turns to the captain. "Captain Zodge, I am Rhogarr Turnuroth, son of Duke Laenar Turnuroth." He flashes a signet ring in the direction of the captain. "I have come to do what I can to help enforce the laws of our great city, good sir, and to help the Flaming Fist preserve order. My family know I am here, so if you need resources, please do let me know."
Rhogarr - Captain Zodge raises an eyebrow at you as you help the man to his feet, "The man had his chance to leave peacefully and was well informed of the consequences should he stay. Some men, you just can't reach. That's the way he wants it? Well, he got it."
Please make a Persuasion check with Advantage to see if anyone turns from the frenzy.
Welcome to Baldur’s Gate, a veritable nest of rats and vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River. From their high perches in the Upper City, the local nobles — known as patriars — gaze down with veiled contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower City, which hugs the foggy harbor. The whole of Baldur’s Gate reeks of blood, crime, and opportunity. One can easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this place like flies to a carcass.
Following the river farther east would eventually lead you to Elturel, capital of the holy land of Elturgard — or at least that was the case until a few days ago. The flood of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news first arrived that the city has fallen. Everyone is saying Baldur’s Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or what has claimed Elturel.
The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming Fist to protect their interests in Baldur’s Gate, and by extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence, the Flaming Fist has sealed the city’s gates to staunch the flow of refugees. No one is allowed in or out.
All of this was brought to your attention shortly after you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city’s eastern wall and takes its name from the various statues that rest in its niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm’s Crossing, then to distant realms beyond.
Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed with only a vague description of Captain Zodge — a tall man with long black hair and a leather eye patch — it takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throwing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Drafted into the service of the Flaming Fists, now father should see me. A young handsome man with a somewhat haughty expression moves swiftly through the rabble, approaching Captain Zodge. He wears an exquisite red mantle over a red cotton shirt embroidered with small intricate black symbols, black pants and black high soft leather boots. He has slick black hair in a short ponytail and piercing gray eyes now glaring at the commoners. This city clearly needs strong new leadership or everything will soon revert to chaos. On one hand he wears a plain signet ring but on the other a thin golden ring inset with a small but enticing ruby. He carries a well made black leather shoulder bag by his side but does not seem to be armed. Everything about him seems remarkably clean and tidy in spite of the surrondings. "Captain Zodge I presume, Damian Ravenshade reporting for duty."
Remi Swiftmantle is a swarthy dark haired human with a ruddy complexion that is surveying the situation from the side, watching the crowd, the back and forth, the emotions, the anger and passion rising up. When violence breaks out a half grin on his face, he sees his opportunity. He wears dark leather armor, has a rapier and dagger in his belt, and a bow over his back. He wears a cape and an emblem that has a flaming fist on it.
When you see him move within the crowd, he is faster than he looks on initial appearances, darting back and forth, moving in between and around people, aiming to run, spin and twist his way to reach Captain Zodge. “Looks like some heads are about to get bashed.” he says to himself. “Captain Zodge, Remi Swiftmantle, reporting for duty. Whatcha need Captain?” Remi surveys the scene and the mayhem.
Damian & Remi - Captain Zodge delivers a punch to the face of an angry man in merchant's garb that knocks the man backwards into you. Zodge says, "Hold that one for a second, will you?" and rolls up his sleeves as he approaches.
Please make a Strength (Athletics) check if either of you would like to grapple the man. You may roll with Advantage assuming the other helps with the grapple. If they indicate otherwise I will use the first roll.
Merchant's Strength (Athletics) check to attempt to resist the grapple: 6
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Ankita is a strong 7' tall firbolg with blue skin and wild red hair. Her eyes are constantly darting as she takes in her surroundings, never being comfortable outside of nature. She wears dark brown leather armor with her wooden shield and carries a wooden quarterstaff proudly that bears an oak leaf symbol.
She enters the fray and after she finds Captain Zodge, she sees two others assisting him take on an angry merchant. While that is happening, she notices another of the angry mob take advantage of the situation and is about clock the Captain on the back of the skull. She lifts up her quarterstaff, twirls it around and brings it down hard on the man. Attack: 21 Damage: 4
After, she introduces herself, "You must be Captain Zodge, I am Ankita."
"With pleasure Captain." Damian says sternly and takes a hold of the merchant's arm. (Help action to Remi.)
Damian would also glare ominously at the merchant to make him understand that any resistance is futile.
Intimidation: 15 (Nevermind, really missing that Lucky feat now :-P)
“Basilisk Gate….if only these statues could pacify this crowd in the same manner as the creature they are named after.” As Sam approaches Captain Zodge, he sees Zodge deliver a blow and knows this scene will only get uglier. Feats of strength had never been Sam’s forte, but his dexterous figure might be of some use in the inevitable fight. Sam places his hand on the hilt of the rapier which hangs at his side, thinks better of drawing it, then breaks out into a run towards Captain Zodge. As Sam arrives, his loose, shoulder length dirty blonde hair bounces for a moment with the momentum of his run. His normally very neat appearance is a bit messy from all the commotion. He cast a quick Prestidigitation to clean his black leather boots, sleek, almost tight burgundy colored slacks, and sky blue shirt. His appearance isn’t fancy, but definitely shouts that he doesn’t fancy himself a commoner either. Under his cleaned travelers cloak is the impression of a lute, with only the tuning keys really visible from underneath. A flute hangs from the right side of his belt. A grimace, almost of disgust, comes across his normally very slender, handsome, smiling face. He tucks his hair back behind his slightly pointed ears and says, “Captain Zodge! Samuel Gladesong reporting for duty!” He thinks to himself how great a song this encounter will make.
Following suite of those around Captain Zodge, Samuel begins hurling insults at the crowd surrounding Captain Zodge. “I didn’t realize so many women and children were trying to escape.” Sam says to a fully grown man engaged with one of the soldiers. “You can’t even handle a few guards, why would you think you can handle things outside those walls?” Sam will add as he cast vicious mockery at members of the crowd.
Wisdom Save DC 13
Ankita - After Zodge deals with the merchant-looking fellow, he turns and sees the man that was about to sucker punch him lying unconscious on the ground behind him. He looks up to you and smiles, then turns and spits on the man before offering his hand to you, "Nice work Ankita, if the damn rabble would learn to follow orders we wouldn't have to remind them who's in charge."
Samuel - You find Captain Zodge standing amid a small space where the bodies of the angry mob and equally as angry mercenaries aren't pressed in so closely. You see a large firbolg woman knock a man senseless while the Captain punches a man in merchant's garb in the face. After Zodge deals with the merchant and speaks to the firbolg he turns to you and says, "I hope you aren't too attached to those fineries Samuel, I have only dirty work to offer you."
All - The mass of angry people is a boiling cauldron of violence with neither side backing down. Zodge shouts to be heard above the clamor, "DISPERSE IMMEDIATELTY!" He then turns to those present and says, "Ok, time to end this. Make a few examples. No killing, but break an arm or two if you have to." he then grabs a shouting woman by the throat and slams her to the ground.
No need to roll for initiative or for a battle map, pick a non-compliant person from the mob and do what you feel is appropriate for your character. Samuel and Ankita have provided great examples based on their characters.
Samuel - The first man you speak to falters as he shouts verbal non-compliance at the Flaming Fist mercs, "HELLS NO! WE WON'T GO! Hells... n-no..." He looks embarrassed and hurriedly pushes his way out of the crowd and away from the scene. The second man looks over to you with a frown and starts to say something that is cut off as he is drop-kicked from behind. The Flaming Fist that delivered the blow nods her thanks to you as she stands and kicks the man.
Crowd member WIS Saving Throws: 12 & 12
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
“All in a days work,” Sam says with a smile to The Flaming Fist. Sam will give the man a small kick as well (STR mod is -1 so unarmed strike would do no damage), mainly for show. Sam knows making nice with this group could open many doors. Slightly embarrassed by Captain Zodge’s comment on his fineries, Sam will also cast Prestidigitation to dirty himself up as he kicks the man on the ground.
Remi grapples the man to allow Zodge a chance to clock him in the jaw, “Get him Cap’n!”
Athletics : 10
If Zodge’s punch connects, Remi knees him in the groin on the way down.
Remi - Captain Zodge punches the man hard in the gut, leaving him gasping in your arms. Zodge says, "When I say disperse," PUNCH "I mean DISPERSE!" PUNCH. The man crumples to the ground gasping and writhing in pain.
Damian - The merchant pays little mind to you as he is grappled by Remi and subsequently beaten by Captain Zodge.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Ankita nods at the Captain and turns to the closest attacker of the Flaming Fist. She raises her quarterstaff up again, swings around while saying “Capt’n says disperse!” and brings it down: Attack: 15 Damage: 4
And once they are down after being hit, she looks at him quizzically, “Why don’t you listen?”
At Captain Zodge's orders Damian turns to the crowd and makes a quick gesture. "Flamen!" And a beam of red crackling eldritch force blasts the ground in front of the rabble.
"DISPERSE NOW OR THE FLAMES OF JUSTICE WILL CLEANSE YOU ALL FROM THIS PLACE!" Damian bellows with a commanding voice.
Intimidation: 6 if the blast would give him advantage then here's another roll: 22
Damian - The blast and shouted command convinces a fair amount of the mob to scurry away from the scene, allowing the Flaming Fist mercenaries to band together to tackle the remaining crowd.
All - Any rolls made to persuade or intimidate the crowd now have advantage and the crowd has disadvantage on WIS and INT saves, both for the next minute due to Damian's display.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
“Disperse! Our weapons have remained sheathed, but continued non-compliance might justify more force. There is no need for more violence. Return to your homes. See to your injured. Disperse!” Sam will shout in an effort to persuade the crowd to leave.
Persuasion: 8
(unsure if I did the advantage right from my phone, if I did ignore this next roll 17
Ankita - The scruffy man wears a brown leather cap on his head and stares at the sky with an unfocused gaze before coming to and grasping his aching head. He pushes through the crowd and finds some place to nurse his headache.
Samuel - If the majority of those that join you and Damian in your shouted commands to disperse roll 10 or higher, I will consider it a group success.
All - I will move the narrative along once the rest of our party has had a chance to post.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
A green dragonborn comes drifting out of the crowd. He has apparently been distributing food and rations among the mass of people trying to get into the city, but now he begins to make his way towards the captain, Remi, Ankita and Damian.
"Can you all please disperse so that we don't have to use violence?" The dragonborn looks disgusted at Captain Zodge striking one of the refugees. "Captain, please unhand the gentleman. I'm sure he'll listen to you without the need for violence." He walks over to the man who has been punched and uses 1HP from his Lay on Hands pool on the man.
Then he rises and turns to the refugees.
"I am Rhogarr Turnuroth, of the Turnuroth family of this great city! We request humbly that you abide by the captain's request and disperse! House Turnuroth will send runners to you to see if we can find a place for you to go! Food, money, and healing will be sent if you simply leave the gates!"
The dragonborn turns to the captain. "Captain Zodge, I am Rhogarr Turnuroth, son of Duke Laenar Turnuroth." He flashes a signet ring in the direction of the captain. "I have come to do what I can to help enforce the laws of our great city, good sir, and to help the Flaming Fist preserve order. My family know I am here, so if you need resources, please do let me know."
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Rhogarr - Captain Zodge raises an eyebrow at you as you help the man to his feet, "The man had his chance to leave peacefully and was well informed of the consequences should he stay. Some men, you just can't reach. That's the way he wants it? Well, he got it."
Please make a Persuasion check with Advantage to see if anyone turns from the frenzy.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
persuasion
19
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver