"N-now c'mon, chil'ren. There ain't no need to be make'n with the violence this day now is it?" Is heard over the din of activity for a brief moment. It isn't long at all before the source of it makes itself known as one refugee finds themselves picked up by the scruff of their collar, and bodily thrown into several more rushing the guard. Standing a clear head and shoulders above both armored guard and refugees is a giant of man, youthful in the face, but bearing hair as white as snow bound in thick braids. A clear foreign born himself going by the strange whites and grey garbs adorning his frame, if the size hadn't already marked him as such.
Spotting another refugee trying to rush forward into some false breech in the guard with silver orbs, once more a giant hand snaps out, grabbing the man by the collar and holding them up to eye level. "Now son. Ya best be quit'n now fer-..."Acting on instinct, he snaps up his shield arm in time to intercept a fist meant from someone's head. It mattered little to him if it was a guard or a refugee in the heat of the moment. He never throws a punch; only wanting to intercept and force apart guard and refugees long enough for cooler heads to prevail.
Or so any might get the impression out of the only jovial looking giant smelling of loam and blood.
Reminder Pic:
After the fight...
"Perhaps I can be of help as well, Brother man!"Yoska calls out as some of the guard tried to shuffle him at least off to the side with the rest of the commoners. Though the resistance is only token, two still need to push him to really move the man anywhere while he tries to get Captain Zodge's attention.
Allynna listens thoughtfully and asks from the back. "What's the issue?" I hope this doesn't take too long. As soon as Tarquin hears a caravan came in, he'll be expecting me at the house.
She raises an eyebrow at the massive young man who spent the fight pulling people apart.
Nok Nok struggles as he wobbles his way over to Misha, dropping her hammer and shield at her feet with a loud clatter. "Nok Nok not a squire," he grumbles, before adding a very sarcastic. "Meeeeeelady." The goblin then gives the captain the stink eye, before settling into to listen to the story of whatever issue is at hand.
Excited by the amassed crowd of all sorts of new and interesting races of beings she’s never seen before (but likely read about once in an inter office memo), Persephone simply stands there, mouth agape, eyes as big as saucers. “My word...” quietly escapes from her mouth, dumbfoundedly. Quietly standing next to Nok Nok, she’s pretty oblivious to the fights going on around her, quietly taking in the grandeur of the crowd.
The crowd streams around her, leaving her mostly untouched, as she radiates gloom and doom, shadows literally spilling off of her. Lots of sideways glances from refugees, thinking her to be some sort of bad omen.
When the fighting finally dies down, Persephone finally comes to, realizing that her new team are gathering around Captain Zodge. She quickly scrambles over and hides behind Misha, peaking around her elbow to listen in.
“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 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 three hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more."
Misha startled and her eyes went wide at the mention of Bane and the Dead Three.
“A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is Elfsong Tavern. 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 gives each of you a copper badge that bears the Flaming Fist’s coat of arms. These badges give you license to act in Zodge’s name.
Nok Nok snatches his badge, giving it the bite test to see if it is copper or copper-plated. Once satisfied, he begins wielding it about at any passers-by. "Out of the way! Official business! Out of my way!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd) Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist) Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Persephone whispers in Misha’s ear (because she’s too shy to raise the question herself): “How do we know what a follower of the Dead Three looks like?”
Jill pins on the badge she's given and then puts Corrin on her shoulders. "Come, deputy Corrin. Let's go stop the bad guys and then go get donuts, like real guardsmen do."
Meep takes her badge and hides behind Misha, enjoying the view.
Meep eyes the newcomer for a moment when he arrives, making a note to figure out who he is after they get their mission. She watches the fight with an almost amused but concerned expression until it resolves itself and they meet the Captain. She then tucks her badge into the folds of her pack, keeping it readily available but temporarily hidden. "To the tavern then? Figure out who we're finding and what we'll need for the trip?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Like he said, Bane, Myrkul and Bhaal. Bane runs Acheron, he's the deity of the redhead over there. Bet she's having some doubts right now. Myrkul handles the undead-he's kind of boring. Bhaal takes care of all the murder business, caused a big stink a while ago when he had kids. In summary, they're all irritating asses, in their own ways. And none of them like me.
Their loss. More importantly, how public is this going to be...it'll be a problem if I'm seen running around helping to blow up random buildings.
Allynna accepts her badge absently, giving the Captain a brief smile of thanks and praying he doesn't recognize her.
You've got a few hours before Tarquin gets suspicious and you have to report back to him. Hopefully this'll at least have a stopping point by then. And look on the bright side...the Elfsong! The Nightingale had some good nights there. Flirting and meeting contacts and stilettoing snitches.
A real smile appears on Allynna's face at Gargauth's last words, and she turns to look at the others. "I agree with Meep-let's head to the Elfsong!"
Misha leaned down into Seph's ear. "Well, you know what an Acheronian looks like, ya?"she smiled. "As for the others, we weel see."She straightened and spoke to Captain Zodge. "We accept thees responseebeeleetee, Captain. Find the lair of The Dead Three and wipe them out. We weel not return until we are victorious."
She picks up her hammer and shield, patting Nok Nok on the head. "Thank you, Tik Tok. Come. We weel head to Elfsong tavern and find thees Tarina."
Misha walks up to Yoska and extends her hand. "Hello!"she says cheerfully. "I am Misha!"
THE STORY OF THE DEAD THREE
As you all head to Elfsong Tavern, Misha tells you what she knows about The Dead Three.
"There ees a story that the peeple of thees world believe about Bane, and two friends, together called The Dead Three. Once, The Dead Three were evil adventurers who long ago quested to become gods. They succeeded but grew even more ambitious. They tried to seize the Tablets of Fate from the overgod Ao and use them to rule over thees world and eets gods. They say they failed and were slain during a period of time called Time of Troubles. Seence then, a variety of clever contingency plans they had een place allowed them to be reborn.
While the Sundering saw the other gods of thees realm withdraw their direct influence from the world, the Dead Three remained behind in mortal form as quasi-divine beings. While their power has diminished, they remain a formidable trio and play a malevolent role in influencing events on Faerûn.
I hef heard thees story before as a child, growing up on Acheron - like hearing a fable - but, truth be told, no one would dare ask, or question the Lord General. While eet may be true, the more important task at hand ees the fact that my people are here, and as a Prime, I weel deel weeth them properly."
Yoska stands there looking awkwardly between the guard and Misha. But then with an easy going grin, he returns the handshake. "A pleasure, Misha. The name is Yoska Vistani." His grin brightens for a moment after letting go. "Now I hate to be so much a bother. But if these fine ears didn't deceive me, perhaps... you and yours could use a bit of extra help? And if so, well, clearly it'a be me honor to lend it to ya? Certainly couldn't hurt, I'm sure."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Misha nodded happily. "Of course!"she said, "Thees party train ees only just warming up! Choo choo!" Misha pretended to pull on a cord like a train conductor, even though she'd have no idea what the hell a train ees.
Nok Nok watches as the others begin trudging away to battle gods or some such. "Good riddance," he mutters, turning to look for some place eat.
"Follow."
The voice echoes loudly in his head as the tell-tale signs of colorful spots swirl about his eyes.
"Help."
The goblin whimpers slightly before snarling a bit. He grasps the copper badge, giving it a quick look and muttering, "Well, at least me get a trinket for my death."
Reluctantly...he follows. "No Tik Tok," he abruptly yells. "By the gods, tall people stupid. It Nok Nok!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd) Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist) Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
"Well, alright, alright~ All aboard the, uh, party train." He said with a chuckle in his voice, then turned to Captain Zodge as well to give a casual two-fingered salute from the forehead. "See ya round, boss man."Yoska turns back on his heels, and practically glides along the ground following after the others.
Seeing Nok Nok upset though, the giant drifts over to just barely pat Nok Nok on the shoulder. "There, there, my green brother. I'm sure none of 'em were trying to under yer skin there all intentional like."He says, smiling down on Nok Nok then offering a hand. "Name's Yoska, by the way. 'nd it looks like I'll be joining you folk for a spell or two, at the very least."
Jill looks up at Corrin when Yoska joins their party. "It is a good thing that he is joining us now and not when we were on the road. I would not have been able to make room in he wagon for him."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Yoska slaps his own belly as he laughs. "Of course we are, Brother Man. In fact, I like to think that ol' Yoska here is everyone's friend. Though some might just not know it yet." He gives Nok Nok a wink. "Not that I can fault any fer da worry or disbelief. Dis realm 'ere? Lotsa bad vibes flow'n a bit too freely compared to the spirit of jolly cooperation, ya feel me?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Meep quietly observes the others, lost in thought before she snaps out of it and her body goes automatic, looking to Yoska. "Oh! You're joining us. I suppose that calls for introductions? My name is Meep." She smiles and her hand twitches slightly at her side, almost like she instinctually wants to offer her hand before she instead gives a slight bow curtsy and a nod. She has to look up drastically to look him in the eye. "You're... Very tall... But I suppose I am also very short... So what do you specialize in? I personally am good with fire arcane."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
"N-now c'mon, chil'ren. There ain't no need to be make'n with the violence this day now is it?" Is heard over the din of activity for a brief moment. It isn't long at all before the source of it makes itself known as one refugee finds themselves picked up by the scruff of their collar, and bodily thrown into several more rushing the guard. Standing a clear head and shoulders above both armored guard and refugees is a giant of man, youthful in the face, but bearing hair as white as snow bound in thick braids. A clear foreign born himself going by the strange whites and grey garbs adorning his frame, if the size hadn't already marked him as such.
Spotting another refugee trying to rush forward into some false breech in the guard with silver orbs, once more a giant hand snaps out, grabbing the man by the collar and holding them up to eye level. "Now son. Ya best be quit'n now fer-..." Acting on instinct, he snaps up his shield arm in time to intercept a fist meant from someone's head. It mattered little to him if it was a guard or a refugee in the heat of the moment. He never throws a punch; only wanting to intercept and force apart guard and refugees long enough for cooler heads to prevail.
Or so any might get the impression out of the only jovial looking giant smelling of loam and blood.
Reminder Pic:
After the fight...
"Perhaps I can be of help as well, Brother man!" Yoska calls out as some of the guard tried to shuffle him at least off to the side with the rest of the commoners. Though the resistance is only token, two still need to push him to really move the man anywhere while he tries to get Captain Zodge's attention.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Allynna listens thoughtfully and asks from the back. "What's the issue?" I hope this doesn't take too long. As soon as Tarquin hears a caravan came in, he'll be expecting me at the house.
She raises an eyebrow at the massive young man who spent the fight pulling people apart.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Nok Nok struggles as he wobbles his way over to Misha, dropping her hammer and shield at her feet with a loud clatter. "Nok Nok not a squire," he grumbles, before adding a very sarcastic. "Meeeeeelady." The goblin then gives the captain the stink eye, before settling into to listen to the story of whatever issue is at hand.
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Excited by the amassed crowd of all sorts of new and interesting races of beings she’s never seen before (but likely read about once in an inter office memo), Persephone simply stands there, mouth agape, eyes as big as saucers. “My word...” quietly escapes from her mouth, dumbfoundedly. Quietly standing next to Nok Nok, she’s pretty oblivious to the fights going on around her, quietly taking in the grandeur of the crowd.
The crowd streams around her, leaving her mostly untouched, as she radiates gloom and doom, shadows literally spilling off of her. Lots of sideways glances from refugees, thinking her to be some sort of bad omen.
When the fighting finally dies down, Persephone finally comes to, realizing that her new team are gathering around Captain Zodge. She quickly scrambles over and hides behind Misha, peaking around her elbow to listen in.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
THE ISSUE AT HAND
“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 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 three hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more."
Misha startled and her eyes went wide at the mention of Bane and the Dead Three.
“A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is Elfsong Tavern. 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 gives each of you a copper badge that bears the Flaming Fist’s coat of arms. These badges give you license to act in Zodge’s name.
Nok Nok snatches his badge, giving it the bite test to see if it is copper or copper-plated. Once satisfied, he begins wielding it about at any passers-by. "Out of the way! Official business! Out of my way!"
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Persephone whispers in Misha’s ear (because she’s too shy to raise the question herself): “How do we know what a follower of the Dead Three looks like?”
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Jill pins on the badge she's given and then puts Corrin on her shoulders. "Come, deputy Corrin. Let's go stop the bad guys and then go get donuts, like real guardsmen do."
Meep takes her badge and hides behind Misha, enjoying the view.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Meep eyes the newcomer for a moment when he arrives, making a note to figure out who he is after they get their mission. She watches the fight with an almost amused but concerned expression until it resolves itself and they meet the Captain. She then tucks her badge into the folds of her pack, keeping it readily available but temporarily hidden. "To the tavern then? Figure out who we're finding and what we'll need for the trip?"
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead
Dead Three?
Like he said, Bane, Myrkul and Bhaal. Bane runs Acheron, he's the deity of the redhead over there. Bet she's having some doubts right now. Myrkul handles the undead-he's kind of boring. Bhaal takes care of all the murder business, caused a big stink a while ago when he had kids. In summary, they're all irritating asses, in their own ways. And none of them like me.
Their loss. More importantly, how public is this going to be...it'll be a problem if I'm seen running around helping to blow up random buildings.
Allynna accepts her badge absently, giving the Captain a brief smile of thanks and praying he doesn't recognize her.
You've got a few hours before Tarquin gets suspicious and you have to report back to him. Hopefully this'll at least have a stopping point by then. And look on the bright side...the Elfsong! The Nightingale had some good nights there. Flirting and meeting contacts and stilettoing snitches.
A real smile appears on Allynna's face at Gargauth's last words, and she turns to look at the others. "I agree with Meep-let's head to the Elfsong!"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Misha leaned down into Seph's ear. "Well, you know what an Acheronian looks like, ya?" she smiled. "As for the others, we weel see." She straightened and spoke to Captain Zodge. "We accept thees responseebeeleetee, Captain. Find the lair of The Dead Three and wipe them out. We weel not return until we are victorious."
She picks up her hammer and shield, patting Nok Nok on the head. "Thank you, Tik Tok. Come. We weel head to Elfsong tavern and find thees Tarina."
Misha walks up to Yoska and extends her hand. "Hello!" she says cheerfully. "I am Misha!"
THE STORY OF THE DEAD THREE
As you all head to Elfsong Tavern, Misha tells you what she knows about The Dead Three.
"There ees a story that the peeple of thees world believe about Bane, and two friends, together called The Dead Three. Once, The Dead Three were evil adventurers who long ago quested to become gods. They succeeded but grew even more ambitious. They tried to seize the Tablets of Fate from the overgod Ao and use them to rule over thees world and eets gods. They say they failed and were slain during a period of time called Time of Troubles. Seence then, a variety of clever contingency plans they had een place allowed them to be reborn.
While the Sundering saw the other gods of thees realm withdraw their direct influence from the world, the Dead Three remained behind in mortal form as quasi-divine beings. While their power has diminished, they remain a formidable trio and play a malevolent role in influencing events on Faerûn.
I hef heard thees story before as a child, growing up on Acheron - like hearing a fable - but, truth be told, no one would dare ask, or question the Lord General. While eet may be true, the more important task at hand ees the fact that my people are here, and as a Prime, I weel deel weeth them properly."
Is that true? I mean...were you even alive for that?
Oh, my dear 'Lynna. I've been alive far longer than that. Your parents were alive for the Sundering, it wasn't that long ago.
Wait, what? My parents? How do you know my parents were alive for that?
Gargauth? You can't just leave me with something like that!
Allynna frowns as Gargauth's voice is still silent. She worries her lip as they continue towards the tavern.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Yoska stands there looking awkwardly between the guard and Misha. But then with an easy going grin, he returns the handshake. "A pleasure, Misha. The name is Yoska Vistani." His grin brightens for a moment after letting go. "Now I hate to be so much a bother. But if these fine ears didn't deceive me, perhaps... you and yours could use a bit of extra help? And if so, well, clearly it'a be me honor to lend it to ya? Certainly couldn't hurt, I'm sure."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Misha nodded happily. "Of course!" she said, "Thees party train ees only just warming up! Choo choo!" Misha pretended to pull on a cord like a train conductor, even though she'd have no idea what the hell a train ees.
She turned to Captain Zodge, "Hef a nice day!"
Nok Nok watches as the others begin trudging away to battle gods or some such. "Good riddance," he mutters, turning to look for some place eat.
"Follow."
The voice echoes loudly in his head as the tell-tale signs of colorful spots swirl about his eyes.
"Help."
The goblin whimpers slightly before snarling a bit. He grasps the copper badge, giving it a quick look and muttering, "Well, at least me get a trinket for my death."
Reluctantly...he follows. "No Tik Tok," he abruptly yells. "By the gods, tall people stupid. It Nok Nok!"
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
"Well, alright, alright~ All aboard the, uh, party train." He said with a chuckle in his voice, then turned to Captain Zodge as well to give a casual two-fingered salute from the forehead. "See ya round, boss man." Yoska turns back on his heels, and practically glides along the ground following after the others.
Seeing Nok Nok upset though, the giant drifts over to just barely pat Nok Nok on the shoulder. "There, there, my green brother. I'm sure none of 'em were trying to under yer skin there all intentional like." He says, smiling down on Nok Nok then offering a hand. "Name's Yoska, by the way. 'nd it looks like I'll be joining you folk for a spell or two, at the very least."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Jill looks up at Corrin when Yoska joins their party. "It is a good thing that he is joining us now and not when we were on the road. I would not have been able to make room in he wagon for him."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Nok Nok looks up warily at Yoska then hesitantly accepts the hand, his frown changing to a broad smile. “Hello there, Big ‘Un. We be friends, no?”
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
Yoska slaps his own belly as he laughs. "Of course we are, Brother Man. In fact, I like to think that ol' Yoska here is everyone's friend. Though some might just not know it yet." He gives Nok Nok a wink. "Not that I can fault any fer da worry or disbelief. Dis realm 'ere? Lotsa bad vibes flow'n a bit too freely compared to the spirit of jolly cooperation, ya feel me?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Meep quietly observes the others, lost in thought before she snaps out of it and her body goes automatic, looking to Yoska. "Oh! You're joining us. I suppose that calls for introductions? My name is Meep." She smiles and her hand twitches slightly at her side, almost like she instinctually wants to offer her hand before she instead gives a slight bow curtsy and a nod. She has to look up drastically to look him in the eye. "You're... Very tall... But I suppose I am also very short... So what do you specialize in? I personally am good with fire arcane."
Nina Wildvale|Changeling|Wild Magic Sorcerer|Rise of The Reunelords|Active
Kai Loire|Water Genasia|Life Cleric|Road To Phandalin|Retired
Willow Twilight|Swiftstride Shifter|Blood Hunter|Ebberon|Retired
Meephylia Polliwog|Grung|Dragon Sorcerer|Descent To Avernus|Retired
Ashryn Rairs|Changeling|Hexblade Warlock|Out Of The Abyss|Dead