As they leave the mansion, Tibi bows to Galen with a flourish "a pleasure doing business with you - you may rely on our utmost discretion." As Whistler points in the direction of home, Tibi says "not yet little one." He turns to Darvin "is it worth our while finding out more about the House Oathoon - it was certainly a surprise to young Miss Bromuls that they would help?"
(ooc: I was out of town all weekend, sorry for lack of posting)
Gilbert would add 1000 gold to the few vold pieces they collected from the cultists and mark it down in his log. "Thank you, You can always count on acquisitions inc.!" Gil would shout excitedly. As he does he would give a little hop before rubbing his legs. "I think I pulled something when we were descending onto that basement.. my legs and arm ache.." He would say as he stretches his arms and legs a bit before looking to his friends. "Once we take care of the house cut, I will be more than happy to distribute the reward money.. as well as the magic wand of any of you want it. I of course would be happy to hold on to it otherwise" The small verdan would say with a wide grin as he Pat's the bag containing the item. "I already know the detect magic spell so I don't NEED it, but I mean it could save me some effort of casting it in the field.. but on the other hand it might be nice to be able to have two people scan an area for magical items." He would continue tapping his chin.
Gil would look to Tibi and then nod quickly. "Yeah! Darvin I dodnt know you were rich. He would say before looking to the Tibi and then Whistler. "You guys aren't going to change your change your faces and reveal that you guys are rich and powerful too are you?" He would ask only half jokingly.
With payment in hand and questions regarding the true identity of your companions in mind, you make your way back to the Black Dragon gate.
You are given some strange looks by the guards as you then leave the upper city and go out into the outer city at this hour of the day. But the guards don't question an upper city patriar. If he and his bodyguards want to go into the outer city then that is their business.
The feeling of being watched returns as you make your back to your headquarters. Fortunately your HQ is only a couple of blocks from the Black Dragon Gate and you make it back safely.
You don't see anyone besides people sleeping on the ground next to buildings and in corners. Perhaps some aren't truly sleeping. Of what you know of the Guild, the organized crime in the city, they likely watch everyone who moves in the outer city at all times of the day. But you are unmolested in your short walk back to what was once the Green Briar Tavern and is now your guild hall.
No new major jobs present themselves over the next few weeks. You have downtime for the most part, though occassionally a small escort job for a patriar comes up. But these are simple forays out of the upper city into the Outer city on the other side of Baldurs Gate or in the lower city. You get to Wyrm's Crossing a few times as escorts for a patriar or their servants as they check on their business investments.
As the days pass Whistler has heard from his contact at the Sorcerous Sundries, the gnome Gilligunn. He's found a buyer for the great sword, or rather a trader. His contact trades in fine and exquisite weapons and is interested in acquiring the great sword. He is offering from a selection of other fine weapons that he is in possession of.
He is offering a rapier (+1), a short sword (+1) and a rapier of warning. He also would like information on this new plane of existence, the upside down, that you have discovered. Rumors float about of this new plane of existence and the knowledge of it has value. If you would share your firsthand knowledge, in writing, and the great sword Winter's Dark Bite, he will arrange the trade through Gilligunn. Gilligunn also demands 250 gp to facilitate this trade.
If you wish to make this trade go ahead and update your sheets as you choose to divide the items up and deduct 250 gp for payment to Gilligunn.
Your monthly dues through AI also come due (120 gp) but the small jobs you pickup during your downtime easily cover that cost. So we'll call that even.
The last few days have become far more eventful. You have noticed a larger number of people near the Black Dragon Gate as refugees pour into the area. This side of the city is better, the far side of Baldur's Gate and the Basilisk Gate and the Outer City out to Wyrm's Crossing are nearly overrun by refugees.
A sharp increase in the Watch can be seen at the Black Dragon Gate and the rumors of trouble to the east in the kingdom of Elturgard are heard everywhere. Your forays into the Lower City have seen a decrease in Flaming Fist patrols as more resources are shifted to stem the tide of refugees from Elturgard that have come down the Chionthar River.
This is the Baldur’s Gate you have come to know, 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 Watch has doubled down on keeping the refugee crisis out of the Upper City. The gates have been sealed and only the name Oathoon and the badge of the patriar house get you access. Without it you would be locked out of the city.
Following the Chionthar 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. Rumors that the city of Elturel is gone, disappeared, are rampant.
The Flaming Fist has gained 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 now 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 when a small contingent of soldiers from the Flaming Fist have sent papers requesting Acquisitions Inc's help in defending the city.
You are requested 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.
If there are any specific downtime activities you would like to do go ahead and post them up. Gilbert can copy spells that he is found into his spell book at the normal costs.
(OOC: Gil cannot use any of those so whatever anyone wants they can have, Gil will hand over the sword to whoever wants to do the trade. You all also get 250 gold from the 1000 we got for the last mission, so update your sheets.. also did any of you want the wand of magic detection? Also Also, whoever wants the sword can have 250 gold worth of gems if you want to cover the price of the trade... Although I do have my spell that can help me to get double the value..... Do I have to RP using the spell and selling the gems?)
Downtime activities would be me trying to sell the gems and other small trinkets while using distort value to try to get more money where possible and then copying spells into his spell book.. (I will have to math it out to make sure i have enough coin)
Tibi looks over both rapiers with joy. As he examines the Rapier of Warning he says “this will definitely be of use to the party!” he then examines the other Rapier +1 “whereas this will just be fun to have.” He then looks around hopefully and continues “does anybody else want to lay claim to either?”
After finializing the deal and handing over the map of how to get to the upsidown, Gil would present the items to the team. "Alright, so let me record who is getting what?.." The small verdan would say as he rubs his legs for just a moment before pulling out his log book and quill. "So the shortsword will go to Whistler, The plus one rapier will go to Tibi, and the rapier of warning will go to Darvin? Does that sound good?" The small aqua colored creature would say as he scribbles into the book, looking to each of them quickly as his long ears sway back and forth with his movements.
"Let me just check a few things before we go!" Gil would say, looking to his companions. As he double checks his things in his bag, he would look up and hold up his hand. "Wait! I almost forgot about these things.." He would finish before looking to Issen and Bavil. "Here!" He would say as he tossed the small bag of spices to the baker and cook. "I appreciate all that you do for us and though maybe you would like these... They look to me kind of expensive" He would finish with a smile before digging though his bag once more and pulling out the small vial of perfume. Then, looking up to Grace he would hand her the sweet smelling gift. "This is for you! I figure someone as sweet as yourself might enjoy this. I hope you like it!" Gilbert would say with a smile as he holds on to his ears anticipating a response.
After a few moments (depending on the response from the gifts) Gil would look to Issen. "Now remember the pass phrase I gave you for the arcane lock alright.. That should help you to secure the building after hours. I put an arcane lock on my lock that I have securing our chest that I will be bringing with us in my bag" Gil would say as he taps the bag of holding on his hip. Then tapping his chin, Gilbert would look to Issen again and ask. "So how do I apply for more positions here with Aquisitions inc?"
"It will be as you have requested. The guards that have been hired are keeping the riff-raff away, though the increase in refugee's is concerning. But we have stores to last a bit yet, with the city gates barred to most."
Accepting the gifts he bows,
"Most gracious, you have my thanks."
The cook, as you have learned, never speaks, but his slightly less gruff grunt and nod of approval lets you know you have pleased him with the extra spices.
Grace, however, beams with delight as she accepts the gift. She cups your cheek with one hand and leans down and kisses you on the forehead, ever so lightly.
"You are a gentleman, it is an honor to serve." she says
Issen watches as Grace moves off,
"I remember the code. As for new positions, we have a couple positions that could be handled yet. Fill out the necessary forms, in triplicate, and submit them. If you meet the qualifications you should be approved by the time you return."
He goes and grabs the forms that include a description of the positions not filled.
Occultant - An occultant tracks the creatures and foes that a franchise has bested or killed, weighing them against the deeds the franchise has achieved. Using the eldritch abacus for which this position is named, an occultant measures the karmic coordinates of their franchise, hoping to gain portents of that which is yet to come.
Loremonger - Information has value, and the loremonger is that information’s keeper. A franchise’s loremonger studies and records all lore relevant to its operation, including tracking the economic, technical, and arcane methods by which the franchise can be improved. A loremonger records the deeds and history of the franchise, including the names of places visited and people met during missions. Those records are then sent to Head Office (often through a franchise’s documancer) to ensure brand integrity.
Documancer - Every great Acquisitions Incorporated quest begins with a contract from Head Office — and a franchise’s documancer is most likely the one who controls and channels the power of that contract. A documancer bears the responsibility of managing each of a franchise’s quests, of ensuring that every condition of the quest is fulfilled, and of recording and sending on information vital to Head Office when the mission is complete. When creating contracts with other organizations, a documancer makes sure that the language benefits both the franchise and Acquisitions Incorporated.
The verdan's aqua colored cheeks would turn a shade of purple as he blushes when Grace gives him a kiss. Gil would then look over to Issen and upon hearing the remaining job roles, he would rub his chin for a bit. "I do think a Documancer would be nice to have... and well.. I am already recording a great deal of information from our quests and reporting to head quarters.." He would say as he gives his log book on his belt a pat. "Yes... I think I would like to apply for the role of Documancer as well!" Gil would say as he collects the needed forms and quickly fills them out to the best of his abilities. The Small creature would occasionally shift his backpack as it hangs over his shoulder and the bag of holding hanging over his other shoulder as his spell book and log books dangle from his belt, nearly touching the ground. "There! That should do it!" He would say rubbing his arms and legs as he finishes. "Alright! Are you all ready to go? What do you say Decisionist?" He would say looking to his companions.
You make your way through the city and approach the Basilisk Gate.
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.
No one is arrested during the fracas you observe, but several commoners are beaten and robbed of their money pouches after a brief skirmish with Zodge and his soldiers. What you know of the Flaming Fist and its normal tactics, these actions don't surprise you. Flaming Fist captains have tremendous latitude when it comes to keeping the peace in Baldur’s Gate, especially in the Lower City. Brutal tactics are not out of the ordinary, the Flaming Fist keeps the peace through violence in a violent city.
After quelling this immediate trouble Zodge sees you approach. There are 6 soldiers with him.
“The refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, “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. For that, I need your help.”
“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.”
(OOC: I was waiting to post more until other people do, especially if they wanted any last minute chances to spend gold... I mean... if we might end up in hell.. I don't think gold is going to be very useful there...)
As they leave the mansion, Tibi bows to Galen with a flourish "a pleasure doing business with you - you may rely on our utmost discretion." As Whistler points in the direction of home, Tibi says "not yet little one." He turns to Darvin "is it worth our while finding out more about the House Oathoon - it was certainly a surprise to young Miss Bromuls that they would help?"
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
(ooc: I was out of town all weekend, sorry for lack of posting)
Gilbert would add 1000 gold to the few vold pieces they collected from the cultists and mark it down in his log. "Thank you, You can always count on acquisitions inc.!" Gil would shout excitedly. As he does he would give a little hop before rubbing his legs. "I think I pulled something when we were descending onto that basement.. my legs and arm ache.." He would say as he stretches his arms and legs a bit before looking to his friends. "Once we take care of the house cut, I will be more than happy to distribute the reward money.. as well as the magic wand of any of you want it. I of course would be happy to hold on to it otherwise" The small verdan would say with a wide grin as he Pat's the bag containing the item. "I already know the detect magic spell so I don't NEED it, but I mean it could save me some effort of casting it in the field.. but on the other hand it might be nice to be able to have two people scan an area for magical items." He would continue tapping his chin.
Gil would look to Tibi and then nod quickly. "Yeah! Darvin I dodnt know you were rich. He would say before looking to the Tibi and then Whistler. "You guys aren't going to change your change your faces and reveal that you guys are rich and powerful too are you?" He would ask only half jokingly.
(( I will try and get a new post up tomorrow ))
With payment in hand and questions regarding the true identity of your companions in mind, you make your way back to the Black Dragon gate.
You are given some strange looks by the guards as you then leave the upper city and go out into the outer city at this hour of the day. But the guards don't question an upper city patriar. If he and his bodyguards want to go into the outer city then that is their business.
The feeling of being watched returns as you make your back to your headquarters. Fortunately your HQ is only a couple of blocks from the Black Dragon Gate and you make it back safely.
You don't see anyone besides people sleeping on the ground next to buildings and in corners. Perhaps some aren't truly sleeping. Of what you know of the Guild, the organized crime in the city, they likely watch everyone who moves in the outer city at all times of the day. But you are unmolested in your short walk back to what was once the Green Briar Tavern and is now your guild hall.
No new major jobs present themselves over the next few weeks. You have downtime for the most part, though occassionally a small escort job for a patriar comes up. But these are simple forays out of the upper city into the Outer city on the other side of Baldurs Gate or in the lower city. You get to Wyrm's Crossing a few times as escorts for a patriar or their servants as they check on their business investments.
As the days pass Whistler has heard from his contact at the Sorcerous Sundries, the gnome Gilligunn. He's found a buyer for the great sword, or rather a trader. His contact trades in fine and exquisite weapons and is interested in acquiring the great sword. He is offering from a selection of other fine weapons that he is in possession of.
He is offering a rapier (+1), a short sword (+1) and a rapier of warning. He also would like information on this new plane of existence, the upside down, that you have discovered. Rumors float about of this new plane of existence and the knowledge of it has value. If you would share your firsthand knowledge, in writing, and the great sword Winter's Dark Bite, he will arrange the trade through Gilligunn. Gilligunn also demands 250 gp to facilitate this trade.
If you wish to make this trade go ahead and update your sheets as you choose to divide the items up and deduct 250 gp for payment to Gilligunn.
Your monthly dues through AI also come due (120 gp) but the small jobs you pickup during your downtime easily cover that cost. So we'll call that even.
The last few days have become far more eventful. You have noticed a larger number of people near the Black Dragon Gate as refugees pour into the area. This side of the city is better, the far side of Baldur's Gate and the Basilisk Gate and the Outer City out to Wyrm's Crossing are nearly overrun by refugees.
A sharp increase in the Watch can be seen at the Black Dragon Gate and the rumors of trouble to the east in the kingdom of Elturgard are heard everywhere. Your forays into the Lower City have seen a decrease in Flaming Fist patrols as more resources are shifted to stem the tide of refugees from Elturgard that have come down the Chionthar River.
This is the Baldur’s Gate you have come to know, 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 Watch has doubled down on keeping the refugee crisis out of the Upper City. The gates have been sealed and only the name Oathoon and the badge of the patriar house get you access. Without it you would be locked out of the city.
Following the Chionthar 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. Rumors that the city of Elturel is gone, disappeared, are rampant.
The Flaming Fist has gained 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 now 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 when a small contingent of soldiers from the Flaming Fist have sent papers requesting Acquisitions Inc's help in defending the city.
You are requested 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.
If there are any specific downtime activities you would like to do go ahead and post them up. Gilbert can copy spells that he is found into his spell book at the normal costs.
OoC: Is he offering all three of those weapons, or our pick of one? Darvin would very much like the rapier of warning, which was on his wishlist...
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
(OOC: Gil cannot use any of those so whatever anyone wants they can have, Gil will hand over the sword to whoever wants to do the trade. You all also get 250 gold from the 1000 we got for the last mission, so update your sheets.. also did any of you want the wand of magic detection? Also Also, whoever wants the sword can have 250 gold worth of gems if you want to cover the price of the trade... Although I do have my spell that can help me to get double the value..... Do I have to RP using the spell and selling the gems?)
Downtime activities would be me trying to sell the gems and other small trinkets while using distort value to try to get more money where possible and then copying spells into his spell book.. (I will have to math it out to make sure i have enough coin)
He is offering all 3
(Whistler would like the +1 shortsword)
Whistler will spend most of his downtime collecting additional herbs if possible and working in his alchemy lab.
I have an idea on what I want to make, but can finalise depending on what else i find.
Whistler would like to apologise if any of his experimental alchemy results in blowing up a wing of our base XD
Tibi looks over both rapiers with joy. As he examines the Rapier of Warning he says “this will definitely be of use to the party!” he then examines the other Rapier +1 “whereas this will just be fun to have.” He then looks around hopefully and continues “does anybody else want to lay claim to either?”
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks
After finializing the deal and handing over the map of how to get to the upsidown, Gil would present the items to the team. "Alright, so let me record who is getting what?.." The small verdan would say as he rubs his legs for just a moment before pulling out his log book and quill. "So the shortsword will go to Whistler, The plus one rapier will go to Tibi, and the rapier of warning will go to Darvin? Does that sound good?" The small aqua colored creature would say as he scribbles into the book, looking to each of them quickly as his long ears sway back and forth with his movements.
Darvin nods, "A most excellent plan, if you ask me."
"Well, I suppose we ought to go see this Captain Zodge."
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
"Let me just check a few things before we go!" Gil would say, looking to his companions. As he double checks his things in his bag, he would look up and hold up his hand. "Wait! I almost forgot about these things.." He would finish before looking to Issen and Bavil. "Here!" He would say as he tossed the small bag of spices to the baker and cook. "I appreciate all that you do for us and though maybe you would like these... They look to me kind of expensive" He would finish with a smile before digging though his bag once more and pulling out the small vial of perfume. Then, looking up to Grace he would hand her the sweet smelling gift. "This is for you! I figure someone as sweet as yourself might enjoy this. I hope you like it!" Gilbert would say with a smile as he holds on to his ears anticipating a response.
After a few moments (depending on the response from the gifts) Gil would look to Issen. "Now remember the pass phrase I gave you for the arcane lock alright.. That should help you to secure the building after hours. I put an arcane lock on my lock that I have securing our chest that I will be bringing with us in my bag" Gil would say as he taps the bag of holding on his hip. Then tapping his chin, Gilbert would look to Issen again and ask. "So how do I apply for more positions here with Aquisitions inc?"
Issen smiles at the small verdan.
"It will be as you have requested. The guards that have been hired are keeping the riff-raff away, though the increase in refugee's is concerning. But we have stores to last a bit yet, with the city gates barred to most."
Accepting the gifts he bows,
"Most gracious, you have my thanks."
The cook, as you have learned, never speaks, but his slightly less gruff grunt and nod of approval lets you know you have pleased him with the extra spices.
Grace, however, beams with delight as she accepts the gift. She cups your cheek with one hand and leans down and kisses you on the forehead, ever so lightly.
"You are a gentleman, it is an honor to serve." she says
Issen watches as Grace moves off,
"I remember the code. As for new positions, we have a couple positions that could be handled yet. Fill out the necessary forms, in triplicate, and submit them. If you meet the qualifications you should be approved by the time you return."
He goes and grabs the forms that include a description of the positions not filled.
Occultant - An occultant tracks the creatures and foes that a franchise has bested or killed, weighing them against the deeds the franchise has achieved. Using the eldritch abacus for which this position is named, an occultant measures the karmic coordinates of their franchise, hoping to gain portents of that which is yet to come.
Loremonger - Information has value, and the loremonger is that information’s keeper. A franchise’s loremonger studies and records all lore relevant to its operation, including tracking the economic, technical, and arcane methods by which the franchise can be improved. A loremonger records the deeds and history of the franchise, including the names of places visited and people met during missions. Those records are then sent to Head Office (often through a franchise’s documancer) to ensure brand integrity.
Documancer - Every great Acquisitions Incorporated quest begins with a contract from Head Office — and a franchise’s documancer is most likely the one who controls and channels the power of that contract. A documancer bears the responsibility of managing each of a franchise’s quests, of ensuring that every condition of the quest is fulfilled, and of recording and sending on information vital to Head Office when the mission is complete. When creating contracts with other organizations, a documancer makes sure that the language benefits both the franchise and Acquisitions Incorporated.
The verdan's aqua colored cheeks would turn a shade of purple as he blushes when Grace gives him a kiss. Gil would then look over to Issen and upon hearing the remaining job roles, he would rub his chin for a bit. "I do think a Documancer would be nice to have... and well.. I am already recording a great deal of information from our quests and reporting to head quarters.." He would say as he gives his log book on his belt a pat. "Yes... I think I would like to apply for the role of Documancer as well!" Gil would say as he collects the needed forms and quickly fills them out to the best of his abilities. The Small creature would occasionally shift his backpack as it hangs over his shoulder and the bag of holding hanging over his other shoulder as his spell book and log books dangle from his belt, nearly touching the ground. "There! That should do it!" He would say rubbing his arms and legs as he finishes. "Alright! Are you all ready to go? What do you say Decisionist?" He would say looking to his companions.
You make your way through the city and approach the Basilisk Gate.
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.
No one is arrested during the fracas you observe, but several commoners are beaten and robbed of their money pouches after a brief skirmish with Zodge and his soldiers. What you know of the Flaming Fist and its normal tactics, these actions don't surprise you. Flaming Fist captains have tremendous latitude when it comes to keeping the peace in Baldur’s Gate, especially in the Lower City. Brutal tactics are not out of the ordinary, the Flaming Fist keeps the peace through violence in a violent city.
After quelling this immediate trouble Zodge sees you approach. There are 6 soldiers with him.
“The refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, “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. For that, I need your help.”
“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.”
(OOC: I was waiting to post more until other people do, especially if they wanted any last minute chances to spend gold... I mean... if we might end up in hell.. I don't think gold is going to be very useful there...)
"I'm game if the rest of you are," Darvin says. "I could use a drink anyway."
"Darvin" | Changeling | Hexblade 1 / Swords Bard 6 | Descent Into Avernus (AC 19; PP 14; 52/52 HP)
Anton Chergoba | Human | Battlemaster 4 | Lost Mines of Phandelver (AC 20; PP 14; 36/36 HP)
“I’m always nice especially to young ladies” Tibi comments.
DM - Stopping a god in his tracks