Lesh considers Tobias' words carefully and surreptitiously watching Tarina. A supplicant of the Dead Three catches his attention. "No I trust her not but the ship must I see." As Tobias finishes up Lesh turns to him and asks, "More I should know about Gideon? About Tarina?"
Can I roll a history or religion (they're both +2 modifier) check on the Cult of the Dead Three in the city of Baldur's Gate? Two Bonus: [1d20+2]=17+2=19
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Sat May 01, 2021 2:26 am
by hedgeknight
"Gideon is a servant of the Dead Three...a very dangerous man. But I think you might have suspected that already. Question is: what was he doing in the Elfsong?" Tobias glances toward Tarina who is talking to Alan. "Tarina is a servant to no one but herself. Most are saying she's hiding out because she created a mutiny on the ship she now wants you to help her get back. Why the burning desire to get on this ship, my friend? Your wounds are still fresh."
Oh, Lesh knows a great deal about the Dead Three!
Bane (the Lord of Tyranny), Bhaal (the Lord of Murder) and Myrkul (the Lord of Bones) make up the Dead Three. While these deities have lost much of their power, their faiths still command respect and fear throughout the city. While open worship of the Dead Three is frowned upon, their worship is not illegal - so long as worship remains within the laws. Every now and then, rumors surface that a powerful political figure is a Bhaalspawn. These claims almost always prove to be smear campaigns with no basis in truth - though, in some cases, such claims have actually raised a figure's standing in the public eye.
Gossip and whispers fill the alleys and often come from the mouths of wealthy patriars and even Guild members. They say the demigods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul walk among mortals, personally seeking followers to their causes. More than once, it's rumored, the trio has even trod the streets of Baldur's Gate.
Bane attracts those who seek power through coercion and intimidation; gang leaders pay homage to Bane. Many favor wearing black gloves - a nod to Bane's holy symbol.
Myrkul claims a following who wish to learn from and command the dead. Tomb plunderers seeking lost knowledge, or those who experiment with undead servants all whisper prayers to Myrkul. His worshippers are fewer in number, but among some of the most powerful in the city.
Bhaal has attracted more and more followers with every rumor of a Bhaalspawn in the city. Few openly admit to worshipping the Lord of Murder, but anyone who benefits from violent death has some respect for Bhaal. Assassination and murder underpin many of the plots in the city, giving creed to the popularity of Bhaal. While the faithful rarely gather in numbers, they typically mark themselves by carving a fresh gouge on their thumbs - spilling their blood in Bhaal's name. Rumors abound of a hidden temple somewhere near the city, perhaps beneath it, perhaps somewhere in the Outer City...who knows!?! The Flaming Fist crack down on them when they can...but even they cannot be everywhere at once.
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Sun May 02, 2021 2:48 am
by Tell
At the mention of Myrkul Lesh emits a angry clicking growling sound and says, "Much Myrkul's involvement could explain. The watcher in the cemetery and the missing souls at the hospital. Yes on the ship I go. Find clues I hope." Lesh sighs "Tobias right is. Even with the favor of Ilmater ready now am I not." He turns directly to Tarina and Alan before asking "Often at the Elfsong you stay? pausing for her or Alan to answer before continuing "What of Gideon and of his boat you know? Weakened am I, allies here have you?"
Lesh is convinced, rightly or wrongly, that important information can be found on that boat. He wants to get that information but Tobias has calmed him down and he is thinking more rationally. He doesn't care if Tarina captains the boat and he, at least, believes she will provide information and safe passage so long as she is paid according.
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 12:01 pm
by hedgeknight
Tell wrote: ↑Sun May 02, 2021 2:48 am He turns directly to Tarina and Alan before asking "Often at the Elfsong you stay? pausing for her or Alan to answer before continuing "What of Gideon and of his boat you know? Weakened am I, allies here have you?"
Alan opens his mouth to reply, but Tarina speaks over him. "Who are you talking about? You mean Lekard 'Dead-Eye'? Lekard and I served together on the Uncivil Serpent...haven't I told you this already? Anyway, we had a...falling out. He thought I caused a mutiny on the ship and then stole a bunch of treasure that belonged to him. Since his soul is rotting in hell right about now, I guess you'll just have to take my word for how things went down." She smiles and takes a drink from her mug. "Now...are you about ready to head to the docks?"
Alan sighs and ignores Tarina. "Gideon is not a man to be messed with, my friend. Best leave him be."
He then heads downstairs.
Tobias nods and continues to "work" on Lesh's wounds. "Good advice, best take it. And here."
He slips a small vial into Lesh's hand. "It is gardenia oil. When sprinkled or thrown on a person, it will lock their muscles, holding them in place. It is short-lived, but may last long enough to aid you. There is only enough for one chance, so make it count."
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Sat May 15, 2021 9:15 pm
by Tell
I had Lekard and Gideon mixed up. I meant to ask Tarina about the pirate captain. Also do I know where Willow lives? If not can I ask Alan?
"Go I will when ready I am. Only midday it is, not waiting for nightfall are you? Sneaky kill crew then in early morning the rest from taverns return. Drunks make easy kills."
I was thinking to approach under the cover of darkness kill the ships crew onboard or on watch one at a time. Then pick off those who had been drinking as they come back to the ship.
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 11:36 am
by hedgeknight
Tell wrote: ↑Sat May 15, 2021 9:15 pmI had Lekard and Gideon mixed up. I meant to ask Tarina about the pirate captain. Also do I know where Willow lives? If not can I ask Alan?
You know where Willow lives, you've been to his place on several occasions. He lives in the Brampton neighborhood, just a block or two from the Harborside Hospital where you stay. See the map on page 1 of this thread. And I'll adjust my reply in the post above; easy fix
"Go I will when ready I am. Only midday it is, not waiting for nightfall are you? Sneaky kill crew then in early morning the rest from taverns return. Drunks make easy kills." Tarina grunts, clearly not liking the answer. "Then while we wait, how about a game of Baldur's Bones? Small wagers of course. No use in letting a little blood spoil a good rainy day of gambling and drinking, eh? C'mon mister lizard...ah...I never got your name. Tobias, who is your friend?"
Tobias rolls his eyes but does not look at the pirate rogue. "His name is Lesh, and you should be more grateful he and his friend were here. Else, it may be you I'd be bandaging up...or hauling out to the burn piles."
The young priest of Ilmater does look at Tarina then and she gives him a glare that would melt butter. He just lifts his chin a bit and glares back. She holds his gaze for a moment or two longer, then bursts out laughing. "Well then, Lesh, join me in a game or three, will you? Please?"
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Sun May 16, 2021 6:58 pm
by Tell
Since his soul is rotting in hell right about now, I guess you'll just have to take my word for how things went down.
Again Lesh makes that gluteal clicking ka-ka-ka sound but it's deeper in pitch and his cold eyes somehow flash colder for just a moment. "Presumption you make, Lord of the Dead and Judge of the Damned I serve. Beyond my ken the dead are not. Still I care not. At sun fall here will I sup. If here you are to the ship we go."
Lesh stands gingerly, stretches slowly, and then moves more a bit more confidently. Turning to Tobias he says, "Again you and He Who Endures I thank." Now including Tarina he says, " For tools I go. Many [people] below can you play and profit you make. Return prepared I shall. Kelemvor for you waits." With this benediction/farewell he bows slightly to her before turning and heading cautiously toward the door. Outside the door he pauses can listens carefully for any words between Tobias (if he doesn't follow) and/or Tarina.
Assuming nothing happens to make him stay he proceeds down the stairs down to the tavern proper.
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Thu May 20, 2021 2:40 am
by hedgeknight
Lesh pauses outside the door and hears Tarina say, "Priest, if your friend doesn't show, I'll find him and make some nice boots outta his hide. Nobody stands me up. You tell him that, okay? You tell him. And while you're at it, tell him I don't give a rat's ass about Kelemvor, the 'Lord' of the dead. If he don't show, he's gonna meet his 'lord' up close and personal."
Lesh hears all of this, standing on the stairs outside the gambling tables in the upper deck of the tavern. But as he decides what to do about it...the tavern is filled with some type of ethereal music and Lesh knows something is about to happen to which he has never been witness in the four years he has been in the city: the elven ghost of Elfsong tavern is about to sing!
Lesh listens to Tarina and tucks the small vial of oil into his belt and continues downstairs. He pauses for Tobias to catch up and just as they reach the tavern proper, some type of ethereal music begins... He stops still and looks around with extreme curiosity. He briefly locks eyes with Alan continues to survey the room.
All fall silent as the elven ghost of Elfsong Tavern begins to sing.
Re: Not Fit For Man Nor Beast!
Posted: Fri May 21, 2021 3:40 pm
by hedgeknight
Alan Alyth (and any other Elf or Half-Elf in the room; including the pair of Drow) are mesmerized by the ghostly aria. Tears stream down their faces, as well as the hardened faces of doughty warriors and "heartless" rogues in the tavern. How could they not! The song tugs at ones soul if it cannot be understood.
The reverie of the "Elfsong" is broken by a man sitting at the bar, who is now standing and pointing at the patrons; patrons who don't look too happy he is intruding on this rare event.
"The banshee sings from her ethereal realm with the voice of an angel. But is it Harmony's requiem you are enraptured with or the pretty lamentations of Melody. Your spirit stirred to bequeath it to hers in unholy Symphony or is Destiny prophecying a redemption to your sinful souls."
The man is disheveled and holds a tri-corn hat in his hands. He has the appearance of a vagabond, a wastrel, and yet...his eyes are alight with a force you have seen many times before.
He has been touched by a being from the outer realms, possibly one of the Great Old Ones. You can't tell if he's sane or bat-shit crazy. This is Spearmint's character by the way. Just in case you wish to...interact
By the gods!)