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.

Basilisk Gate

Flaming Fists

A stout dwarf appears below the Basilisk Gate and takes a moment to survey the scene. He is clad in leather and meticulously linked mail, with bare arms and a padded leather apron cinched around his ample middle. His arms and apron are singed and scarred; he carries a massive hammer in a loop at his belt, a finely wrought shield across his back, and a cask of ale under his arm. His hair is wild, his skin weathered, and his look one of resolve and slight impatience. He spots the mercenary captain wading into the melee and bellows across the crowd, "Zodge! ZODGE!"

Remembering the man's rank and humanity's relatively short lives, he mutters under his breath-- "How quickly they promote these impulsive younglings!"-- and heads off into the brawl using his shield as a plow blade to part the crowd. "Captain! Captain, a word!" When he reaches the man, he introduces himself in a gravelly growl: "Vigg Hammerhand, Captain. I've brought us a fine cask to share once we've sorted out this mob. And I'm not alone, either... I'm told there are others sent down to join us."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

The Captain looks in your direction and says, "Aye Dwarf a bit busy at the moment. Perhaps you can put that shield of yours to some use and help us keep these folks in line. After things are calmed we can chat."


This message was last edited by the GM at 15:37, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

    On the other side of the crowed there was a tired Dragonborn solider Paladin.The crowd stay clear for him, because he look intimidating with his dirty beating armor and shield on his back. Scales are black as a unpolished gemstone,scars all over his tail and a large scare on his left eye. Eyes of the goodish color and teeth,flaws sharp as knifes.

    As he spotted the Captain though the crowd because of his 6'7" height. He started to make his way though the crowd on the corner of his eye, He spot a Dwarf plowing through the crowd with using his shield. The Paladin solider started to laugh as he make his way to the captain pushing people to the side and other are moving out of the way with fear. When finally get to the captain he pound his fist at his chest and say "captain my name is First Lieutenant Silvery Stone sir. Do you need help controlling the crowd sir"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

Perched atop the gate, unnoticed among the statues, Qrurr, briefly unwraps the leather straps from his lower legs. He glances at the brilliant inscribed metal bracer on his left ankle and blinks rapidly wondering if he made the right decision. He quickly re-wraps before unfolding his brilliant red flight wings and swooping into the fray 30 feet from Captain Zodge. He casually slashes the throats of a few would-be-assailants on the way.

Struggling with human language he regretfully says, "I am Qrurr. What are your orders?"

At the arrival of the bird man amongst their number slaughtering civilians a panic arises and the throng pushes in on the guard more frantically.

"Archers aim for that thing and bring it down." Yells the Captain.

OOC: If you would like to use a skill or attribute to assist crowd control or control the situation describe how you attempt to do so, roll a d20 and add either your skill modifier or attribute modifier on how you think that skill or attribute should be applied.

Vigg ducks as the avian swoops down. "Moradin's beard! You don't see that every day!" He secures his cask of ale and uses his shield to press back against the surging crowd. "Before you pincushion that thing, Captain, I think it just reported for duty." He turns his back on the grizzled soldier and begins bellowing as only a drunken dwarf can, "Back to your homes, citizens! The gate is sealed, the guard has turned out, and the birdmen are coming!"

[OoC]: Attack action to attempt a Shove... Athletics check 24 (natural 20-- look out, peasants!). Vigg's Str is opposed by their Str or Dex; they fall prone or get pushed back 5' if he wins. Intimidation check to see if he can thin out the crowd a bit.

21:32, Today: Vigg Hammerhand rolled 24 using 1d20+4 ((20)). Athletics.
21:39, Today: Vigg Hammerhand rolled 18 using 1d20+3 ((15)). Intimidation.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:27, Sat 24 Oct 2020.

At just under 3 ft I’m tall for a rock gnome but how am I supposed to find this Zodge guy when all I see is knees. The mayhem of Basilisk Gate is starting to wear on me when a shield wielding dwarf yelling for the very man I am looking for knocks me over, quickly gathering my tool satchel I fall into his wake. Thankful for the dwarfs help I find myself at the feet of Zodge, he is tall and looks to be very preoccupied. I wait for the opportunity to catch the attention of the captain. Ducking as a winged man swoops overhead, a drop of blood from the beasts claw falls at at my feet.

Attempting to race a volley of arrows before they are unleashed, Qrurr tries to quickly land and navigate through the battle to the Captain to restate that he is awaiting orders.


[OoC] 17:17, Yesterday: Qrurr rolled 10 using 1d20. +3 Dexterity
This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:58, Sat 24 Oct 2020.

The Captain says, "These are civilians we are trying to control them not kill them. A heavy hand is one thing out right death dealing is another. Help control the crowd or I will meet you at the barracks just inside the gate."

Vigg uses he Stout Dwarven body to help the guards push the fleeing civilians into an orderly withdrawal out from the gate.

Fights break out between guards and civilians. You note that the civilians are beaten and robbed when they directly attack the guards.

Soon things calm as those trying to leave the city do so in a more orderly fashion. With his job seen to the Captain signals all of you toward the barracks. "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."

"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."

The Captain says, "These are civilians we are trying to control them not kill them. A heavy hand is one thing out right death dealing is another. Help control the crowd or I will meet you at the barracks just inside the gate."

Vigg uses he Stout Dwarven body to help the guards push the fleeing civilians into an orderly withdrawal out from the gate.

Fights break out between guards and civilians. You note that the civilians are beaten and robbed when they directly attack the guards.

Soon things calm as those trying to leave the city do so in a more orderly fashion. With his job seen to the Captain signals all of you toward the barracks. "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."

"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."

I follow the dwarf and the captain through the crowd struggling to hear and keep up. The Dead Three and it’s disciples sound horrid, wiping them out will be a pleasure, the promise of gold only sweetens the deal. As the noise of the crowd lessen I get the attention of my new comrades, “let’s find Effsong and the spy, I need a beer and some quiet doesn’t sound bad either”

Vigg fixes Captain Zodge with a level gaze. "If the first order of business is making Baldur's Gate safer for its folk, you can count me in... so long as it doesn't include beating and robbing panicked peasants." He frowns and furrows his brow at that. "The followers of the Dead Three won't know what hit them. But you're arresting Hellriders? Wouldn't it make more sense to recruit them? Assuming whatever consumed Elturel may well head this way next, I assume you'd make common cause with them. But what business of mine is it what the Flaming Fist does?"

When Vigg spots the gnome, he claps him on the shoulder. "If it isn't my old friend the Screw-Smith! A finer tinker there never was. Will you help me empty this cask if Captain Zodge isn't up to it? And who else will join this band? There's enough for all to share..." He looks around at the gathering of unlikely allies.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Sun 25 Oct 2020.

“Vigg! You old dog, I didn’t recognize you in all the ruckus” I embrace the dwarf. “I would be happy to help you with the Cask. Let’s get to the tavern and out of this madness”

"I wasn't aware that these...hmm, landborn oafs were worth anything more than carrion for scavengers to bicker over."

*clicks slowly followed by a downward whistling sound, pure black eyes quickly dart to Vigg and Screw*

"I don't care for taverns. I'll follow you."

The Captain says, "Hellriders are religious zealots. We can not recruit the likes of them. Our goals do not align. They do belong in prison."

With that you agree to the Captains Terms and head East from Basilisk Gate to the Elfsong Tavern.

No wise person walks the streets of Baldur's Gate or enters one of its taverns without a weapon or an armed escort. Anyone who has lived in the city for more than a tenday knows this from experience. Taverns might appear safe at a glance, but they are among the most dangerous places in Baldur's Gate—full of alcohol, tempting coin, and unscrupulous people. Volothamp Geddarm, a notorious raconteur known for his tavern reviews, encapsulates his Baldur's Gate experience as "hard on the stomach, especially when someone sticks a knife in there." Customers are expected to look after themselves when fights break out, and one shouldn't expect any help or sympathy from the Flaming Fist. Tavern murders are common, and usually end with the poor victim being dragged away and either left in an alley (to be picked clean by urchins, then eaten by rats) or tossed in the harbor.

From time to time, the disembodied voice of a female elf fills the tavern with a melancholy song, giving the establishment its name. The ballad isn't loud enough to disrupt conversation, but most patrons stop speaking when the elfsong begins, then resume only after it ends. Many customers frequent the tavern in the hopes of hearing it. Those who speak Elvish can understand the lyrics, which lament an unnamed lover lost at sea. No one is sure how the spirit came to haunt the tavern, just as no one can predict when it will sing again. There are dozens of patrons filling the place.

Vigg swaggers into the tavern, orders a meal, and pays a concession to the barman to tap his cask and pour a round. He leaves an extra pint for the manager to sample his brew with the offer of a larger batch, then heads to a table where he can watch the room. He kicks out a stool for the tinker, eyes the door for the dragonborn, and waits to see what kind of scene the birdman will cause. He decides to await the others and to give Tarina a chance to find him on her terms before he starts asking around for her.

Having finished my travels to gain knowledge and understanding of the land, I finally make my way to the tavern looking for some fellowship and adventure. A Dragonborn wizard wearing rune covered black robes, I swing open the door to see what awaits inside...

No one seems to pay attention to the dwarf and the gnome when they enter. But all eyes turn toward the door when three dragonborn and an aarakocra enter the tavern. As the manager samples the brew poured for him by Vigg some of it dribbles out onto his chest and he fumbles out the words, "We don't w-w-w-want any any trouble ok-okay guys."

With a pint in hand and a stool to sit on I breath a slight sigh and catch up with Vig while we wait for our comrade and the spy.