Returning to Baldur's Gate normally came with conflicting emotions for Karib; but not this time. This time he was not returning to routine at the temple, but instead passing through in disguise. It added a level of excitement and amusement.
He happily points out the sights to Yevele when she asks about the Black Gate, and is happy to offer guidance about areas with which he was familiar. The town was large and even in the years he had lived there he had not visited all quarters.
Rogram discovers a sense of comfort and familiarity as he is able to put his muscles to work doing repetitive, yet careful work with the poles. Though one involves water and the other fire, his duties on the boat remind him of his apprentice duties at his father's forge. He is surprised to feel a kind of longing when he thinks back to his apprenticeship — something he has despised for so long. Or maybe it's just his Pa that he misses. He also enjoys talking with the sailors. They remind him of his neighbors in the Greenfields: loud, unabashed and forthright. He jokes with them often and provokes them into relaying their most interesting sailing tales.
When the captain remarks that they're only about a day away from Baldur's Gate, Rogram relinquishes his pole and begins practicing with both his new battleaxe and crossbow. By the time the city comes into view, they are feeling less alien in his grip. His eyes find the city unfamiliar, and yet bits and pieces do seem a little familiar as they approach. It really wasn't that long ago that he was here in his uncle's place on caravan duty. How much has changed since then. How much he has changed since then. If he knew then what he knew now ...
When Karib begins telling Yevele about the city and where they might be headed, he tries to pay attention, but he's also beginning to get nervous. His mind jumps from scenario to scenario. He can no longer count the number of ways he's imagined reuniting with his Pa while traveling with the army. What will he say? What will he do? Will his father want to escape and run? What about the others? What about getting the information back to Ontharr and Leosin? Rogram scowls as his mind wanders.
OOC: To Blackgate according to the discussion thread!
The streets of Baldur's Gate are so narrow, steep, and slick from frequent rain that the city doesn't allow wagons, pack animals, horses, or even dogs into the city. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the city is a bustling commercial hub: for goods to pass through the city, they must be unloaded outside of the city's gates, carried through the city by porters on foot, and reloaded onto different wagons for the rest of their journey. You follow this activity from the docks heading north to the Outer City, through the imposing Black Dragon Gate that gives the Blackgate district its name.
Blackgate seems to serve as a waiting area for wagons carrying goods from the north, as you see plenty of porters maneuvering goods from waiting caravans toward the southward docks. Guards at the gate inspect merchandise before allowing it to pass through the gate. Blackgate's alleys are packed with people, many working as laborers, shop assistants, or dockhands. Humans and dwarves dominate the population, and stables abound, holding the horses and pack animals of merchants attending to their business in the city.
Not having spent any time in the city the only other time he's been in this part of the Sword Coast, Rogram finds the cramped and busy streets disconcerting. Baldur's Date is nothing like the only home he's ever known, Greenest. How do people find any peace here? Hearing his father's words of warning about how some dwarves may find him offensive because of his diluted blood, the half-dwarf averts his eyes every time he approaches a dwarf, though the tops of his ears are hidden by his new cap. Despite his subconscious desire to not draw attention to himself, twice on the way to the Blackgate, Rogram offers aid — once to a human woman who drops a bundle of fabric when her basket is jostled, and once to a small human man who was trying to stand from the crate he was sitting on. The woman mumbles a thank you as she hurries along, but the man slaps away Rogram's hand and yells at him to leave him be. The bard narrows his eyes at the old man, but holds his tongue, and continues along.
When they arrive at the Blackgate, Rogram looks around at the people, animals and buildings. "Where are we supposed to go now?" he asks.
Yevele is overwhelmed by both the number of people and the noise within the city. As they walked along, she kept looking around from side to side at all the people, barely noticing Rogram helping the woman and the old man. After the old man reacted angrily toward Rogram, the monk realized she needed to pay better attention to her surroundings. While still walking, she began some of the breathing exercises the monastery taught her to center her ki and calm herself. By the time, they reached the Blackgate, Yevele was not feeling overwhelmed and was paying closer attention to the activities in the center.
When they arrive at the Blackgate, Rogram looks around at the people, animals and buildings. "Where are we supposed to go now?" he asks.
In response, Yevele says "Ontharr said we should findAckyn Selebon. Maybe we should ask one of the porters or wagon masters about him." Turning to Karib and Samir, the monk asks "Do either of you know where we might find Ackyn?"
Rogram repeats the name to himself to try to remember it, "Ackyn Selebon," he whispers while still looking around. He decides to approach the nearest guard. "Excuse me, but do you know where I might find Ackyn Selebon? We're trying to find caravan work."
It doesn't take long to find directions to a shop and stable set mostly outdoors, with a heavy cart laden with equipment as a storefront. Attendants fit a horse with a bit and bridle near a carriage close by, and a human man with dusky skin, hair, and eyes, and a heavy Calishite accent calls you over.
"Friends, hello, how can I help you today? Wagons, rope, netting, grease, chains, wheels? Perhaps you have all of these things and your wagon simply needs repaired?"
Rogram stands nearby and waits for one of the others to explain their situation to the man with the strange accent. He finds himself keeping an eye on the surrounding people suspiciously.
Yevele steps up to the man and says "Are you Ackyn Selebon? We're looking for work as caravan guards. We were told to talk to Ackyn. A mutual acquaintance in Eltural suggested we talk to you." She wasn't sure when they were supposed to mention Ontharr, or if they should mention him in public.
Karib nods and with a brief prayer to Gond as he reaches out his hand in greeting. "Aye we're here for the sake of the widows daughter," he says.
He tries to get the emphasis and timing of the words correct. The words themselves don't matter, it was something about the rhythm of them that he had never fully mastered. Hopefully the man would understand. Otherwise, he hoped he'd just look like a well-meaning simpleton...
"I see," the man says, his thick accent suddenly gone. He ushers you away from market traffic and continues, "I am Ackyn. It would appear you are interested in something more complicated than equipage. Tell me how I can be of assistance."
Samir leans in close. "We are interested in accompanying a caravan in need of guards... Guards with helm-ets. Escorting gear to flying lizard enthusiasts." He winks at Ackyn then turns and gives a thumbs up to the rest of the team.
Once behind closed doors, Yevele started to explain their situation when Samir spoke up. After the cleric gave his thumbs up, the monk turns toward Rogram and rolls her eyes before stating "We were sent by Ontharr of the Order of the Gauntlet. He would like us to get hired onto a caravan that is associated with the Cult of the Dragons. Do you know about their recent activities?"
Still assuming the role of the guard, Rogram doesn't move as far away from the market as the others, but stays close enough to the others to hear everything being said. When Yevele rolls her eyes at him, he smirks.
Ackyn scratches his chin, looking into the distance while considering your words. "Well I can't say I've heard of the folks you're interested in following, but a lot of merchants roll through Blackgate looking for travel north. If that's the direction they're heading, I can all but guarantee you'll see them here. The journey northbound is arduous; merchants travel together for safety...it's a bit of a conundrum, because the bigger the caravan, the more likely it is to find trouble, but the more well-defended it will be in turn. A single wagon with a few guards is child's play to what you'll find along the Trade Way. Neverwinter may be on the mend after Mount Hotenow's eruption, but neither they nor Baldur's Gate have done a great job clearing out what lies between."
"Anyway, like I said, northbound wagons begin their journey here. Hang around any of the taverns or tent saloons near my shop and you're sure to see that traffic. Merchants travel together, but they hire their guards independently. The common belief is that if everyone hires two or three and enough wagons travel together, a caravan has sufficient protection. Now I don't know many of these merchants personally - it's usually their laborers that order equipment from me - but if you have Ontharr vouching for you, then I'm vouching for you as well. Drop them my name and tell them to come by the shop and you'll have no trouble getting hired on."
OOC: Along with your character's reaction and response to Ackyn, (assuming you are following his plan to hang around the taverns and tent saloons near his shop), make either a Persuasion or Athletics check, whichever you would prefer to introduce yourself to a prospective employer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Samir is finding himself confident in his subtlety and skills at double-speak after the conversation with Ackyn, and goes to persuade a local merchant to hire their crew.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yevele was surprised to hear that Ackyn was unaware of the dragon cult, and didn't know anything about their caravan of loot. 'How are we supposed to identify their caravan and gain information about it when our only lead can't help us?'' the young monk thought to herself.
Once outside she turns to Rogram and Karib and quietly asks "Now what? Do you have any ideas how to figured out which caravan is the correct one. What if we get hired onto a caravan that is on a different schedule from that one?"
Returning to Baldur's Gate normally came with conflicting emotions for Karib; but not this time. This time he was not returning to routine at the temple, but instead passing through in disguise. It added a level of excitement and amusement.
He happily points out the sights to Yevele when she asks about the Black Gate, and is happy to offer guidance about areas with which he was familiar. The town was large and even in the years he had lived there he had not visited all quarters.
Rogram discovers a sense of comfort and familiarity as he is able to put his muscles to work doing repetitive, yet careful work with the poles. Though one involves water and the other fire, his duties on the boat remind him of his apprentice duties at his father's forge. He is surprised to feel a kind of longing when he thinks back to his apprenticeship — something he has despised for so long. Or maybe it's just his Pa that he misses. He also enjoys talking with the sailors. They remind him of his neighbors in the Greenfields: loud, unabashed and forthright. He jokes with them often and provokes them into relaying their most interesting sailing tales.
When the captain remarks that they're only about a day away from Baldur's Gate, Rogram relinquishes his pole and begins practicing with both his new battleaxe and crossbow. By the time the city comes into view, they are feeling less alien in his grip. His eyes find the city unfamiliar, and yet bits and pieces do seem a little familiar as they approach. It really wasn't that long ago that he was here in his uncle's place on caravan duty. How much has changed since then. How much he has changed since then. If he knew then what he knew now ...
When Karib begins telling Yevele about the city and where they might be headed, he tries to pay attention, but he's also beginning to get nervous. His mind jumps from scenario to scenario. He can no longer count the number of ways he's imagined reuniting with his Pa while traveling with the army. What will he say? What will he do? Will his father want to escape and run? What about the others? What about getting the information back to Ontharr and Leosin? Rogram scowls as his mind wanders.
OOC: What is the party's first course of action here in Baldur's Gate?
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: To Blackgate according to the discussion thread!
The streets of Baldur's Gate are so narrow, steep, and slick from frequent rain that the city doesn't allow wagons, pack animals, horses, or even dogs into the city. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the city is a bustling commercial hub: for goods to pass through the city, they must be unloaded outside of the city's gates, carried through the city by porters on foot, and reloaded onto different wagons for the rest of their journey. You follow this activity from the docks heading north to the Outer City, through the imposing Black Dragon Gate that gives the Blackgate district its name.
Blackgate seems to serve as a waiting area for wagons carrying goods from the north, as you see plenty of porters maneuvering goods from waiting caravans toward the southward docks. Guards at the gate inspect merchandise before allowing it to pass through the gate. Blackgate's alleys are packed with people, many working as laborers, shop assistants, or dockhands. Humans and dwarves dominate the population, and stables abound, holding the horses and pack animals of merchants attending to their business in the city.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Not having spent any time in the city the only other time he's been in this part of the Sword Coast, Rogram finds the cramped and busy streets disconcerting. Baldur's Date is nothing like the only home he's ever known, Greenest. How do people find any peace here? Hearing his father's words of warning about how some dwarves may find him offensive because of his diluted blood, the half-dwarf averts his eyes every time he approaches a dwarf, though the tops of his ears are hidden by his new cap. Despite his subconscious desire to not draw attention to himself, twice on the way to the Blackgate, Rogram offers aid — once to a human woman who drops a bundle of fabric when her basket is jostled, and once to a small human man who was trying to stand from the crate he was sitting on. The woman mumbles a thank you as she hurries along, but the man slaps away Rogram's hand and yells at him to leave him be. The bard narrows his eyes at the old man, but holds his tongue, and continues along.
When they arrive at the Blackgate, Rogram looks around at the people, animals and buildings. "Where are we supposed to go now?" he asks.
Yevele is overwhelmed by both the number of people and the noise within the city. As they walked along, she kept looking around from side to side at all the people, barely noticing Rogram helping the woman and the old man. After the old man reacted angrily toward Rogram, the monk realized she needed to pay better attention to her surroundings. While still walking, she began some of the breathing exercises the monastery taught her to center her ki and calm herself. By the time, they reached the Blackgate, Yevele was not feeling overwhelmed and was paying closer attention to the activities in the center.
In response, Yevele says "Ontharr said we should find Ackyn Selebon. Maybe we should ask one of the porters or wagon masters about him." Turning to Karib and Samir, the monk asks "Do either of you know where we might find Ackyn?"
Rogram repeats the name to himself to try to remember it, "Ackyn Selebon," he whispers while still looking around. He decides to approach the nearest guard. "Excuse me, but do you know where I might find Ackyn Selebon? We're trying to find caravan work."
It doesn't take long to find directions to a shop and stable set mostly outdoors, with a heavy cart laden with equipment as a storefront. Attendants fit a horse with a bit and bridle near a carriage close by, and a human man with dusky skin, hair, and eyes, and a heavy Calishite accent calls you over.
"Friends, hello, how can I help you today? Wagons, rope, netting, grease, chains, wheels? Perhaps you have all of these things and your wagon simply needs repaired?"
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram stands nearby and waits for one of the others to explain their situation to the man with the strange accent. He finds himself keeping an eye on the surrounding people suspiciously.
Yevele steps up to the man and says "Are you Ackyn Selebon? We're looking for work as caravan guards. We were told to talk to Ackyn. A mutual acquaintance in Eltural suggested we talk to you." She wasn't sure when they were supposed to mention Ontharr, or if they should mention him in public.
Karib nods and with a brief prayer to Gond as he reaches out his hand in greeting. "Aye we're here for the sake of the widows daughter," he says.
He tries to get the emphasis and timing of the words correct. The words themselves don't matter, it was something about the rhythm of them that he had never fully mastered. Hopefully the man would understand. Otherwise, he hoped he'd just look like a well-meaning simpleton...
(( Performance: 12+2(guidance) = 14 ))
"I see," the man says, his thick accent suddenly gone. He ushers you away from market traffic and continues, "I am Ackyn. It would appear you are interested in something more complicated than equipage. Tell me how I can be of assistance."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Samir leans in close. "We are interested in accompanying a caravan in need of guards... Guards with helm-ets. Escorting gear to flying lizard enthusiasts." He winks at Ackyn then turns and gives a thumbs up to the rest of the team.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Once behind closed doors, Yevele started to explain their situation when Samir spoke up. After the cleric gave his thumbs up, the monk turns toward Rogram and rolls her eyes before stating "We were sent by Ontharr of the Order of the Gauntlet. He would like us to get hired onto a caravan that is associated with the Cult of the Dragons. Do you know about their recent activities?"
Still assuming the role of the guard, Rogram doesn't move as far away from the market as the others, but stays close enough to the others to hear everything being said. When Yevele rolls her eyes at him, he smirks.
Karib is content to nod as the others ask about the job as caravan guards, "We are of course looking to be inconspicuous in that role."
He is anything but inconspicuous, still trying to get used to the feathered hat which seems to catch in every door he goes though.
Ackyn scratches his chin, looking into the distance while considering your words. "Well I can't say I've heard of the folks you're interested in following, but a lot of merchants roll through Blackgate looking for travel north. If that's the direction they're heading, I can all but guarantee you'll see them here. The journey northbound is arduous; merchants travel together for safety...it's a bit of a conundrum, because the bigger the caravan, the more likely it is to find trouble, but the more well-defended it will be in turn. A single wagon with a few guards is child's play to what you'll find along the Trade Way. Neverwinter may be on the mend after Mount Hotenow's eruption, but neither they nor Baldur's Gate have done a great job clearing out what lies between."
"Anyway, like I said, northbound wagons begin their journey here. Hang around any of the taverns or tent saloons near my shop and you're sure to see that traffic. Merchants travel together, but they hire their guards independently. The common belief is that if everyone hires two or three and enough wagons travel together, a caravan has sufficient protection. Now I don't know many of these merchants personally - it's usually their laborers that order equipment from me - but if you have Ontharr vouching for you, then I'm vouching for you as well. Drop them my name and tell them to come by the shop and you'll have no trouble getting hired on."
OOC: Along with your character's reaction and response to Ackyn, (assuming you are following his plan to hang around the taverns and tent saloons near his shop), make either a Persuasion or Athletics check, whichever you would prefer to introduce yourself to a prospective employer.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Samir is finding himself confident in his subtlety and skills at double-speak after the conversation with Ackyn, and goes to persuade a local merchant to hire their crew.
Persuasion 6
Paladin - warforged - orange
Yevele was surprised to hear that Ackyn was unaware of the dragon cult, and didn't know anything about their caravan of loot. 'How are we supposed to identify their caravan and gain information about it when our only lead can't help us?'' the young monk thought to herself.
Once outside she turns to Rogram and Karib and quietly asks "Now what? Do you have any ideas how to figured out which caravan is the correct one. What if we get hired onto a caravan that is on a different schedule from that one?"
athletics 8
Rogram frowns. He moves forward toward the others. “It’s an army we want join,” he says.
please roll persuasion for Rogram.
sorry for the bad posting. Hurricane Idalia hit our area hard. We have no electricity and it’s too hard to post on mobile.