Welcome to Baldur’s Gate, a veritable nest of rats and vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River. From their high perches in the Upper City, the local nobles — known as patriars — gaze down with veiled contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower City, which hugs the foggy harbor. The whole of Baldur’s Gate reeks of blood, crime, and opportunity. One can easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this place like flies to a carcass.
Following the river farther east would eventually lead you to Elturel, capital of the holy land of Elturgard — or at least that was the case until a few days ago. The flood of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news first arrived that the city has fallen. Everyone is saying Baldur’s Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or what has claimed Elturel.
The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming Fist to protect their interests in Baldur’s Gate, and by extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence, the Flaming Fist has sealed the city’s gates to staunch the flow of refugees. No one is allowed in or out.
All of this was brought to your attention shortly after you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city’s eastern wall and takes its name from the various statues that rest in its niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm’s Crossing, then to distant realms beyond.
Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed with only a vague description of Captain Zodge — a tall man with long black hair and a leather eye patch — it takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throwing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.
Approaching the man- the Captain- at a rapid pace, is another man. A man with dark hair, eyes a bright green, lightly muscular frame and a medium stature. Dressed in the finest clothing, helping any that can stand up. "I will overlook that you forget who pays you to do your job, Captain, this time. And offer my help. Such is the generosity of the Bormuls."
Those local to Baldur's Gate would know that the Bormul family hold investments in silver mines and vineyards. They would know that this man is Ivan Bormul, one of the young Scions of the family. He's very generous and kind to the common folk... and yet very vindictive to those that would do him injury.
"Well I'm a bit busy right now, besides I think I invited more than 2 mercenaries" Zodge replies and jumps back in whats left of the fray it seems to have died down at this point
"Well you replied to my request thats what matters," he says returning at your side. You aren't at all surprised that the Flaming Fist ends a fist fight by joining it, and at this point the fighting is over as the instigators are on the ground unconscious and everyone else limping home, except the Flaming Fist that stays, guarding the basilisk gate
Walking gingerly through the now ended fight, a bearded gnome with brown hair and beard hops over a downed civilian. His robes slightly too large for his stubby little legs, he almost trips once or twice as he pushes his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose. He smells deeply of tobacco and wears an oversized satchel with far too many papers stuffed in there. "oh how uncivilized, yet spectacular nontheless..." he mutters under his breath as he approaches the captain and the rest of the adventurers.
"erhm excuse me, Mr. Eye-patch sir, are you the captain Zodge? Corxif Horcusporcus at your service. Academic, magic user man, and chronically curious gnome" he bows politely, yet abruptly as he raises his head once more pulling out a wooden pipe as he lights it with a spark from his fingertips.
(apologies, my fiancée and I were visiting family!)
Walking gingerly through the now ended fight, a bearded gnome with brown hair and beard hops over a downed civilian. His robes slightly too large for his stubby little legs, he almost trips once or twice as he pushes his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose. He smells deeply of tobacco and wears an oversized satchel with far too many papers stuffed in there. "oh how uncivilized, yet spectacular nontheless..." he mutters under his breath as he approaches the captain and the rest of the adventurers.
"erhm excuse me, Mr. Eye-patch sir, are you the captain Zodge? Corxif Horcusporcus at your service. Academic, magic user man, and chronically curious gnome" he bows politely, yet abruptly as he raises his head once more pulling out a wooden pipe as he lights it with a spark from his fingertips.
(apologies, my fiancée and I were visiting family!)
((It's ok))
"Well it'll do me no good repeating myself so you'll haft to wait just like the rest," Zodge says gesturing at Ivan and Eltor" just waiting on 3 now, wonder whats holdin' 'em"
Upon hearing the name Zodge spoken aloud and the response, Dod breaks his silence and approaches the group. He pulls back the hood on his cloak revealing his pale white face. In a slowish sort of drawl, he introduces himself.
" I understand you are needing aid in the administration of justice and order? I am looking to do that sorts of things. May the mighty Marduk bless this endeavor with his power"
Dod quickly removes his cloak, exposing his white tortle shell and removes his shield from a small metal hook riveted to his Shell. He places his hand on the hilt of his sword and awaits confirmation from the Captain and the others who seem to be there for the same purpose.
"Religious people." Ivan mutters under his breath, before turning to face the tortle. "Greetings. Tortle." Says the man politely. "I am a user of... frowned upon but not illegal magicks. I hope that we can keep this professional."
" professional? If you do work for the justice and safety of the people, then all is well. Magic is magic, it is neither good nor evil unto itself. It is the purpose to which it is used and the spirit of the caster that taints or purifies the power. Marduk will bless all those who take righteous action for the good of other"
" I am pleased to meet you in this work, and may we reduce the population of evil doers in large portions "
A big, goofy looking turtle grin spreads across his face as the light s dance on his clearing white skin. The wrinkled texture of his skin gives the appearance of chain mail at first glance and his large shell seems almost see through. He adjusts a medallion with the symbol of Marduk he was given from the monks in Chult. A golden circle with 4 pyramids pointing in the cardinal directions. The rays of sunlight spread from the center between the triangle shapes. Two vulture wings spread fromm the sides with a feathered tail below
" I am eager to serve the people and earn my Lance. I will be the very first Knight of the order of Marduk. Hopefully the first of many"
Here we GO. Also, DM, we are going to need an actual adventure link.
https://ddb.ac/campaigns/join/23306121935467919
here you go,
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
Welcome to Baldur’s Gate, a veritable nest of rats and vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River. From their high perches in the Upper City, the local nobles — known as patriars — gaze down with veiled contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower City, which hugs the foggy harbor. The whole of Baldur’s Gate reeks of blood, crime, and opportunity. One can easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this place like flies to a carcass.
Following the river farther east would eventually lead you to Elturel, capital of the holy land of Elturgard — or at least that was the case until a few days ago. The flood of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news first arrived that the city has fallen. Everyone is saying Baldur’s Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or what has claimed Elturel.
The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming Fist to protect their interests in Baldur’s Gate, and by extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence, the Flaming Fist has sealed the city’s gates to staunch the flow of refugees. No one is allowed in or out.
All of this was brought to your attention shortly after you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city’s eastern wall and takes its name from the various statues that rest in its niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm’s Crossing, then to distant realms beyond.
Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed with only a vague description of Captain Zodge — a tall man with long black hair and a leather eye patch — it takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throwing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
Approaching the man- the Captain- at a rapid pace, is another man. A man with dark hair, eyes a bright green, lightly muscular frame and a medium stature. Dressed in the finest clothing, helping any that can stand up. "I will overlook that you forget who pays you to do your job, Captain, this time. And offer my help. Such is the generosity of the Bormuls."
Those local to Baldur's Gate would know that the Bormul family hold investments in silver mines and vineyards. They would know that this man is Ivan Bormul, one of the young Scions of the family. He's very generous and kind to the common folk... and yet very vindictive to those that would do him injury.
"Well I'm a bit busy right now, besides I think I invited more than 2 mercenaries" Zodge replies and jumps back in whats left of the fray it seems to have died down at this point
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
"Mercenary?" Ivan snorts. "I am no mercenary."
"Well you replied to my request thats what matters," he says returning at your side. You aren't at all surprised that the Flaming Fist ends a fist fight by joining it, and at this point the fighting is over as the instigators are on the ground unconscious and everyone else limping home, except the Flaming Fist that stays, guarding the basilisk gate
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
((what's going on with the other players? Do you know?))
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
((it was the weekend, people were probably with their families))
Walking gingerly through the now ended fight, a bearded gnome with brown hair and beard hops over a downed civilian. His robes slightly too large for his stubby little legs, he almost trips once or twice as he pushes his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose. He smells deeply of tobacco and wears an oversized satchel with far too many papers stuffed in there. "oh how uncivilized, yet spectacular nontheless..." he mutters under his breath as he approaches the captain and the rest of the adventurers.
"erhm excuse me, Mr. Eye-patch sir, are you the captain Zodge? Corxif Horcusporcus at your service. Academic, magic user man, and chronically curious gnome" he bows politely, yet abruptly as he raises his head once more pulling out a wooden pipe as he lights it with a spark from his fingertips.
(apologies, my fiancée and I were visiting family!)
((It's ok))
"Well it'll do me no good repeating myself so you'll haft to wait just like the rest," Zodge says gesturing at Ivan and Eltor" just waiting on 3 now, wonder whats holdin' 'em"
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
((Two days is a reasonable time, after the weekend, I say we start when one more joins and just let the other three catch up))
((3? But one more would only leave 2,still good plan))
My Homebrew world, Magibis
Improved Hex(spell)
Cult Brute(monster)
(...Right. Two. I can count. I swear.)
(Should we send out a PM to those we're waiting for? I'm also good to go whenever!)
Upon hearing the name Zodge spoken aloud and the response, Dod breaks his silence and approaches the group. He pulls back the hood on his cloak revealing his pale white face. In a slowish sort of drawl, he introduces himself.
" I understand you are needing aid in the administration of justice and order? I am looking to do that sorts of things. May the mighty Marduk bless this endeavor with his power"
Dod quickly removes his cloak, exposing his white tortle shell and removes his shield from a small metal hook riveted to his Shell. He places his hand on the hilt of his sword and awaits confirmation from the Captain and the others who seem to be there for the same purpose.
"Religious people." Ivan mutters under his breath, before turning to face the tortle. "Greetings. Tortle." Says the man politely. "I am a user of... frowned upon but not illegal magicks. I hope that we can keep this professional."
Religion Check to see if I know anything about Marduk: 18. Check the logs.
Reason. Sometimes his patron feeds him messages in the sky that only he can see.
" professional? If you do work for the justice and safety of the people, then all is well. Magic is magic, it is neither good nor evil unto itself. It is the purpose to which it is used and the spirit of the caster that taints or purifies the power. Marduk will bless all those who take righteous action for the good of other"
" I am pleased to meet you in this work, and may we reduce the population of evil doers in large portions "
A big, goofy looking turtle grin spreads across his face as the light s dance on his clearing white skin. The wrinkled texture of his skin gives the appearance of chain mail at first glance and his large shell seems almost see through. He adjusts a medallion with the symbol of Marduk he was given from the monks in Chult. A golden circle with 4 pyramids pointing in the cardinal directions. The rays of sunlight spread from the center between the triangle shapes. Two vulture wings spread fromm the sides with a feathered tail below
" I am eager to serve the people and earn my Lance. I will be the very first Knight of the order of Marduk. Hopefully the first of many"