Filvendor remains some distance away from Zodge, maybe ~20 feet. "We've been sent to speak with Captain Zodge, on the order of the Fists," Filvendor says to Zodge. "The brutality of you city folk never ceases to amaze me."
[Should we not look at the spoiler for Jordan's character? And, is there any way to get alerts for new posts?]
Captain Zodge scoffs at Journey’s response, “Ha, you must be new. A few days in Baldur’s Gate will relieve you of any illusions you have about your common man.”
Hearing Filvendor, a spark of recognition enters Zodge’s eyes. “I see, you are my new recruits.” His gives a smile to Filvendor and says, “I will take your observations about our brutality as a complement”. Turning to the group he says, “Follow me.” He leads you to a make shift command tent situated in an alcove along the city wall near the Basilisk gate.
[You can look at spoilers if you like. But, try to have your character act as though they don't have that knowledge. I don't know about alerts, but I will look into it.]
As you walk the 60 ft to the tent you observe the city around you. Here in the Lower City, most lives are balanced on the brink of poverty. Near the Basilisk gate, the buildings are bigger and better maintained than in other parts of the Lower City, due to the usual flow of commerce through the gate. You see warehouse workers and shopkeepers, as well as travelers in the streets. There are many hostels for travelers here and they seem fully booked. Most people try to give the Flaming Fist a wide birth. The mob seems fully dispersed and the mode of the people you see on the street and through windows seems a bit melancholy, but, otherwise, normal.
When Ourick asks his question, Zodge gives him a short stare, and then recognition flashes across his face. “Ah, I recognize you, soldier. Not too many wear the Flaming Firsts banner between two wings.”
“The refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, in answer to Ourick’s question, “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. Some rabble want out, other rabble want in.” As he says the word “in” he touches his ear. As you listen, you can hear the massive doors of the Basilisk Gate rattling. Apparently, the refugees on the outside are pounding on it.
“We keep them all in line and keep the gates shut.”
"You haven't recruited us to help with the refugee crisis, have you? I would only be able to help so few. You dont seem like you want to help any of these unfortunate souls." Macawi is looking at the guard that stole the commoner's money. There is a slight glint in her yellow eyes.
" What could the powerful flaming fist want our help for?"
Journey nods, agreeing with the turtle. He says, “How can we few help you? We are but a small handful of people.” He looks around for a handful of stones to put into his pocket, scooping them into a small, leather pouch.
Captain Zodge listens to Macawi and Journey’s questions and says, “For that, let’s talk privately.” He nods toward the entrance to the command tent and walks in. Two capable-looking Flaming First solders stand at attention at the entrance to the tent and four others follow the captain inside.
Those that follow him see a modest interior. There are a few wooden benches and a wooden table. Along with some bread and water, what takes up most of the table is a map of the city. The map is marked with what you assume are Flaming Fist deployment positions.
In a low tone, as if trying to keep the following information from spreading more than it has, he says, “The short answer is that the Flaming First is becoming overwlemed and we need the help of groups like you to keep the peace.” The extent of the group’s problems start to spill out of Zodge, “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. A group of cultists have crawled out of the shadows and are murdering citizens openly. For that, I need your help.” He does you the curtesy of pausing and looking to each of you in the tent. However, you get the distinct feeling that this is an offer you can’t refuse.
While looking at the map, you notice that there are very few patrols in the interior of the lower city. You know this will make a dangerous place even more dangerous.
Also, you have heard that adventures that have tried to abandon their forcible recruitment into the Flaming Fist have been hunted down and sentenced to death.
Filvendor asks, "What information do you have on the Cultists?" as he eyes the tortle with curiosity. Filvendor then leans over the table to study the map.
[Filvendor give me a history check or and insight check, your choice.]
Turning to Filvendor, the captain continues. “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 three 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.”
On the map you see Flaming Fist patrols posted at each gate into the city as well as at key points in the Upper and Lower City. Since you are unfamiliar with the intricacies of policing a city, you don’t know any more.
"Swift justice will come to those that kill innocents. Does you friend know we are coming? Spies are not all that trusting of new people. Can you give us a letter or sigal that she would know we are working for you?"
Macawi realizes that she still is carrying her shield due only to her arm feeling the weight. She slings it on her back, her eyes darting to the other comrades, feeling embarased.
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Filvendor remains some distance away from Zodge, maybe ~20 feet. "We've been sent to speak with Captain Zodge, on the order of the Fists," Filvendor says to Zodge. "The brutality of you city folk never ceases to amaze me."
[Should we not look at the spoiler for Jordan's character? And, is there any way to get alerts for new posts?]
Ourick says "What is all the commotion about, Captain?"
Captain Zodge scoffs at Journey’s response, “Ha, you must be new. A few days in Baldur’s Gate will relieve you of any illusions you have about your common man.”
Hearing Filvendor, a spark of recognition enters Zodge’s eyes. “I see, you are my new recruits.” His gives a smile to Filvendor and says, “I will take your observations about our brutality as a complement”. Turning to the group he says, “Follow me.” He leads you to a make shift command tent situated in an alcove along the city wall near the Basilisk gate.
[You can look at spoilers if you like. But, try to have your character act as though they don't have that knowledge. I don't know about alerts, but I will look into it.]
On the way to the tent, can I take note of the general mood of the people in the area.
As you walk the 60 ft to the tent you observe the city around you. Here in the Lower City, most lives are balanced on the brink of poverty. Near the Basilisk gate, the buildings are bigger and better maintained than in other parts of the Lower City, due to the usual flow of commerce through the gate. You see warehouse workers and shopkeepers, as well as travelers in the streets. There are many hostels for travelers here and they seem fully booked. Most people try to give the Flaming Fist a wide birth. The mob seems fully dispersed and the mode of the people you see on the street and through windows seems a bit melancholy, but, otherwise, normal.
When Ourick asks his question, Zodge gives him a short stare, and then recognition flashes across his face. “Ah, I recognize you, soldier. Not too many wear the Flaming Firsts banner between two wings.”
“The refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, in answer to Ourick’s question, “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. Some rabble want out, other rabble want in.” As he says the word “in” he touches his ear. As you listen, you can hear the massive doors of the Basilisk Gate rattling. Apparently, the refugees on the outside are pounding on it.
“We keep them all in line and keep the gates shut.”
"You haven't recruited us to help with the refugee crisis, have you? I would only be able to help so few. You dont seem like you want to help any of these unfortunate souls." Macawi is looking at the guard that stole the commoner's money. There is a slight glint in her yellow eyes.
" What could the powerful flaming fist want our help for?"
Journey nods, agreeing with the turtle. He says, “How can we few help you? We are but a small handful of people.” He looks around for a handful of stones to put into his pocket, scooping them into a small, leather pouch.
Captain Zodge listens to Macawi and Journey’s questions and says, “For that, let’s talk privately.” He nods toward the entrance to the command tent and walks in. Two capable-looking Flaming First solders stand at attention at the entrance to the tent and four others follow the captain inside.
Those that follow him see a modest interior. There are a few wooden benches and a wooden table. Along with some bread and water, what takes up most of the table is a map of the city. The map is marked with what you assume are Flaming Fist deployment positions.
In a low tone, as if trying to keep the following information from spreading more than it has, he says, “The short answer is that the Flaming First is becoming overwlemed and we need the help of groups like you to keep the peace.” The extent of the group’s problems start to spill out of Zodge, “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. A group of cultists have crawled out of the shadows and are murdering citizens openly. For that, I need your help.” He does you the curtesy of pausing and looking to each of you in the tent. However, you get the distinct feeling that this is an offer you can’t refuse.
For Ourick:
While looking at the map, you notice that there are very few patrols in the interior of the lower city. You know this will make a dangerous place even more dangerous.
Also, you have heard that adventures that have tried to abandon their forcible recruitment into the Flaming Fist have been hunted down and sentenced to death.
Filvendor asks, "What information do you have on the Cultists?" as he eyes the tortle with curiosity. Filvendor then leans over the table to study the map.
Journey finds a variety of small stones and rocks that have chipped off the large cobble stones that pave the streets in this part of town.
[Filvendor give me a history check or and insight check, your choice.]
Turning to Filvendor, the captain continues. “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 three 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.”
History: 12
"The followers of Myrkul!" Filvendor spits. "Kelemvor will be pleased with their passing."
For Filvendor:
On the map you see Flaming Fist patrols posted at each gate into the city as well as at key points in the Upper and Lower City. Since you are unfamiliar with the intricacies of policing a city, you don’t know any more.
[Anybody who is listening can make a religion check to see it you know more about the followers of the Dead Three.]
Filvendor asks Zodge, "Who all will be in this hunting party?" I begin to look around the room at the other individuals.
Religion:23
[dang it!]
"Swift justice will come to those that kill innocents. Does you friend know we are coming? Spies are not all that trusting of new people. Can you give us a letter or sigal that she would know we are working for you?"
Macawi realizes that she still is carrying her shield due only to her arm feeling the weight. She slings it on her back, her eyes darting to the other comrades, feeling embarased.