It's a calm day. Soft winds ruffle the tufts of your hair, brining you happiness as you move along. Perhaps it's the air or something else, but you're each in a good mood as you traverse these paths that all seem to lead to Balder's Gate.
Ah, the glorious city of thievery, cunning, and death within its own streets. Balder's Gate. Something calls to each of you. Something different and unique to each of you. You feel drawn to it, unnaturally.
It could have something to do with the refugees that have stuffed the gates full of foot-traffic as you approach. Goats and cattle, people of all races and color, they all want it. Refugees. The realization hits you, especially those of you who have come from the northern road of Waterdeep. A flash that caught your eye on the way here to the East. Something is amis, and these refugees are the proof.
The going is tough as you work your way through, determined to get through the gates. The gatekeeper, a young lad, looking about 15, seems to be the one uncomfortably in charge of the guards holding back all these "hungry" people as you work your way to the front to meet him.
"Uh, Mi'Ladies," he begins with a cracked voice that only a budding youth could produce, "I believe it isn't quite the right time to visit "Balder's Gate", he begins. An uncomfortable moment passes as a random plate shatters on the stone wall just near his head -- probably thrown by one of the refugees. He re-asserts himself. His eyes. Young and blue, meet yours. A cracked voice repeats. "No admittance at this time". Is it uncertainty in his duties or just the absence of authority?
Seeing as the lot of you probably aren't giving up, he gives in a little....
"I'm gonna' have to ask you for entrance papers and fees," he says as he looks at the lot of you. Perhaps not such a sucker after all. He's asking for a bribe from you for entrance. Maybe he can be reasoned with?
Feel free to engage in social interactions with each other up to this point and whatnot. This is your entrance to Balder's Gate. Each of you feel as if you need to be here for some reason or another. This man --this boy is your ticket in.
Let me know if Spotify or Youtube is best. Yes, I include music and scene setting stuff.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Sariel, a female moon elf with raven black hair and pale, ivory skin steps forward. She has soft turquoise eyes and smooth coral pink lips. Intricate tattoos designed to look like geometric vines cover her shoulders, back, and arms. A tattoo of a vertical eye with vines stretching from it can be seen on her forehead, while a much simpler vine can be seen under her lips and chin. Sariel's short and somewhat lithe figure is wrapped beautifully in a dark navy blue cotton sundress, and her face is framed by a grey wool scarf. A satchel drapes across her figure, resting at her hip, while a leather belt holds a simple dagger to her waist.
"hello good sir, I'm a merchant artist from the far northern city of Neverwinter. me and my companion here came to help the city, but it seems like its in worse condition than we thought. Is there something we can do to assist?" Sariel speaks confidently but with a gentle softness in the voice that seems to sooth those who hear it. "Maybe in exchange we can gain entry into the city, or at least speak to someone who might be able to give us access."
An average-looking half-elf woman, with striking green hair and piercing blue eyes, stands off to the side of the main gate and witnesses a rather amusing interaction. A moon elf and her companion are asking to help this city of thievery and murder in exchange for entry? Not exactly her style, but Zinnadove does want to get in. She smirks to herself.
Zinnadove takes a few steps toward the two companions bargaining with the young gatekeeper, anxious to witness the outcome of such an offer.
Yasmin, an eladrin elf woman, stands next to Sariel with an awkward smile on her face. She does not have much experience with dealing with people, and was hoping that she would avoid confrontation. However, she agrees with Sariel and offers to help the city in exchange for entry.
(Let me know which source works best and I'll stick to that going forward.)
The young guard looks you up and down. A small smile crosses his face --that of youth. "Well, this damned crowd is all trying to get it." He scans the refugees nervously. "Something about Elturel disappearin' if ya've heard the news an' all..Anyroad...," As if scripted, he says, "entrance to Balder's Gate is prohibited, excepting if you've the coin to pay". The last little bit was as if mocking some superior who gave him instructions. "Unless you've a common cause for good", he states. "If you're the adventuring type, you need to go in and talk to Captain Zodge." He points to a rather tough looking man a ways in the gates that you can clearly see. At this moment, Zodge is directing guards to detain some of the refugees inside the gates. Some of the guards are pick-pocketing the refugess. Zodge doesn't seem to care.
What kind of city is this?
Entrance on adventuring business will get you in, granted you agree to "work" for Captain Zodge. He seems important here. This is basically the "helping the city" option.
The young guard continues..."Captain Zodge is our leader at the moment of the Flaming Fists!" He triumphantly pounds his fist to his chest, almost losing grip of his halberd in the process. Regaining his composure, he urges you in if you'll talk to Zodge.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Upon hearing the youngster's rehearsed speech, Zinnadove snorts. So this kid wants us to work for the big burly guard captain in exchange for entrance? Not exactly what Zinnadove would have signed up for on her own, however the promise of fortune and infamy drives her forward. And she may be able to blend in with these naive women who want to help.
"Leave us in, then, child," Zinnadove commands from behind the other two women. "We three have business with this Captain Zodge."
Sariel, noticing the Green haired girl for the first time, looks back and gives Zinnadove a look of recognition. She's seen her before, like a distant memory or a sense of deja vu. Walking through a crowded street, in a strange yet oddly familiar city. she's told you before, only her friends can call her dove, and your not quite there yet. but it is fun too tease her about it, Zinnadove always scoffed when you called her by that other name.
"There you are Zinn, I thought we lost you in the crowd."Sariel gives a comforting smile, like an old friend. "glad you could catch up."
She turns back towards the young man and gives a little bow. before begining to walk towards the somewhat intimidating Captain Zodge. Hopefully this can get Sariel some answers she needs.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
(Sorry for a little late response. I thought no updates would be posted until the weekend, so I never checked my notifications.)
Yasmin also notices the green haired elf, and is confused for a moment, but quickly recovers since Sariel seems to know this person, and she trusts Sariel.
Yasmin thanks the guard and walks towards Captain Zodge together with Sariel.
A human in heavy armor, he seems to give no quarter as you get closer. A group of refugees are being accosted to the left as you close the distance. Breathing heavily, he sees the group of you. "Uh, give me a moment, please", he says as you get close. Finally, he looks up at you all. A piercing look in his eyes.
“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." He looks around a moment at the chaos around you all. A random "grenade " comes his way. It lands on the ground by his feet. He picks it up, winks at you, then throws it back toward the "refugee" that threw it.
“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". He takes a moment to catch his breath, seeing a small group of Flaming Fist recruits having trouble with some refugees. "As you can see, I'm quite busy. Are you in or out?" he questions. "Go to the Elfsong Tavern, find a woman named Tarina. She has information you need to take out the Dead Three."He wipes some sweat from his brow. "Oh, and I should mention she's quite dangerous. Well, not her, but her friends. Tread carefully, friends. Congratulations, you are inductees into the Flaming Fists." He hands you each an insignia of the Flaming Fists. "This will get you into places you couldn't normally go, get you information you wouldn't normally be privy to, and get you access to items beyond your capabilities to behold."
"Go, NOW!" he states. "It's four blocks west and two blocks north". Another "grenade' comes his way. "Gods-Dammit," he swears as he picks it up and tosses it away. "Go!", he instructs.
Not a very welcoming introduction, but you have an objective, should you all choose to accept it. He seems busy, but there are always options to do whatever you want. Do you accept his offer of payment to go to the Elfsong Tavern and talk with this "spy" and end The Dead Three threat in the city or do you forge your own path?
He seems eager to throw responsibility to any that would call themselves adventurers.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Though Zinnadove doesn't recall ever meeting these women before, and absolutely knows no one calls her 'Zinn', she makes no move to let on that she's confused by the moon elf's strange greeting as she takes in Zodge's hurried instructions.
"To this tavern, then?" she says as she turns to her now-companions. "Unless you'd rather stand in the midst of this insanity a moment longer?"
"Agreed, lets get a move on before one of us gets hit." Sariel quickly follows behind Zinnadove, hoping to get out of the chaos before she becomes a target. "And maybe we can get some real food and ale there too, me and Yasmin have ben living off rations and streams since we left Waterdeep. I need a stiff drink and something hot." Sariel holds her bag tight to her waist and keeps on hand on her scarf, trying her best to 'protect' her belongings, as they move through the city.
(Sorry for the delay on the post, been a long few days)
As you make your way through the city, probably asking directions here and there for the Elfsong Tavern, you can't shake the feeling that this place is about to crack open from the inside out, yet it still holds together like a strong quilt.
You pass at least two muggings, a possible home break-in, and what might have been the crime scene of a recent murder just within the 20 minutes it takes to travel to the Elfsong Tavern. One particular citizen you pass (elf, human?) has his arms crossed and leaning against a not-so-stable wall of an old building with a hood up stares at the group of you uncomfortably as you pass. He spits to the ground, then returns his stare.
Finally, the Elfsong Tavern. Painted largely over an old plank, probably from a ship long ago, are the faded and painted words. A dismal rain begins to fall lightly as you approach. The plank groans angrily against growing wind. Sitting on a stool comically too small for it is an Ogre to the right of the entrance. As you cross the street, fresh rain stains the cobblestones. The Ogre looks at the lot of you and nods as if in approval to enter.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Passing the Ogre, Zinnadove nods and makes for the door to the tavern. Pushing it open, she steps in from the rain.
"Let's find a table in the back and ask around about Tarina. Warm up before she inevitably has us out in this rain again," Zinnadove murmurs to the other two, scanning the room.
Hugging her scarf tight, Sariel follows in closely behind.
"I agree, it feels like everywhere we look in this city there's nothing but dread. maybe inside will be a little more relaxing." Sariel says with an all too clear tone of doubt in her voice. she can feel it, like a blanket of fog across this city. Pure dread, the acceptance of death and pain. like she stepped into a new world that has never known joy before.
"Not exactly. The place I'm from had a more... subtle... way of destroying you." Sariel said as they sit around a table.
Looking around, she gives a quiet sigh to herself. she scans the room, looking from face to face, before looking at Zinnadove. She hadn't seemed shocked when Sariel said her name before, maybe she has visions too? Or maybe she is famous somehow? Maybe she just has an amazing poker face? There's only one way to find out.
"Hey Zinn. I know this is going to sound a little strange, but why weren't you surprised when I said your name earlier?"
Zinnadove raises an eyebrow at Sariel and sips the ale delivered by the barmaid.
"You are unknown to me, I have not met either of you before this day," Zinnadove looks between the two women seated with her. "How did you know of my name? Or," she sighs, "at least part of my name."
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Mood:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/rr6CE0wjAlk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0KMcHh8Npw6a3atnnHoYXK?si=0_Qe0aqqR5OPPM8vWZKksg
Campaign Playlist Link:
DnDBeyond Avernus
It's a calm day. Soft winds ruffle the tufts of your hair, brining you happiness as you move along. Perhaps it's the air or something else, but you're each in a good mood as you traverse these paths that all seem to lead to Balder's Gate.
Ah, the glorious city of thievery, cunning, and death within its own streets. Balder's Gate. Something calls to each of you. Something different and unique to each of you. You feel drawn to it, unnaturally.
It could have something to do with the refugees that have stuffed the gates full of foot-traffic as you approach. Goats and cattle, people of all races and color, they all want it. Refugees. The realization hits you, especially those of you who have come from the northern road of Waterdeep. A flash that caught your eye on the way here to the East. Something is amis, and these refugees are the proof.
The going is tough as you work your way through, determined to get through the gates. The gatekeeper, a young lad, looking about 15, seems to be the one uncomfortably in charge of the guards holding back all these "hungry" people as you work your way to the front to meet him.
"Uh, Mi'Ladies," he begins with a cracked voice that only a budding youth could produce, "I believe it isn't quite the right time to visit "Balder's Gate", he begins. An uncomfortable moment passes as a random plate shatters on the stone wall just near his head -- probably thrown by one of the refugees. He re-asserts himself. His eyes. Young and blue, meet yours. A cracked voice repeats. "No admittance at this time". Is it uncertainty in his duties or just the absence of authority?
Seeing as the lot of you probably aren't giving up, he gives in a little....
"I'm gonna' have to ask you for entrance papers and fees," he says as he looks at the lot of you. Perhaps not such a sucker after all. He's asking for a bribe from you for entrance. Maybe he can be reasoned with?
Feel free to engage in social interactions with each other up to this point and whatnot. This is your entrance to Balder's Gate. Each of you feel as if you need to be here for some reason or another. This man --this boy is your ticket in.
Let me know if Spotify or Youtube is best. Yes, I include music and scene setting stuff.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
(Music is PERFECT! Love it DM, well done)
Sariel, a female moon elf with raven black hair and pale, ivory skin steps forward. She has soft turquoise eyes and smooth coral pink lips. Intricate tattoos designed to look like geometric vines cover her shoulders, back, and arms. A tattoo of a vertical eye with vines stretching from it can be seen on her forehead, while a much simpler vine can be seen under her lips and chin. Sariel's short and somewhat lithe figure is wrapped beautifully in a dark navy blue cotton sundress, and her face is framed by a grey wool scarf. A satchel drapes across her figure, resting at her hip, while a leather belt holds a simple dagger to her waist.
"hello good sir, I'm a merchant artist from the far northern city of Neverwinter. me and my companion here came to help the city, but it seems like its in worse condition than we thought. Is there something we can do to assist?" Sariel speaks confidently but with a gentle softness in the voice that seems to sooth those who hear it. "Maybe in exchange we can gain entry into the city, or at least speak to someone who might be able to give us access."
An average-looking half-elf woman, with striking green hair and piercing blue eyes, stands off to the side of the main gate and witnesses a rather amusing interaction. A moon elf and her companion are asking to help this city of thievery and murder in exchange for entry? Not exactly her style, but Zinnadove does want to get in. She smirks to herself.
Zinnadove takes a few steps toward the two companions bargaining with the young gatekeeper, anxious to witness the outcome of such an offer.
Yasmin, an eladrin elf woman, stands next to Sariel with an awkward smile on her face. She does not have much experience with dealing with people, and was hoping that she would avoid confrontation. However, she agrees with Sariel and offers to help the city in exchange for entry.
Music: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/7tHHT28Ej0pOe93ayLfI8D?si=Sy1bMsApSIeN3SLMt8mfGg
Music: Youtube - https://youtu.be/bZJ67HXXQsc
(Let me know which source works best and I'll stick to that going forward.)
The young guard looks you up and down. A small smile crosses his face --that of youth. "Well, this damned crowd is all trying to get it." He scans the refugees nervously. "Something about Elturel disappearin' if ya've heard the news an' all..Anyroad...," As if scripted, he says, "entrance to Balder's Gate is prohibited, excepting if you've the coin to pay". The last little bit was as if mocking some superior who gave him instructions. "Unless you've a common cause for good", he states. "If you're the adventuring type, you need to go in and talk to Captain Zodge." He points to a rather tough looking man a ways in the gates that you can clearly see. At this moment, Zodge is directing guards to detain some of the refugees inside the gates. Some of the guards are pick-pocketing the refugess. Zodge doesn't seem to care.
What kind of city is this?
Entrance on adventuring business will get you in, granted you agree to "work" for Captain Zodge. He seems important here. This is basically the "helping the city" option.
The young guard continues..."Captain Zodge is our leader at the moment of the Flaming Fists!" He triumphantly pounds his fist to his chest, almost losing grip of his halberd in the process. Regaining his composure, he urges you in if you'll talk to Zodge.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Upon hearing the youngster's rehearsed speech, Zinnadove snorts. So this kid wants us to work for the big burly guard captain in exchange for entrance? Not exactly what Zinnadove would have signed up for on her own, however the promise of fortune and infamy drives her forward. And she may be able to blend in with these naive women who want to help.
"Leave us in, then, child," Zinnadove commands from behind the other two women. "We three have business with this Captain Zodge."
Sariel, noticing the Green haired girl for the first time, looks back and gives Zinnadove a look of recognition. She's seen her before, like a distant memory or a sense of deja vu. Walking through a crowded street, in a strange yet oddly familiar city. she's told you before, only her friends can call her dove, and your not quite there yet. but it is fun too tease her about it, Zinnadove always scoffed when you called her by that other name.
"There you are Zinn, I thought we lost you in the crowd." Sariel gives a comforting smile, like an old friend. "glad you could catch up."
She turns back towards the young man and gives a little bow. before begining to walk towards the somewhat intimidating Captain Zodge. Hopefully this can get Sariel some answers she needs.
BALDER'S GATE
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
(Sorry for a little late response. I thought no updates would be posted until the weekend, so I never checked my notifications.)
Yasmin also notices the green haired elf, and is confused for a moment, but quickly recovers since Sariel seems to know this person, and she trusts Sariel.
Yasmin thanks the guard and walks towards Captain Zodge together with Sariel.
Moving forward to this "Captain Zodge".
A human in heavy armor, he seems to give no quarter as you get closer. A group of refugees are being accosted to the left as you close the distance. Breathing heavily, he sees the group of you. "Uh, give me a moment, please", he says as you get close. Finally, he looks up at you all. A piercing look in his eyes.
“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." He looks around a moment at the chaos around you all. A random "grenade " comes his way. It lands on the ground by his feet. He picks it up, winks at you, then throws it back toward the "refugee" that threw it.
“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". He takes a moment to catch his breath, seeing a small group of Flaming Fist recruits having trouble with some refugees. "As you can see, I'm quite busy. Are you in or out?" he questions. "Go to the Elfsong Tavern, find a woman named Tarina. She has information you need to take out the Dead Three." He wipes some sweat from his brow. "Oh, and I should mention she's quite dangerous. Well, not her, but her friends. Tread carefully, friends. Congratulations, you are inductees into the Flaming Fists." He hands you each an insignia of the Flaming Fists. "This will get you into places you couldn't normally go, get you information you wouldn't normally be privy to, and get you access to items beyond your capabilities to behold."
"Go, NOW!" he states. "It's four blocks west and two blocks north". Another "grenade' comes his way. "Gods-Dammit," he swears as he picks it up and tosses it away. "Go!", he instructs.
Not a very welcoming introduction, but you have an objective, should you all choose to accept it. He seems busy, but there are always options to do whatever you want. Do you accept his offer of payment to go to the Elfsong Tavern and talk with this "spy" and end The Dead Three threat in the city or do you forge your own path?
He seems eager to throw responsibility to any that would call themselves adventurers.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Though Zinnadove doesn't recall ever meeting these women before, and absolutely knows no one calls her 'Zinn', she makes no move to let on that she's confused by the moon elf's strange greeting as she takes in Zodge's hurried instructions.
"To this tavern, then?" she says as she turns to her now-companions. "Unless you'd rather stand in the midst of this insanity a moment longer?"
She takes off toward the west.
"Agreed, lets get a move on before one of us gets hit." Sariel quickly follows behind Zinnadove, hoping to get out of the chaos before she becomes a target. "And maybe we can get some real food and ale there too, me and Yasmin have ben living off rations and streams since we left Waterdeep. I need a stiff drink and something hot." Sariel holds her bag tight to her waist and keeps on hand on her scarf, trying her best to 'protect' her belongings, as they move through the city.
(Sorry for the delay on the post, been a long few days)
(We'll kind of bring Yasmin along for this)
Mood: .Goetia.
As you make your way through the city, probably asking directions here and there for the Elfsong Tavern, you can't shake the feeling that this place is about to crack open from the inside out, yet it still holds together like a strong quilt.
You pass at least two muggings, a possible home break-in, and what might have been the crime scene of a recent murder just within the 20 minutes it takes to travel to the Elfsong Tavern. One particular citizen you pass (elf, human?) has his arms crossed and leaning against a not-so-stable wall of an old building with a hood up stares at the group of you uncomfortably as you pass. He spits to the ground, then returns his stare.
Finally, the Elfsong Tavern. Painted largely over an old plank, probably from a ship long ago, are the faded and painted words. A dismal rain begins to fall lightly as you approach. The plank groans angrily against growing wind. Sitting on a stool comically too small for it is an Ogre to the right of the entrance. As you cross the street, fresh rain stains the cobblestones. The Ogre looks at the lot of you and nods as if in approval to enter.
GM with over 20 years of experience. I have a lot of great ideas. Some of them follow through. Others don't. Please don't take offense if I disappear suddenly. I have a life, too. Sometimes I get distra...
Passing the Ogre, Zinnadove nods and makes for the door to the tavern. Pushing it open, she steps in from the rain.
"Let's find a table in the back and ask around about Tarina. Warm up before she inevitably has us out in this rain again," Zinnadove murmurs to the other two, scanning the room.
Hugging her scarf tight, Sariel follows in closely behind.
"I agree, it feels like everywhere we look in this city there's nothing but dread. maybe inside will be a little more relaxing." Sariel says with an all too clear tone of doubt in her voice. she can feel it, like a blanket of fog across this city. Pure dread, the acceptance of death and pain. like she stepped into a new world that has never known joy before.
"Relaxing?" Zinnadove snorts. "You are obviously not from a place like this."
Zinnadove finds an empty table and takes the seat that faces the door and attempts to get the attention of a barmaid.
"Not exactly. The place I'm from had a more... subtle... way of destroying you." Sariel said as they sit around a table.
Looking around, she gives a quiet sigh to herself. she scans the room, looking from face to face, before looking at Zinnadove. She hadn't seemed shocked when Sariel said her name before, maybe she has visions too? Or maybe she is famous somehow? Maybe she just has an amazing poker face? There's only one way to find out.
"Hey Zinn. I know this is going to sound a little strange, but why weren't you surprised when I said your name earlier?"
(Hey guys, I’m back)
Yasmin, who is sitting at the same table as Zinnadove and Sariel, turns to Sariel with a confused look.
”I thought you knew her from before? You seemed like she was familiar to you.”
"She's familiar in the same way you were when we met." Sariel says with a soft smile to Yasmin "But even you were a bit confused at first."
Sariel looks back to Zinnadove expectantly.
Zinnadove raises an eyebrow at Sariel and sips the ale delivered by the barmaid.
"You are unknown to me, I have not met either of you before this day," Zinnadove looks between the two women seated with her. "How did you know of my name? Or," she sighs, "at least part of my name."