Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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Steve
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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In the time of the first days of The Claw of Sunsets....

A man in garments of blue hue arrives by regularly scheduled caravan to Castle Darkhold. As he departs the carriage, he can be seen to visibly be humbled by the looming architecture of both the castle and its existence within the mountain landscape. He walks about, carefully, observing. There were observable moments that his man paid attention to the places in which water traveled or was made available, fresh from mountain spring or well.

It appears he has come to trade, speaking with the merchants at Castle Darkhold, and when the evening falls heavy in the cold mountains, he acquires a seat near the warming campfire, that sits under guard near the facade of the castle itself. He arrived alone, and sits alone...for a time.

Rumor is that he eventually spent time speaking with a Zhentarim officer of rank, at some moment, at that same campfire. The rumor is even heard to be that he spoke with the Dreadlord himself.

Though as the weeks pass, the rumor fades just as quickly as the day or two that the man in blue, was present, there. One can only assume he traded what he wished, and left when the scheduled caravan made its way west.

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thids
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by thids »

The will of a Dreadlord
He ascended the stairs leading to the dimly lit meeting hall, his gaze sweeping over the large meeting table. Three seated figures awaited his arrival, two of them turning to regard the blackguard. Maximillian's lone eye fixed on the third man, sitting in the chair closest to the throne. His chair. He held his glare on the man for half a dozen heartbeats without a word before finally addressing the trespasser.

"I have earned that seat without a single drop of blood."

His lips curled in a rare grin as he continued.

"I wonder how much I will have to spill this time."

The man stood and turned about, facing Maximillian with a grin of his own.

"Ah of course, I wasn't paying attention, I'm sure you have earned it..."

He approached the head of the table, dipping his head to the elf seated on the throne. He planted his heavy plated frame atop the wooden chair, his gaze fixed on the man looking for a new seat. The elf observed the exchange with amusement.

"Those closest to the throne must be earned. It is tradition. Even I have had to scrape and claw my way."

Selengil turned his attention to Maximillian, motioning him to stand up.

"Consequently... Arise Maximillian."

As he stood to face the elf, a hint of uncertainty showed on his face. He was nervous. Selengil smiled at Maximillian, seeming to enjoy his confusion as he leaned back in his throne, steepling his fingers.

"As you well know it is within my power to determine your fate...Whether you rise or fall, is solely determined by my whim. With but a whisper I could end you... Yet at the same time I could ensure that the accolades of ages fall upon you."

The elf spoke in a passive tone, all emotion lost on his voice. Maximillian held his eye on Selengil with uncertainty as his head dipped.

"It is within your power to do so, my lord."

He replied calmly, masking the nervous sensation overtaking him.

"You have shown much initiative in aiding our efforts. And you have even risen from your base nature of a thuggish brute. You have transformed into a true agent of the Zhentarim. One who thinks... One who acts with cunning first and the blade second. You have also shown many leadership qualities that are vital in these times. So I have decided to name you a master in these halls. As of this moment, your authority is second only to my own."

His lone eye widened in surprise for the briefest of moments, his head dipping low into a bow.

"You honor me, my lord. Your will is a hammer, and I am the iron gauntlet which wields it."
Lord Maximilian Blackthorne - retired
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DM Arrakeen
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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DM Arrakeen wrote:It was getting dark when Zhentilar guards escorted a bare-chested man into the courtyard. They pushed him to the ground and chained him to an iron pole as he kneeled. A small cordon of armored men formed around, leaving enough space, however, for other visitors and residents alike to see what was happening.

A sergeant stepped closer to the chained prisoner, a whip in his hand, his harsh voice interrupted the silence bringing everyone to attention.


"By the orders of Commander Blackthorne and High Marshal Peregost, recruit Dan Cormac is hereby sentenced to 20 lashes and half pay for the next three tendays for allowing outsiders to venture upon our walls."

The half-naked man lowered his head, shaking in the cold, unforgiving wind. Sergeant unfolded the whip. Small metal hooks could be noticed by those close enough.

The recruit didn’t scream at first. Nor after the second or third lash. The fourth, however, broke his will and agonized screams carried across the yard. Bloody streaks marked his back and soon he could barely kneel. Two guards kept him steady till the end.
Ater the punishment was served the barely conscious recruit was carried to the infirmary.

Rumor has it that all this was caused just because a pair of lovers decided to take a romantic walk on the high walls of Darkhold. Later that day the guards are harshly reminded that the Keep is not a park, and they are to keep strangers and visitors of the walls.


///Hat off to Thids for humoring my need to RP something else than kids and playing along with my idea.///
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Darradarljod
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by Darradarljod »

A Thayan agent travelling alone from Baldur's Gate arrives at Darkhold with a missive for the Commander. He is content to leave it with the guards and departs without entering.
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thids
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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Rumors begin to circulate around the Far Hills at first, then throughout the Sunset Vale, that a ranking officer within Darkhold's walls is looking for a crafter of some power. Those inquiring more into the said rumor would find that he is specifically interested in a crafter who can fashion weapons out of rare materials and enchant them appropriately. The specifics regarding the reward seem to change from one source of the rumor to the other, though it is said to be bountiful...
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by Torgerias »

Visitors to Darkhold who happen to awake in the very early morning may have noticed a towering bald-headed priest of Bane making his way through the castle grounds. His black dragonscale armor is freshly oiled and polished, and a censer carved from a human skull belches smoky clouds of incense from its eye sockets as it sways upon a chain gripped in his single mailed fist. He marches through the castle grounds to the Zhentilar compound, chanting the dogma of Bane as he proceeds. Occasional muffled shouts and screams can be heard from outside the private quarters, though what it means, visitors to the castle can only speculate.
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aaron22
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by aaron22 »

A group of six adventurers travel to darkhold and discuss many things in the courtyard. Two of the party members walk up to the main gate and look to seek entrance. After failure and several hours of waiting, one female tiefling writes a note and places it under the large door. The party leaves shortly after exploring much of the keep.
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by Darradarljod »

A formal challenge is issued publicly by writ,

"Be it known that Boris Vyacheslav, Knight-Commander of the Order of the Crimson Guard, on the 11th day of Elesias 1352DR, does defy Maximilian Blackthorne, Commander of the Zhentarim, in answer to damages rendered to his Khazark and threats against his own person, and challenges him to personal combat.

For his victory Boris requires the surrender of Zhentarim assassin and Sword Coast Commercial Exchange Chief Treasurer Wren Di'Corvi to Thayan custody. In the case of his defeat, the bounty of 300,000 bags of gold on Wren Di'Corvi's head will be withdrawn.

The contest is of skill at arms and strength between mortal men. Therefore, no elixirs, no wands, healing, no magics arcane or druidic, or of artifacts, no bardic inspirations, no divine blessings nor invocations of any kind are permitted before or during combat. Combatants may be inspected by a nominated magi from both parties before the duel for mutual assurance.

As is right and fitting, the fate of the defeated is determined at the mercy of the victor.

Venue to be arranged privately.

Commander Blackthorne has seven days to answer this challenge."
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thids
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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Darradarljod wrote:
Battle at Darkhold
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Darkhold, 29th Eliseas, 1352DR -
Knight-Commander Boris Vyacheslav arrives at Darkhold, in company of Magus Seteneptra Ma'u Vyacheslav and Khazark Kahanak Habdilof, to contend with Maximilian Blackthorne in single combat
Sparks spluttered as the tip of the Thayan Knight's sword dragged along the base of the statue, scarring it to announce his presence. The grating noise not unlike nails shredding themselves against a blackboard. A visitor sharing the platform skirted out of the way, giving clearance to the three far eastern foreigners who now occupied the ascent to the main doors of the keep. A keep that was fitting for such an occasion, as an arena of many conflicts and powers over the years since it was built by the hands of giants.

The Commander Blackthorne turned to greet the intruders. He met his rival with a long stare. Little enough was allowed in exchange of words - what there was, it was concise, and toward the purpose of the visit.

The Vyacheslav aurochs descended the stairs slowly, and on reaching the flat, gave a wide berth to the one-eyed warrior. He took a place with his back to the keep gates and stood patiently, breath misting like a warhorse on the field of battle. The half-elf, Wren Di'Corvi, who clung to Maximilian's arm was dismissed with a bark of command from the Zhentarim Commander - the courtyard was cleared for the combatants.

Boris waited while a horse drew near to Maximilian. A saber was drawn from scabbard fixed to the saddle. A slap on the hind and the beast fled. A trembling young boy delivered a shield and lingered long enough to arm the graying veteran with it.
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Commander Maximilian Blackthorne of the Zhentarim of Darkhold and Knight-Commander Boris Vyacheslav of the Order of the Crimson Guard arm themselves for combat
From this distance, Boris could see the Banite's lips moved in prayer, petitioning and invoking the name of the Black Hand for power. Kohl-lined eyes glared from the pits of his visor. A vial was discretely quaffed by the Thayvian in response - a substance so potently magical that it seemed to expand the moment to include the future, by premonition.

The saber in the hand of the Zhentarim captain lift, signalling his readiness. The Knight-Commander of the Crimson Guard answered by touching the flat of his own blade to the brow of his helmet in salute.

Maximilian, taking the aggression of initiative, charged the gap between the warriors in grim silence. Boris, equally silent, braced himself for the oncoming destroyer. His longsword whipped up into an overhead guard and he glared over the tower shield he had set to rest on his left thigh, leaning back with it like a man in a saddle.

Thus rushed upon, melee commenced with a blurring feint from Blackthorne. Thereafter, mighty buffets of his commander's saber pounded on the heavily armored Thayan. The Mulanese imperialist returned what he may in overhead strokes of his blade, and timely punching of his shield.

Vyacheslav snarled as the smaller man took an opening to belt his knee with the edge of his blade - and all of his might. Though Boris saw it coming by premonition, it did not seem avoidable. So fierce was the blow that it caused the giant to falter and strength fled from his leg. He found himself kneeling involuntary, so raised his shield to try and protect himself.

Brought thus low, terrible buffets rained down on the Knight's shield, and then helmet until his eyes saw stars. A strong uppercut of Maximilian's scimitar cracked his jaw and threw Boris on his back. As clumsy as a pregnant yak for his great mass, Boris barely managed to roll out of the way of what may have been a fatal chop of the rivals sword, sparks exploding as the weapon clashed with the stone where the Thayan's head had lay.

Maximilian wasted no time on taking a second overhead swing, but Boris caught it, just in time, on his own sword. The keen edges of their weapons locked. The unholy power of Bane seemed to creep through the steel and into Boris' arm to numbing effect. Palpable dread bled from the blackguard of the Black Hand in this moment of tense contest, as if the powers of hell raged through him.

With the augmented strength of a transmuted body and the visceral rage of a Surthayan soldier, the Thayan warrior determinedly heaved himself upright from where he knelt under Maximilian. Black sabotons stole footing. Powerful legs braced, then strained for him to rise. Their weapons remained locked tight during the ascent of Boris. Muscular arms trembled, flushing throughout with blood and heat and fatigue. The warriors snarled like black wolves face to face, until Boris' had reclaimed his height advantage. At that moment, with a sudden cry of wrath, the Thayan took control of the locked blades to turn them in a great arc, which forced the saber out of Maximilian's hand and put the smaller man off balance.

Disarmed, the sword flung it into the air. The flat of the blade caught the light of the late sun in a flash of red hot gold as it spun tip over pommel. It clattered to the ground less than a stone's throw away and slid, spinning, to a halt.

Left unarmed, Maximilian stepped back from Boris' aggressive advance and, while yet in reach, vanished before Boris' furious eyes. The bull of a man breathed heavily, glaring every which way he may - but Maximilian was gone.

By the time Boris had looked to where Maximilian's blade had fallen, and had noticed it was gone, he felt it enter his back. The cold steel in his warm flesh was sobering - the blow had bypassed his platemail and broken the chain underlay to pierce him. Wounded bloodily, the Thayan turned and flung his shield like an opening door to slam the assailant. No sooner had they engaged again than the smaller warrior had vanished once more. Boris roared for melee, staggering a short way before the clash of the saber fell again across his back like the rod on the back of a slave. The giant staggered again from the blow, caught flat-footed.

He turned in time to engage the warrior again, clashing only a moment before the Commander again disappeared.

From the vantage of the platform where the Magi stood it might have seemed as though they were watching a hawk circling and swooping on its prey. Again and again, the Zhentarim veteran swooped on the Thayan Knight, hitting and running before the larger of the warriors could easily respond.

Before long, Boris was so fiercely beaten down that when Maximilian appeared, he could barely lift his shield. A final crack of the saber across the back of the knees brought the goliath down on all fours like a dog. The Zhentarim commander paced around to the front of the knight as venomous bickering and banter began to explode noisily from the increasing audience.

Subdued, Boris Vyacheslav awaited a death blow. When it tarried, and Maxmilian's shield was cast to the ground, Boris began to rise. He disarmed himself. Removing his damaged helmet, it looked as though his tattooed skull had been beaten in with a hammer. Syrup brown eyes, blooded in their whites, glared from broken eye-sockets on the victor. Maximilian, only lightly injured in the fighting, easily regained his breath. He entertained parley with Boris for a time before the pair parted ways on live, as near to amicably as rivals may achieve.

While Wren Di'Corvi approached Maximilian, the Knight-Commander staggered to the foot of the stairs where Khazark Kahanak Habdilof stood by Boris' wife, Seteneptra. He knelt himself down painfully before them and lowered his shaven head to bare his bull-neck. In his trembling, weak hands he offered up his sword to Kahanak to end his shame. The Khazark simply looked on the knight, then walked away. Seteneptra tarried behind for her husband, assisting Boris on his return to Soubar from where the pair teleported to the security of the Baldur's Gate Enclave, and Boris began the slow recovery of body and pride.
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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Rumor has it that the visitor's tower has acquired a mysterious new tenant of late. The eccentric gentleman, it is said, takes his courtyard walks only during night time and only under the supervision of two thuggish guards. He is speculated to be the scholarly type, as fresh books and manuscripts are ferried to his lodgings every day of his weekly stay within the keep. No one seems to know his name or how he came to be in this precarious position in the first place. The servants however, will likely tell you that he prefers his meals cold and his beverages hot; what an enigma.
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by MedalOfValor »

Ebon Blade Daily - Visiting Darkhold

El and Xelious could have been seen hopping off a wagon at Darkhold's courtyard. They were processed by the guards rather quickly given that it wasn't Mercs first visit regarding the negotiations of Guard Contract which had started two tendays ago. The two continued onwards to meet with Herald of Darkhold, Captain Wren Di'Corvi.
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Lieutenant and Recruit were politely received by Captain Di'Corvi and negotiations commenced in a pleasant atmosphere over coffee. Fortunately, this time there was nothing more that needed to be reworded in the contract and both parties signed it.
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Litoff wrote:
GENERAL SERVICE AGREEMENT

THIS GENERAL SERVICE AGREEMENT (“The Agreement”) dated this 29 of Hammer, 1353

BETWEEN:

Herald of Darkhold, Captain Wren Di’Corvi (“The Client”)

AND:

Ebon Blade Mercenary Company (“The Contractor”)


BACKGROUNG

A: The Client is of the opinion that the Contractor has the necessary qualifications, experience, and abilities to provide services to the Client.
B: The Contractor is agreeable to providing such services to the Client on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.

IN CONSIDERATION OF the matters described above and of the mutual benefits and obligations set forth in this Agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Client and the Contractor agree as follow:


Service provided

1. The Contractor hereby agrees to provide the Client’s with the services of a Personal Guard, consisting of:
A. Accompany the Client whenever required by the Client, under the condition that no priorities related to the Contractor’s business would take precedence.
B. Should the chosen representative of the Contractor party be unavailable, the Client may choose, under the Captain’s supervision, another agent to fulfill the duty.
C. Attend meetings with the Client as needed.
D. Provide the Client with an escort.

*The position of Personal Guard entitles the Contractor to take any actions required to ensure the protection and well-being of the Client's "Life and Goods". The Contractor may bear arms to prevent any form of threats to the Client, including and not limited to putting the life of the Client before his, and must do so, as per the terms of the Agreement.*


Terms of agreement

2. It has been the common understanding that a chosen representative of the Contractor party is to act as the Prime Agent for the agreement. In the present case, El, Lieutenant of the Ebon Blade, is appointed as such representative.
3. The terms of this Agreement (“The Terms”) will begin on the date of this Agreement and will remain in full force and effect until it is requested otherwise, either by the Client’s will, or the Contractor’s request, following understanding.
4. In the event that either Party wishes to terminate this Agreement, that Party will be required to provide 10 days’ written notice to the other Party.


Compensation

For the services rendered by the Contractor as required by this Agreement, the Client will provide compensation (“The Compensation”) to the Contractor of a fixed amount of one thousand five hundred (1,500) gold coins, per request of services. Of this sum, thirty (30) percent (450 gold coins) belongs to the Ebon Blade company, while seventy (70) percent (1050 gold coins) belongs to the dispatched representative. Additional fees will be applied according to overtime and extra duties.


Confidentiality

5. The Contractor agrees that they will not disclose, divulge, reveal, report or use, for any purpose, any Information which the Contractor has obtained, except otherwise authorized by the Client.


Modification of Agreement

6. Any Amendments or modifications of this Agreement or additional obligation assumed by either Party in connection with this Agreement will be notified and agreed upon by both Party.



IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly affixed their signatures under hand and seal on this 29 of Hammer, 1353


____________Wren Di'Corvi____________
(Client)

____________Lieutenant El____________
(Contractor)

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(((OOC Disclaimer: All the information here can be considered IC-obtainable except for word-for-word contents of the contract (unless you think your PC would have access to such). I just wanted to show off Litoff's dedication to this RP. Wax seal provided by Herisheft.
Maeve - The Water Witch ------ Journal --- Main. Temporarily back.
El - The Sum of Ex-selves ------ JournalBio --- Semi-retired Alt. MIA again.

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TarnishedSoul
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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A sealed missive addressed to "Dreadlord Selengil Harkonis" arrives for him at Darkhold.
The point of origin shows as "Office of the Guide, Candlekeep."
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

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A sealed missive addressed to "Dreadlord Selengil Harkonis" arrives for him at Darkhold.
The point of origin shows as "Office of the Guide, Candlekeep."
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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by Tsidkenu »

A shipment of darksteel ore arrived in Darkhold today under the command of one Lord Ander Hornraven of Luskan, a merchant who wished to try his luck bartering with Darkhold's armour and weapon smiths. It arrived under guard of a dwarf and a Helmite mercenary. How much he got for it, if indeed anything, would depend upon their reception in Darkhold itself.

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Re: Rumors & RP of Darkhold

Unread post by Necromantis »

As is common, news from Darkhold and the Zhentarim is scarce, if it comes at all. The dawn of a new year begs the question what the Coast will see from this direction, as bitterness and doubt still linger over the trade treaty made the previous year. Yet none can truly deny such things have been profitable and relatively quiet. Perhaps too quiet?

The roads have been guarded by watchful eyes, yet no incident of significance has yet occurred. Caravans have traded peacefully with the Gate under scrutinous eyes, and departed without much of a fuss. A new reality for Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim? Or a fate not meant to be lasting? Few can truly tell...
Yeah no, this place isn't worth it. I gave it one last shot, thanks to Wolfshear, but the Team Good bias is too strong. Enjoy the plot armor, the always winning, and roleplaying in a predictable world where char. development is nonexistant.

Enjoy playing basically Stardew Valley in NWN2, I guess.
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