"Durthek - did they lower you from the prison walls with a crane, or just roll you downhill? You look well. Still remember how to lose at cards?"
He chuckles at his own jest, but frowns then in a moment of thought. He takes a brief count of the group thus far.
"That makes, what six, seven of us? That's a might big, even for an off duty patrol - to a spy, Durthek counts as two. Maybe send in twos and a three or so, keep a low profile in case things get rowdy? I'll run with Durthek and you, Tiefling with the shield, whatsyername, and grab a table. The rest of you, don't make yourselves too obvious. Buy a drink. Try not to look at anyone you know. Rich, you look like you know how to lace your boots. Pick a shadow, and don't lose it. You're on for the approach. Let's do this right, and not get stabbed by crazy priests - no offense Ember."
"You too, my friend. Maybe a bit thin, they not feeding you enough? As for my card playing, when you've honed your ability to lose to a fine edge like I have, it's not something you forget easily. Anytime you want to rattle some dice my way though, I'll be happy to take your gold."
"I count as two other places too...", he mumbles under his breath.
"Well hey now, Iron, that's not fair!", he protests, pouting out his lower lip. "I've not stabbed anyone! Well... not since joining the clergy, anyway. Besides, I've found that a hammer gets someone's attention much more efficiently.", his pout shifts into a grin as he repositions his hammer on his shoulder and waves his shield to indicate his readiness to depart.
Kulogall says with a smile "New shirt, same old Triton! I too would like a tall cold beer! Ha ha!" He ambles along after the dwarves, trying to fit in...
Ironeater fixes Richard with a glare. He frowns at the mention of a goliath named Kellgarth.
"I was... detained there for some time, yes, but I had nothing to do with the goliaths - they kept to their own block and beat the tar out of anyone who crossed them. But everyone knew Kellgarth. Gods, how couldn't you? Big as a house. And as for a crew, well, yeah, I ran with and against a couple, with Ember more than half the time. You pick up a thing or two."
To Kulogall's remark, Ironeater registers a slightly shocked expression. "Uh, is that one of those kin-folk from the Isles? Hmmph. Fine. you're with me 'n Ember and Shield Lady. We might need your stuff if things get wild. Plus I want to find out if you can breathe beer,Triton. A sailor out of Moonshae once told me you guys could. I'll buy first round, to slake my curiosity, among other things."
Ariborys mingles along at the rear. He gets a word in edgewise when he hears the request for introductions. “Oh! Ariborys. Or Borys, that’s what my siblings call me. I’m afraid I’m a bit new to... well, this city, this uh... charmed lifestyle. I’ll follow your lead and just keep a low profile.”
“Charmed lifestyle indeed. I am Astra Andasca. With Elturel’s fall, I have accepted a commission with the Flaming Fists. It is a pleasure to be working with you all. And yes, I will defer to your recommendations, regarding this.. spy.”
The officer does a pretty good job of concealing her distaste for such a mission, but it is obvious this is not the sort of assignment she is accustomed to. Her accent and manner suggest a noble background, or education, at least.
“Let us depart at once. My group shall enter first, with the rest following at intervals.”
Kulogall is walking toward Elfsong Tavern and starts to slow slightly, “Wait a minute, you two were prisoners? Were you guilty of the crimes? What did you do? How were you allowed onto the Flaming Fists force? In Alaron you would have not been allowed to serve on the Coast Guard, that is for sure...”. He walks along, thinking about this and trying to reconcile the events of the day and what he has seen in the city..
Ariborys whispers to Kulogall. “I also think it sounds like Astra there might be one of the very Elturel types we’ve been told are stirring up trouble here in town... the Flaming Fist seems to take all types.”
In answer to Richard addressing him, Thamior says: "Ah, yea, Thamior Boarblade, at your service", *a fancy bow and a smirk*, "And that does sound like a plan."
The group continues their banter, not an unusual way to make one's acquaintance for adventurers, as they make their way to the Elfsong Tavern.
It's not far from the Basilisk Gate.
The Tavern stands at the corner of a rather clean street and is the usual stop for many of the shopowners of the area and their customers. It is a two-story building and as many games of Baldur's Bones running at all times.
The tavern gets it's name because from time to time, the disembodied voice of a female elf fills the tavern with a melancholy song, giving the establishment its name. The ballad isn’t loud enough to disrupt conversations, but most patrons stop speaking when the elfsong begins, then resume only after it ends. Many customers frequent the tavern in the hopes of hearing it. Those who speak Elvish can understand the lyrics, which lament an unnamed lover lost at sea. No one is sure how the spirit came to haunt the tavern, just as no one can predict when it will sing again.
For those who are native to Baldur's Gate or have been here long.
TAVERNS IN BALDUR’S GATE
No wise person walks the streets of Baldur’s Gate or enters one of its taverns without a weapon or an armed escort. Anyone who has lived in the city for more than a tenday knows this from experience. Taverns might appear safe at a glance, but they are among the most dangerous places in Baldur’s Gate — full of alcohol, tempting coin, and unscrupulous people. Volothamp Geddarm, a notorious raconteur known for his tavern reviews, encapsulates his Baldur’s Gate experience as “hard on the stomach, especially when someone sticks a knife in there.” Customers are expected to look after themselves when fights break out, and one shouldn’t expect any help or sympathy from the Flaming Fist. Tavern murders are common, and usually end with the poor victim being dragged away and either left in an alley (to be picked clean by urchins, then eaten by rats) or tossed in the harbor.
Baldur’s Bones. Baldur’s Bones is a popular dice game in the taverns of Baldur’s Gate.
Durthekwould have rolled up and stowed his FF tabard on their way over, and has his shield slung across his back.
In repsonse to Kullogal asking about how some former prisoners are allowed to serve, Durthekshrugs. "Guilt's a subjective thing. My god doesn't hold my past, present or future against me, as long as I create strength and leave things stronger than I found 'em. Why, you got something weighing on you boy? The Fists aren't a Coast Guard, and we're not in Alaron..."
"Well quench my fires if it isn't Little Collin! How you been, lad?", he greets the bouncer.
Kulogall says to Durthek and Ironeater “I understand your point, but I don’t have anything weighing on me. I feel like I am still learning the pattern of the waves here. I am not your judge and juror, that is up to Persana to decide. I am just glad to have you both with me. I would like to tell you of my brother Xolo sometime and see if you have heard of him or where he might be. But our duty is here, and now...”
Kulogall takes off his Tabard, rolls it up and stows it, prepares himself. “I don’t think I should lead here, I will gladly join Durthek and Ironeater. Just as long as they don’t take too much of my money at this Baldur’s Bones.” He flashes you a big toothy grin.
Richard smiles at the group of new recruits he finds himself in.
"Nice to meet everyone, my names Richard Asher."
At Astra's suggestion, Richard replies.
"I have...connections with the Guild, I could make the approach."
"I'm also a local, lived here all my life. Sounds like many of you are more recent residents?"
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
A sour grin splits Ironeater's dappled face.
"Durthek - did they lower you from the prison walls with a crane, or just roll you downhill? You look well. Still remember how to lose at cards?"
He chuckles at his own jest, but frowns then in a moment of thought. He takes a brief count of the group thus far.
"That makes, what six, seven of us? That's a might big, even for an off duty patrol - to a spy, Durthek counts as two. Maybe send in twos and a three or so, keep a low profile in case things get rowdy? I'll run with Durthek and you, Tiefling with the shield, whatsyername, and grab a table. The rest of you, don't make yourselves too obvious. Buy a drink. Try not to look at anyone you know. Rich, you look like you know how to lace your boots. Pick a shadow, and don't lose it. You're on for the approach. Let's do this right, and not get stabbed by crazy priests - no offense Ember."
"You too, my friend. Maybe a bit thin, they not feeding you enough? As for my card playing, when you've honed your ability to lose to a fine edge like I have, it's not something you forget easily. Anytime you want to rattle some dice my way though, I'll be happy to take your gold."
"I count as two other places too...", he mumbles under his breath.
"Well hey now, Iron, that's not fair!", he protests, pouting out his lower lip. "I've not stabbed anyone! Well... not since joining the clergy, anyway. Besides, I've found that a hammer gets someone's attention much more efficiently.", his pout shifts into a grin as he repositions his hammer on his shoulder and waves his shield to indicate his readiness to depart.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"New shirt, same dwarf. Let's go grab a beer."
"New shirt, newish dwarf. A beer sounds good."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Kulogall says with a smile "New shirt, same old Triton! I too would like a tall cold beer! Ha ha!" He ambles along after the dwarves, trying to fit in...
Richard breaks out in a wide smile at Redric's banter and then his direction's on what to do.
"You a fixer? Run your own crew? The way you talk..."
Richard turns to Durthek.
"Prison ha?"
Looking back and forth between the two dwarfs, Richard remarks.
"You've spent time inside haven't you? And recently...you have the look."
Richard continues to smile at the two dwarves.
"Not that I've ever had the pleasure myself, but I've seen a few after they get out, it's the little things."
"Well if it's games of chance, I'm your man, got dice right here in fact, so when we have the opportunity."
Richard pats a small pouch at his belt.
"Actually, if you have been inside recently, you wouldn't have run into a goliath by the name of Kellgarth would you?"
"He went down more than 6 months ago. Bad luck, would have been fine if it wasn't someone of importance involved."
Richard shakes his head.
"Anyway, back to the job, I agree with, ah, Ironeater was it? We break the group up, so we don't draw any more attention down on our contact."
"No reason to make her life harder, good contacts are worth their weight."
Richard sizes up the triton, the half-elf and the slimmer of the tiefling.
"You, Boarblade was it? You back me up, keep my back safe while I talk to the contact?"
Richard looks around the whole group.
"Yeah, I say most of us take off our identifying heraldry before we get to the tavern. Keep the locals calm, we don't want any more of that."
Richard points back at the gate and the now dispersing crowed.
"Also, what's everyone's names? We got Durthek and Ironeater here, and Boarblade, what does everyone want to be called?"
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Ironeater fixes Richard with a glare. He frowns at the mention of a goliath named Kellgarth.
"I was... detained there for some time, yes, but I had nothing to do with the goliaths - they kept to their own block and beat the tar out of anyone who crossed them. But everyone knew Kellgarth. Gods, how couldn't you? Big as a house. And as for a crew, well, yeah, I ran with and against a couple, with Ember more than half the time. You pick up a thing or two."
To Kulogall's remark, Ironeater registers a slightly shocked expression. "Uh, is that one of those kin-folk from the Isles? Hmmph. Fine. you're with me 'n Ember and Shield Lady. We might need your stuff if things get wild. Plus I want to find out if you can breathe beer, Triton. A sailor out of Moonshae once told me you guys could. I'll buy first round, to slake my curiosity, among other things."
Ariborys mingles along at the rear. He gets a word in edgewise when he hears the request for introductions.
“Oh! Ariborys. Or Borys, that’s what my siblings call me. I’m afraid I’m a bit new to... well, this city, this uh... charmed lifestyle. I’ll follow your lead and just keep a low profile.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
“Charmed lifestyle indeed. I am Astra Andasca. With Elturel’s fall, I have accepted a commission with the Flaming Fists. It is a pleasure to be working with you all. And yes, I will defer to your recommendations, regarding this.. spy.”
The officer does a pretty good job of concealing her distaste for such a mission, but it is obvious this is not the sort of assignment she is accustomed to. Her accent and manner suggest a noble background, or education, at least.
“Let us depart at once. My group shall enter first, with the rest following at intervals.”
Kulogall is walking toward Elfsong Tavern and starts to slow slightly, “Wait a minute, you two were prisoners? Were you guilty of the crimes? What did you do? How were you allowed onto the Flaming Fists force? In Alaron you would have not been allowed to serve on the Coast Guard, that is for sure...”. He walks along, thinking about this and trying to reconcile the events of the day and what he has seen in the city..
Ariborys whispers to Kulogall. “I also think it sounds like Astra there might be one of the very Elturel types we’ve been told are stirring up trouble here in town... the Flaming Fist seems to take all types.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
In answer to Richard addressing him, Thamior says: "Ah, yea, Thamior Boarblade, at your service", *a fancy bow and a smirk*, "And that does sound like a plan."
The group continues their banter, not an unusual way to make one's acquaintance for adventurers, as they make their way to the Elfsong Tavern.
It's not far from the Basilisk Gate.
The Tavern stands at the corner of a rather clean street and is the usual stop for many of the shopowners of the area and their customers. It is a two-story building and as many games of Baldur's Bones running at all times.
The tavern gets it's name because from time to time, the disembodied voice of a female elf fills the tavern with a melancholy song, giving the establishment its name. The ballad isn’t loud enough to disrupt conversations, but most patrons stop speaking when the elfsong begins, then resume only after it ends. Many customers frequent the tavern in the hopes of hearing it. Those who speak Elvish can understand the lyrics, which lament an unnamed lover lost at sea. No one is sure how the spirit came to haunt the tavern, just as no one can predict when it will sing again.
For those who are native to Baldur's Gate or have been here long.
TAVERNS IN BALDUR’S GATE
No wise person walks the streets of Baldur’s Gate or enters one of its taverns without a weapon or an armed escort. Anyone who has lived in the city for more than a tenday knows this from experience. Taverns might appear safe at a glance, but they are among the most dangerous places in Baldur’s Gate — full of alcohol, tempting coin, and unscrupulous people. Volothamp Geddarm, a notorious raconteur known for his tavern reviews, encapsulates his Baldur’s Gate experience as “hard on the stomach, especially when someone sticks a knife in there.” Customers are expected to look after themselves when fights break out, and one shouldn’t expect any help or sympathy from the Flaming Fist. Tavern murders are common, and usually end with the poor victim being dragged away and either left in an alley (to be picked clean by urchins, then eaten by rats) or tossed in the harbor.
Baldur’s Bones. Baldur’s Bones is a popular dice game in the taverns of Baldur’s Gate.
That would be your game Paradox42.
Map link
The group stands for a few minutes before the tavern deciding what their next move is.
The laughs and tumult inside are clear when the door opens to let a new customer enters or one leaves. The day seems to be going well for the owner.
For those who think their character should know the owner and the two serving girls have fun creating them. There is also a large bouncer at the door.
Durthek would have rolled up and stowed his FF tabard on their way over, and has his shield slung across his back.
In repsonse to Kullogal asking about how some former prisoners are allowed to serve, Durthek shrugs. "Guilt's a subjective thing. My god doesn't hold my past, present or future against me, as long as I create strength and leave things stronger than I found 'em. Why, you got something weighing on you boy? The Fists aren't a Coast Guard, and we're not in Alaron..."
"Well quench my fires if it isn't Little Collin! How you been, lad?", he greets the bouncer.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
As the group travels:
"Not everyone who gets thrown in prison around here is being fairly assessed for guilt."
"And despite the many issues with the Fist, they are at least an opportunity for anyone to restart their lives."
Outside the tavern:
Richard, having also already packed away his tabard, turns to the group as they get to the tavern.
"Right so everyone should have at least one other with them, no one on their own."
"Alcohol can do strange things to some people, and with the added stress of the lockdown, well a fight could happen at any time."
"If a fight does break out, try to get to each other, and hold out. The fights can get rough, do whatever you need to to survive, everyone else will."
Richard turns to Thamior,
"Your with me, we enter last."
Turning to the others Richard continues,
"So two groups? Astra leading one, who's leading the second?"
Smiling Richard remarks to the dwarves,
"Oh and they play Baldur’s Bones here, ah, you may know it by another name, maybe Twins or 24?"
"Of course the game was invented right here in Baldur's Gate, so its true name is Baldur’s Bones."
"Those other names are just an attempt to take our glory."
"But if your itching for some fun while you wait..."
Richard looks the whole group over waiting for someone to step forward to lead the second group.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Kulogall says to Durthek and Ironeater “I understand your point, but I don’t have anything weighing on me. I feel like I am still learning the pattern of the waves here. I am not your judge and juror, that is up to Persana to decide. I am just glad to have you both with me. I would like to tell you of my brother Xolo sometime and see if you have heard of him or where he might be. But our duty is here, and now...”
Kulogall takes off his Tabard, rolls it up and stows it, prepares himself. “I don’t think I should lead here, I will gladly join Durthek and Ironeater. Just as long as they don’t take too much of my money at this Baldur’s Bones.” He flashes you a big toothy grin.
"Astra, and Borys first? Me, Kill and Iron second, the two of you following in a bit?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Borys nods and lets Astra lead the pair of them inside.
He gives a nod to the bouncer and puts his best “don’t bother me” face on.
Paladin - warforged - orange