The third of Captain Zodge's veteran Flame mercenaries to act, a somewhat slighter, dusky-skinned woman with long, dark and wavy brown hair, strides purposefully on a deliberate intercept with Casta, looking to Zodge and slowing only when the paladin takes a knee and offers herself as target. Her stride gracefully weaves inside Casta's lowered shield, where she firmly, yet not threateningly, places her gauntleted left hand on Casta's shoulder. The Fist soldier tenses and shifts her weight, however, shaking her head when Casta feels compelled to speak yet again, and the mercenary looks immediately to Zodge, readying herself with apparent resignation, but withholding any strike.
The Fluff: Yokai's mind races with the following thoughts: "These fools suffer from their own inaction and verbose ramblings."
From his (not so well hidden) spot, Yokai's eyes cloud white, and the fangs once again grow on his mask. He removes a petrified eye of newt from his pouch, squishes it between his fingers, and begins to quietly mumble arcane incantations. His voice is not alone in the recitation though, as those close by may hear his words mixed with guttural otherworldly voices. His eyes clear, and he fixes his stare on the female guard as the incantation ends.
He then moves deftly up to Feldinor and Casta - as far as his speed will allow - flowing through the crowd without coming in contact with anyone. He walks with his palms outward, parallel to his shoulders, in an attempt to show that he is empty handed. As he walks he says brusquely "Enough Corona! Listen to the Captain! Show respect!" If he can reach Feldinor he offers a hand (up - if he's on the ground, walking - if he's able).
The Breakdown: As a bonus action, if he feels he can inconspicuously get away with it, Yokai will cast the Hex on the female guard that struck Feldinor and choose Strength as the affected ability. He isn't screaming the incantation, but he is using a voice just loud enough to cast the spell and low enough to attempt to not be heard from the distance he is away from the target. If he feels this isn't an option (I don't have a good idea of the distance between Yokai and his foe) he will forego the incantation and the fluff will represent his inner turmoil and a dark prayer to The Hexblade. If there's any confusion or uncertainty, DM, just go with him casting the spell.
He will then use the Dodge action followed by his move. This doesn't mean he's ducking and weaving his way forward, it just means he is concentrating on defense to provide any attackers with disadvantage. As he moves, he speaks.
If another blow strikes a member of our party, Yokai shall not hesitate to act, and can be assumed to NOT come out of initiative unless by some miracle (like another 23 round speech :P ). Additionally, he should be asked about opportunity attacks for any guards that move past him after the first blow is thrown. Though he boils inside, his outer demeanor is calm, save yelling at his party in an attempt to avoid any more foolish retribution by the Flaming Fist.
OOC: Yokai has a Charisma (force of personality) equal to that of the more verbal member of our party. I say this only to lend weight to the words spoken.
OOC: Yokai, some support material to adjudicate your actions (first referencing The Breakdown section above):
- On Casting: Almost no chance to inconspicuously get away with casting Hex. In 5e, any spell component (V,S,M) gives away the fact that you're casting, and Hex involves all three (superbly written, by the way - outstanding), which would have created a disturbance if not outright panic within a crowd. This is laid out in basic form in the PHB, but Xanathar's clarifies. The only ones who get a break on that under the 5e rules are Sorcerors using the Subtle Spell feature, and others using the Innate Spellcasting trait. You were also not hidden well, and Zodge was obviously tracking you as noted. Based upon your pre-combat actions (Post 94) and the several rounds of subsequent talking before initiative, it is also likely that you weren't in range to cast.
- On Movement: The Dodge Action will only let you close that distance to Feldinor by 30', or likely far less than half the distance. The Dash Action will let you move 60', which is as far as your speed will allow, closing possibly more than half the distance to Feldinor, but without the opportunity to reach him in the round.
- On Fluff: Excellent, and very impactful indeed, to your actual intended audience!
OOC: Hope that helps! Not to worry, all; we'll soon enough be going beyond the theater of the mind to tactical maps...
After watching the Flame stay her hand, Fimrold assumes the display is coming to a close and will move from his position beside Murdoch closer to Feldinor, prepared to assist him once the grappler releases his grip. With his shield on his back and any weapons remaining stowed, he will move as close as safely possible, notably not adjacent to Feldinor as to make his intentions clearly non-disruptive, and will hold his tongue. As Fimrold moves he eyes the remaining guards and will halt if any approach him or otherwise react in a less than approving way.
Thank Mystra none were fool enough to be brash, let’s get the orders and put this behind us. The little man is tougher than he looks, but a beating is an easy way to dampen your spirits; I’ll wait this out and help him best I can.
Rigor subtly adjusts his stance to the same defensive readiness he formerly held between the mob and Sorore. This time, however, he readies between the Cleric of Ilmater and the closest Flaming Fist soldier.
Still, he observes that the second Fist to strike Feldinor also set him on his feet when she was finished. Rigor nods once deeply in approval, to this and to the loud words of Belmort and Yokai.
”Agreed; life is sacred, but suffering is holy...and now ended. Listen to the Captain for our purpose here.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Murdoch steps forward from his position near Feldinor. He places his hands behind his back, looking briefly at halfling to appraise the rogue’s wounds Medicine8. That’ll leave a mark, but he’ll live. I’m thinking he’s seen worse.
”What are your orders, Captain?” Murdoch asks, showing no external signs of his anger at the mistreatment of his companion. He’s worked with bullies before, and has suffered the consequences of acting rashly. Evil bastard. Who put that thug in charge of the city’s defenses?
Murdoch says nothing else, having inferred the Captains’s distaste for flowery language. He waits, meeting Zodge’s one baleful eye calmly.
OOC: I’m trying to draw attention away from our conflict so that we can move on. The sooner we’re away from here the better.
Sorore shakes her head in disappointment at some of her companions' chaotic provocations, intended for good or ill. She positions herself as effectively as possible behind Rigor's defensive screening effort.
"Well-said, Brother Rigor," she says quietly, approving of his and others' calm, measured responses...including Murdoch's, almost surprisingly to her. Did she perhaps misjudge him over the disastrous circumstances of their shared secret? Hmmm...
Sorore otherwise holds her ground in a confident, nonthreatening manner, and very clearly touches her holy symbol of Ilmater in readiness to cast a divine spell.
OOC: This is a readied action to cast Healing Word, if needed, to ward against the effects of a potentially fatal attack upon any of the combatants!
The two men and one woman comprising the final three of Zodge's veteran Flame mercenaries maneuver at the edge of the small gathering's perimeter more casually than their predecessors, but still with unrealized purpose, to position themselves in relative proximity to Belmort, Rigor, and the path of Yokai's approach, respectively. At this point, their stances appear comparatively at ease, yet still ready to act, if perhaps reluctantly, upon their relentless, one-eyed Blaze Captain's orders.
Feldinor continues to stand perfectly still and non-threatening posture....but his inside voice is far from a non-threatening posture. At the first critical strike: Must....maintain...composure...don't....let....him....have...satisfaction. At the second strike: Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. No...running would only give the brute justification in the eyes of the Law to kill the whole company....Wait. She let me go. Perhaps this is over.
[OOC] Feldinor does no action besides stand still and continue a hard look in the Captain's direction. Now...to plot my revenge.
Zodge's one malevolent eye gazes over the drama and maneuver that play out before him, his steel-gauntleted fists clenching reflexively. The Captain's chin slowly rises in acknowledgement at the first of Belmort's chosen words, but with a subsequent half-snarl of mounting anger and contempt for Casta's disruptive plea for mercy. Still, the words of Yokai, Rigor, and Murdoch following the dragonborn's, and the unflinching endurance and hard eyes of Feldinor throughout, still upright on his own two feet, clearly gain the Flaming Fist commander's grudging approval.
"Discipline. Respect. Purpose. Loyal; must be of some use to them. And a beating taken well. Enough!"
Zodge's deep, forceful voice grates out the very themes scavenged from the company's words, and with his assessment of the great character of the rogue's suffering, he ends it with a word and a swift knife-hand gesture. The Flaming Fist Blaze Captain stands down, looking sharply around the cleared ground in the shadow of the Basilisk Gate, and draws a deep breath to continue...
OOC: Well-done, adventurers! By your observation, Zodge and his elite mercenaries visibly relax and come out of initiative, and Zodge immediately presses forward with the resumption of his situation report and A Cuspide Corona's orders...
OOC: I'll continue with those tomorrow evening, unless the Captain needs to suffer further interruption... :-)
After what seems an interminable, baited pause, the ruthless Flaming Fist Captain continues, nodding slowly as his ire is replaced with a grimly sincere demeanor to his grating voice.
“The darker truth remembers that Baldur’s Gate has been plagued over the centuries by the followers of the Dead Three - the evil gods Bane, Myrkul...and Bhaal. We thought the Fist and others had long ago wiped them out - not the case."
"These damned cultists of fear and death and murder have arisen, and are now exploiting this crisis to torture and kill Baldurians throughout the city. Baldur's Gate may prove safe from the refugee threat with the outer gates secured, but without the Flaming Fist to crush the Dead Three's followers, our people are trapped within their own walls and now hunted by these cultists."
Zodge's one-eyed stare takes in each of the company, after which he nods once more with an accompanying cross-chest gesture. One of the Flame veterans steps forward at his silent command, drawing a leather case around, worn as a satchel, from the small of her back. She begins drawing forth small objects wrapped in oilcloth, and passing them to Captain Zodge as he steps before each member of the company, handing one to each adventurer. Enameled badges rest within each of the oilcloths, bearing the Flaming Fist's coat of arms within a burnished copper border.
With the last of these copper-bound badges given, Zodge forcefully begins once more, his malice now returned and focused on the threat.
"Corona, these badges grant your company the specific authority to act in my name, in the execution of your mission. As my appointed agents, your orders with this draft are to find the lair of the Dead Three's followers, and wipe it out. You're authorized to kill these damned cultists on sight, and to eliminate anyone who gets in your way. Do not abuse your authorities, or tarnish my name in any way, but otherwise don't worry about collateral damage - the dark truth of this threat is that serious. Succeed in your mission, and I'll see that each of the survivors receives two hundred gold pieces with the return of your badges, as well as my gratitude - worth considerably more. Cross me on this, violate the draft in the Gate's time of crisis - my spies will know, and you will learn the origins of "Flaming" in our ancient name.
"Several blocks from the Basilisk Gate is the Elfsong Tavern. A spy known as "Tarina" frequents there, gathering intelligence for the Guild. No later than tomorrow night, make contact with Tarina at the Elfsong, and tell her that you work for me; she owes the Fist a favor. Find out all that she knows of the Dead Three cultists, and by Balduran, use discretion - Tarina has very dangerous "friends"...
"Enough of this; the threat grows darker, with Baldurians missing and dying every night now, though few know it yet amidst the refugee crisis and the doom of Elturel. Quickly, what are your questions...any of you?"
OOC: Assuming we are out of initiative based on the DM's commentary. If so:
Acting on behalf of Belmort:
The tips of Belmort's silver scales reflect a bit of sunlight as he ponders what line of questioning might be prudent. His cadence is quick, in an attempt to avoid wasting any more time.
"Sir, are there any patterns to the crimes? Any particular area in which they are condensed?"
Belmort attempts to remember anything he can about the three cults Religion9 and their nefarious influence on Baldur's Gate History7.
Acting as Yokai:
Yokai will attempt to reach Feldinor forthwith. Seeing Murdoch assess his wounds and then begin to talk, he breaths a sigh of relief. Upon reaching Feldinor, he will put an arm around his back and attempt to usher him a few feet away from the guards, if Feldinor is willing.
"For his safety and theirs," he thinks to himself.
Regardless of whether Feldinor moves or not, he will place himself between the guards and the injured halfling and whispers softly "Amazing, halfling.Injured? Hurt?" He is trying to speak quietly to Feldinor to help save face and with the express intent to avoid interrupting the conversation between Belmort and the Captain.
If able, he will also search his memory banks for information on the cult Religion7 and their local influence History15.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Situation...diffused...brute's ego satisfied. How to exact revenge? [OOC] @GM sent pvt message for details.
Feldinor looks lost in thought but his gaze never leaves the good Captain's direction. Yokai actually startles him some what because Feldinor wasn't being his usual observant self since he was maintaining a locked gaze.
Idiot!! Your job is a scout and a scout is supposed to pay attention to his surroundings. While Yokai is not a formal member of Feldinor's occupation, Feldinor has worked out a few hand signals for the major messages....like I'm almost dead. Sleight of Hand18 Remembering the brute's command for silence, this will be the only response given to his concerned companion about his condition...beyond the obvious bruises and any blood that comes from being hit with a metal fist...twice. Feldinor will allow Yokai to maneuver him away from the guards .... but towards the Captain. Again the other brute's ridiculous command was to gather around for a mission brief that he obviously didn't want too many to hear. Leaving his mission briefing's whisper zone can only bring more gentle beatings.
Feldinor will politely listen and offer no questions regarding the mission.
Casta pulls up her shield. Standing up, she glares momentarily at the Fist elite. Thinking to herself... Party to evil, or evil in itself? Makes little difference. Capitulation to corrupt power. In moments of crisis, the true soul surfaces. Zodge breeds oppression. Not an evil to confront today, Lapsu. Pick your battles and your time. As Feldinor is collected by Yokai, Casta remains in close earshot and unconsciously hides Feldinor partially under the corner of her shield. I shall pray over him and his misguided flock. Helm sees all. The Vigilant One knows of his sins. Reach out after his flaming oppression has failed him. He is not beyond redemption. Only the basest Fiends are truly beyond redemption.
When Zodge speaks about the Dead Three and that the cult survives, Casta does not look surprised. Instead she makes a knowing, if resigned, nod. She nearly says "The Order of the Gauntlet has also been hunting for their ilk." She catches herself and stops short before the thought makes it from her heart to her tongue. Don't gain the chance. He might be offended by their help, or failure to succeed. While not uncommon for the Gauntlet to drop a criminal at their garrison front door, today is clearly not a day for cooperation. Fear rules his heart, so he rules others by it.
When the Fist Elite opens the satchel with the badges, Casta can feel what is coming next. Zodge takes in each member as he looks around the assembled party. My soul cries to Helm! I cannot join with or endorse this band of bullies. Being granted the power of law does not make one right. Yet, I also cannot refuse. To refuse may be death, but so what of it? It is noble to die for what is right. We are all here merely a breath on this plane. But Bhaal and Dead Three zealots? They are ascendant? Murders every night? Is there a new Bhaalspawn? Neither the Fist nor the Gauntlet has been able to root out their most recent ruse. Perhaps accepting this charge is worthy? Just a little bit of evil to fight the greater evil. No. The slippery slope compromise of every fallen Paladin.
Zodge arrives in front of Casta. He holds out the badge to give it to the breathtaking Aasimar. She cannot touch it. It seems a viper ready to strike. Its burnished ink poison ready to damn her by association. She is paralyzed by a choice with no clear right. Which failure to choose? Flower scent oscillates, wavers and is impossible to name. She cannot raise her hand to take the badge of shame. The icon of oppression. The symbol of despotism.
All at once, her mother's voice comes into her heart. "You don't have to wear it, beloved. Just take it."Casta breathes out a sudden sigh of relief. Overthinking it again. Mind pulling the heart away from truth. Lead with the heart. Casta smiles in triumph knowing that taking this tin from the one eyed tyrant will get her closer to removing cultists to a god of Murder. She doesn't have to join or fly their colors. For now, they have a common goal and a common enemy. This is not an alliance or subjugation. She reaches up and closes her right hand around the badge, looks the Capt in his one good eye and gives a wry wink. She quickly transfers the burnished symbol to her left hand holding the shield, resting it cradled in her palm, under the leather strap.
He now asks us to brook with spies? She does not honor this fear monger with a question. Her eyes unconsciously dart to Feldinor, remembering what happens to people that ask questions. Blood still fresh and raw on his cheeks reinforces her decision.
Captain Zodge looks up at Belmort's question, considers a moment, then fires back his response in the same, clipped cadence.
"Patterns are unknown, dragonborn, other than hunting and killing at night. Attacks are happening throughout the Lower City, but that's a damn big hunting ground. Knew more and had Fist soldiers to spare, I'd deal with the cultist bastards myself...with prejudice. As it is, you lot will link up with my spy at the Elfsong. Keep as many blades out of your guts as possible...and get that halfling cleaned up."
The Flaming Fist Blaze Captain stares down each of the company once again with his one remaining eye, nodding once more at Feldinor's resistance, and clenching his jaw as Casta nearly speaks.
"What else?"
OOC: Sent some responses to Belmort and Yokai via PM regarding their skill check results. Feldinor, the severity of your condition is discernible.
This is great news! Not the murders, the assignment. I thought we were going to be called to suppress peasants, but we’re going to do real good in this city taking down a cult to the Dead Three.
”Thank you, Captain,” Murdoch pins the badge inside his coat, hidden from prying eyes. “How... sensitive is that information? Do we need to keep knowledge of the cults existence to ourselves?”
“That information is strictly need-to-know,”the Blaze Captain immediately responds in an ominous tone, “which includes my damn spy if she’s survived doing her stinking job, but it’s otherwise between me and you lot, as my authorized agents.”
“Growing numbers of Baldurians are aware there’s more killings, more folk lost in the night. Some of it’s these damn Elturgard refugees and self-righteous Hellrider bastards, falsely blaming the ‘Gate for the smoking hole in the ground formerly known as their capitol. If the darker truth of a risen Cult of the Dead Three hunting and murdering folk trapped inside the city were known, however, the last shreds of peace within Baldur’s Gate would become a bloodbath of panic and chaos.”
Zodge gravely nods again, approving the question, and continues his baleful, penetrating stare assessing the company’s readiness for the mission.
OOC: We're approaching the time, I perceive, where tokens representing your specific position upon various maps will become essential to the adventure. To that end, I've crafted the above tokens from the baseline images which I possess. If you would prefer that I use another image, or perhaps another color to your border, please let me know. It is also worth noting that the tokens will seldom if ever loom this large, given the scale of various maps, and any image that is too detailed can easily become indiscernible at those scales. I look forward to your thoughts; glad to change the above to your preferences, to the extent possible within graphic constraints!
“Order must prevail over this threat for peace to return,” Rigor finally speaks. He approaches close enough to Zodge that he may use a quiet voice, one that will not carry, and accepts the copper Fist badge.
”Captain, if you please, what evidence of deeds or success against the cultists will you require?”
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The third of Captain Zodge's veteran Flame mercenaries to act, a somewhat slighter, dusky-skinned woman with long, dark and wavy brown hair, strides purposefully on a deliberate intercept with Casta, looking to Zodge and slowing only when the paladin takes a knee and offers herself as target. Her stride gracefully weaves inside Casta's lowered shield, where she firmly, yet not threateningly, places her gauntleted left hand on Casta's shoulder. The Fist soldier tenses and shifts her weight, however, shaking her head when Casta feels compelled to speak yet again, and the mercenary looks immediately to Zodge, readying herself with apparent resignation, but withholding any strike.
The Fluff:
Yokai's mind races with the following thoughts: "These fools suffer from their own inaction and verbose ramblings."
From his (not so well hidden) spot, Yokai's eyes cloud white, and the fangs once again grow on his mask. He removes a petrified eye of newt from his pouch, squishes it between his fingers, and begins to quietly mumble arcane incantations. His voice is not alone in the recitation though, as those close by may hear his words mixed with guttural otherworldly voices. His eyes clear, and he fixes his stare on the female guard as the incantation ends.
He then moves deftly up to Feldinor and Casta - as far as his speed will allow - flowing through the crowd without coming in contact with anyone. He walks with his palms outward, parallel to his shoulders, in an attempt to show that he is empty handed. As he walks he says brusquely "Enough Corona! Listen to the Captain! Show respect!" If he can reach Feldinor he offers a hand (up - if he's on the ground, walking - if he's able).
The Breakdown:
As a bonus action, if he feels he can inconspicuously get away with it, Yokai will cast the Hex on the female guard that struck Feldinor and choose Strength as the affected ability. He isn't screaming the incantation, but he is using a voice just loud enough to cast the spell and low enough to attempt to not be heard from the distance he is away from the target. If he feels this isn't an option (I don't have a good idea of the distance between Yokai and his foe) he will forego the incantation and the fluff will represent his inner turmoil and a dark prayer to The Hexblade. If there's any confusion or uncertainty, DM, just go with him casting the spell.
He will then use the Dodge action followed by his move. This doesn't mean he's ducking and weaving his way forward, it just means he is concentrating on defense to provide any attackers with disadvantage. As he moves, he speaks.
If another blow strikes a member of our party, Yokai shall not hesitate to act, and can be assumed to NOT come out of initiative unless by some miracle (like another 23 round speech :P ). Additionally, he should be asked about opportunity attacks for any guards that move past him after the first blow is thrown. Though he boils inside, his outer demeanor is calm, save yelling at his party in an attempt to avoid any more foolish retribution by the Flaming Fist.
OOC: Yokai has a Charisma (force of personality) equal to that of the more verbal member of our party. I say this only to lend weight to the words spoken.
OOC: Yokai, some support material to adjudicate your actions (first referencing The Breakdown section above):
- On Casting: Almost no chance to inconspicuously get away with casting Hex. In 5e, any spell component (V,S,M) gives away the fact that you're casting, and Hex involves all three (superbly written, by the way - outstanding), which would have created a disturbance if not outright panic within a crowd. This is laid out in basic form in the PHB, but Xanathar's clarifies. The only ones who get a break on that under the 5e rules are Sorcerors using the Subtle Spell feature, and others using the Innate Spellcasting trait. You were also not hidden well, and Zodge was obviously tracking you as noted. Based upon your pre-combat actions (Post 94) and the several rounds of subsequent talking before initiative, it is also likely that you weren't in range to cast.
- On Movement: The Dodge Action will only let you close that distance to Feldinor by 30', or likely far less than half the distance. The Dash Action will let you move 60', which is as far as your speed will allow, closing possibly more than half the distance to Feldinor, but without the opportunity to reach him in the round.
- On Fluff: Excellent, and very impactful indeed, to your actual intended audience!
OOC: Hope that helps! Not to worry, all; we'll soon enough be going beyond the theater of the mind to tactical maps...
After watching the Flame stay her hand, Fimrold assumes the display is coming to a close and will move from his position beside Murdoch closer to Feldinor, prepared to assist him once the grappler releases his grip. With his shield on his back and any weapons remaining stowed, he will move as close as safely possible, notably not adjacent to Feldinor as to make his intentions clearly non-disruptive, and will hold his tongue. As Fimrold moves he eyes the remaining guards and will halt if any approach him or otherwise react in a less than approving way.
Thank Mystra none were fool enough to be brash, let’s get the orders and put this behind us. The little man is tougher than he looks, but a beating is an easy way to dampen your spirits; I’ll wait this out and help him best I can.
Rigor subtly adjusts his stance to the same defensive readiness he formerly held between the mob and Sorore. This time, however, he readies between the Cleric of Ilmater and the closest Flaming Fist soldier.
Still, he observes that the second Fist to strike Feldinor also set him on his feet when she was finished. Rigor nods once deeply in approval, to this and to the loud words of Belmort and Yokai.
”Agreed; life is sacred, but suffering is holy...and now ended. Listen to the Captain for our purpose here.”
Murdoch steps forward from his position near Feldinor. He places his hands behind his back, looking briefly at halfling to appraise the rogue’s wounds Medicine 8. That’ll leave a mark, but he’ll live. I’m thinking he’s seen worse.
”What are your orders, Captain?” Murdoch asks, showing no external signs of his anger at the mistreatment of his companion. He’s worked with bullies before, and has suffered the consequences of acting rashly. Evil bastard. Who put that thug in charge of the city’s defenses?
Murdoch says nothing else, having inferred the Captains’s distaste for flowery language. He waits, meeting Zodge’s one baleful eye calmly.
OOC: I’m trying to draw attention away from our conflict so that we can move on. The sooner we’re away from here the better.
Sorore shakes her head in disappointment at some of her companions' chaotic provocations, intended for good or ill. She positions herself as effectively as possible behind Rigor's defensive screening effort.
"Well-said, Brother Rigor," she says quietly, approving of his and others' calm, measured responses...including Murdoch's, almost surprisingly to her. Did she perhaps misjudge him over the disastrous circumstances of their shared secret? Hmmm...
Sorore otherwise holds her ground in a confident, nonthreatening manner, and very clearly touches her holy symbol of Ilmater in readiness to cast a divine spell.
OOC: This is a readied action to cast Healing Word, if needed, to ward against the effects of a potentially fatal attack upon any of the combatants!
The two men and one woman comprising the final three of Zodge's veteran Flame mercenaries maneuver at the edge of the small gathering's perimeter more casually than their predecessors, but still with unrealized purpose, to position themselves in relative proximity to Belmort, Rigor, and the path of Yokai's approach, respectively. At this point, their stances appear comparatively at ease, yet still ready to act, if perhaps reluctantly, upon their relentless, one-eyed Blaze Captain's orders.
Feldinor continues to stand perfectly still and non-threatening posture....but his inside voice is far from a non-threatening posture. At the first critical strike: Must....maintain...composure...don't....let....him....have...satisfaction. At the second strike: Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. No...running would only give the brute justification in the eyes of the Law to kill the whole company....Wait. She let me go. Perhaps this is over.
[OOC] Feldinor does no action besides stand still and continue a hard look in the Captain's direction. Now...to plot my revenge.
Zodge's one malevolent eye gazes over the drama and maneuver that play out before him, his steel-gauntleted fists clenching reflexively. The Captain's chin slowly rises in acknowledgement at the first of Belmort's chosen words, but with a subsequent half-snarl of mounting anger and contempt for Casta's disruptive plea for mercy. Still, the words of Yokai, Rigor, and Murdoch following the dragonborn's, and the unflinching endurance and hard eyes of Feldinor throughout, still upright on his own two feet, clearly gain the Flaming Fist commander's grudging approval.
"Discipline. Respect. Purpose. Loyal; must be of some use to them. And a beating taken well. Enough!"
Zodge's deep, forceful voice grates out the very themes scavenged from the company's words, and with his assessment of the great character of the rogue's suffering, he ends it with a word and a swift knife-hand gesture. The Flaming Fist Blaze Captain stands down, looking sharply around the cleared ground in the shadow of the Basilisk Gate, and draws a deep breath to continue...
OOC: Well-done, adventurers! By your observation, Zodge and his elite mercenaries visibly relax and come out of initiative, and Zodge immediately presses forward with the resumption of his situation report and A Cuspide Corona's orders...
OOC: I'll continue with those tomorrow evening, unless the Captain needs to suffer further interruption... :-)
After what seems an interminable, baited pause, the ruthless Flaming Fist Captain continues, nodding slowly as his ire is replaced with a grimly sincere demeanor to his grating voice.
“The darker truth remembers that Baldur’s Gate has been plagued over the centuries by the followers of the Dead Three - the evil gods Bane, Myrkul...and Bhaal. We thought the Fist and others had long ago wiped them out - not the case."
"These damned cultists of fear and death and murder have arisen, and are now exploiting this crisis to torture and kill Baldurians throughout the city. Baldur's Gate may prove safe from the refugee threat with the outer gates secured, but without the Flaming Fist to crush the Dead Three's followers, our people are trapped within their own walls and now hunted by these cultists."
Zodge's one-eyed stare takes in each of the company, after which he nods once more with an accompanying cross-chest gesture. One of the Flame veterans steps forward at his silent command, drawing a leather case around, worn as a satchel, from the small of her back. She begins drawing forth small objects wrapped in oilcloth, and passing them to Captain Zodge as he steps before each member of the company, handing one to each adventurer. Enameled badges rest within each of the oilcloths, bearing the Flaming Fist's coat of arms within a burnished copper border.
With the last of these copper-bound badges given, Zodge forcefully begins once more, his malice now returned and focused on the threat.
"Corona, these badges grant your company the specific authority to act in my name, in the execution of your mission. As my appointed agents, your orders with this draft are to find the lair of the Dead Three's followers, and wipe it out. You're authorized to kill these damned cultists on sight, and to eliminate anyone who gets in your way. Do not abuse your authorities, or tarnish my name in any way, but otherwise don't worry about collateral damage - the dark truth of this threat is that serious. Succeed in your mission, and I'll see that each of the survivors receives two hundred gold pieces with the return of your badges, as well as my gratitude - worth considerably more. Cross me on this, violate the draft in the Gate's time of crisis - my spies will know, and you will learn the origins of "Flaming" in our ancient name.
"Several blocks from the Basilisk Gate is the Elfsong Tavern. A spy known as "Tarina" frequents there, gathering intelligence for the Guild. No later than tomorrow night, make contact with Tarina at the Elfsong, and tell her that you work for me; she owes the Fist a favor. Find out all that she knows of the Dead Three cultists, and by Balduran, use discretion - Tarina has very dangerous "friends"...
"Enough of this; the threat grows darker, with Baldurians missing and dying every night now, though few know it yet amidst the refugee crisis and the doom of Elturel. Quickly, what are your questions...any of you?"
OOC: Assuming we are out of initiative based on the DM's commentary. If so:
Acting on behalf of Belmort:
The tips of Belmort's silver scales reflect a bit of sunlight as he ponders what line of questioning might be prudent. His cadence is quick, in an attempt to avoid wasting any more time.
"Sir, are there any patterns to the crimes? Any particular area in which they are condensed?"
Belmort attempts to remember anything he can about the three cults Religion 9 and their nefarious influence on Baldur's Gate History 7.
Acting as Yokai:
Yokai will attempt to reach Feldinor forthwith. Seeing Murdoch assess his wounds and then begin to talk, he breaths a sigh of relief. Upon reaching Feldinor, he will put an arm around his back and attempt to usher him a few feet away from the guards, if Feldinor is willing.
"For his safety and theirs," he thinks to himself.
Regardless of whether Feldinor moves or not, he will place himself between the guards and the injured halfling and whispers softly "Amazing, halfling. Injured? Hurt?" He is trying to speak quietly to Feldinor to help save face and with the express intent to avoid interrupting the conversation between Belmort and the Captain.
If able, he will also search his memory banks for information on the cult Religion 7 and their local influence History 15.
Situation...diffused...brute's ego satisfied. How to exact revenge? [OOC] @GM sent pvt message for details.
Feldinor looks lost in thought but his gaze never leaves the good Captain's direction. Yokai actually startles him some what because Feldinor wasn't being his usual observant self since he was maintaining a locked gaze.
Idiot!! Your job is a scout and a scout is supposed to pay attention to his surroundings. While Yokai is not a formal member of Feldinor's occupation, Feldinor has worked out a few hand signals for the major messages....like I'm almost dead. Sleight of Hand 18 Remembering the brute's command for silence, this will be the only response given to his concerned companion about his condition...beyond the obvious bruises and any blood that comes from being hit with a metal fist...twice. Feldinor will allow Yokai to maneuver him away from the guards .... but towards the Captain. Again the other brute's ridiculous command was to gather around for a mission brief that he obviously didn't want too many to hear. Leaving his mission briefing's whisper zone can only bring more gentle beatings.
Feldinor will politely listen and offer no questions regarding the mission.
Casta pulls up her shield. Standing up, she glares momentarily at the Fist elite. Thinking to herself... Party to evil, or evil in itself? Makes little difference. Capitulation to corrupt power. In moments of crisis, the true soul surfaces. Zodge breeds oppression. Not an evil to confront today, Lapsu. Pick your battles and your time. As Feldinor is collected by Yokai, Casta remains in close earshot and unconsciously hides Feldinor partially under the corner of her shield. I shall pray over him and his misguided flock. Helm sees all. The Vigilant One knows of his sins. Reach out after his flaming oppression has failed him. He is not beyond redemption. Only the basest Fiends are truly beyond redemption.
When Zodge speaks about the Dead Three and that the cult survives, Casta does not look surprised. Instead she makes a knowing, if resigned, nod. She nearly says "The Order of the Gauntlet has also been hunting for their ilk." She catches herself and stops short before the thought makes it from her heart to her tongue. Don't gain the chance. He might be offended by their help, or failure to succeed. While not uncommon for the Gauntlet to drop a criminal at their garrison front door, today is clearly not a day for cooperation. Fear rules his heart, so he rules others by it.
When the Fist Elite opens the satchel with the badges, Casta can feel what is coming next. Zodge takes in each member as he looks around the assembled party. My soul cries to Helm! I cannot join with or endorse this band of bullies. Being granted the power of law does not make one right. Yet, I also cannot refuse. To refuse may be death, but so what of it? It is noble to die for what is right. We are all here merely a breath on this plane. But Bhaal and Dead Three zealots? They are ascendant? Murders every night? Is there a new Bhaalspawn? Neither the Fist nor the Gauntlet has been able to root out their most recent ruse. Perhaps accepting this charge is worthy? Just a little bit of evil to fight the greater evil. No. The slippery slope compromise of every fallen Paladin.
Zodge arrives in front of Casta. He holds out the badge to give it to the breathtaking Aasimar. She cannot touch it. It seems a viper ready to strike. Its burnished ink poison ready to damn her by association. She is paralyzed by a choice with no clear right. Which failure to choose? Flower scent oscillates, wavers and is impossible to name. She cannot raise her hand to take the badge of shame. The icon of oppression. The symbol of despotism.
All at once, her mother's voice comes into her heart. "You don't have to wear it, beloved. Just take it." Casta breathes out a sudden sigh of relief. Overthinking it again. Mind pulling the heart away from truth. Lead with the heart. Casta smiles in triumph knowing that taking this tin from the one eyed tyrant will get her closer to removing cultists to a god of Murder. She doesn't have to join or fly their colors. For now, they have a common goal and a common enemy. This is not an alliance or subjugation. She reaches up and closes her right hand around the badge, looks the Capt in his one good eye and gives a wry wink. She quickly transfers the burnished symbol to her left hand holding the shield, resting it cradled in her palm, under the leather strap.
He now asks us to brook with spies? She does not honor this fear monger with a question. Her eyes unconsciously dart to Feldinor, remembering what happens to people that ask questions. Blood still fresh and raw on his cheeks reinforces her decision.
Captain Zodge looks up at Belmort's question, considers a moment, then fires back his response in the same, clipped cadence.
"Patterns are unknown, dragonborn, other than hunting and killing at night. Attacks are happening throughout the Lower City, but that's a damn big hunting ground. Knew more and had Fist soldiers to spare, I'd deal with the cultist bastards myself...with prejudice. As it is, you lot will link up with my spy at the Elfsong. Keep as many blades out of your guts as possible...and get that halfling cleaned up."
The Flaming Fist Blaze Captain stares down each of the company once again with his one remaining eye, nodding once more at Feldinor's resistance, and clenching his jaw as Casta nearly speaks.
"What else?"
OOC: Sent some responses to Belmort and Yokai via PM regarding their skill check results. Feldinor, the severity of your condition is discernible.
This is great news! Not the murders, the assignment. I thought we were going to be called to suppress peasants, but we’re going to do real good in this city taking down a cult to the Dead Three.
”Thank you, Captain,” Murdoch pins the badge inside his coat, hidden from prying eyes. “How... sensitive is that information? Do we need to keep knowledge of the cults existence to ourselves?”
“That information is strictly need-to-know,” the Blaze Captain immediately responds in an ominous tone, “which includes my damn spy if she’s survived doing her stinking job, but it’s otherwise between me and you lot, as my authorized agents.”
“Growing numbers of Baldurians are aware there’s more killings, more folk lost in the night. Some of it’s these damn Elturgard refugees and self-righteous Hellrider bastards, falsely blaming the ‘Gate for the smoking hole in the ground formerly known as their capitol. If the darker truth of a risen Cult of the Dead Three hunting and murdering folk trapped inside the city were known, however, the last shreds of peace within Baldur’s Gate would become a bloodbath of panic and chaos.”
Zodge gravely nods again, approving the question, and continues his baleful, penetrating stare assessing the company’s readiness for the mission.
"What else?"
OOC: We're approaching the time, I perceive, where tokens representing your specific position upon various maps will become essential to the adventure. To that end, I've crafted the above tokens from the baseline images which I possess. If you would prefer that I use another image, or perhaps another color to your border, please let me know. It is also worth noting that the tokens will seldom if ever loom this large, given the scale of various maps, and any image that is too detailed can easily become indiscernible at those scales. I look forward to your thoughts; glad to change the above to your preferences, to the extent possible within graphic constraints!
“Order must prevail over this threat for peace to return,” Rigor finally speaks. He approaches close enough to Zodge that he may use a quiet voice, one that will not carry, and accepts the copper Fist badge.
”Captain, if you please, what evidence of deeds or success against the cultists will you require?”