Two riders on horses come into view, stopping at the bluff over looking a great walled city, hugging a deep bay along the Chionthar River. The two riders dismount and hold their steeds steady. The hood of one rider falls away revealing a wizened old man, wearing layers of brown robes that he holds close to his body as the wind swirls the dust around him. The other rider is a young man, just barely out of his teens, wearing what seems to be a mostly beige and white gi with a farmer's frock for cover; he wears a belt slung across his waist with an old, but beautiful sword, hanging from it. The older mentor gently pats his young protege on the shoulder and says, rather grimly, "Baldur's Gate. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious." The old man gives his a young companion a determined look with a hopeful smile.
As they get ready to mount their horses once more, a dagger flies into view hitting the old man in the chest. Almost immediately, the pair are swarmed by a half-dozen bandits that were hidden between boulders and outcroppings just off the trail. After a few moments, the pair of riders lay motionless on the floor, in a growing pool of blood, stripped of their belongings. As the bandits turn to leave, leading the horses away, one of them, testing the balance of a beautiful sword comments to another, "I felt that 'scum' was a bit unnecessary."
A Tale of Two Cities
Baldur’s Gate: a veritable nest of rats and vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River... home. 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.
Although many of the new "recruits" within the Flaming Fist have been, at best, conscripted. Your merry band nearly volunteered - that is until one in your group had the good sense to suggest that you allow yourselves be drafted and at least get slightly better pay. Turns out that being member of the Flaming Fist has some benefits, a certain level of protection and anonymity being part of a massive rank and file. Anonymity being key, given your recent failed attempt at a coup within The Guild. The lot of you were lucky enough to escape into the night with your necks, leaving Nine-Fingers Keene's daggers unstained by your blood. The night started out so well, it seemed all too easy, and then it was not - the thought of it all being a set-up had crossed some of your minds - just based on how it all went down - but the motive escapes you.
Shortly after being 'drafted' and explained the dire need that your city, Baldur's Gate, has for a strong Flaming Fist, both actual and perceived, your unit was given orders. 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. The five of you stand off on the side of the road, being granted a slightly higher vantage point thanks to the elevated entrance of a storefront, as you watch the scrum of people before you pushing towards the Basilisk Gate. 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. None of this surprises you - neither Captain Zodge's actions nor the general chaos swirling about. Just another day in the City of Blood.
Players - please describe yourselves, as you stand looking at this unfolding scene, as well as any initial commentary or reactions to it.
The Inferno - Baldur's Gate: Decent into Avernus... a story, produced by Wizards of the Coast, as told, for now, through the eyes of Dar'khan (Gimpster), Dawncaller Keth (Hardcopi), Oswin Kathon (Awaypturwpn), Stanus Naphaer aka Snap (DarthAvarice) and Tzo-Tzo Zohar (JcAndD) with some guidance by the DM (jr_el_leon).
Tzo-Tzo elects to not wear her Limbo mask, best not to associate the persona with a group. Instead, she’s just keeping most of her face covered with some cloth. However, unfortunately, that likely means that the others would not immediately recognize her either. Can’t be risking the identity getting out. Best just to pretend to be another run of the mill mercenary. She’ll let the good captain have his fun, waiting for someone else to make a move.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
It wasn't fair, she hadn't been involved she was just there at the time and now she's running... again. oh well, now she is a firefist or whatever. Dar'Khan walked with ease, the crowd giving her a wide birth. Appearing to be a younger human child in a tattered and patched black dress with red trim, her long white hair fluttering with each step. Mr. Fluffles, a stuffed rabbit doll, held firmly against her chest in one arm, her sickle swinging carelessly in the other (probably why the wide birth) as she hums an eerie tune.
"E-excuse me, I-I'm looking for captain Zodge... oh, your fighting now? n-n-never mind then" her head low, voice barely a whisper is unheard.
Speak with confidence, don't be so shy. maybe set fire to some guy? heh, rhyme.
"n-no fire... yet" she responds to the voice with a mischievous grin.
Still kicking himself for being duped so easily, Snap scans the crowd from under his hood for signs of the Guild's agents. All those wispers will find their way back to me eventually. What a trail I must have left....
Standing at the back of the group, Snap's very tall stature still affords him a good view of what is happening, he focuses on the captain with a message "Captain, do you need help?"
Keth looks down at the fighting. His fists clench and unclench, the leather in his gloves creaking slightly. He starts toward the captain. A slight smirk appears on his face. He isn't running he is stalking toward them.
Oswin shrugs. Then, eyes going round, he remembers a trick he'd been working on. He pulls out a small handful of copper pieces and, using a tool attached to his wrist, coats them in some kind of reactive fluids. He then flings them into the melee, where they begin making noises of continuous flatulence.
2 copper pieces are made to smell like the stench of rotten eggs, with a 10-foot radius each.
2 copper pieces are making continual noises similar to loudly passing gas. One is high-pitched, then other is low and flappy.
(This takes a few actions, so feel free to stop me if you'd rather we do something else!)
"I bet that Limbo guy could do it, that's what people like him do right tzz, tssst, phphthphhh.... Zoo-Zoo?"
Tzo-Tzo glances down at the girl and pulls up her scarf a bit, “The vigilante, yes? I have heard that his methods are... effective. However, I do not believe he would be much help in this case.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Standing at the back of the group, Snap's very tall stature still affords him a good view of what is happening, he focuses on the captain with a message "Captain, do you need help?"
Captain Zodge, holding the scruff of a commoners collar with one hand as his other is reared back for a punch, flicks his head towards the source of the message. His one good eye narrows a bit, and without turning away from Snap's gaze, coldcocks the commoner. He somehow manages to grumble a whisper back to Snap, "Nah, I think we got this - be with you in a moment."
Oswin ... pulls out a small handful of copper pieces and, using a tool attached to his wrist, coats them in some kind of reactive fluids. He then flings them into the melee, where they begin making noises of continuous flatulence.
2 copper pieces are made to smell like the stench of rotten eggs, with a 10-foot radius each.
2 copper pieces are making continual noises similar to loudly passing gas. One is high-pitched, then other is low and flappy.
// Zodge 18, Flaming Fist 1 of 6, Commoners 7 of 20 //
The smell of rotten eggs slowly spread from the center of the fray...
Most of the commoners start gagging at the smell of the coins while others are dismayed by the sounds of flatulence, one particularly hypochondriacal person yells, "The disease and pestilence has begun... flee!"
Unfortunately, all but Zodge and one of the six Flaming Fist members with him immediately stop beating on the commoners and cover their faces with their arms and cloaks, trying to keep themselves from getting sick on the people they were just beating up. Zodge cries out, "Keep it together, dammit!" as he punches another of the rioters in the gut.
What is left of the outbreak begins to dissipate, particularly around a handful of coins that, amazingly, remain untouched in the middle of the road.
As Zodge walks towards you, the other Flaming Fist - having regained their composure - start picking up the dregs from the street, giving most of them a shove or a swift quick to the rear end, encouraging them to go back to their homes. Tzo-Tzo notices that as many of the city's government-backed mercenaries 'encourage' the rioters to leave, a coin-purse gets lifted about half the time. Even when one of them gets caught, a quick glare sends the rioter away without complaint. By the time Zodge reaches you, the street is considerably calmer and the crowd dispersed, with nary an arrest. Any long time citizens of Baldur's Gate would note that, save the foul-smelling coins, the situation resolved itself in much the expected manner.
Zodge, now standing in front of the group, asks, "Who tossed those bloody coins out there? Inspiring, but when I say I have the situation under control - I mean it."
"This refugee crisis,” Captain Zodge continues not waiting for a reply to his question, “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 that’s left us shorthanded to deal with another problem. Luckily, our city is never short on treasure-seeking rat catchers such as yourselves, so I am more than pleased to tap you lot to take care of the situation."
He hands each of you a small copper badge bearing the coat of arms for the Flaming Fist.
“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 two hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more.
“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.”
Tzo-Tzo watches the thieves, whoops, I mean mercenaries at work. However, she remains silent and accepts the emblem, “Thank you, Captain. I look forward to bringing justice to this city. I’m confident that you have given me plenty of targets to channel my energies toward.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
A Tale of Two Cities
Players - please describe yourselves, as you stand looking at this unfolding scene, as well as any initial commentary or reactions to it.
The Inferno - Baldur's Gate: Decent into Avernus... a story, produced by Wizards of the Coast, as told, for now, through the eyes of Dar'khan (Gimpster), Dawncaller Keth (Hardcopi), Oswin Kathon (Awaypturwpn), Stanus Naphaer aka Snap (DarthAvarice) and Tzo-Tzo Zohar (JcAndD) with some guidance by the DM (jr_el_leon).
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Tzo-Tzo elects to not wear her Limbo mask, best not to associate the persona with a group. Instead, she’s just keeping most of her face covered with some cloth. However, unfortunately, that likely means that the others would not immediately recognize her either. Can’t be risking the identity getting out. Best just to pretend to be another run of the mill mercenary. She’ll let the good captain have his fun, waiting for someone else to make a move.
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
It wasn't fair, she hadn't been involved she was just there at the time and now she's running... again. oh well, now she is a firefist or whatever. Dar'Khan walked with ease, the crowd giving her a wide birth. Appearing to be a younger human child in a tattered and patched black dress with red trim, her long white hair fluttering with each step. Mr. Fluffles, a stuffed rabbit doll, held firmly against her chest in one arm, her sickle swinging carelessly in the other (probably why the wide birth) as she hums an eerie tune.
"E-excuse me, I-I'm looking for captain Zodge... oh, your fighting now? n-n-never mind then" her head low, voice barely a whisper is unheard.
Speak with confidence, don't be so shy. maybe set fire to some guy? heh, rhyme.
"n-no fire... yet" she responds to the voice with a mischievous grin.
Rip Dangerfield- Halfling Bard, Storm Kings Thunder (retired)
Matrix- Human Monk/fighter, Storm Kings Thunder
Still kicking himself for being duped so easily, Snap scans the crowd from under his hood for signs of the Guild's agents. All those wispers will find their way back to me eventually. What a trail I must have left....
Standing at the back of the group, Snap's very tall stature still affords him a good view of what is happening, he focuses on the captain with a message "Captain, do you need help?"
Keth looks down at the fighting. His fists clench and unclench, the leather in his gloves creaking slightly. He starts toward the captain. A slight smirk appears on his face. He isn't running he is stalking toward them.
Marav(Druid/Ranger) -Storm Kings ThunderDontontion(Rogue/Warlock) - Storm Kings Thunder
DM - Stormpoint Mountains :: A Critical Role Adventure ( Map of Trunau )
“Shaan,” Oswin curses, adjusting his armor uncomfortably. “This is bad. We’re supposed to talk to him, right? Should we try and break up the fight?”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"I can set people on fire, that usually stops fights"
And causes mass panic instead, not helpful in this case
"you just suggested it yourself shh"
Rip Dangerfield- Halfling Bard, Storm Kings Thunder (retired)
Matrix- Human Monk/fighter, Storm Kings Thunder
"Ah...I was thinking something in the direction de-escalating," says Oswin, looking sidelong at Dar'Khan.
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"I bet that Limbo guy could do it, that's what people like him do right tzz, tssst, phphthphhh.... Zoo-Zoo?"
Rip Dangerfield- Halfling Bard, Storm Kings Thunder (retired)
Matrix- Human Monk/fighter, Storm Kings Thunder
Oswin shrugs. Then, eyes going round, he remembers a trick he'd been working on. He pulls out a small handful of copper pieces and, using a tool attached to his wrist, coats them in some kind of reactive fluids. He then flings them into the melee, where they begin making noises of continuous flatulence.
2 copper pieces are made to smell like the stench of rotten eggs, with a 10-foot radius each.
2 copper pieces are making continual noises similar to loudly passing gas. One is high-pitched, then other is low and flappy.
(This takes a few actions, so feel free to stop me if you'd rather we do something else!)
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"eeww"
Rip Dangerfield- Halfling Bard, Storm Kings Thunder (retired)
Matrix- Human Monk/fighter, Storm Kings Thunder
Tzo-Tzo glances down at the girl and pulls up her scarf a bit, “The vigilante, yes? I have heard that his methods are... effective. However, I do not believe he would be much help in this case.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Captain Zodge, holding the scruff of a commoners collar with one hand as his other is reared back for a punch, flicks his head towards the source of the message. His one good eye narrows a bit, and without turning away from Snap's gaze, coldcocks the commoner. He somehow manages to grumble a whisper back to Snap, "Nah, I think we got this - be with you in a moment."
// Zodge 18, Flaming Fist 1 of 6, Commoners 7 of 20 //
The smell of rotten eggs slowly spread from the center of the fray...
Most of the commoners start gagging at the smell of the coins while others are dismayed by the sounds of flatulence, one particularly hypochondriacal person yells, "The disease and pestilence has begun... flee!"
Unfortunately, all but Zodge and one of the six Flaming Fist members with him immediately stop beating on the commoners and cover their faces with their arms and cloaks, trying to keep themselves from getting sick on the people they were just beating up. Zodge cries out, "Keep it together, dammit!" as he punches another of the rioters in the gut.
What is left of the outbreak begins to dissipate, particularly around a handful of coins that, amazingly, remain untouched in the middle of the road.
As Zodge walks towards you, the other Flaming Fist - having regained their composure - start picking up the dregs from the street, giving most of them a shove or a swift quick to the rear end, encouraging them to go back to their homes. Tzo-Tzo notices that as many of the city's government-backed mercenaries 'encourage' the rioters to leave, a coin-purse gets lifted about half the time. Even when one of them gets caught, a quick glare sends the rioter away without complaint. By the time Zodge reaches you, the street is considerably calmer and the crowd dispersed, with nary an arrest. Any long time citizens of Baldur's Gate would note that, save the foul-smelling coins, the situation resolved itself in much the expected manner.
He hands each of you a small copper badge bearing the coat of arms for the Flaming Fist.
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Keth takes the badge, "Thanks... pity you broke up the fight so quickly, it looked like fun."
Keth turns and walks back to the group, muttering under his breath, "I was gonna get me an ear."
Marav(Druid/Ranger) -Storm Kings ThunderDontontion(Rogue/Warlock) - Storm Kings Thunder
DM - Stormpoint Mountains :: A Critical Role Adventure ( Map of Trunau )
"psst, Keth... what's 'collateral damage'?"
Rip Dangerfield- Halfling Bard, Storm Kings Thunder (retired)
Matrix- Human Monk/fighter, Storm Kings Thunder
// Zodge perception check vs DC 15... 13
.... Dar'khan's comment seems to go unnoticed by Zodge.
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Zodge responds, "It's Baldur's Gate - you'll have opportunity enough for violence... I'm sure of it."
Storm King's Thunder - Ink, Elven Bladesinging Wizard
Core City: APbPA - Ormond, Human Twilight Cleric
The Inferno - BG:Dia - DM
They keep me rollin'
Tzo-Tzo watches the thieves, whoops, I mean mercenaries at work. However, she remains silent and accepts the emblem, “Thank you, Captain. I look forward to bringing justice to this city. I’m confident that you have given me plenty of targets to channel my energies toward.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
"He means don't break stuff." he turns toward the group. "Shall we go talk to Tarina, get some work going."
Marav(Druid/Ranger) -Storm Kings ThunderDontontion(Rogue/Warlock) - Storm Kings Thunder
DM - Stormpoint Mountains :: A Critical Role Adventure ( Map of Trunau )
"ohhhh, I do that alot." Dar looks at her new badge "but that won't be a problem with you my shiny friend, i'll call you badgey!"
Rip Dangerfield- Halfling Bard, Storm Kings Thunder (retired)
Matrix- Human Monk/fighter, Storm Kings Thunder