The Gambit of Naeus Therao

[stevebarracuda]

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Knowledge is power. The Strategian will triumph. Tactics your weapon.
– Chessentan Commander's Proverb

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, a tale begins upon the first page set within a golden-leather covered book...

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 13, 1349
I have arrived here with nothing but this handful of rings and the rapier of the slain first mate. Enchanted rings they be...the little I could escape with. The ensuing chaos after the first deceit left nothing but one choice—grab the map and immediately flee, or pay the final price....

Preparation for the battle had consumed my thoughts, and I was blind to the treachery brewing amongst the divided captains within the armada. I still hear the screams from the deckhands at the fore, when the flesh caught magic fire from the initial volley, as the sea wizards turned first and made the sign, with launched firebrands upon my captain's ship. The sails became firelight dragons in the twilight, and a murderous sea swelled as the Gods laughed at our folly.

I could swear to myself that would be my last endeavor, my last war, my last role as tactician to captain, to General...but it would be a lie hidden within a hollow promise. I am soldier. I am Sailor. I have earned a veterans fortitude; it resides upon my skin. Whether at sea or on land, tis not I that seeks it, but the battle always finds me, sends its herald to my lodging no matter how far from the traveled road it may be. The challenger always stumbles into my path. Always I must take up the defense, enact the offensive, parry my opponent and succeed with a precise strike.

Here, now, I find myself washed upon land called the Sword Coast. Fitting, one could write, for he that studies the way toward perfection of the Mindful Blade. The open port city of Baldur's Gate looks to welcome those unknown into its protective walls. And for this I am grateful. I may rest and plan my next move, under the stability of this vibrant city. To note— It has been many years since I've seen the enflamed fist ranks—I am glad they won't remember me, for my youth has long past, and it was an act of desperation to have earned a mercenaries wage under their banner during that skirmish. Still...I shall be careful around them. It is by Tymora that no persons seem to question the new face, a man in a simple white tunic without banner, a handful of magik rings offered, to fund his restoration...a man looking to make themselves anew.

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, the most recent events are scribed within a golden-leather covered book...

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 17, 1349

I have gained riches. It was far easier than I thought—none questioned the origins of my wares, nor thought it strange that a stranger without license or guild of the jeweler would possess such a horde of rings. It was not my intent to deceive, yet I offered little more than the thing, and waited. It is worthy to note that this region is awash with wealthy adventurers, some that are skilled to appraise, others...they seem lacking the knowledge of the value of a thing and pay as much as necessary to acquire it. I will not complain. I will take the coin, and use it. There is much to do....

Lady Luck not only guided my acquiring of wealth, but showed me the path to empowering my own inventory. I am pleased. The man named Mudd that sells on the behalf of many adventurer was in possession of a spear of great magical enhancement. A powerful crafter must have worked the thing until weaves of arcane power embedded themselves in the wooden veins of the shaft, then mounted a iron blade further blessed. It has been years since I was handed a polearm and directed towards the enemy...and while the spear is not such a thing, it brings back some very violent memories. The spear...it can gain more power with two hands, and I must master the thing. I have applied my insight to the rapier for many years, and it has earned me honor in many a duel. But there is a beauty in extending one's reach, landing a wound at a distance, first, so that the enemy cannot be within reach before a second blow can be forced.

Ah...it seems my recent fascination has taken over my hand and thoughts did seep upon this page without conscious act. There is no harm in a slip in concentration in a quiet moment. This room is quiet...I will rest, and when I awake...a day to put the first piece of my final game, in motion.

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, a letter and locket within a sealed package is dispatched upon the first caravan heading east to the Trader's Road, headed to the Dragon Coast, to Westgate...then further upon sail to Cimbar, capitol of Chessenta.

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 20, 1349

Mariettal,
My dearest sister...rejoice! Your brother lives, and is landed in a new land. By reasoning you are well aware of by now, I must not say where, shall this letter be read by the wrong eyes. I beg forgiveness for hiding the knowledge of my whereabouts—and that I still breath—from you for nearly a year...if you have grieved my death, then praise the gods now, for it is as a deliverance, for it is by their grace I do live.

Do read this clearly, my sister— any treachery labeled upon me and our family name is wrongly accused. The armada was doomed from the start, but my eyes where tuned to the exterior battle to be waged, not the interior war already set in motion between the disparate captains. I kept my word to the last minute, but it was not my ship to sink with, my sister, only my loss should I stay at the General's Table as it burned, like the hull...of the Misty Dragon, and so very many other ships. If Lady Luck continues to guide me, you will be the only one that knows I live still, and the rest think of me as dead under the waves. Let those that war upon the Fallen Stars fight without the son of Amias Therao, for I will put my skills to use here, in my new home.

Oh how I wish for you to be here, alongside me to experience all that I see. But it is time for you, Mariettal, to marry and start a life within another house, with another name. Your beauty is rich enough to give you choice over any suitor...pick the one that sees your inner beauty first, my dearest. If it is not true love, it at least will be that grows with time, for inner beauty never fades.

Soon after my arrival in these new lands, after earning enough coin to place worthwhile items upon my shoulders and lashed to my belt, I was caught by my own image within glass from a shop window. How my face has changed with age...where our blood mixed, we will never know, but that oddity of appearance now grows into my visage. May yours always stay hidden, my sister. I could not resist staring long into the face that stared at me, in the glass. I studied it for as long as it seemed proper upon the lane of the street in this city upon a coast. As was taught to us a young children, I memorized the image and set it to parchment, of which I had encased inside a golden locket, for you, my dear sister.

May it give you comfort in the years to come...for if I achieve what I must in this new land, I will never return to our home...at least in this lifetime.

*signed with a signature*

Your cherished brother,
Naeus

[stevebarracuda]

A man in a red tunic sits inside the Elfsong tavern, at a table, alone. For some time earlier, he stood at the bar, speaking with the tender, watching those that came in, those that stayed for little time, only spoke with the sailor crew, then vanished, hastily.

But when the man sat, at a table, alone, he withdrew a golden-leather covered book, opened to a blank page and began, in an elegant script, writing...then, upon the facing page , with a small form of coal embedded within a long and thin housing of wood, he began working upon an image from his mind's eye...

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 23, 1349

Pieces yet in play...

The selling of the rings did make me a great wealth, one that I will put to use...but it did also provide a moment to observe some of the more skilled adventurers of these lands. The one called Toman did catch my eye, for he was more like me than I believe he was aware of. I could see it in his eyes, his skin...did he see it in my changing visage as well? We will see, as Toman and I did make a gentlemans agreement to provide each other with more fantastic wares befitting each others skill—shall we find the things—and...skills I think he and I share in similarity, beyond our heritage...

It is of great interest to me that those with our blood can walk so freely in this land. The populace seems numb to oddities and differences—this can only mean the society is freer and more accepting than most I've travelled. That could do well for me, when acquiring the pieces...

The pieces...yes, this one Toman could have a place upon the lanceboard. The way he handled himself, it was obvious he has trained and can fight amongst the highest warriors. He will need testing for his will, however, me thinks. But there is time...

(upon the facing page, a likeness of the one called Toman, is drawn)

Later, back at the bar proper, the man in a red tunic was offering to pay for any drinks ordered by the regular patrons....

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, the most recent events are scribed within a golden-leather covered book...

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 26, 1349

After days of visiting the taverns of the Gate, I took it upon my own benefit to expand my knowledge of the region. The maritime system was a clear choice, and I took to learning the routes available to...anyone, it seems. Odd that travel here is so unregulated, but as I must have noted before, this region seems relaxed as to laws, open to acceptances, and commerce rules above all else—and if the most pitiful of a persons has something to sell, they are allowed to do it, anywhere.

It has benefited me greatly, I admit fully. Is to admit fully something to one's self odd?

No matter, it is here I scribe an encounter, so that I may refer upon it at a later time. It was my interest to take to a few days sailing upon the maritime routes, and I ventured south until I saw the famed Candlekeep, high upon the rocks. South from there, was a landing beach, where persons regularly depart. As did I. For I had heard that a hedge wizard had home amongst the wilderness, where great magical items can be acquired. These devices are in dire need, to any that would employ their perceptive skills in battle.

It is not a cheat to be the best, as what you can perform. That, is a code to readily follow.

To the point then! The hedge wizard did attempt to drain my wealth, as it certain of mages of this kind...but there, I found company with, and oddly enough, an Elf warrior, one that, if I be right in my observations, seemed to be of the race of wooded elves. As I say, odd to see one so of such a race so easily within civilization, but no matter. It is obvious this one, calling himself Mendel, was accustomed to the civilized lands of this region. We spoke, us two, and I gathered little from him, directly.

But what I did gather is this one was informed. A high level piece, for certain....

[stevebarracuda]

A man in a red tunic sits inside the Elfsong tavern, at a table, alone. For some time earlier, he stood at the bar, speaking with a man named Rorg, about something or another. Naeus has forgotten...a pity.

But when the man sat, at a table, alone, he withdrew a golden-leather covered book, opened to a blank page and began, in an elegant script, writing...then, upon the facing page , with a small form of coal embedded within a long and thin housing of wood, he began working upon an image from his mind's eye...

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 31, 1349

Pieces yet in play...

There were some trades for the rings, an item that I will put to great use when traveling within this region...but it did also provide a moment to observe some of the more skilled adventurers of these lands. The one called Wino...it is hard to describe this dwarf visually, as the olfactory senses where far assaulted by this one's...habits. Yes, let us say habits...not to mention the impressive use of his pointing finger...

But to discuss habits, I must note here that on sight, this dwarf, while loud mouthed and nearly indecipherable in his use of the common tongue, emanated strength and a warrior's spirit perhaps unmatched. A strong piece, a direct piece...but can this one be moved in the manner needed? Undecided. It might simply be a matter of disarming the dwarf—either by hand or by wit—to earn his respect...then, I imagine, he would fight through a mountain of stone for the right cause. The next ale is on me, dwarf, when next we meet....

(upon the facing page, a likeness of the one called Wino, is drawn)

///I ran out of time on this drawing...maybe I can finish it up later...

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, the most recent events are scribed within a golden-leather covered book...

Baldur's Gate, Hammer 6, 1350

When Lady Luck winks, and the coin lands in your favor, tis best to recognize it, for the Gods do play...

My journal was lost, was lost from foolishness on my own part. Even my regularity at the Elfsong did not prevent hands quicker than my eye to relieve me of this possession. I waited and searched, asking at merchants both known and unknown, for a special leather book with the look of gold upon its cover, hoping that which had no value to the illiterate but appeared to be valuble, would surface. How I now know that a time will come when Lady Luck will again flip a coin and I will have no option but to return a favor.

Best that I hold my own beliefs. I could never hold such an ideology that would leave action to randomness.

So many thoughts held onto and now past, since my final entry, no longer a final entry. Shall I relive them in script? Best to look forward, or in the now, for the now develops its own character. It is a new year. And with a new year begins the beginning of the group.

The posters have been posted. The Steward is working. The Tower and the Knight have taken position. The Now demands the rest of the pieces.

I continue to be the player at one end of the board, setting pieces to begin the game.

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, the most recent events are scribed within a golden-leather covered book...

Baldur's Gate, Hammer 22, 1350

I walked the streets of the Gate this evening...a fine evening. No rain, odd in itself...as if Umberlee had forgotten to remind us all of her reach. A sea captain here, a wandering noble there, men in armor bound to others, I offered a courteous greeting to them all.

But it is not a city of courteous returns. No, it is a city of lost sailors, tailors with shops empty of clientele, districts that lack lively-hood upon the cobblestones, a place were packages might—or might not—go undelivered.

I sought out the Steward, be it at bar or barber, but he was lacking in show. His papers—tucked under my arms—still provide me with more than I could gain alone. Would it be that he has become my spy? No, he is a man that earns his keep by coin, nothing more. I know his loyalty is to an idea, not the cause. But he cannot sneak, that is for certain. My eye and hand is faster than the old mans, indeed so.

Days had passed, it would seem, since I had observed the "King" bring his pawns to court. Stature aside, it is a man's...well, in this case, less than a man's...understanding of self that makes him King, and of course, that others would keep the crown upon his head. I was too far off inside the Inn to rate his charismatic appeal, but I will keep my eye sharp on him. A King with pawns...that would be a move to align the board quicker than anticipated.

The wanderlust are not frequenting the taverns as would be expected in the Gate. I visited all the haunts of adventurers, but was only influenced by the laments of one particular bard, the one named Mealir and captain to a ship. Poor soul...the songs could make a lesser man weep. But those that take to the Sea, will suffer...I should know...I should know. *a smudge of ink appears here*

Of note, on the same day the "King" was observed, I was found again by the one called Toman. Sad to say I have not seen his lost compatriots. A pity, for I concluded that to find them, would deliver Toman's faith in the cause. Still, a man...and here again we can question thus...a man without a place, is no man at all. His square is still empty...will he take to it?

The lamplighters have all gone to bed, and now so shall I. Some days it is better to rise early with the morninglord, than against him. Or so I have heard.

[stevebarracuda]

In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dexterous hand, the most recent events are scribed within a golden-leather covered book...

Baldur's Gate, Hammer 25, 1350

The Steward...

Lost. That is the sum of it. His last papers are held within my purse, and that be the only evidence that he did walk these cobblestone streets of the Gate. I fear the worse...he was not skilled in the art of offense, neither of defense...but he could have managed diplomatically.

Yet diplomacy falls on deaf ears, for most. The might within magic, within the sword...the most of respect are gained through such things. But what is wielded without the insight of combat, rules of the game...

So many fools.

But not the Steward! He that could be called friend, even. Should I dare it? Such thoughts can only bring a greater sense of loss. I shall not give in to sadness—he was under my employ and that was the extent that he will be remembered, yes. Yet his end has come earlier than I would have expected.

Though...he was known to escape from certain death before, and recently so. Might that be his one, great gift?

(upon the facing page, a likeness of the one most likely referred to as the Steward, is drawn)

[stevebarracuda]

Naeus Therao, sitting at a large round table inside the Helm & Cloak common room, flips through a golden-leather covered book…in looking for a blank page, he reviews a journal entry from the recent past.

Baldur's Gate, Tarsakh 17, 1350

The Ongoing Search...

All that was on it's way to me has yet to be recovered.

With the Steward gone, much of the network that was building must be…reestablished. Nonetheless, the past is ever moving in the background, and I must carry on. The Steward is but a title that can be given, can be claimed. Another shall be located, to support the principles of funding the Lanceboard.

And that will never happen until the pirate is located, and dealt with.

*there are a few small and rough sketches of daggers at the bottom of the page*

---

Naeus continues to flip through the golden-leather covered book past a number of entries until he finds the next blank page. In an elegant script, with ink from a quill held by a dextrous hand, he begins a short written list, upon the left facing page:

Baldur's Gate, Marpenoth 14, 1350

Contracts Unsigned

Drake Nair. Intelligent chap. Certain charisma about him. Some experience with pirates. Courageous in speech. Has a mind for profit.

The washed-up swashbuckler. Rumor has it they be more skilled behind an ale mug than a rapier…but if the sea dog still has legs, me thinks a bit of profit and some cold water will cure their malaise. Trouble is, still can't find this one. Maybe that is a sign they be more skilled in more ways than I imagine….

A moon navigator. Can't imagine a more useful sort, for keeping a ship in direction. Such faithful often get too dogmatic for taste, yet…if they follow orders, success be the result.

Contracts Signed

…

…

…
*a sizable area remains blank, at the middle to lower part of the page*

*at the very bottom of the page, Naeus begins a few attempts at sketches of waves, some land mass edges, and a few stacked crates upon wooden floor boards.*