Chapter II: Stopped at the Gate

Gregorotto · April 3

⛧ Round III ⛧

As Hravin fires off his bolt, Qan-Di bites her tongue as she scoffs. Then, she gives in. "Well, you could not do that, for one."

The conclusion comes swiftly enough. Io's eldritch blast catches the woman square in the chest, causing her to scream before flinging her through a shop window and to the ground. The leader's eyes go wide in fear for her, and for himself, and his own cry begins to come before Keryn stops it with his booming blade. Before the cultist can flee, however, several magical missiles appear from behind Keryn and slam into the cultist like three punches, sending him sprawling on the ground, where his head hits with a crack that leaves little to the imagination.

Gwen, for her part, knocks the entangled cultist unconscious. The crowd still watching, those who haven't run, standing around murmuring as a voice comes clear from elsewhere. "Make way, the Fist is on the scene!"

Rivalen claps Gaerzil on the shoulder. "Well done my boy, though it could use some finesse and crowd-pleasing. Let them know they should be rooting for you."

The Flaming Fist arrives soon thereafter, led by an over the hill dwarf who wears a simple black armband on his left arm, as do his compatriots; the group recalls a few such Fists in the Basilisk Gate with such armbands, but not everyone. "Well well, you're the lot Falburn mentioned I should be on the lookout for. Benn Hithlin. Looks like you got into some trouble; got an explanation for me?"

Rivalen looks to Gaerzil, as Qan-di looks to Hravin. Well?

Out of Character

Feel free to search bodies; this is mostly for roleplay; after my next post we'll do some fast forwarding and move into the second and final part of Part 1.

Kamishiro_Rin · April 5

Iolanthe ‘Io’ Xanthe

Level 1 Half-Elf Entertainer Lore Bard

AC: 13 (Dex 2 + Leather 11); HP: 9/9 (1d8 + 1); Speed: 30 ft.

Proficiency Bonus: +2

STR: 8 (–1); DEX: 14 (+2); CON:save (+1) 12 (+1); INT: 14 (+2); WIS: 12 (+1); CHA: 17 (+3)

Bardic Inspiration (d6): 1/3

Spell Save DC: 13; Spell Attack: +5; Cantrips Known (4); Spells Known (4 + 1)

Spell Slots: 1st2/2; 2nd—; 3rd—; 4th—; 5th—; 6th—; 7th—; 8th—; 9th—

Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11, passive Insight 13, passive Investigation 12; Tools: disguise kit, guitar, violin, lute, her own voice; Armor: light armor; Weapons: simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords; Languages: Common, Elven, Dwarven; Size: Medium; Age: 23; Height: 5′–3″ (159 cm); Weight: 106 lb. (48.18 kg); Hair: Blonde; Eyes: Lavender

IC (‘My thoughts . . .’; “My words . . .”; My actions . . .)

With the fight over, Iolanthe begins moving from body to body, searching each thoroughly for clues, evidence, and coin. She is, after all, a bard, and bards are somewhat rogue-adjacent—even if she does work for a very lawful organization. They’re dead, anyway, so it’s not like she’s stealing from them . . .

When the Fist arrives on the scene, she reports the events to the best of her memory, and presents any clues or evidence she found on the bodies.

OOC

Movement: —

Action: Searching bodies

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: —

Interact-with-Object: Or would this be for searching bodies?

(To Whom It May Concern . . .)

—

Edited April 5 by Kamishiro_Rin (see edit history)

PureChance · April 5

Keryn Donnathlascen

Moon Elf Rogue

AC: 14 (Leather) | HP: 3/24 () | HD: 3/3 | Speed: 30 ft. | Initiative: +5 (Dex&Cha)
Senses: Passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 10. Darkvision 60ft.
Str: 10 (+0) | Dex: 17 (+3) | ConSave: +2: 14 (+2) | Int: 10 (+0) | Wis: 10 (+0) | Cha: 14 (+2)
Languages: Common, Elven, Chondathan, Illuskan, Draconic, Thieves' Cant

Keryn breathes a sigh of relief as Gaerzil's magical darts strike the cultist unerringly, the man faltering and stumbling into the web of arcane energy Keryn had erected before slamming into the cobbled street, his eyes glazed over. Keryn didn't think he could take another hit. He leans over a tears a strip of cloth from the fallen fanatic's robes to first clean his rapier and then staunch the bleeding at his shoulder, casting a quick eye over the fellow for any obvious livery.

He then limps back through the gathering crowd to greet the Sergeant. He hopes this violence won't play poorly in front of the Flame for their caravan, but is politically aware enough to know it will. The city doesn't care for trouble, be it they who start it or they whom it finds the end result is the same - we'd rather it happen elsewhere. Best nip that in the bud however he could. "Keryn Donnathlascen, Courtier" he introduces himself with a hiss - talking proving more sore than he'd anticipated now the adrenaline was fading. "We were on business for Flame Daryn Falburn," - nothing wrong with a little name dropping even if it was stretching the truth - "when these cultists sprung from the crowd, presumably in an attempt to spread chaos and undermine our fine city's noble humanitarian projects aiding those displaced from Elturgard." He tried his best at a winning smile that came out more of a grimace. That nicely positioned them as both important residents and innocent victims of circumstance, as well as primed the guardsmen to take a pro refugee position rather than align themselves with cultists. At least, it was the best he could do in as few words as possible. The guard doesn't look entirely convinced. Well, if more is needed someone else will need to step up. He leans against a nearby wagon with unmasked relief, and should anyone go to mention the name Vollis is ready to do his level best to silence them with a glare.

OOC

Action: -

Bonus Action: -

Movement: -

Reaction: Absorb Elements if triggered

Object Interaction: -

Actions & Resources

Actions:

Rapier . Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage.

Booming Blade . Melee Weapon Attack: +1d8 Thunder damage if creature moves.

Dagger [2] . Thrown/Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 1d4 + 3 piercing damage.

Shortbow . Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 3 piercing damage.

Bonus Actions:

Cunning Action . Your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

Steady Aim . You give yourself advantage on your next attack roll on the current turn. You can use this bonus action only if you haven't moved during this turn, and after you use the bonus action, your speed is 0 until the end of the current turn.

Reactions:

Absorb Elements 1/1

Class Features:

Sneak Attack . Once per turn, you can deal an extra [2d6] damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll. [You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack; ... you are within 5 feet of it, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll]

Fancy Footwork . During your turn, if you make a melee attack against a creature, that creature can't make opportunity attacks against you for the rest of your turn.

Edited April 5 by PureChance (see edit history)

dwargstof · April 6

Name: Hravin Snaefoss | Race/Class: Human Cleric 2 | HP: 21/21 AC: 14 PP: 13 SS: 0/3

Hravin drew his mouth tight and exhaled hard through his nose. His flimsy mastery of the lighter side of the arcane had dwindled and that last attempt was a waste of an effort. Still, he was no worse for wear...

Keryn, on the other hand, was not looking well. Hravin rushed to the Elf, offering some small strips of cloth to help staunch the bleeding, should he need them. "Apologies, Keryn," he began, "the excitement of the chase got the best of me. My energies should have been focused on aiding you. Rest assured, this is a lesson to me." Waiting a beat after his apology for his tactical mistake, he called Qan-Di over. "Qan-Di! Have you any tonics or herbs to assist my friend, here?" She did tend to have an assortment of medical odds and ends, but whether or not she brought them on this particular summon was only a guess.

As Keryn offered his explination to Benn Hithlin, Hravin turned to Qan-Di. "As you know, Elturel has been swalled into abyss. My brother was working in the city as an arcane architect where I was planning to visit him. I was...out of options. Candlekeep is no longer a welcome place for me, and it is getting harder to find steady income, this damnable economy! I thought that I would visit with him, extend the olive branch as it were and perhaps get back on my feet with his assistance. It seems like so long ago that I was jarred from sleep in a roadside inn that was being attacked by netherlings when this group arrived to fight them off. Since then, it seems to have been a never-ending string of run-ins with cultists, wicked things bursting forth from the flesh of the living and ridiculously aggressive wasps." He rubbed his left cheek that still had some sore spots. "And like the wasps, it seems we have attracted some unwanted attention."

OOC

Hravin tries to convince Qan-Di to help Keryn with some o' that sweet sweet HP, if she can, while also explaining his involvement in the situtation up to this point.

Action:

Bonus:

Movement:

mildly_competent · April 6

Mishka Strakeln (Dwarven Artificer 1)

HP: 10/10 | AC: 14 | Passive Perception: 13
Active Effects: NA

Spells and Expendables

Expendable	Used	Total	Recharge
Magical Tinkering	0	3	NA
Comprehend Languages (no spell slot used)	0	1	Long Rest
Entangle (no spell slot used)	1	1	Long Rest
Spell Slots Lvl 1	0	2	Long Rest

Prepared Spells:

Level 1: Absorb Elements, Cure Wounds, Tasha's Caustic Brew, Comprehend Languages*, Entangle*.

*Do not count against prepared spells, as they are granted by my Rune Shaper feat.

While Misty takes no joy in the death of others, she wasn't particularly looking forward to running for any extended length of time in her armor. Misty pretends that she does not see Io looting the bodies of the fallen as she heads over to the gnome's tent apologetically. "I am sorry for de hammer-- was trying to save a friend. Friend could tek care of himself, is seems." She attempts to retrieve the hammer without much further social conflict.

The Fist had arrived, and it would need to be dealt with. Misty sighs openly, but is glad to see that Keryn is handling the issue. Hravin has noticed the elf's pallor from loss of blood (or perhaps Keryn was always that pale), and she moves toward the group to help. Assuming that Qan-Di did not have sufficient herbs to heal the elf, she says, "Eef you need more, I can provide some help. But eef we ken conserve resources, it seems dat today may yet bring unwanted surprises." Seeing the Fist, and the fact that others are offering their explanations, Misty shrugs and offers her own. "I em a smith, and my boss told me to help dem with deir task. We were on our way to process de refugees at de gates. Much recordink to do."

OOC

Happy to burn a 1st level spell slot if Keryn would like some healing here, but didn't want to burn it unless it's wanted / needed. :) If you'd like it, just let me know, and you can roll the dice for it. 1d8+3.

PureChance · April 6

Keryn Donnathlascen

Moon Elf Rogue

AC: 14 (Leather) | HP: 3/24 () | HD: 3/3 | Speed: 30 ft. | Initiative: +5 (Dex&Cha)
Senses: Passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 10. Darkvision 60ft.
Str: 10 (+0) | Dex: 17 (+3) | ConSave: +2: 14 (+2) | Int: 10 (+0) | Wis: 10 (+0) | Cha: 14 (+2)
Languages: Common, Elven, Chondathan, Illuskan, Draconic, Thieves' Cant

Keryn nods in response to Hravin's apology and offer-by-proxy, unwilling to spare more words than necessary. "The dark colours hide blood well, by design," he mutters "for duels I wear white, of course, but for battle blue." It occurs to some that he arrived in blue.

The strips of cloth he receives with a nod of thanks, indicating them laid upon the wagon he had commandeered as his resting post. When his fellow Cloak, Mishka he recalls, offers aid, he peels back the cloth to take a second look. "Between the cloth and the herbs," he nods towards Qan-Di, "I should be alright if I've some time to bind the wounds. If the Fists need us immediately however I would be grateful. Others may have greater need." He does, however, gratefully accept any help in binding the wounds from both the unknown Qan-Di and Mishka.

OOC

Action: -

Bonus Action: -

Movement: -

Reaction: Absorb Elements if triggered

Object Interaction: -

Actions & Resources

Actions:

Rapier . Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage.

Booming Blade . Melee Weapon Attack: +1d8 Thunder damage if creature moves.

Dagger [2] . Thrown/Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 1d4 + 3 piercing damage.

Shortbow . Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 3 piercing damage.

Bonus Actions:

Cunning Action . Your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

Steady Aim . You give yourself advantage on your next attack roll on the current turn. You can use this bonus action only if you haven't moved during this turn, and after you use the bonus action, your speed is 0 until the end of the current turn.

Reactions:

Absorb Elements 1/1

Class Features:

Sneak Attack . Once per turn, you can deal an extra [2d6] damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll. [You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack; ... you are within 5 feet of it, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll]

Fancy Footwork . During your turn, if you make a melee attack against a creature, that creature can't make opportunity attacks against you for the rest of your turn.

Gregorotto · April 6

Hithlin listens to the explanation given him, eyeing the lithe elf Io as she moves through each body, searching them. She finds relatively little, save on each of them a holy symbol of Zariel—a flaming obsidian hammer—except for the leader. There she finds one additional thing.

"Figures. Made a right mess of the place, and you did your best to contain it, given all... this." He indicates the ruined stalls, broken goods, and general mess made by the entangle spell and blood stained stalls. "No matter. I'll lead you from here and to the Outer City, and you'll be allowed back in by morn. We'll clean up the mess from here and take statements. Your work here is, thankfully done." He pauses as Io makes it to the leader, blood actively leaking from the crack in his skull; the lights are not yet gone from his eyes. He steps to Io. "Grant Yoreling. Thought he was the leader of a local gang; a cultist, huh? Figures. Oh well. Once you're done playing carrion, let's get gone, little miss." She is taller than he is. None the less, before she is about to give up the hunt, she finds in his vest a bottle, the typical blue of a healing potion within.

Qan-Di is all smiles when she listens to Hravin's tale and comes to Keryn, looking him in the eyes; he sees only stars, in a way utterly atypical of elves he has met, be they sun, moon, eladrin, shadar-kai, wild elves, or even drow. "You Realmspace elves are all so needy. So this is one of your buddies, huh Hravin? Particular about your clothes. You'd fit right in with those ragamuffins on Braal." She nods along as she produces a few vials and begins applying them to wounds, not minding the fact the dwarf wanted to lead them onward. "I let you loose for just a moment, Hrav, and this is what you get up to? At least you've met some interesting sorts. This elf, that tiefling, that dwarf over there with the funny accent. There, good as new, Mr. 'Blue absorbs Blood.' Now let's not let the Flaming Fist get any flamier."

The whole time, the halfling accountant seemed terrified of the whole ordeal, and seems to reconsider his position. Still, he follows out the Basilisk Gate, where Hithlin leaves them, as the group rejoins the caravan. Vasha awaits them.

"They sent a guard to tell us what you were doing, we've done our best to get everyone in working order. Silvia wandered off, and convinced Grug and that dragonborn to go with her. So we're to be exposed to tests, to document our lives and such? Ippon has already blown up a storm about it, but I think everyone will comply. If they won't Dara will convince them. Or you lot will." And she's right: everyone submits, even surly Ippon, even Wellum and his pride, even Pal and his morbid humor. Every name is documented, every body checked, every bit of material accounted for. What diseases there are can be handled with magic and medicine; what feelings are hurt can be nursed with time.

Given the orders they were given, it becomes increasingly clear that finding them jobs and housing will be difficult.

Rivalen offers Hastrine and Ippon jobs, the latter refusing because she is more than a mere "shopkeeper's assistant." Pal takes the position, while Vasha is happy to join to work at a tavern, befitting her background. Wellum and Gordrick are willing to work as smiths even if it's not together, but there don't appear to be any willing to take them on for whatever reason; perhaps if they had more time. Finding them shelter is another thing entirely.

They'll have to see how tomorrow goes, as the moon rises and night stretches on.

11 Tarkash, Year of Three Ships Sailing, 1492 DR
Stonyeyes District, Outer City,
Baldur's Gate, Sword Coast

It is not dawn when the Flaming Fist comes for them.

"We seek the associates of the Lords' Alliance. Flame Falburn would like a word. Just you: your assistants can stay and continue your work." These are the same black-banded guards, but this time without the dwarf Hithlin. They lead them onward, through the quiet streets of Baldur's Gate and into the Basilisk Gate's guard rooms. The hustle and bustle of the Flaming Fist and the City Watch indicates that, to the keen of mind, something is going on.

They are led to the same room as the day before, where Flame Falburn, sweat on her brow, reads a letter, stained dark red-brown with a handprint that is not hers.

"Hope you got some rest. I'm sure you did your best, but it was not quite enough. A valiant effort, applaudable even in the worst of circumstances. But things get worse and deals change." She places the note down.

"Who is Segren Hall?"

Kamishiro_Rin · April 7

Iolanthe ‘Io’ Xanthe

Level 1 Half-Elf Entertainer Lore Bard

AC: 13 (Dex 2 + Leather 11); HP: 9/9 (1d8 + 1); Speed: 30 ft.

Proficiency Bonus: +2

STR: 8 (–1); DEX: 14 (+2); CON:save (+1) 12 (+1); INT: 14 (+2); WIS: 12 (+1); CHA: 17 (+3)

Bardic Inspiration (d6): 1/3

Spell Save DC: 13; Spell Attack: +5; Cantrips Known (4); Spells Known (4 + 1)

Spell Slots: 1st2/2; 2nd—; 3rd—; 4th—; 5th—; 6th—; 7th—; 8th—; 9th—

Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11, passive Insight 13, passive Investigation 12; Tools: disguise kit, guitar, violin, lute, her own voice; Armor: light armor; Weapons: simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords; Languages: Common, Elven, Dwarven; Size: Medium; Age: 23; Height: 5′–3″ (159 cm); Weight: 106 lb. (48.18 kg); Hair: Blonde; Eyes: Lavender

IC (‘My thoughts . . .’; “My words . . .”; My actions . . .)

"Figures. Made a right mess of the place, and you did your best to contain it, given all... this." He indicates the ruined stalls, broken goods, and general mess made by the entangle spell and blood stained stalls. "No matter. I'll lead you from here and to the Outer City, and you'll be allowed back in by morn. We'll clean up the mess from here and take statements. Your work here is, thankfully done." He pauses as Io makes it to the leader, blood actively leaking from the crack in his skull; the lights are not yet gone from his eyes. He steps to Io. "Grant Yoreling. Thought he was the leader of a local gang; a cultist, huh? Figures. Oh well. Once you're done playing carrion, let's get gone, little miss." She is taller than he is. None the less, before she is about to give up the hunt, she finds in his vest a bottle, the typical blue of a healing potion within.

“Wait! This one’s still alive!” Iolanthe states, holding a hand up to Hithlin. Gently turning him over, she helps tie up his hands behind his back (or will manacle him if manacles are provided by Hithlin). “Sanaberis!” she incants, holding her hand over his bleeding skull. The fragments of bone knit themselves back together and the blood stops flowing. He’s alive, if barely, but chances are, he’ll have no thanks to give his savior, as he’s about to be arrested.

Once that’s taken care of, she will similarly cast the healing word spell on Keryn after she sees that he’s half-dead. Also, anyone who wants it, she’s happy to prestidigitate you all perfectly clean with however many of those it takes, after using the spell to clean herself up, of course.

11 Tarkash, Year of Three Ships Sailing, 1492 DR

Stonyeyes District, Outer City,
Baldur’s Gate, Sword Coast

“We seek the associates of the Lords’ Alliance. Flame Falburn would like a word. Just you: your assistants can stay and continue your work.”

Iolanthe goes with them, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. How she envied her Father and her pure-elven kith and kin for their ability to trance a mere four hours, rather need the full eight hours of sleep her human side needs—the side she must suffer.

“Hope you got some rest. I’m sure you did your best, but it was not quite enough. A valiant effort, applaudable even in the worst of circumstances. But things get worse and deals change.” Flame Falburn says and places the note down. “Who is Segren Hall?”

Iolanthe looked to her new peers. “’Tis the first I’ve heard the name,” she answers, shrugging her shoulders. She tries to peer over and read the bloody-hand-print-stained note. Iolanthe can probably read the whole note, but she ends up being really obvious about it—or at least, way more obvious than she’d have liked to.

OOC

Movement: —

Action: Applying manacles (if provided), or tying his hands behind his back. Casting the prestidigitation spell on whomever asks for it—and herself, at the very least! / Next Morning: Perception or Investigation check to read the note. Stealth check to do so covertly. For the Perception/Investigation, I will roll straight and you can call it a 22 investigation or a 21 perception roll.

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: Casting the healing word spell on both Grant Yoreling and Keryn.

Interact-with-Object: —

(To Whom It May Concern . . .)

—

Edited April 8 by Kamishiro_Rin (see edit history)

Kavonde · April 8

Gaerzil raises an eyebrow at Rivalen's advice. "Get the crowd on my side? I'm a wizard, not a street performer. If I need the crowd on my side, I'll get them there by displaying power and competence."

He's happy to let Hravin handle the Flaming Fists' questions, and he mostly remains silent as the others return and events resolve themselves. Their victory is complete and there doesn't seem to be any further need for his talents, so he simply observes the proceedings... and helps search the bodies of the slain cultists, just in case they have any coin secreted away.

The next day, they're summoned to the Flaming Fist's barracks at the Basilisk Gate. Gaerzil doesn't do much to hide his annoyance. He doesn't particularly appreciate being lumped in as with the Lords' Alliance, nor does he appreciate being summoned when he could certainly find something more productive to do with his morning. The Artful Dodger pads along behind him, seeming quite amused at his grumpiness.

At the question of who Segren Hall is, Gaerzil shrugs. "The unconscious man? I pulled him out of a burning barn myself. He'd been kicked in the head by a horse and still hasn't roused. I'm no doctor, but I suspect it's unlikely he ever will."

Gregorotto · April 8

As they move through the Basilisk Gate's many rooms, they pass a holding cell: and within are the two men the group spared the day before, including Grant Yoreling, his head in a wrap. As Io passes, he gives her nothing but a contemptuous glare: but the Flaming Fist rushes them past too quickly for anything to pass beyond a look.

Daryn Falburn gives Iolanthe a glance, trying to read her, before moving her gaze to Gaerzil, her eyes narrowing at the mention of him being unconscious and the barn being on fire. "Your manifest, if you please." Once given, she goes over the list, and then sighs. "I had hoped this would be simple, that Segren Hall was the guilty party and part of some larger conspiracy that involved outsiders. That would have been the easy answer, but not the right one, it seems. If Segren Hall is comatose, as you say, then that complicates things. You know what you want: you want your caravan to be safe. I can give that to you, no strings attached. But right now I need something in return.

"Last night, there was a murder in Baldur's Gate. A regular occurrence to be sure, but last night there were extenuating circumstances. The dead man, Markus Hallgate, had a letter in his hand when we found him, addressed to Segren Hall of Elturel. So, this is what I need from you: I need you to solve this mystery for me. My gut tells me it's connected to something larger despite the face value appearance. If you can do this for me, your caravan will be given a warehouse in Brampton, acting as shelter and protection from the rest of the city." She slides the letter across the desk to them.\

"Are those terms agreeable to you? If so, I'll send two Flames to escort you to the crime scene at your leisure."

Out of Character

Feel free to study the letter with a check. Also feel empowered to go back to the caravan and discuss this and/or ask Vasha anything you feel is relevant to the case you've been given. The investigation is up to you now! Unless you say no, then I guess we'll call it here.

PureChance · April 10

Keryn Donnathlascen

Moon Elf Rogue

AC: 14 (Leather) | HP: 24/24 () | HD: 3/3 | Speed: 30 ft. | Initiative: +5 (Dex&Cha)
Senses: Passive Perception 12, Insight 14, Investigation 10. Darkvision 60ft.
Str: 10 (+0) | Dex: 17 (+3) | ConSave: +2: 14 (+2) | Int: 10 (+0) | Wis: 10 (+0) | Cha: 14 (+2)
Languages: Common, Elven, Chondathan, Illuskan, Draconic, Thieves' Cant

Keryn tries his best to place the odd elf, or the odd place she mentions as she binds his wounds. He's not quite sure what to make of her. Eventually he gives up and settles for straightforward honesty. He doubts the monk would hold with those of suspect character. "I'm afraid I don't recognise the name - Realmspace or Brawl," he replies simply in common, watching as she cleans the wound and applies various tinctures. Standing once she has finished, he gives it an experimental stretch, judging it will hold for the moment. Seconds later, he is reinvigorated by Io's magic as well, chasing away the post battle fatigue. Between everyone's aid, he judges he'll make it back to the caravan without needing to strain the temples any further, or press on the Fist's very clearly threadbare hospitality further.

When they arrive back at the caravan he takes Vasha's report in his stride. The loss of competent fighters was a disappointment, but they had agreed to band together to reach the city, and had done so. No further loyalty was owed. He styles down in a quiet place to trance, working through the days events and sorting the relevant parts to memory or oblivion. Several hours before dawn he rises again - this time without screaming, though the city is far from quiet even during Godswake. Dressed in simple white leggings and vest he makes a round through the camp to wake those who had agreed to join him in morning calisthenics. What follows - aside from grumbling - is a fairly punishing regime of stretching and exercise that leaves even Keryn with a thin sheen of sweat. He then excuses himself to wash and change, mentally debating how much silence he can enforce in these workouts.

By the time they are summoned back to Flame Falburn, he is crispy dressed in familiar midnight blue leathers and ultramarine cloak again, seemingly no worse for wear. When the letter is slid across the desk he inspects it carefully. He's not sure there is anything beyond coincidence at play, but for a deal such as Flame Falburn has just offered is willing to trust her gut. Especially after their challenges yesterday. "Very well," he assents, "perhaps Vasha knows of her husband's past in his absence, or of some friends who may. Otherwise do you have details of these other two tragedies he refers to? Or details of any next of kin?" he asks politely. After a moment he adds an afterthought "I don't suppose the scene of the murder was anywhere near yesterday's altercation? Perhaps we can still talk to the ringleader there."

OOC

Action: -

Bonus Action: -

Movement: -

Reaction: Absorb Elements if triggered

Object Interaction: -

Actions & Resources

Actions:

Rapier . Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8 + 3 piercing damage.

Booming Blade . Melee Weapon Attack: +1d8 Thunder damage if creature moves.

Dagger [2] . Thrown/Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 1d4 + 3 piercing damage.

Shortbow . Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6 + 3 piercing damage.

Bonus Actions:

Cunning Action . Your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

Steady Aim . You give yourself advantage on your next attack roll on the current turn. You can use this bonus action only if you haven't moved during this turn, and after you use the bonus action, your speed is 0 until the end of the current turn.

Reactions:

Absorb Elements 1/1

Class Features:

Sneak Attack . Once per turn, you can deal an extra [2d6] damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll. [You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack; ... you are within 5 feet of it, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll]

Fancy Footwork . During your turn, if you make a melee attack against a creature, that creature can't make opportunity attacks against you for the rest of your turn.

Gregorotto · April 13

Qan-Di smiles at Keryn's response. "No, you wouldn't, would you? Some things are better left in the dark." She does not elaborate further, her starry eyes twinkling.

The next day, Keryn's questions do not give Flame Falburn much need to look at him, as she has plenty of paperwork and dark circles under her eyes to boot. "Interrogate Ms. Hall at your leisure, if you think it useful, and it may yet. As for details on Markus Hallgate and what he refers to, I'd have to do some digging. I imagine his next of kin would know: he ran a leather goods shop in Bloomridge. He had a wife, Bolnata Hallgate, who you can find at the Hallgate residence in Heapside. My men will take you there. As for interrogating the cultists you hauled in yesterday, you'd have to take that up with Hithlin. I've given him permission, at his request, to isolate the prisoners. It seems as if we have a mole in our midst and I'm not certain what to make of things. He may not let you, and that's his prerogative. But to your question: the murder took place nowhere near there, but at the edge of Bloomridge and the Upper City. A back alleyway. My associate, Manip Foremantle, will lead you to the crime scene and to both the Hallgate's shop and residence when you're ready."

Vasha's Tale

Should the group pursue the interview with Vasha, they find her freshly awakened, drinking a warm cup of kaeth, two sugars, a bit of milk. She nurses it at their arrival, and smiles. "Heard you were called away early; what gives? Anything we should be worried about?" Once told, she looks grim. "I hate to hear that. I never met Markus but Segren spoke highly of him. He moved from Elturel when Segren was a child, some thirty odd years ago; changed his name to fit in: newcomers to the Gate add -gate to their name to make clear their allegiance, and in those days allegiance to Elturel was seen as negatively as it is in our current predicament. Cut off all contact with Segren for twenty some odd years, and sent him a letter recently regarding his grandfather's farm. I don't know much else beyond that, Segren thought it was odd but welcomed the chance to talk to someone from his childhood. I've seen the farmstead, gorgeous land near the Chionthar." She looks back to the cart where her husband lays, still comatose. "Neither your wizard nor any healers say there's much chance at this point. I'm still making my peace with it. Even if he comes back, he won't be the same." She sighs. "We were talking about having children soon. Before we lost the chance."

Edited April 16 by Gregorotto (see edit history)

mildly_competent · April 14

Mishka Strakeln (Dwarven Artificer 1)

HP: 10/10 | AC: 14 | Passive Perception: 13
Active Effects: NA

Spells and Expendables

Expendable	Used	Total	Recharge
Magical Tinkering	0	3	NA
Comprehend Languages (no spell slot used)	0	1	Long Rest
Entangle (no spell slot used)	0	1	Long Rest
Spell Slots Lvl 1	0	2	Long Rest

Prepared Spells:

Level 1: Absorb Elements, Cure Wounds, Tasha's Caustic Brew, Comprehend Languages*, Entangle*.

*Do not count against prepared spells, as they are granted by my Rune Shaper feat.

Mishka looks the letter over carefully, reading it a few times and paying attention to details like the ink and the handwriting. It strikes Mishka as a bit odd. She's never felt particularly unsafe in Baldur's Gate. Sure, there was violence here in the city, but where wasn't there? What was so particular about this person that he would be murdered?

Falburn's commentary on the victim elicits an unexpected first response from Mishka. "Ledderwerkink or only de finished goods? Ledderworkink is such a stink." Mishka wrinkles her nose for emphasis at the comment. "Meybe motif... But also I am not looking forward to de investigation if it is a ledderwerkink shop. But yes, yes, we should talk to Vasha and meybe de cultists before we go dere, yes?" Despite the fact that the murder was not near the shop at all, perhaps it is still related. It doesn't seem a given, to Misty, that the murder is related to anything going on with the cultists and the devils. Of course, she could be wrong. But not every going-on is related to every other. People hate other people all the time. And sometimes kill. "You think we should spend time on de leader from yesterday? I would guess he would just waste time wit lies and distraction..."

Misty feels a bit out of place in the room with Vasha as others are asking questions. After all, she wasn't there at the farm. Every movement she makes seems to create some rattling of scale mail or ingredients, which seems so disrespectful to the woman's grief. While Mishka feels that it is not particularly likely that she will find anything new, she does take some time to look over Segren a bit. To distract herself if nothing else.

OOC

Investigation on the letter

Medicine looking over Segren

dwargstof · April 14

Name: Hravin Snaefoss | Race/Class: Human Cleric 2 | HP: 21/21 AC: 14 PP: 13 SS: 0/3

They Came From Outer Space:

Hravin watches with interest as Qan-Di reveals information he had assumed she wanted kept a bit quieter, but smiles when she does. As if the group didn't already think Hravin was a bit of a conspiracy kook, he nodded sagely and jumped in the conversation for a moment.

"Braal," he corrected Keryn's pronunciation, elongating the 'a' sounds just barely, "it's...one of many places beyond the sky. I've never been, myself, only read about it a particularly dusty part of the stacks at Candlekeep, but Qan-Di hails from, well, not here, if you catch my meaning. Ahh, perhaps one day we will travel to see it, as I would so love to fish the phlogiston..." Hravin trailed off at the colloquialism that'd he seen once in the same books he mentioned, not knowing what it truly implied, but having some vague idea. Qan-Di shot him a careful glance, indicating he should perhaps keep it to himself, for now. "At any rate, we must survive, uh, all this, first."

It would seem, however, that surviving would require some luck. They have been fortunate enough so far, but what happens when that runs out?

"Qan-Di, as always, if ever I can repay you for your services, you simply name the price or procedure and I will not hesitate."

Always Before The Rooster Crows:

Awoken. Again.

A groggy thought bubbled into Hravin's mind as he pulled himself from his bedroll far too soon. It escaped his lips.

"I do wonder if I will ever get a good night's sleep again without being disturbed by some emergency."

Falburn explained, with a new connection to Segren. He wracked his memory to see if he'd ever heard of Markus Hallgate or the surname "Hallgate" before, but it was a big city and not everyone knew everyone else.

"We do seem to love investigating things, eh? Perhaps we should have a name for our little, ah, detective agency," he says excitedly to the group.

"The note mentions an abandoned name," he pointed out to Falburn and the group, "is 'Hallgate' their original name? Or was it changed? I assume the Fist would have records of such things." Hravin's slight fixation on coded messages and ciphers takes hold yet again, as he scans the words over Mishka's shoulder for any other clues that may start the investigation off on the right foot.

OOC

Hravin questions the mention of the "abandoned name" and tries to assist Misty with examining the letter for clues and codes.

edit: J/K, he only thinks he's looking at the letter!

Action:

Bonus:

Movement:

Kamishiro_Rin · April 15

Iolanthe ‘Io’ Xanthe

Level 1 Half-Elf Entertainer Lore Bard

AC: 13 (Dex 2 + Leather 11); HP: 9/9 (1d8 + 1); Speed: 30 ft.

Proficiency Bonus: +2

STR: 8 (–1); DEX: 14 (+2); CON:save (+1) 12 (+1); INT: 14 (+2); WIS: 12 (+1); CHA: 17 (+3)

Bardic Inspiration (d6): 1/3

Spell Save DC: 13; Spell Attack: +5; Cantrips Known (4); Spells Known (4 + 1)

Spell Slots: 1st2/2; 2nd—; 3rd—; 4th—; 5th—; 6th—; 7th—; 8th—; 9th—

Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11, passive Insight 13, passive Investigation 12; Tools: disguise kit, guitar, violin, lute, her own voice; Armor: light armor; Weapons: simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords; Languages: Common, Elven, Dwarven; Size: Medium; Age: 23; Height: 5′–3″ (159 cm); Weight: 106 lb. (48.18 kg); Hair: Blonde; Eyes: Lavender

IC (‘My thoughts . . .’; “My words . . .”; My actions . . .)

11 Tarkash, Year of Three Ships Sailing, 1492 DR

Stonyeyes District, Outer City,
Baldur’s Gate, Sword Coast

Iolanthe will study the letter as best she can for any clues—though, like Mishka, she wasn’t at the farm, so there’s a lot she’s missing.

“It sounds like a branch of the Halls moved here to the ’Gate and just add it to their name: ‘Hallgate’, if I’m reading this correctly. I guess the very existence of Mrs. Hall points to these names probably not being code names or ciphers.”

“There also doesn’t seem to be anything pointing towards a hidden cipher in this letter—strange capital letters, letters higher or lower than they ought to be in the line; the acrostic looks sufficiently nonsensical—If there is a hidden message, then I’m not seeing it.”

At the crime scene, Iolanthe will look for clues about the murder. Once she’s had a good gander at the scene, she’ll pull out a pad of parchment and a quill.

“Alright, Mrs. Hall,” Iolanthe asks matter-of-factly, “I know you’re grieving, so I don’t want to take up too much of your time, but what can you tell us about Markus Hallgate and the Hallgate family? Did Markus or any other Hallgates contact Segren Hall before . . . well, the incident? What can you tell us about either of their associations with a Zariel cult”—here, she holds up one of the Zariel cultists’ flaming obsidian hammer pendants. “Do you know of anyone that might have wanted Markus Hallgate dead?”

Iolanthe is going to keep a keen eye and ear on Mrs. Hall during her interrogation—regardless of who is asking her questions, to suss out any lies she might tell!

“Hravin, Keryn, Mishka, Gaerzil, Gwen, do any of you have anything you’d like to ask?”

OOC

Movement: —

Action: Investigation on the Letter/Investigate the crime scene/Interrogate Vasha Hall

Bonus Action: —

Reaction: —

Interact-with-Object: —

(To Whom It May Concern . . .)

—

Edited April 15 by Kamishiro_Rin (see edit history)

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
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Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

Chapter II: Stopped at the Gate

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