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 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.
(OOC – This is an odd start to a campaign, but let’s roll with it and see what happens. You have been pressed into the service of the Flaming Fist along with the other Player Characters. The party is together purely by chance. But you have had a little time to get to know each other, at least the basics. Let us all know how you got to Baldur’s Gate:
You are simply from Baldur’s Gate, born and raised, a street urchin, a pirate, a merchant, from other more common sources, or from the Upper City.
Maybe you are from the outskirts of Elturel. You saw the city fall, literally disappear. You made it into Baldur’s Gate before the City was locked down.
You are a visitor from some other place in the Forgotten Realms, Faerûn. Where? Is up to you. But why are you in Baldur’s Gate.
As I assigned Player to this campaign, I will be providing the link. We will wait until everyone has had a chance to make their first post before taking it further.)
Khessa Cabbagefield has recently arrived in Baldur's Gate, fresh from a terrible ordeal in the Underdark, from which she has recently escaped, freeing herself from Drow captivity. She has had vague news of the fall of Elturel and has headed to Baldur's Gate mainly in the hope of being able to aid the helpless refugees. It is with that in mind that she has agreed to be drafted by Flaming Fist to help defend the city.
Now, in her chain mail armor, the blonde woman is farstriding on her long legs, almost not hindered by the heavy weapons resting on her back, a maul and a greataxe. Her long weavy blond hair pokes out from under her helm as she turns her lively blue eyes to the man with the bandage. There he is! That must be him, Captain Zodge!
Unfortunately, the Flaming Fist's first impression of the tall adventuress is a bad one: a force that fights the commoners instead of defending them... But she doesn't want to jump to conclusions; perhaps the Flaming Fist is only preserving the safety of the entire population by preventing a few impetuous troublemakers from committing a reckless act...
Khessa is not afraid of fighting - she was forced by harsh circumstances to learn to do so - but she would prefer to resolve the matter with as few deaths as possible... so, rather than immediately throwing herself into the fray, she tries to examine the faces of her companions who, like her, have recently arrived and accompanied her: "Do any of you have any idea how to stop all this before a massacre is made? If anyone knows how to calm the spirits, with words or with magic, I can defend them, while they try..."
As the fisticuffs draw close to our little group of conscripted defenders, you hear a high squeal as a young boy in what was at one time a very clean and pressed robe of tigers eye brown jumps behind the blonde warrior woman. no no no, th thi thisss caan no not b b be happening. He attempts to throw his arms around the woman, in an obvious attempt to hide himself from harm. please, please you've got to get me out of this! I'm just here for spell components for my master!
"Of course!" Khessa tries to reassure, tenderly, that boy who... who seems so defenseless... just like she had been, when she had been kidnapped by the drow, along with her family. She caresses his head to reassure him, taking one of her hands off the handle of the imposing Greataxe for a moment "Here, stay behind me. I'm Khessa, by the way, pleasure to meet you. I won't let anyone hurt you..."
"Hey!" the blonde warrior, while trying to keep herself between him and any violent people, suddenly focuses on the last part of what the other declared "Did you say 'spell components'? Are you a wizard or something?" her blue eyes stare into his with keen interest "I know that some spells can make people calm... others can even make them fall asleep... Can you do that? If so, we could prevent a lot of people from getting hurt..."
[[ OOC: As DM said, we will wait until everyone has had a chance to make their first post before taking it further... But I think that doesn't stop us from starting to do some role-playing or planning. ]]
Oh thank you! And yes, I am the ward of master Orbos, house wizard of the noble house of Silversword of Waterdeep. He starts fiddling up his sleeve for something, you will notice a house signet ring on one hand, as he pulls out his wand his eyes catch your and he freezes, the wand tumbling from his grasp...yo you you're beautiful. You notice he is indeed young, but not a child, the first signs of peach fuzz on his chin. He manages to catch the wand before it hits the ground, a spell, yes, I do have one that I employ to help the Lord's grandkids sleep.
((OOC)) guess we should wait here for the others to catch up? And thanks for the invite, this intro should really get things moving, lol, I had to read through a couple of times to get caught up.
[[ OOC: Before actually casting Sleep yes, better to wait for everyone to join and post. This also because, even if it seems like a good idea to Khessa, the other characters might instead come up with counter-indications. ]]
Khessa smiles and blushes slightly at the comment and the reaction of the 'ward of master Orbos': "You are very kind - even if you have not yet told me your name - and I'll be happy to get to know you better, at a more peaceful time, but for now let's focus on avoiding a massacre".
"Putting some of the citizens to sleep seems like a great idea to me - they will stop causing trouble, they will neither get hurt themselves, nor hurt others" the blonde warrior muses aloud. "And, with any luck, the remaining protesters will suddenly see themselves outnumbered and will stop fighting, with similar beneficial effects".
The tall adventuress, still standing as a human barrier between the young wizard and any fighters, consults with those who have followed her: "What do you say? Should we defend Mr Magic Guy here to give him a chance to use his spell? It could resolve the situation with the least damage for everyone..."
The veteran of a number of campaigns in the North, Tazzavur now operates as a freelance mercenary out of Westgate. Summoned to Baldurs Gate by members of the Bannerless Legion, Tazzavur has been directed to support the Flaming Fists as they seek to regain order.
Looking around at the chaos Tazzavur steps up beside Khessa, his hulking dragonborn frame casting a shadow across the young mage “A peaceful resolution would be best.”
Casting a glance Khessa’s way, Taz cracks his knuckles and gives her a broad grin. “Looks like we might have to wait a bit longer to see you put that axe to use.”
Raynoir, Ray to his friends, was on his way to another Bahamut temple when he was running low on supplies and decided to head into Baldurs Gate. What he didn't count on was arriving just as a civil unrest erupts around him! Unfortunately for him, he stands out and an army of flaming fist operatives lead by an over eager captain force him to assist them in crowd control. As he is been pressed to assist he notices he isn't the only one.
Khessa pats Tazzavur on the black-scaled shoulder, smiling: "Glad to have someone by my side who can keep calm in a situation like this! I'm Khessa, by the way. And if it were up to me, I would rather handle a hoe to grow cabbages, than a big blade to maim people with... so" she winks "I will be very happy if our friend's spell does its job".
Memories assail the blonde warrior for a moment... The omnipresent darkness... The desperation of captivity in an alien environment... The cruel drow who had believed her broken and subdued and had dozed off... The mighty blade within reach... Using the blade to slowly cut her bonds... And blood... from that moment on, blood, screams, fear, anger, the satisfaction of freeing others, the bitterness of not finding her loved ones, feeling chased and hunted, and, above all, the desire to live... and to break free... Yes, she would have preferred a hoe - but there are times when circumstances force one to adapt.
The tall adventuress quickly recovers, seeing Raynoir approaching, his silver-scaled hand reaching out in greating contrast to the dark scales of the other dragonborn. "We'll try to make sure it doesn't explode" she shakes hands with a broad smile. "Khessa, pleasure to meet you. Help us defend Mr Magic Guy here" she introduces with a wave of her hand Elias "while he casts his spells... We should be able to calm things down".
[[ OOC: We are currently 5 players. Is it just MightyMathias's introductory post we are waiting for, before proceeding with the action? Or are we waiting for more players to join? No rush, just curious to know. ]]
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Right, right then, sleep spell, yes, hmm, ok...he closes his eyes, mumbles the arcane melody while moving his wand, blue lines of arcane energy leaving trace marks as it moves. Casting sleep centered toward the middle of the fighting.
Atlas Kai has made a home of Baldur's Gate for a while now. For a man of the shadows it's a very lucrative place to be. Unfortunately, while making his way into the home of a noble to begin the nights work he was spotted and captured by the guards. The noble offered to forget Atlas' transgressions if her were to join the efforts of the Flaming Fist for an undetermined time or take his chances at the gallows. Atlas reluctantly accepted this offer. What the noble did not know is that Atlas is very good at not getting caught...
As the riots are breaking out Atlas slips behind those who seem more equipped to handle close quarters combat. One moment he is the ever-observant wallflower, the next moment he is back-to-back with Khessa and looking for something to cover the end of his arrows in attempts to turn them non-lethal. If the spell does not fully take hold he plans to pick off the stragglers. No words come from this hooded figure that just seemingly appeared out of nowhere at your back.
Khessa's blue eyes widen for a moment; she really didn't see that hooded figure that just seemingly appeared out of nowhere at her back!
But considering the fact that the newcomer looks helpful and that the blonde warrior is giving priority to managing the delicate situation, she limits herself to telling him: "Oh, sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier, but I really didn't see you coming, friend; I'm Khessa. Welcome to this party".
The tall adventurer also prepares herself for the eventuality that the spells are not enough... or need to be integrated in some way. She promises herself that, in the event that she finds herself forced to strike some citizen, she will try to bring down her heavy weapon hitting with the flat of its metal head, not with the blade. That way, perhaps she will be able to stun the rioters, instead of decapitating them.
But Khessa's main hope is in the young Elias Starlight and she follows with attention (and, it seems, also admiration) with her blue eyes his gestures and words, as he channels and organizes the impalpable Weave of magic to obtain the desired effect... It almost seems like she's holding her breath for a moment...
Being the lone wolf that he is, Atlas bluntly remarks, "You're better off not getting too familiar with me. I sense you as the virtuous type and my path leads only to more trouble. Let us do what needs done and move on."
In this moment he begins to think of his parents and how the distancing began with them. Though he is somewhat lonely in this solitary existence of his, he tells himself it's for the benefit of others.
Along with his search for someway of making his weapons non-lethal Atlas makes note of any escape routes and positions of cover.
Feeling Raynoir's holy power instill in her confidence and clarity, Khessa smiles: "Thank you. It will be helpful indeed".
Then the blonde warrior turns to Atlas Kai, her smile still there, her blue eyes fixed on his: "I can see you are working on your arrows so as not to hurt the common folk in case of fight. This is virtuous a lot, as far as I am concerned".
It is a chaotic scene with the mob pushing hard against a line of Flaming Fist guards. The Flaming Fist guards, clubs in hand, beat anyone that pushes too hard. Some of the mob members are on the ground, blood dripping on their heads. You will notice one guard searching the pockets of a fallen mob member. None of the mob appear dead, but some are badly hurt.
Then a silver skinned Dragonborn notices a group from the angry mob gathering to rush the Flaming Fist lines. He asks for and receives a blessing that surrounds some of the guardsmen that are near him.
Hidden from behind a tall curly haired blonde in chainmail, a young man wearing brown robes weaves a spell. Suddenly, three from the gathering mob fall to the ground asleep. Others from the mob stops and begins to look at one another. They then begin to back away from the Flaming Fist’s lines.
After a few seconds, a striking man in polished plate armor, his clean red surcoat prominently displaying the Flaming Fist Coat of Arms, moves up and kicks the three now sleeping members of the mob. They wake with a start. Recognizing the man that kicked them, Captain Zodge, with his eyepatch that makes him look more fearsome than feeble, get up and flee toward the slowly retreating mob.
“Good. Return home and no one else will get hurt. The Basilisk Gate is closed,” the captain says in a clear and firm tone. Some from the mob disperse, others just back further away.
He then turns toward the Flaming Fist guards and looks you over. “You,”he points toward KHESSA. “And you two,” he points to the Dragonborns, RAYNOIR and TAZZAVUR. “And you,” he looks at the hooded bowman ATLAS. “And most definitely you,” He points to the young wizard ELIAS.“With me!” Captain Zodge walks behind the line of Flaming Fist guardsmen. You follow.
“The Elturgardian refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, “has stoked fears that Baldur’s Gate might suffer the same fate as Elturel, of which nothing remains but a hole in the ground, apparently. Our grand duke, Ulder Ravengard, was visiting Elturel on a diplomatic mission when the city was destroyed. Coincidence? I think not."
“The knights of Elturgard call themselves Hellriders. A few of them escaped the destruction and think we’re somehow to blame for Elturel’s downfall. What a bunch of self-righteous rabble-rousers! We’re arresting them on sight, but along with the rush of refugees trying to get into the city, and those in the city trying to get out, it has left us shorthanded to deal with another problem. For that, I need your help.”
He doesn’t hesitate or even give you time to respond.
“Baldur’s Gate has long been plagued by followers of the Dead Three — the gods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. I thought we had wiped them out, but apparently, we had not. These purveyors of fear and death are taking advantage of the current crisis to commit murder sprees throughout the city. As my appointed deputies in this matter, you’ll have license to kill these wretches on sight. Find their lair and wipe it out. Eliminate anyone who gets in your way, and don’t worry about collateral damage.
“If you do what I say, I’ll see that you each receive two hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more.
“A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is the Elfsong Tavern. You may know of it. A spy named Tarina hangs out there, gathering rumors for the Guild. She owes me a favor, so tell her you work for me. Ask her what she knows about the Dead Three. And, for the love of Balduran, be nice. Tarina has dangerous friends.”
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 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.
(OOC – This is an odd start to a campaign, but let’s roll with it and see what happens. You have been pressed into the service of the Flaming Fist along with the other Player Characters. The party is together purely by chance. But you have had a little time to get to know each other, at least the basics. Let us all know how you got to Baldur’s Gate:
As I assigned Player to this campaign, I will be providing the link. We will wait until everyone has had a chance to make their first post before taking it further.)
Khessa Cabbagefield has recently arrived in Baldur's Gate, fresh from a terrible ordeal in the Underdark, from which she has recently escaped, freeing herself from Drow captivity. She has had vague news of the fall of Elturel and has headed to Baldur's Gate mainly in the hope of being able to aid the helpless refugees. It is with that in mind that she has agreed to be drafted by Flaming Fist to help defend the city.
Now, in her chain mail armor, the blonde woman is farstriding on her long legs, almost not hindered by the heavy weapons resting on her back, a maul and a greataxe. Her long weavy blond hair pokes out from under her helm as she turns her lively blue eyes to the man with the bandage. There he is! That must be him, Captain Zodge!
Unfortunately, the Flaming Fist's first impression of the tall adventuress is a bad one: a force that fights the commoners instead of defending them... But she doesn't want to jump to conclusions; perhaps the Flaming Fist is only preserving the safety of the entire population by preventing a few impetuous troublemakers from committing a reckless act...
Khessa is not afraid of fighting - she was forced by harsh circumstances to learn to do so - but she would prefer to resolve the matter with as few deaths as possible... so, rather than immediately throwing herself into the fray, she tries to examine the faces of her companions who, like her, have recently arrived and accompanied her: "Do any of you have any idea how to stop all this before a massacre is made? If anyone knows how to calm the spirits, with words or with magic, I can defend them, while they try..."
As the fisticuffs draw close to our little group of conscripted defenders, you hear a high squeal as a young boy in what was at one time a very clean and pressed robe of tigers eye brown jumps behind the blonde warrior woman. no no no, th thi thisss caan no not b b be happening. He attempts to throw his arms around the woman, in an obvious attempt to hide himself from harm. please, please you've got to get me out of this! I'm just here for spell components for my master!
"Of course!" Khessa tries to reassure, tenderly, that boy who... who seems so defenseless... just like she had been, when she had been kidnapped by the drow, along with her family. She caresses his head to reassure him, taking one of her hands off the handle of the imposing Greataxe for a moment "Here, stay behind me. I'm Khessa, by the way, pleasure to meet you. I won't let anyone hurt you..."
"Hey!" the blonde warrior, while trying to keep herself between him and any violent people, suddenly focuses on the last part of what the other declared "Did you say 'spell components'? Are you a wizard or something?" her blue eyes stare into his with keen interest "I know that some spells can make people calm... others can even make them fall asleep... Can you do that? If so, we could prevent a lot of people from getting hurt..."
[[ OOC: As DM said, we will wait until everyone has had a chance to make their first post before taking it further... But I think that doesn't stop us from starting to do some role-playing or planning. ]]
(OOC-Absolutely, no problem with some role-playing until we get the party set.)
Oh thank you! And yes, I am the ward of master Orbos, house wizard of the noble house of Silversword of Waterdeep. He starts fiddling up his sleeve for something, you will notice a house signet ring on one hand, as he pulls out his wand his eyes catch your and he freezes, the wand tumbling from his grasp...yo you you're beautiful. You notice he is indeed young, but not a child, the first signs of peach fuzz on his chin. He manages to catch the wand before it hits the ground, a spell, yes, I do have one that I employ to help the Lord's grandkids sleep.
((OOC)) guess we should wait here for the others to catch up? And thanks for the invite, this intro should really get things moving, lol, I had to read through a couple of times to get caught up.
[[ OOC: Before actually casting Sleep yes, better to wait for everyone to join and post. This also because, even if it seems like a good idea to Khessa, the other characters might instead come up with counter-indications. ]]
Khessa smiles and blushes slightly at the comment and the reaction of the 'ward of master Orbos': "You are very kind - even if you have not yet told me your name - and I'll be happy to get to know you better, at a more peaceful time, but for now let's focus on avoiding a massacre".
"Putting some of the citizens to sleep seems like a great idea to me - they will stop causing trouble, they will neither get hurt themselves, nor hurt others" the blonde warrior muses aloud. "And, with any luck, the remaining protesters will suddenly see themselves outnumbered and will stop fighting, with similar beneficial effects".
The tall adventuress, still standing as a human barrier between the young wizard and any fighters, consults with those who have followed her: "What do you say? Should we defend Mr Magic Guy here to give him a chance to use his spell? It could resolve the situation with the least damage for everyone..."
The veteran of a number of campaigns in the North, Tazzavur now operates as a freelance mercenary out of Westgate. Summoned to Baldurs Gate by members of the Bannerless Legion, Tazzavur has been directed to support the Flaming Fists as they seek to regain order.
Looking around at the chaos Tazzavur steps up beside Khessa, his hulking dragonborn frame casting a shadow across the young mage “A peaceful resolution would be best.”
Casting a glance Khessa’s way, Taz cracks his knuckles and gives her a broad grin. “Looks like we might have to wait a bit longer to see you put that axe to use.”
Raynoir, Ray to his friends, was on his way to another Bahamut temple when he was running low on supplies and decided to head into Baldurs Gate. What he didn't count on was arriving just as a civil unrest erupts around him! Unfortunately for him, he stands out and an army of flaming fist operatives lead by an over eager captain force him to assist them in crowd control. As he is been pressed to assist he notices he isn't the only one.
"Looks like this place is about to explode!"
And Ray reaches out with this hand in greeting.
Khessa pats Tazzavur on the black-scaled shoulder, smiling: "Glad to have someone by my side who can keep calm in a situation like this! I'm Khessa, by the way. And if it were up to me, I would rather handle a hoe to grow cabbages, than a big blade to maim people with... so" she winks "I will be very happy if our friend's spell does its job".
Memories assail the blonde warrior for a moment... The omnipresent darkness... The desperation of captivity in an alien environment... The cruel drow who had believed her broken and subdued and had dozed off... The mighty blade within reach... Using the blade to slowly cut her bonds... And blood... from that moment on, blood, screams, fear, anger, the satisfaction of freeing others, the bitterness of not finding her loved ones, feeling chased and hunted, and, above all, the desire to live... and to break free... Yes, she would have preferred a hoe - but there are times when circumstances force one to adapt.
The tall adventuress quickly recovers, seeing Raynoir approaching, his silver-scaled hand reaching out in greating contrast to the dark scales of the other dragonborn. "We'll try to make sure it doesn't explode" she shakes hands with a broad smile. "Khessa, pleasure to meet you. Help us defend Mr Magic Guy here" she introduces with a wave of her hand Elias "while he casts his spells... We should be able to calm things down".
[[ OOC: We are currently 5 players. Is it just MightyMathias's introductory post we are waiting for, before proceeding with the action? Or are we waiting for more players to join? No rush, just curious to know. ]]
Taz extends his arm in a warrior’s greeting.
”Tazzavur.”
He nods to the encroaching crowd.
”Best we don’t provide the spark.”
Right, right then, sleep spell, yes, hmm, ok...he closes his eyes, mumbles the arcane melody while moving his wand, blue lines of arcane energy leaving trace marks as it moves. Casting sleep centered toward the middle of the fighting.
18
sleep
Elias, hmm Elias Starlight is my name. smiles awkwardly...
Atlas Kai has made a home of Baldur's Gate for a while now. For a man of the shadows it's a very lucrative place to be. Unfortunately, while making his way into the home of a noble to begin the nights work he was spotted and captured by the guards. The noble offered to forget Atlas' transgressions if her were to join the efforts of the Flaming Fist for an undetermined time or take his chances at the gallows. Atlas reluctantly accepted this offer. What the noble did not know is that Atlas is very good at not getting caught...
As the riots are breaking out Atlas slips behind those who seem more equipped to handle close quarters combat. One moment he is the ever-observant wallflower, the next moment he is back-to-back with Khessa and looking for something to cover the end of his arrows in attempts to turn them non-lethal. If the spell does not fully take hold he plans to pick off the stragglers. No words come from this hooded figure that just seemingly appeared out of nowhere at your back.
Khessa's blue eyes widen for a moment; she really didn't see that hooded figure that just seemingly appeared out of nowhere at her back!
But considering the fact that the newcomer looks helpful and that the blonde warrior is giving priority to managing the delicate situation, she limits herself to telling him: "Oh, sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier, but I really didn't see you coming, friend; I'm Khessa. Welcome to this party".
The tall adventurer also prepares herself for the eventuality that the spells are not enough... or need to be integrated in some way. She promises herself that, in the event that she finds herself forced to strike some citizen, she will try to bring down her heavy weapon hitting with the flat of its metal head, not with the blade. That way, perhaps she will be able to stun the rioters, instead of decapitating them.
But Khessa's main hope is in the young Elias Starlight and she follows with attention (and, it seems, also admiration) with her blue eyes his gestures and words, as he channels and organizes the impalpable Weave of magic to obtain the desired effect... It almost seems like she's holding her breath for a moment...
So much is going on, so much to take in. He casts bless upon Khessa, Elias and Tazzav
"I hope this helps" he says and prepare to stand too with his mace.
Being the lone wolf that he is, Atlas bluntly remarks, "You're better off not getting too familiar with me. I sense you as the virtuous type and my path leads only to more trouble. Let us do what needs done and move on."
In this moment he begins to think of his parents and how the distancing began with them. Though he is somewhat lonely in this solitary existence of his, he tells himself it's for the benefit of others.
Along with his search for someway of making his weapons non-lethal Atlas makes note of any escape routes and positions of cover.
Feeling Raynoir's holy power instill in her confidence and clarity, Khessa smiles: "Thank you. It will be helpful indeed".
Then the blonde warrior turns to Atlas Kai, her smile still there, her blue eyes fixed on his: "I can see you are working on your arrows so as not to hurt the common folk in case of fight. This is virtuous a lot, as far as I am concerned".
BASILISK GATE
It is a chaotic scene with the mob pushing hard against a line of Flaming Fist guards. The Flaming Fist guards, clubs in hand, beat anyone that pushes too hard. Some of the mob members are on the ground, blood dripping on their heads. You will notice one guard searching the pockets of a fallen mob member. None of the mob appear dead, but some are badly hurt.
Then a silver skinned Dragonborn notices a group from the angry mob gathering to rush the Flaming Fist lines. He asks for and receives a blessing that surrounds some of the guardsmen that are near him.
Hidden from behind a tall curly haired blonde in chainmail, a young man wearing brown robes weaves a spell. Suddenly, three from the gathering mob fall to the ground asleep. Others from the mob stops and begins to look at one another. They then begin to back away from the Flaming Fist’s lines.
After a few seconds, a striking man in polished plate armor, his clean red surcoat prominently displaying the Flaming Fist Coat of Arms, moves up and kicks the three now sleeping members of the mob. They wake with a start. Recognizing the man that kicked them, Captain Zodge, with his eyepatch that makes him look more fearsome than feeble, get up and flee toward the slowly retreating mob.
“Good. Return home and no one else will get hurt. The Basilisk Gate is closed,” the captain says in a clear and firm tone. Some from the mob disperse, others just back further away.
He then turns toward the Flaming Fist guards and looks you over. “You,” he points toward KHESSA. “And you two,” he points to the Dragonborns, RAYNOIR and TAZZAVUR. “And you,” he looks at the hooded bowman ATLAS. “And most definitely you,” He points to the young wizard ELIAS. “With me!” Captain Zodge walks behind the line of Flaming Fist guardsmen. You follow.
“The Elturgardian refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, “has stoked fears that Baldur’s Gate might suffer the same fate as Elturel, of which nothing remains but a hole in the ground, apparently. Our grand duke, Ulder Ravengard, was visiting Elturel on a diplomatic mission when the city was destroyed. Coincidence? I think not."
“The knights of Elturgard call themselves Hellriders. A few of them escaped the destruction and think we’re somehow to blame for Elturel’s downfall. What a bunch of self-righteous rabble-rousers! We’re arresting them on sight, but along with the rush of refugees trying to get into the city, and those in the city trying to get out, it has left us shorthanded to deal with another problem. For that, I need your help.”
He doesn’t hesitate or even give you time to respond.
“Baldur’s Gate has long been plagued by followers of the Dead Three — the gods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. I thought we had wiped them out, but apparently, we had not. These purveyors of fear and death are taking advantage of the current crisis to commit murder sprees throughout the city. As my appointed deputies in this matter, you’ll have license to kill these wretches on sight. Find their lair and wipe it out. Eliminate anyone who gets in your way, and don’t worry about collateral damage.
“If you do what I say, I’ll see that you each receive two hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more.
“A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is the Elfsong Tavern. You may know of it. A spy named Tarina hangs out there, gathering rumors for the Guild. She owes me a favor, so tell her you work for me. Ask her what she knows about the Dead Three. And, for the love of Balduran, be nice. Tarina has dangerous friends.”
He now gives you a chance to respond.