On this day, the Ides of Kythorn, you feel the winds of change blowing from the east.
The orcs are on the move. Pillaging in the name of Gravva, an Orc Eye of Gruumsh. Did the bloodthirsty orc actually rip out his own eye, sacrificing the fleshy orb to his deity? Savage. What for? Power—more power? When will the cycle end? Can it?
Dark musings better mulled on a sunny day, not unlike today… actually. You suddenly recall the words spoken by so many Baldurians returning home by the merchant road. There can be no justice, no peace, so long as evil is allowed to endure—an oath of the Flaming Fist, or so they said.
Lieutenant Omaha, you remember a caravan master mention. The name was spoken once, maybe twice, but the reverent way the gruff dwarf spoke the man’s name gave you plenty reason to commit it to memory. That, and the middle-aged dwarf had said, He’s gathering again. Men. Women.
Indeed, if the rumors be true, Omaha’ll be needin’ to enlist more than a few dozen o’ ye sell-swords. Hundreds. Maybe more. How sure is your spine, friend, the dwarf had said as he let you off at the Wyrm’s Gate. His tongue had clicked long before he bothered to wait for your reply.
Solid folk with solid hearts, the dwarf had said more than once on the road to Baldur’s Gate. Solid folk.
You turn toward the eastern gate, following the long line of visitors, residents, and merchants stretching out before you. They’re all waiting to get back inside walls that have stood the test of time. Inside walls, where they feel safe. Inside walls… where they would be trapped.
The wind blows once more, stirring your hair, threading a question you aren’t sure you should utter aloud. For fate has an odd and interesting way of testing one’s resolve, and for no other reason than to cast the dice, and wait, wait a little bit more for what’s in store, wait, eyes cool and sure, waiting for the moment when the bones have finally stopped rolling—for bones never lie. And neither do the dead.
(OOC. Over the next few days, and while you stand in this long line under an oppressive summer heat, waiting to enter Baldur’s Gate, take the time to introduce your character. Feel free to discuss any pertinent information about your character you wish to share publically. Remember, small beginnings. It is a delicate time and a delicate place. Once you have described your characters and interacted with each other in line, I’ll return and continue the adventure. For now, I say, thank you. Thank you for embarking on this great quest with me. Thank you for hoisting the mantle of adventure. And, so, let me be the first to say: Welcome, to the Arsenal of the Orc Lord.)
* * * * * * *
Our party
Davidmoverm2,Sergeant John Cooper, male human Ranger
SandyRibbons,Fen’r Stonebeard, male mountain dwarf Barbarian
Looking at the others standing in the line with a critical eye to try and evaluate thier fighting prowess he finally speaks. "Hello good sirs, I am Arutha, Mercenary for hire. If you ever have a problem call Arutha, defender of honor and Master of blades at your service." He then bows to you all as a way of showing respect.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Lord Arunduil will bring death to us all"
Arutha Lvl.2 Human Fighter: Arsenal of the Orc Lord
Milamber Lvl.1 Human Sorcerer: Curse of Strahd
Masque: Lvl.5 Gith Cleric: Age of Death
DM: League of Improbable Adventurers: Chapter 1 of Arunduil's Bane
Cath Redaxe cursed and grumbled to himself at the long line he was stuck waiting in to get into the city. "I don't know who the soggy low down fart is that caused this cursed line but I'd like to pull his hair out if I get the chance. I just want to get to the Purple Wyrm and get a drink.". He looked around at a few other dwarves in line close by. One of them was talking to a human and what looked like a half elf. He made his way over and heard them introducing themselves to each other.
"I'm Cath Redaxe". He said to them taking in their names. "What news do you have of troubles in this area? I've heard there may be work for those willing, and those able."
Work? Possibly. But, first things first, to the nearest tavern for a pint. I've gotta say Cath, * leans over to whisper* it is nice to see another beard among the hairless *chuckle*
Cath smiles broadly. "Ah certainly, we need stout folk about us for sure. I'm headed for the Purple Wyrm. Join me, its my favorite place to stay when visiting the city."
John walks up to Fen'r Stonebeard "well that is a mighty fine hammer ya got there, but take a look at this beauty" (pulls out a musket rifle) "this is my baby right here, saved my life a couple times"
Fen'r with a grin "thank you kindly. That there is a beauty, if you don't like to look your foe in the eyes when you lay'm low. I much prefer diving headlong into the fray, standing toe to toe. A true test of ones mettle...... although, I can see usefulness of such a tactics." *claps John on the shoulder playfully*
While Fen'r walks away john swiftly pulls out a concealed flintlock pistol pointing it right at Fen'r's head. "watch it bud, i've had my fair share of close calls, ya ever seen a persons brains blown out? seen plenty of stuff that'll make your guts wrench" (john puts away the pistol) "good day to ya sir"
"Put that away John. They ain't a dwarf alive that hasn't had to wash brains out his beard. We prefer them to be goblin or orc brains though. Or at least whatever it is that passes for their brains."
Cath laughed out loud at his joke.
"What brings you here John? You look like you've seen some of the world. Here to find Omaha?"
Gramdal stood in line, waiting to get into the city. He listened to the gathering crowd of people before him get to know each other. Just a way to kill time while they wait is all. He didn't care for any of that. He preferred to keep a low profile most of the time, but especially until he was safely inside the city walls. He was on edge already, though he pushed that feeling back. Back and down so it wouldn't show. He didn't expect there to be this many other dwarves waiting to get in. Even with the heat of the Summer bearing down on them, he kept his hood up in hopes of shadowing his face.
"Well, I can see we have to watch the jokes with this one" gestures towards John " too sensitive for dwarf humor" stands to salute sarcastically "no more nonsense, sir" Fen'r grins openly " hardly a way to make friends, pulling out your pea shooter at any who throw a tease your way." *hardy laugh* "does show spirit though, I'll give ya that."
I honestly am a bit more freestyle with awarding XP. Overall I tend to award it as a group evenly but when can vary.
"Lord Arunduil will bring death to us all"
Arutha Lvl.2 Human Fighter: Arsenal of the Orc Lord
Milamber Lvl.1 Human Sorcerer: Curse of Strahd
Masque: Lvl.5 Gith Cleric: Age of Death
DM: League of Improbable Adventurers: Chapter 1 of Arunduil's Bane
Makes a lot of sense. Keeps everyone moving along at the same rate.
On this day, the Ides of Kythorn, you feel the winds of change blowing from the east.
The orcs are on the move. Pillaging in the name of Gravva, an Orc Eye of Gruumsh. Did the bloodthirsty orc actually rip out his own eye, sacrificing the fleshy orb to his deity? Savage. What for? Power—more power? When will the cycle end? Can it?
Dark musings better mulled on a sunny day, not unlike today… actually. You suddenly recall the words spoken by so many Baldurians returning home by the merchant road. There can be no justice, no peace, so long as evil is allowed to endure—an oath of the Flaming Fist, or so they said.
Lieutenant Omaha, you remember a caravan master mention. The name was spoken once, maybe twice, but the reverent way the gruff dwarf spoke the man’s name gave you plenty reason to commit it to memory. That, and the middle-aged dwarf had said, He’s gathering again. Men. Women.
Indeed, if the rumors be true, Omaha’ll be needin’ to enlist more than a few dozen o’ ye sell-swords. Hundreds. Maybe more. How sure is your spine, friend, the dwarf had said as he let you off at the Wyrm’s Gate. His tongue had clicked long before he bothered to wait for your reply.
Solid folk with solid hearts, the dwarf had said more than once on the road to Baldur’s Gate. Solid folk.
You turn toward the eastern gate, following the long line of visitors, residents, and merchants stretching out before you. They’re all waiting to get back inside walls that have stood the test of time. Inside walls, where they feel safe. Inside walls… where they would be trapped.
The wind blows once more, stirring your hair, threading a question you aren’t sure you should utter aloud. For fate has an odd and interesting way of testing one’s resolve, and for no other reason than to cast the dice, and wait, wait a little bit more for what’s in store, wait, eyes cool and sure, waiting for the moment when the bones have finally stopped rolling—for bones never lie. And neither do the dead.
(OOC. Over the next few days, and while you stand in this long line under an oppressive summer heat, waiting to enter Baldur’s Gate, take the time to introduce your character. Feel free to discuss any pertinent information about your character you wish to share publically. Remember, small beginnings. It is a delicate time and a delicate place. Once you have described your characters and interacted with each other in line, I’ll return and continue the adventure. For now, I say, thank you. Thank you for embarking on this great quest with me. Thank you for hoisting the mantle of adventure. And, so, let me be the first to say: Welcome, to the Arsenal of the Orc Lord.)
* * * * * * *
Our party
Davidmoverm2, Sergeant John Cooper, male human Ranger
SandyRibbons, Fen’r Stonebeard, male mountain dwarf Barbarian
Paladin54, Cath Redaxe, male dwarf Fighter
Benmasque, Arutha, male human Fighter
Voidreff, Norvalor, Half-elf Warlock
gentleman_balrog, Ototh, high elf Wizard
Xero_Larkspur, Gramdal Hammerstone, male dwarf
well i reckon i'll introduce myself first. The name is John......John cooper, at your service. ;-)
*eyeing John* Norvalor, nice to make your acquaintance.
Ey, me name is Fen'r Stonebeard. This is me trusted hammer Bonefeller.
Looking at the others standing in the line with a critical eye to try and evaluate thier fighting prowess he finally speaks. "Hello good sirs, I am Arutha, Mercenary for hire. If you ever have a problem call Arutha, defender of honor and Master of blades at your service." He then bows to you all as a way of showing respect.
"Lord Arunduil will bring death to us all"
Arutha Lvl.2 Human Fighter: Arsenal of the Orc Lord
Milamber Lvl.1 Human Sorcerer: Curse of Strahd
Masque: Lvl.5 Gith Cleric: Age of Death
DM: League of Improbable Adventurers: Chapter 1 of Arunduil's Bane
Cath Redaxe cursed and grumbled to himself at the long line he was stuck waiting in to get into the city. "I don't know who the soggy low down fart is that caused this cursed line but I'd like to pull his hair out if I get the chance. I just want to get to the Purple Wyrm and get a drink.". He looked around at a few other dwarves in line close by. One of them was talking to a human and what looked like a half elf. He made his way over and heard them introducing themselves to each other.
"I'm Cath Redaxe". He said to them taking in their names. "What news do you have of troubles in this area? I've heard there may be work for those willing, and those able."
Work? Possibly. But, first things first, to the nearest tavern for a pint. I've gotta say Cath, * leans over to whisper* it is nice to see another beard among the hairless *chuckle*
Cath smiles broadly. "Ah certainly, we need stout folk about us for sure. I'm headed for the Purple Wyrm. Join me, its my favorite place to stay when visiting the city."
Norvalor with a tired look: "I would love to join you for a drink, its been a year 3 years since i've been back to the city i need me a good drink."
John walks up to Fen'r Stonebeard "well that is a mighty fine hammer ya got there, but take a look at this beauty" (pulls out a musket rifle) "this is my baby right here, saved my life a couple times"
Fen'r with a grin "thank you kindly. That there is a beauty, if you don't like to look your foe in the eyes when you lay'm low. I much prefer diving headlong into the fray, standing toe to toe. A true test of ones mettle...... although, I can see usefulness of such a tactics." *claps John on the shoulder playfully*
While Fen'r walks away john swiftly pulls out a concealed flintlock pistol pointing it right at Fen'r's head. "watch it bud, i've had my fair share of close calls, ya ever seen a persons brains blown out? seen plenty of stuff that'll make your guts wrench" (john puts away the pistol) "good day to ya sir"
"Put that away John. They ain't a dwarf alive that hasn't had to wash brains out his beard. We prefer them to be goblin or orc brains though. Or at least whatever it is that passes for their brains."
Cath laughed out loud at his joke.
"What brings you here John? You look like you've seen some of the world. Here to find Omaha?"
"Eh, i've been places" "but yeah lookin for this Lieutenant Omaha" "never much liked those military officers, wonder what'll be like"
Gramdal stood in line, waiting to get into the city. He listened to the gathering crowd of people before him get to know each other. Just a way to kill time while they wait is all. He didn't care for any of that. He preferred to keep a low profile most of the time, but especially until he was safely inside the city walls. He was on edge already, though he pushed that feeling back. Back and down so it wouldn't show. He didn't expect there to be this many other dwarves waiting to get in. Even with the heat of the Summer bearing down on them, he kept his hood up in hopes of shadowing his face.
"Well, I can see we have to watch the jokes with this one" gestures towards John " too sensitive for dwarf humor" stands to salute sarcastically "no more nonsense, sir" Fen'r grins openly " hardly a way to make friends, pulling out your pea shooter at any who throw a tease your way." *hardy laugh* "does show spirit though, I'll give ya that."
(suspiciously eyeing Gramdal) "hmm looks like he's a little anxious bout something" "is he sneak thief, assassin?" "might be trouble brewing"
(john turning around to respond to Fen'r) Fair enough....carry on soldier! (john then chuckles followed by a grin)