Welcome to Baldur’s Gate, a veritable nest of rats and vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chionthar River. From their high perches in the Upper City, the local nobles — known as patriars — gaze down with veiled contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower City, which hugs the foggy harbor. The whole of Baldur’s Gate reeks of blood, crime, and opportunity. One can easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this place like flies to a carcass.

Following the river farther east would eventually lead you to Elturel, capital of the holy land of Elturgard — or at least that was the case until a few days ago. The flood of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news first arrived that the city has fallen. Everyone is saying Baldur’s Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or what has claimed Elturel.

The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming Fist to protect their interests in Baldur’s Gate, and by extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence, the Flaming Fist has sealed the city’s gates to staunch the flow of refugees. No one is allowed in or out.

All of this was brought to your attention shortly after you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city’s eastern wall and takes its name from the various statues that rest in its niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm’s Crossing, then to distant realms beyond.

Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed with only a vague description of Captain Zodge — a tall man with long black hair and a leather eye patch — it takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throwing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.

Seeing the chaos at the front gates, Vallan uses his small stature to his advantage, and tries to wade through the crowd. Once he gets with 30ft of Captain Zodge, Vallan will try to communicate to him, telepathically. “Captain? Captain Zodge over here!”  Trying his best Vallan jumps up and down to get Zodges attention. “I was told to see you! I’ve just been drafted to the Flaming Fist!”

Drakus at 6' 5" towers over the crowd working his way through the scene at the gate.  If he can get close enough he offers aid to the Captain.

"Hail !!!! Captain Zodge...I was sent to aid you!!"

Hearing any others offering the same he moves to work together to get through the crowd and assist one another should they find resistance to their advances. 

"You guys are late" He snarls "At least he has some respect for his supieriors" He says pointing at Drakus.

“The refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, “has stoked fears that Baldur’s Gate might suffer the same fate as Elturel, of which nothing remains but a hole in the ground, apparently. Our grand duke, Ulder Ravengard, was visiting Elturel on a diplomatic mission when the city was destroyed. Coincidence? I think not.

“The knights of Elturgard call themselves Hellriders. A few of them escaped the destruction and think we’re somehow to blame for Elturel’s downfall. What a bunch of self-righteous rabble-rousers! We’re arresting them on sight, but that’s left us shorthanded to deal with another problem. For that, I need your help.”

Salazar sighs at the fighting all around and wades through the raucous, seeing the captain who fits the description given speaking to a few others. This red skinned Tiefling isn't hard to spot as he approaches, appearing more devilish than others of his kind and having a stylish appearance akin to nobility. He trots up to the group, catching the tail end of their words.

"Also late, apologies Captain." nodding to the group. "All hands needed then, just point us where we need to go and we'll take care of the problem."

“Baldur’s Gate has long been plagued by followers of the Dead Three — the gods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. I thought we had wiped them out, but apparently not. These purveyors of fear and death are taking advantage of the current crisis to commit murder sprees throughout the city. As my appointed deputies in this matter, you’ll have license to kill these wretches on sight. Find their lair, and wipe it out. Eliminate anyone who gets in your way, and don’t worry about collateral damage.

“If you do what I say, I’ll see that you each receive two hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is worth considerably more.

“A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is Elfsong Tavern. A spy named Tarina hangs out there, gathering rumors for the Guild. She owes me a favor, so tell her you work for me. Ask her what she knows about the Dead Three. And, for the love of Balduran, be nice. Tarina has dangerous friends.”

Salazar narrows his eyes at the mention of these cultists, killing so needlessly. The Dead Three provided a constant source of turmoil in Baldurs Gate he had come to find out. Avoiding them has worked well thus far, but all good things come to an end

"Ah well the pay sounds good and with a proper team, we should be able to produce results. Off to the Elfsong Tavern then." Nodding again to the group, he waits for any stragglers before proceeding to meet the spy.

A man with light brown hair and a full beard steps to the gate, looking around at the group. He looks to the Captain and frowns a bit, opening his mouth and speaking with a country accent. “Cap’n, all due respect but I don’t exactly do collateral damage. Cultists are one thing, but innocent civilians are another.” This man wears a brown tunic made of leather and metal - covering chain mail that clinks together as he walks. At his back are both a Lance and shield. “My name is Reese, by the way, ya’ll.” He nods his head to the captain and then to the group before him. “Looks like we’re gonna be workin’ together on this, huh?”

Drakus nods to the Captain, "We'll do our best sir. Do we get an emblem to note we are appointed deputies?"

"If it's possible I'll avoid unnecessary collateral damage, but when it's not clear then we can sort them out later.  Let's grab the stragglers as they get to the gate and get everyone to the Elfsong Tavern."

Drakus starts clearing a path to the Tavern "Official business coming through" once they have all the deputies or meet them at the Tavern possibly.

Vallan observes the tall folk talking, he doesn’t quite understand what collateral damage means but he will do his best to prevent any more killings. With a serious face he salutes the captain and follows Darkus. “Seems like he’s in charge…” Vallan thinks to himself.

In a low voice Vallan addresses the group as they head to the Elfsong Tavern “….Umm… I… Vallan, Vallan Houndstrider…” 

Reese looks to everyone and smiles. “Been a while since I’ve been part of a group. Good to meet y’all gents.” He extends a hand to each of you as you walk, and you catch sight of a ring on his finger. “I’ve dealt with some bad groups before, but this here Cult sounds… especially so.”

As you step inside you see two young men passing out drinks and this looks like a roug crowd they are armored to the teeth. There are to bodygaurds next to you and you see a fight going on and they are NOT doing anything about it. There are a couple passed out people leaning against walls, even with the vague description Tarina is nowhere to be found. You see some doors that you could possibly go through there are a row of open boths to the left one closed door straight ahead.

Vallan usually stays on the outskirts of Baldur’s Gates, this is first time seeing a rowdy bar. “Wow, so many people!” He thinks to himself excitedly. Making his way to the bar he hops up and sits. 

Again in a low voice “Ummm… excuse me… can… I… get one…..mead…Please.”

Quote from BeastyC >>

Vallan usually stays on the outskirts of Baldur’s Gates, this is first time seeing a rowdy bar. “Wow, so many people!” He thinks to himself excitedly. Making his way to the bar he hops up and sits. 

Again in a low voice “Ummm… excuse me… can… I… get one…..mead…Please.”

 Yeah that will be 2 copper (You all start with 10 Gold)

Pulling out a gold coin “….Thank…you…A…question please…. Looking…. for… a woman…Tarina….” Vallan a bit nervous drinks his mead as soon as he gets the question out. 

Jorda, who had been quiet so far, takes in the surrounding of the tavern. He was used to seeing such sights, in life. Many of the circus's employees enjoyed a drink after a performance. It was a great way for them to unwind and to improve the bonds between the performers. So long as they were still fit to work the following day, the ring master didn't mind. However, since Jorda's accident, he has less need for attending bars. He has no need to drink. He has no need to eat nor even breathe. Not anymore.

Instead of approaching the bar, Jorda decides to start looking for this spy. He turns to one of the other patrons, "Do you know Tarina?"

Reese can be seen looking around, not really speaking to most. (If I roll investigation or perception do you think I could see if she’s in here?)

Salazar makes sure to introduce himself to his new companions. They will be sticking together at least for a time. 

"The city is in a fever pitch today huh?" He states as he sees the signs of impending violence readily available. He notes that the group already is asking the right questions, and decides to see what results are produced.

Leaning against the bartop, he keeps an eye out for someone who could be Tarina, and making sure his crew remain unbothered.

Drakus grunts when he sees the activity in the tavern.

"I can't say I've seen worse.   Good...Some of us are already actively looking for our contact Tarina."

Drakus says to the bodyguards, "Captain Zodge sent us to talk to Tarina."  He hands them 5 cp each.

Quote from BeastyC >>

Pulling out a gold coin “….Thank…you…A…question please…. Looking…. for… a woman…Tarina….” Vallan a bit nervous drinks his mead as soon as he gets the question out. 

 "Thanks for the generous tip good sir" Says the bartender He leans in close and whispers "Shes upstairs"

Quote from TheBritGeek >>

Jorda, who had been quiet so far, takes in the surrounding of the tavern. He was used to seeing such sights, in life. Many of the circus's employees enjoyed a drink after a performance. It was a great way for them to unwind and to improve the bonds between the performers. So long as they were still fit to work the following day, the ring master didn't mind. However, since Jorda's accident, he has less need for attending bars. He has no need to drink. He has no need to eat nor even breathe. Not anymore.

Instead of approaching the bar, Jorda decides to start looking for this spy. He turns to one of the other patrons, "Do you know Tarina?"

 "What if I do?" She says

Quote from Cwreando >>

Drakus grunts when he sees the activity in the tavern.

"I can't say I've seen worse.   Good...Some of us are already actively looking for our contact Tarina."

Drakus says to the bodyguards, "Captain Zodge sent us to talk to Tarina."  He hands them 5 cp each.

 

 "Yeah, We dont do Captain Zodge around here" Says a very buff Half-Orc, She spits on the floor

The other body gaurd is an animated suit of armor but it points upstairs