Soar, as Boar, follows along, with a nod to the rest of the group to stay within sight or closer. "Thanks. Might do that. There are worse things than caravans. Lots worse. What are you carrying? Do you live in the Outer City?"
Elspeth leans in close before they depart, quietly agreeing with Soar. "We'll pretend we don't know each other for now. If we slip or something we could change our tack and say we met once or twice, something like that. I'll keep my distance and stay close to Jalt for now."
Once they enter the city proper Elspeth tries to keep a low profile, keeping away and largely ignoring Soar but tracking her progress with occasional glances.
Nate firmly shakes the captain's hand and bids her farewell. "Farewell, Captain, and thank you once again for the pleasant trip and company."
He tips his cowboy hat to her as he walks away with the party into the bustling city. Nate is wide eyed at first seeing this place for the first time, quite anxious with all of the people, but then snaps back into his character, remembering he needs to look like someone who's used to this type of place. get it together kid
He's going to do the same as Elspeth keeping a low profile and always keeping Boar in his sight but not in an obvious way, hoping they can find Ackyn sooner than later.
Just some dirty laundry we're taking home to clean up, replies the man. Yes, born and raised in Blackgate. The two are friendly and they guide you well through the narrow twisting streets of the city. They lead you through what appears to be a city gate, except the city appears to be just as dense and old on each side, and you enter the district of Blackgate within the Outer City - where you were told to look for Ackyn Selebon.
You find no problems following the directions you were given, and soon part company with the two laundry carriers as you reach a shop with the sign Selebon above the door; it appears to sell wagons, ropes, wheels, netting and other equipment needed for long-distance travel and caravan journeys. A short human man greets you: Good day to you. I'm just closing up, but happy to help. Ackyn Selebon at your service.
(I'm assuming that 'Boar' was taking the lead and is up talking to Ackyn. Where is everyone else? If you want to pretend to be separate groups who don't know each other, feel free to start that from now. And also any changes to your names/identities you want to make...)
(Was just trying to give others a chance to weigh in if they wanted! But assuming not...)
"Hi. My name is Boar. I think we have a mutual friend in common. Is there someplace private we can speak?" she says, leaning down as close to him as she can. She keeps the flat affect and sedate mannerisms, but when she's close to him, she gives him a little wink. When she says 'we' she glances briefly at the others trailing behind her.
Oh? says Ackyn in an equally flat voice. Step inside, please.
He has not yet closed the shop, and you step through into a small room with a few chairs that looks more like an office than a shop - no equipment is on display for purchase, but it's clearly a place of work, not a home.
Soar steps inside, looking around. "Thank you. My companions and I come to you from the Black Antlers, for the good of all." She looks outside and if the other three are not close by, she'll say to Ackyn, "they stayed a bit behind, to keep any observers confused, but it might be good to have us all together. Is this a good place to talk? I can tell you more about what aid we need and what we're looking to do here. It will not take much time."
Soar will tell him that they are working with Untharr to join the caravan the dragon cult is taking north. They will be doing so not necessarily using their real identities, and in two pairings, saying the goal is to not attract attention after their dealings in Greenest, and also to protect Ackyn from too much attention.
She will say she is looking for guard work with a smaller company, and let the others describe their intentions.
She is also curious how open a secret the cult is here. She will tell him the general goal is to listen and learn and track their movements. (I couldn’t think of a way to describe the right caravan without mentioning the cult but if we think that is a bad idea, feel free to have someone interrupt Boar before she can mention the cult.)
Elspeth is already a little nervous about their mission, and will survey her surroundings before heading in, making sure no one's watching them enter. She makes no attempt to hide what she's doing and probably makes herself stand out more in the meantime.
From this point onwards Elspeth will introduce herself as Elizabeth (when she remembers) - she doubts anyone knows or cares about her identity but she's enjoying being undercover and an extra layer of anonymity is better than nothing. She doesn't stop Soar from mentioning the cult, and in fact will try to be as open and honest, answering any questions Ackyn has.
Jalt remains at the back of the group with Elspeth and although they have entered together, he's acting like hired help if anything. He figures once they enter the caravan he'll really have to be up on his espionage skill to infiltrate the cult.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Ackyn Selebon knows nothing of a cult of dragon worshippers - or at least, nothing beyond what everyone knows, that dragon cults appear from time to time and cause trouble. But he has know knowledge of what you're looking for.
People coming up from the south, you say? Well, I have some friends down at the southern gates I can ask to keep an eye out. That's no trouble at all. If I were you, I'd spend some time in the taverns here in Blackgate, keep an ear to the ground and an eye out for anyone you recognise.
Ackyn is also able to give you a clearer understanding of how the caravans work. Traders with their wagons gather over the course of a few days in the area near the city gate, very close to where Ackyn's shop is. Typically, each trader hires two or three guards to accompany him - there's no leadership to the caravan, just a whole bunch of folks with an agreement to travel together. When there's enough traders, guards and other travellers to make a decent-sized group, sufficient to handle the kind of bandit and monster threats they might face on the road north, then they will set off.
If you folks keep your eyes open, I doubt your cultist friends will be able to sneak through. Everyone passes through that gate, at some point or another. That's how Baldur's Gate makes its money. The river's for travel up and down to Elturel; there's nowhere to cross with wagons and the like, and the City enforces that strictly. So all trade comes through the city, excepting that the streets are too narrow and twisted for carts to make it through - you probably noticed that. So everyone offloads in the south and sells their wagons and horses, then pays porters to carry their goods through the city streets to Blackgate, and then buys carts, wagons and horses for the northward trip. It's slow, but it works. Well, it works for the City, I should say. And for me; he waves his hand round at the room which, though sparse of actual wares on display, suggests a profitable and prosperous business.
You have several days in Baldur's Gate. As Ackyn suggests, you need to keep an eye out for the cultists; it's likely that Soar and Elspeth will be best placed to recognise faces they saw in the Raider's camp, but Jalt also saw many faces during the attack on Greenest, and Nate during his capture and escape.
You also have time to explore the great city of Baldur's Gate. If you have anything you want to sell or attempt to buy, now's your chance. There are also great temples and possibly other interesting locations you might want to visit; as a start, Ackyn suggests the Hall of Wonders, a museum and temple dedicated to the god Gond, very popular with tourists.
So Nate then would head in with the others... and is totally fine with Soar mentioning the cult to Ackyn. If Ontharr advised us to use this person as an initial contact point, he thinks any cult talk is a-okay.
He will note what Ackyn said about each trader/wagon getting guards and says to the others once they leave Ackyn's shop "Well Soar and Elspeth, guards sound like an easy in, yes? I'm sure I can convince someone from the cult once we spot them that I could be their horse hand... or just general work... or something. I'll try at least."
"I think I'm going to go explore a bit for now while we have time... see if I can't find some little interesting magical trinket or something else interesting. I will get some practice being in character also. Maybe we can meet back later on and head to one of the taverns to inquire more... and then maybe start on the lookout tomorrow first thing?"
"ahem...Y'all welcome to chum along with me now! Rekon I'd love ta have y'alls company. But understanding if not."
Nate tips his hat and heads off and tries to find a cool magic/scroll/potion or interesting item shop. Happy alone or with company.
Before Nate heads out, Soar asks Ackyn if he has a place he recommends they stay for the night - that is if they can’t stay with him at his shop in the attic or something. But perhaps he has a friend with some rooms to let or an innkeeper who he trusts.
Nate, roll Persuasion to ask people about a magic shop, or Perception to find one yourself. However, it's now late and people are closing up - you may want to try this tomorrow morning.
Soar, Ackyn recommends the Inn By The Gate, or the Purple Wyrm Tavern, both near to the main gate into the city proper and both popular with adventurers and other travellers. Both have a good reputation, and he knows the innkeepers a little, though he's not a regular customer.
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Soar tries the woman and man carrying sacks and tries to be a bit amiable when she asks the best way to get north to the Outer City from here.
You can follow us, friend, says the woman. You looking to hire on with the caravans?
They continue on their path, almost without hesitation, but seem happy for you to follow.
Soar, as Boar, follows along, with a nod to the rest of the group to stay within sight or closer. "Thanks. Might do that. There are worse things than caravans. Lots worse. What are you carrying? Do you live in the Outer City?"
Elspeth leans in close before they depart, quietly agreeing with Soar. "We'll pretend we don't know each other for now. If we slip or something we could change our tack and say we met once or twice, something like that. I'll keep my distance and stay close to Jalt for now."
Once they enter the city proper Elspeth tries to keep a low profile, keeping away and largely ignoring Soar but tracking her progress with occasional glances.
Nate firmly shakes the captain's hand and bids her farewell. "Farewell, Captain, and thank you once again for the pleasant trip and company."
He tips his cowboy hat to her as he walks away with the party into the bustling city. Nate is wide eyed at first seeing this place for the first time, quite anxious with all of the people, but then snaps back into his character, remembering he needs to look like someone who's used to this type of place. get it together kid
He's going to do the same as Elspeth keeping a low profile and always keeping Boar in his sight but not in an obvious way, hoping they can find Ackyn sooner than later.
Just some dirty laundry we're taking home to clean up, replies the man. Yes, born and raised in Blackgate. The two are friendly and they guide you well through the narrow twisting streets of the city. They lead you through what appears to be a city gate, except the city appears to be just as dense and old on each side, and you enter the district of Blackgate within the Outer City - where you were told to look for Ackyn Selebon.
You find no problems following the directions you were given, and soon part company with the two laundry carriers as you reach a shop with the sign Selebon above the door; it appears to sell wagons, ropes, wheels, netting and other equipment needed for long-distance travel and caravan journeys. A short human man greets you: Good day to you. I'm just closing up, but happy to help. Ackyn Selebon at your service.
(I'm assuming that 'Boar' was taking the lead and is up talking to Ackyn. Where is everyone else? If you want to pretend to be separate groups who don't know each other, feel free to start that from now. And also any changes to your names/identities you want to make...)
(Was just trying to give others a chance to weigh in if they wanted! But assuming not...)
"Hi. My name is Boar. I think we have a mutual friend in common. Is there someplace private we can speak?" she says, leaning down as close to him as she can. She keeps the flat affect and sedate mannerisms, but when she's close to him, she gives him a little wink. When she says 'we' she glances briefly at the others trailing behind her.
Oh? says Ackyn in an equally flat voice. Step inside, please.
He has not yet closed the shop, and you step through into a small room with a few chairs that looks more like an office than a shop - no equipment is on display for purchase, but it's clearly a place of work, not a home.
Soar steps inside, looking around. "Thank you. My companions and I come to you from the Black Antlers, for the good of all." She looks outside and if the other three are not close by, she'll say to Ackyn, "they stayed a bit behind, to keep any observers confused, but it might be good to have us all together. Is this a good place to talk? I can tell you more about what aid we need and what we're looking to do here. It will not take much time."
Nate would be waiting with the others while Boar tells Ackyn the password and gets more details about our placement in the caravans.
Nate won't be changing his name. He's going to have a hard enough time faking a different person!
Ackyn nods. Yes, we can talk here. He gives you all time to enter, and then closes the door.
Are you going to tell him the whole plan, or keep some details secret?
Soar will tell him that they are working with Untharr to join the caravan the dragon cult is taking north. They will be doing so not necessarily using their real identities, and in two pairings, saying the goal is to not attract attention after their dealings in Greenest, and also to protect Ackyn from too much attention.
She will say she is looking for guard work with a smaller company, and let the others describe their intentions.
She is also curious how open a secret the cult is here. She will tell him the general goal is to listen and learn and track their movements. (I couldn’t think of a way to describe the right caravan without mentioning the cult but if we think that is a bad idea, feel free to have someone interrupt Boar before she can mention the cult.)
Elspeth is already a little nervous about their mission, and will survey her surroundings before heading in, making sure no one's watching them enter. She makes no attempt to hide what she's doing and probably makes herself stand out more in the meantime.
From this point onwards Elspeth will introduce herself as Elizabeth (when she remembers) - she doubts anyone knows or cares about her identity but she's enjoying being undercover and an extra layer of anonymity is better than nothing. She doesn't stop Soar from mentioning the cult, and in fact will try to be as open and honest, answering any questions Ackyn has.
Jalt remains at the back of the group with Elspeth and although they have entered together, he's acting like hired help if anything. He figures once they enter the caravan he'll really have to be up on his espionage skill to infiltrate the cult.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Ackyn Selebon knows nothing of a cult of dragon worshippers - or at least, nothing beyond what everyone knows, that dragon cults appear from time to time and cause trouble. But he has know knowledge of what you're looking for.
People coming up from the south, you say? Well, I have some friends down at the southern gates I can ask to keep an eye out. That's no trouble at all. If I were you, I'd spend some time in the taverns here in Blackgate, keep an ear to the ground and an eye out for anyone you recognise.
Ackyn is also able to give you a clearer understanding of how the caravans work. Traders with their wagons gather over the course of a few days in the area near the city gate, very close to where Ackyn's shop is. Typically, each trader hires two or three guards to accompany him - there's no leadership to the caravan, just a whole bunch of folks with an agreement to travel together. When there's enough traders, guards and other travellers to make a decent-sized group, sufficient to handle the kind of bandit and monster threats they might face on the road north, then they will set off.
If you folks keep your eyes open, I doubt your cultist friends will be able to sneak through. Everyone passes through that gate, at some point or another. That's how Baldur's Gate makes its money. The river's for travel up and down to Elturel; there's nowhere to cross with wagons and the like, and the City enforces that strictly. So all trade comes through the city, excepting that the streets are too narrow and twisted for carts to make it through - you probably noticed that. So everyone offloads in the south and sells their wagons and horses, then pays porters to carry their goods through the city streets to Blackgate, and then buys carts, wagons and horses for the northward trip. It's slow, but it works. Well, it works for the City, I should say. And for me; he waves his hand round at the room which, though sparse of actual wares on display, suggests a profitable and prosperous business.
You have several days in Baldur's Gate. As Ackyn suggests, you need to keep an eye out for the cultists; it's likely that Soar and Elspeth will be best placed to recognise faces they saw in the Raider's camp, but Jalt also saw many faces during the attack on Greenest, and Nate during his capture and escape.
You also have time to explore the great city of Baldur's Gate. If you have anything you want to sell or attempt to buy, now's your chance. There are also great temples and possibly other interesting locations you might want to visit; as a start, Ackyn suggests the Hall of Wonders, a museum and temple dedicated to the god Gond, very popular with tourists.
So Nate then would head in with the others... and is totally fine with Soar mentioning the cult to Ackyn. If Ontharr advised us to use this person as an initial contact point, he thinks any cult talk is a-okay.
He will note what Ackyn said about each trader/wagon getting guards and says to the others once they leave Ackyn's shop "Well Soar and Elspeth, guards sound like an easy in, yes? I'm sure I can convince someone from the cult once we spot them that I could be their horse hand... or just general work... or something. I'll try at least."
"I think I'm going to go explore a bit for now while we have time... see if I can't find some little interesting magical trinket or something else interesting. I will get some practice being in character also. Maybe we can meet back later on and head to one of the taverns to inquire more... and then maybe start on the lookout tomorrow first thing?"
"ahem...Y'all welcome to chum along with me now! Rekon I'd love ta have y'alls company. But understanding if not."
Nate tips his hat and heads off and tries to find a cool magic/scroll/potion or interesting item shop. Happy alone or with company.
Before Nate heads out, Soar asks Ackyn if he has a place he recommends they stay for the night - that is if they can’t stay with him at his shop in the attic or something. But perhaps he has a friend with some rooms to let or an innkeeper who he trusts.
Nate, roll Persuasion to ask people about a magic shop, or Perception to find one yourself. However, it's now late and people are closing up - you may want to try this tomorrow morning.
Soar, Ackyn recommends the Inn By The Gate, or the Purple Wyrm Tavern, both near to the main gate into the city proper and both popular with adventurers and other travellers. Both have a good reputation, and he knows the innkeepers a little, though he's not a regular customer.