The Undercellar

[selhan]

"The Undercellar"



Lore:

"The Undercellar was a clump of chambers in a network of storage cellars beneath the city of Baldur's Gate that housed a sleazy tavern and festhall. There were at least twenty-four ways in and out of this popular establishment, half of which connected to other buildings, one of which was through the Blushing Mermaid tavern."

The Undercellar, a seedy festhall and tavern constructed among the interconnected cellars of the Upper City’s buildings. Despite its reputation (or perhaps because of it), the Undercellar is a popular establishment. Visitors to its cobbled, vaulted chambers can enjoy good food, strong drink, games of chance, and the company of “sociable friends,” all with an expectation of privacy and far from the prying eyes of the law, since neither the Watch nor the Fist police the Undercellar. Its apparent proprietor—an affable man named Heltur “Ribbons” Ribbond—maintains order with the assistance of a coterie of hired thugs known as “the Cellarers.” That’s the public face of the Undercellar. In truth, its extensive maze of tunnels and interconnected chambers sprawls beneath the Upper City, and the Guild controls most of the complex and the dozens of concealed entrances leading into it. In addition, its lack of official oversight has turned it into a haven for the Gate’s criminals, since they can safely meet and plot within its walls. Some have even established Guildapproved offices in various private chambers (this is how Rothryn Toth came to live and work there).The clearly marked public entrance to the Undercellar lies on the southern edge of the Wide, Baldur’s Gate’s largest and most famous open-air marketplace, at the bottom of a flight of stone steps. Ribbons keeps the heavy oaken doors shut at all hours, but the Undercellar never closes. If the characters knock, one of the Cellarers opens it and ushers them inside.



Candlelight's were lit near the bar, barrels were inspected, and most importantly the bar was cleaned. Tables filled the drinking area as well as a small stage. A stage with future plans to have performances. One door lead further into the Underceller to its vast networks of passageways to other places and areas such as a blackmarket trading area. The other door lead to nightly rooms filled with the sounds of drunken men and woman in playful laughter or subtle whispers . The Undercellar was popular with a heavy patron base to city dwellers that didn't like attention on the streets. For whatever reason a patron visits the Undercellar, their business is not to be told. What happens in the Undercellar, stays in the Undercellar. And the newly hired part time bartender ensures just that, serving drinks yet keeping to his own thoughts mostly.



Patrons that frequent the Undercellar come in under streets of laws within the walls of Baldurs Gate, but these sort of patrons, despised such laws. And travelers and black market traders feel a little more at ease... to be able to conduct their business and doings in such the place. However some whispering rumors say, the place is held under by a certain influence that is often unseen yet felt. Crime within the Undercellar often goes unreported, and transgressors have a habit of simply disappearing. It would surely be said, to venture in the Undercellar, would mean not to allow oneself to be utterly careless. Unlike a tavern in a lawless place such as the Broken Goblet, the tavern within the Undercellar had city laws above its head and it can be commented... literally. However to people that come to the Undercellar for whatever business, do so with the intent to ignore such laws. The only thing the Undercellar shares with such a place as the Broken Goblet, is one of the bartender's and few like minded patrons. For even sometimes sailors or crewmen of Roaringshore often needs things within the City of Baldur's, and what better place to go than below ground and out of sight of annoying patrols.

And a particular bartender hasn't been happy with the lack of a "good word" from the roads, due to the decline of passing travelers. He had to continue getting the word, even if it meant having to go to the one place he dreaded to return too. But this particular bartender was not one to let things stop him from his goals. He would accomplish them by any means necessary. Even if it meant having to constantly see City Guards and Watch Patrols or be in the constant observation of beings never seen.

*Have I returned home?*

*Smirks*

"Nay, I've made the Shore' my home, I simply need to get shite done, even if it means to work in this blasted city, and I wont let all that pirate and elf mess dissuade me."

The newly hired part time bartender started cleaning tankards. Not the elegant fashionable goblets made
of blown glass that he was more accustom too. But he intended to make things work , he always made things work. The only problem was he had no Miss Jackie like within the Goblet. Who was his employer now was still a thing of mystery, but he cared little and focused more on the task. The sooner he was done, the sooner he could get back to the Shore'. He had much cleaning to do as well as preparations. But soon, very soon, he knew just the people to invite over, to help bring forth activity within the cities Undercellar..

((Hi folks! Oh yes yes! As you suspected..I will be covering some Rp in the Undercellar, approved by DM's as a "Part time" Bartender. For some who may be wondering why ? Well in truth, some players are unable to visit the Broken Goblet ic due to ic reasons and their own RP. I am a player that thinks for the servers community as a whole and thus wish to help provide Rp around. So yes for you city dwellers and you shady types , I'm bringing it! However just like always, im cursed with Oceanic time zones, so I will be only during weekdays when most of you are sleeping. However weekends is when I can catch the lot of you. But do keep in mind, I will be bouncing inbetween The Broken Goblet and the Undercellar. I am doing my part in trying to keep the server alive. I hope others can take motivation if not inspiration from this. This is our community, we the players are a very important part in keeping the server breathing. So with that said...this thread is to be continued....)) *Evil Grin*

[selhan]

Work To Be Done



“The only good reason to put something in your world,
is that you want it to be there.”



Some say that success in life is not for those who run fast, but for those who keep running and always on the move. But I wonder...what about for the ones that don't move at all, yet their lives seem to be quite successful? Some of ill means, would hardly work at all. They would rather simply purchase slaves and have them do all the work for them.



I simply came to the Undercellar to see just what I would need. However one by one, patrons and travelers entered. One became two, two became three, and thus three became four. With only simple drinks, I found myself busy in conversations and serving what was on the shelves. I had no plan to open the bar just yet but their visit did me justice and soon, the word will spread and I will find myself more busy than naught..

"Mhm. I gather this is not sort of place one advertises for"

"Well, lets just say, this place prefers doing things without watchful patrols and wot not, but still its within the City, so laws do apply some wot"

"Of course. Given that above is one of the upper districts."

"But the place has potential , wont be as good as the Goblet but it will have its uses. Besides, not many pirates liking me right now, they think I harbor elves through the Shore"

"Are you?"

"No. That would surely be stupid of me"

"I thought so. I personally prefer the atmosphere of the Goblet but I can see how this would be easier on some other patrons."

------

"Evening, miss Moon. And... a friend? "

"Not mine."

"Oh...Thought your man or sumthin"

"Nope. Dun like elves."

"Why do I get a feelin, Im gonna hear that phrase for the rest of me life.."

"You be sure to let folks know, yer seen me here "

" I'll tell them that you were standing on your own two feet. No lasses sitting on your lap and seemed to be able to still walk too."

"Hmm this place needs more work still, Minstrels, need music, barmaids.." "

"Does Rose know about this moonlighting of yours?"

"Oh you two are the first that know that I offically got the job here now"

------

While engaging in conversations with the two women, he noticed the man from earlier making his leave after what ever business he had in the Undercellar's rear door. He walked by without so much of a glance to the bar other then giving his nether region a healthy scratch. It reminded him of the Broken Goblet and no matter how much he was liking this new part time job, this was no Goblet. Tankards..and mugs..and bottles...no pretty little nice elegant goblets. Only time will tell of what other potential this place will have. At least at the Goblet, he didn't have that feeling of unseen eyes watching over him.

"It sounds people have been busy by the door..."

"Might be another man scratching his groin again"

"You do attract all sorts."

"Should you go greet them? They might be shy."

"Eh? Wot for? Im no bloody door man, Im quite sure whom ever it is, they be some grown folks."

"Groins are being scratched with great enthusiasm. Patience."

'Sirion!"

"What.. you.. you hear groin scratching and immediately think Sirion?"

"I do..."

"Come on."

"We're not done plotting!"

" Well, then I'll leave you to plotting. But Sel might run off meanwhile."

"Plant Shana on his lap, he will not go anywhere."



"There's still plenty of work to be done far as this particular bar, and I'm gonna bloody need to find the right sort of folks."

Later that in the day....

"So is that how you do it, huh? You disappear, you don't say a word for a lot of tendays...!"

"Hi Rosey, How yer doin?"

"Hi Rosey how ya doin?" That, is what I get? *She squints and jumps on the bar, sitting on it and crossing her legs.*

*He then gave Rose a playful tap of her thigh ending it with a tight squeeze then giving Rose a friendly hug* "How yer been lass aint seen ya in sometime?"

*She giggles and gives him a hug, holding him tightly, before letting him go. She smiles.* "That, you haven't"

"Business has been ..slowed however in the Shore. Its one of those things, only time or something big will need to take place to fix things"

*He suddenly grabs her shoulders turning her to lead her away from the bar then gave a slap of her rump* "Go on and start singing little song bird! Aint yer see I got a patron! And looksy, aint it a nice stage?"

"I was about to say, at least it isn't that shite stage anymore!"

"Oi!!!!" "Wot you blood mean by shite! The Goblets stage is well built, I did it wit me own hands!"

"And it was evident! It still had the shite in the corner you still haven't cleaned up after a year!"

"Ah..um..that ..helps with immune system..aye aye!"

----

And just like that, the day ended with an underground tavern filled with songs..



"These scars long have yearned for your tender caress...
...To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own...
...Rend my heart open, then your love profess!
A winding, weaving fate to which we both atone!
You flee my dream come the morning..."

[selhan]

Explore Mo're



We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better. A person cannot discover new oceans unless they have the courage to lose sight of the shore. But as for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote.



I used to dream about escaping my ordinary life, but my life was never ordinary. I had simply failed to notice how extraordinary it was. I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide. And everywhere I went, the world was on my side, I had to believe it , because I'm still alive.



But if someone was to ask me what I thought about people exploring..I would tell them..

“A person does not grow from the ground like a vine or a tree,
one is not part of a plot of land. Mankind has legs so it can wander.
And if ever it's necessary to ride the bandwagon,
it's done with one leg swinging out and eyes scoping the fields.”



I have not admitted, but in truth, I had enjoyed my life most when I was a mere wonderer. The thing about Wonderers and Wanderess , we are bound by no boundaries, contained by no countries, tamed by no time, we are the force of nature’s course.



"Say, do you remember that conversation we were having at the Goblet, untill a drow walked in and interrupted everything?"

"About which one?"

"Yondalla's yearns and some devil.."

"Why you want to talk about that...?"

"Because I want to know what you know!"

"...The stuff of Yondalla,s yearns..its a waste of energy. Someone else is handling that mess if not already..."

"Look..then you dont need me ..that stuff of them Yarns ..someone is obviously lying and making up stuff. Long ago yes, I was helping a woman in search for them..but that woman left..the Coast..long ago without word and with all the clues and evidence..I care not what happen after."



At least something was a bit interesting to my ears. His friends getting married, rumors of an odd storm and spawning Ice trolls angry about folks living on their land. Far better then the stuff of paladins and knights bickerin or insulting each other. My ears hear better news at the Goblet. Gods, this will surely take some getting use too here in the Undercellar.

[selhan]

Underworks



"Well, you can't trust most people in this game period,
it can be a very shady business."



"The place needs a few things."

"Aye tis in the works already."



Oddly, there's only one such joy that I can only find in a tavern than compared of that to the roads. Conversations with a drinking patron can be anything from boring to invigorating. People are interesting, even when they are not. As much I prefer my other bar, this one has its uses. Namely unrestrictive to patrons. However only certain types seem to come here. Im getting use to seeing the many strangers passing in and out. Shady and blackmarket dealings must be very profitable. However still..the only that bothers me are the many watchful eyes from shadows. Hmph, tis quite funny when some of them truly believe that no one can see them. How foolish they are...

The Undercellar had its moments of sharing rumors and gossips. Word and news pass back and forth, with the occasion of filling tankards. Plans and ideas, for some improvements are made and requested. Even whispers are often heard within the Undercellar.

"It is completed."

"It is!? Already?"

"Have you forgotten me already? Just because you don't see me, doesn't mean I'm not around."

[selhan]

Wonders, Dreams, Risks..



"The biggest risk is not taking any risk...
In a world that is changing really quickly,
the only strategy that is destine to fail is not taking risks."



Optimistic people play a disproportionate role in shaping our lives. Their decisions make a difference, they are inventors, entrepreneurs, political and military leaders, they are not the average people. They got to where they are by seeking challenges and taking risks.



But I wonder when opening that box that breaths risks, would each and everyone of us be willing to accept all the consequences that could follow. Day to day, each of us makes choices, half the times we dont even fully think those choices through. Most of us, act on impulse, or make a choice after concluding the first or the second choice in a dozen step process. When the choices of humanity does that, they are often shrouded by the darkness of regrets.



Greed, temptations, desires are powerful elements that could so easily sway a persons choice, and alter the course of their lives. Some accept such things blindly, others begin with calculating thoughts. In truth, so long as a person has a beating heart, they will always choose the path that will intensify that very beat until it echo's throughout their bodies like war drums on a battlefield. If patrons asked the bartender what he thought about such things as greed, temptations and desires...he would tell them..



"I'm a bloody human that was born with sin. Greed, temptations and desires make me. I wont live a thousand years, nor even a hundred. So its in me nature to have such emotions, but its up to me if I will indulge in them. If I do, then I have to accept what consequences there may be in my short life. And if I don't, well I will end up only wondering what could've, would've, or should've been. It's a filthy curse.."

[selhan]

Black Market





A black market - is an economic activity that takes place outside city sanctioned channels. Illegal market transactions usually occur “under the table” to let participants avoid governing price controls or taxes. The goods and services offered in a black market can be illegal, meaning their purchase and sale are prohibited by law, or they can be legal but transacted to avoid taxes.



The Undercellar - was a clump of chambers in a network of storage cellars beneath the city of Baldur's Gate that housed a sleazy tavern and festhall. There were at least twenty-four ways in and out of this popular establishment, half of which connected to other buildings, one of which was through the Blushing Mermaid tavern.



The bartender spared the time to head to the Undercellars market area after hearing talks between visiting patrons. Curving tunnels, ominous corridors lead him to the area where a great deal of black market trade takes place. Treasure is often found in the deepest and darkest and dangerous of dungeon. But sometimes, they can be right under the nose of common folks.

[selhan]

Knaves



“Don't let a thief into your house three times.
The first time was enough.
The second time was a chance.
The third time means you're stupid.”



Rogues - were versatile masters of stealth, nimble combat, and various skillful tricks. Where other adventurers had the power to defeat their enemies, rogues used their wits and their natural resourcefulness to exploit their foes' vulnerabilities as well as to lead their allies safely through dangerous environments, disarming traps and opening locks along the way.



Drunken chatter of rogues up to no good, spread across the drinking area of the festhall. However, when is a rogue not up to no good? Common to most cities in Faerun, rogues were an incredibly diverse group, including burglars, assassins, and con artists as well as more lawfully employed persons, like locksmiths, investigators, exterminators, or treasure hunters. Regardless of their specific occupation, rogues shared a common affinity for cunning and daring feats of skill, as well as for getting into things others would rather be left unfound or unopened. Rogues of all sorts were resourceful and adaptable, having what could be called a “sixth sense” for avoiding peril, which helped them get out of the dangerous situations they often found themselves in.



The bartender of the Undercellar would tell his patrons..

"Be mindful when you go beyond those doors, I always get that feelin someone watchin me. I mean just look around, it don't take a Gem of Seeing to see who got influence around here. Pirates call you out and try to gut you while looking in your eyes. Beyond there, your liable to simply go missin if yer piss the wrong folks off."

[selhan]

Forbidden



“My heart tells me this is the best and greatest feeling I have ever had.
But my mind knows the difference between wanting what you can’t have and wanting what you shouldn’t want.”



A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep. When do we really know what we truly want? When our heartbeat quickens? When the hot blood of desire course through our bodies ? How about when we look through the eyes of the beholder. How do we know we are the ones truly wanted or not? If we take everything at face value, would society be that simple as the colors of black and white? Illusions of wants often mask what's really true I say. But then again some illusions are not illusions at all. And how would one determine that? I think the answer is quite simple . We don't. If it were that simple, there would be no colors and things would be quite boring.

How funny we as people would talk around campfires, and taverns of forbidden things and refer them as one of the greatest sins in the world. Yet when nearly each and everyone of us, has committed that very sin. Well most of us. The rare blue diamond few however, could endure from the temptations of sins. Even if such aversions felt like carrying the heaviest of burdens, or climbing the tallest of mountains. It's never no small feat. But a real test of Will, and loyalty.

Dream delivers us to dream, and there is no end to illusion. Life is like a caravan of moods like a string of beads, and, as we pass through them, they prove to be many-colored lenses which paint the world their own hue. . . .

A rose often represents something beautiful that you cant touch because of the many thorns on its stem. People who tend to fall for the temptations of the rose, often find their hearts pierced by the very thing.



Having something forbidden is exciting, don't you agree?

[selhan]

I am the Light, I am the Darkness



“The dance between darkness and light will always remain,
the stars and the moon will always need the darkness to be seen,
the darkness will just not be worth having without the moon and the stars.”



Life throws challenges and every challenge comes with rainbows and lights to conquer it. But without darkness and the colorless voids, there would be nothing for rainbows and lights to conquer. Everything in our world has a balance, tis is the way of things. When the scale is tipped, chaos happens. They need each other, they survive on each other. Why else does it always seem that there is some attraction between the two?



The sun does not abandon the moon to darkness. The moon will have it's moments where it seeks the dark for comfort, and when the moon has had its indulgence, it would return to the sun for its warming light. Scholars around our realm and beyond, has looked to the stars for understanding. Stars so far from our reach, yet they only seem to be focus on how to reach them. But little do they really know, the moon is a lot closer and within a reaching grasp. We only need to grasp for ourselves. Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which they never shows to anybody....most times.

Some say the moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to. I've heard stories where such talks, leads to a comforting closeness. And the longer the bond grows, hands reach out for the moon, even if they are unsure that the moon would reach back in return.

"The moon will guide you through the night with her brightness,
but she will always dwell in the darkness, in order to be seen."

"Hasn't It already..?"

"Many things happen for a reason. Even if we do not quite understand why."

Surely at this point, it has...

Cloak Woods also stylized as Cloakwood- was an ancient, thickly grown forest in the Western Heartlands region on the south end of the Sword Coast. The sages of nearby Candlekeep asserted that CloakWood contained portals to several other parts of the cosmos. Though they were uncertain of the exact number of portals within it.

"So which one of you can tell me about whats going on at the Friendly Arms Inn? Been catching a bit of talk about some attack or sumthin"

"Well, strictly speaking that is in the Cloakwood."

"Something always goin on in them woods."

"And the burning trees? I mean the ones that need to be burned, twice?"

"Emmanuel need to get to Guarding , and stop humpin Dryads or wotever he does."

"They are all over it, the enclave, the Vales and who else. I am sure it will be resolved."

"Heard of folks being banished again from the Inn too. Wot that about?"

"Really? I think I saw someone come flying out through the gate the other day, but otherwise..."

"Its quite funny to see someone get thrown out of the Inn, always did find that amusin"

"Is that not how you do things in your taverns?"

"Only had few to throw out, others well..had to carry em out more or less."

---------------------

The most enjoyable thing to the bartender of the festhall down in the Undercellar, is hearing words from visiting patrons. He would tell you..

"Ther be nothin like a good word from the lips of patrons. The more intriguing it is, the more enticing it becomes. Makes me feel like I had rum in me hands, and a pretty lass on me lap. Heavenly bliss I tell ye"

[selhan]

Establishing Relations

“You don't need to work hard to earn an empire,
if you witty enough, you can get others to do it for you.”

Some people wonder who to start a successful establishment. Its quite simple really. Once after you found a location, you need to advertise by all and any means necessary. The less that people know of it, well your destined to utterly fail. Even though your still at works with making improvements or even still building your establishments, you want word to spread far and wide. Not everyone will come pay it a visit. But having the knowledge helps get the word spread around. And before you know it, the word gets to someone's ears that may have a need to visit it.

The bartender of the Undercellar was sitting at a wooden table in the market known as the "Wide". Silent and keeping to his thoughts while enjoying watching the busy citizens browsing wares and making purchase. He was approached by a familiar face. A woman know to him as the Cryptic Culinary that worked out of the Luck Coin tavern located in Greenest. The easterner woman greeted him and engaged with an inquiring conversation.

"Picking up supplies for the Goblet?"

"Nay, I'm within the city. And when that is, it means I am picking up supplies for the festhall. "

"Anything you can share?"

" Oh I can do more than share..I can show you, if your willing rest your eyes upon it."

Of all the chef's this part of the coast, there hasn't been better quality food than which that comes out of the Lucky Coin. They have an assortment of dishes, and the meals are cooked with prestigious hands and minds. Oh how I remember the rabbit stew. What more can a man want than the finest of drinks, the prettiest of women? Simple, the heartiest of meals. That's when they feel like a king even without a kingdom.

"I was right, then"

"Which is?

"You are far too active a spirit to be confined to the downturn of patrons in the port"

"I am still the Goblets bartender ...Buisness is simply ..not how I prefer it to be....Welcome to the Undercellar"

"It's better lit than the Goblet. and it dosen't have decades of blood rotting the floorboards"

"Aye true but in truth, I like the Goblet more. But losing customer base wont do, my patrons are far too important to me. And since they refuse to come to the Shore, or not allowed too, I bring my service to where they could."

"Not your style. Whoever furnished the place is clearly well connected"

"Quite true. But the place will do. After all, its a festhall in truth."

"Either that, or you have three barrels of rat-poison. Could go either way"

"Cute.."

"Does door number three have another surprise?"

'Now beyond here...is beyond my domain...Here..people tend to come and go...I pay them no mind , I like wakin up in the mornin"

The bartender lead the woman beyond the door and deeper within the tunnels of the Undercellar. Not as vast as the city sewers nor the deep bowels of the Undercity, nor even close to the vastness of the underdark. But deeper they went, walking down torch lit corridors, with shifting tunnels of stone walls to cave linings. The further they went, the more quiet it became until only their own footsteps how light they were could be the only sounds they heard. Shadows danced from the flickering flames of torches and lamps. They walked pass many crates, not daring to peer what was inside. For such the place of the Undercellar, held the distinctive feeling, that it was once the home of dangerous folks, if not still...

"Well stocked, for something left unattended for the night elements"

"Dont look at me, I only man the bar."

"Ranging from cheap to illegal, on the same shelves. Not bad"

"Well unlike the Goblet, I am inclined to procure some steady buisness with your work."

"This could be arranged, certainly. Quite a variety of flora here"


"Far less ...traffic down here."

"So you might think, but that usually isn't the case, is it?"

"Too quiet ..that it makes my skin crawl.."

"If I didn't know better, I'd be inclined to think a crime syndicate cleared out a month or so ago"

"Or moving in."

They visited the area known for Black market trading. Trade that where consisted of illegal products, or simply to avoid the taxing from the governing bodies of the city of Baldur's. Further talks of business continued between the pair, but they kept their stay short. The bartender surely didnt feel comfortable to be lingering too long. Enough rumors old and new taught him enough, that unwanted visitors have a tendency to go missing in influential areas within or even below the city of Baldur's.

"Anything else I need to do to latch it?"

"Just make sure no one followed us maybe?"

"That can be arranged"

If ever patrons asked the bartender in the Undercellar how does he manage to operate at two bars, he would tell them..

“Your empire ain’t gonna build itself without the hustle.”

[selhan]

Improvement's

"Almost all quality improvement comes via simplification of design,
manufacturing... layout, processes, and procedures"

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. I once use to say, even if I gained a single coin per day , it was progress towards achieving my goal. I had continued striving towards the end. Even when at times the efforts became more out reflex then will, at the end, I had everything I needed and I barely remember how I even got there.



Never stop reaching for progress or else you will come to realize that even though you feel as if your running , you haven't actually gone anywhere. I am which that will strive to achieve my goals, wants, and even desires.

By...


any means...


Necessary...


Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement.
If you can’t measure something, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it.
If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it.


((Big Thank You to the Dev's for doing their best to help us all enjoy the game!!))

[selhan]

Encounters...



"In our daily life, we encounter people who are angry, deceitful,
intent only on satisfying their own needs. There is so much anger, distrust, greed,
and pettiness that we are losing our capacity to work well together."



"Hello bartender, looking to buy something?"

"Eh..nope."

"Well I think it's about time "We" get acquainted."

"Bah no need for that. Just a common man in all, unless yer want to go to the bar fer drinks eh?"

"Your fine right there."

"Well I'll let yer get back to yer um... shoppin or business."

"You are...business."



Ever had a "I should have known better moment?" Of course you did. We all did. Funny isn't it, how when we knew better than to go to a particular place, the idiocy within us compels us to go anyway. Sometimes I wonder if we all were born with stupidity in us as a joke from the Gods. This was one of those moments. Although, part of me knew this encounter was going to happen sooner or later, I would be an idiot to had thought otherwise.

"You got a knack of getting by in certain areas, "We" commend you."

"Heh..ain't too hard really, long as I ain't making stupid choices if yer get my meanin."

"Shouldn't you be at the bar, pulling in customers?"

"Ah aye, Mirinda got me covered while I'm away. You know sometimes the boys like pretty tender's in all."

"Keep up the good work tender'. We will be watching you".



After a mocking farewell and rolling the neck as if we hadn't been talking about anything important at all. A dark figured bowed at the waist, that dark cloak that seemed like wings vanishing entirely, and had begun to fade into the nearest shadows. Before that, eyes locked on mine with an eerie calm. After that, the figure simply disappeared, not a shadow in sight.

I've always knew of certain rumors, like whispering words that come from out of nowhere. Some rumors say, the whispers seem inviting, others consider it threatening. I guess it all depends who you are. And I also knew, working in the territory of such whispering shadows, that sooner or later I would hear them myself. The things I must go through just to have a decent running bar.

[selhan]

Message with Blood

I've often look at a rose in a particular way. To me it symbolizes a beauty you cant hold or grasp. The many prickly thorns would represent the many reasons or roadblocks that prevents you from holding such a thing. The insanity of people amazed me. Many , regardless of the thorns still choose to love the crimson flower. The concept to me has always been simple, the more you love roses the more you must bear with thorns.



But what happens when your given a rose that was dying of its color, and held the stains of blood upon it's stem and thorns? What would such a message symbolize? What would it be its meaning? Did someone try to grasp what they shouldn't? Or did their bearing of its thorns finally come to an end? Or did it mean something else entirely?



Within the past tenday the bartender of the Festhall within the Undercellar has seen few people frequenting, and merely passing through and at times he was given messages at the bar. This one in particular felt somewhat ominous yet saddening. The question however ...was what he was going to do in regards to such a message, when death offers you thorns, eternity offers you roses, and life offers you both.

Maybe, I'll just cut away the rose from the steam entirely , it would make things less complicated...

Or do something entirely else ...

[selhan]

Peculiar Day



“Of all individuals, the hated, the shunned, and the peculiar are arguably most themselves.
They wear no masks whatsoever in order to be accepted and liked; they do seem most guarded,
but only by their own hands, as compared to the populace, they are naked.”


Layla the Calimshite flutist

A man doesn't wake up planning to have a peculiar day. He awakes, hoping nothing with annoy him or get in his way, so that he can begin the process of his morning routines without any disturbance. No one ever really knows what the day has in store for them, until it actually happens. When I decided to pay a visit to the Fest Hall, I was not expecting much patrons. But patrons I did have.



When I left the Undercellar, to take a relaxing walk through the market known as the Wide, I didnt expect to be greeted by a kind face, and took to places of serious dangers. I've said it a thousand times, "I bloody hate things that dont bleed."



And yet even still when I thought the day would come to a calm still. More patrons arrive and arrive. The sound of leather boots, the shuffling of cards, the idle chatter of conversing patrons and the occasional swallowing of a delectable drink. The Underceller had its activity surely this day.



Even when a group of adventurers came seeking the Black market in hopes to find something long lost. Three companions came together. One with a pint of ale, offered his services, thus four they soon became before heading off to the back door that would lead them deeper into the vast tunnels of the Undercellar. It was much later those companions returned yet only three remained. Talks of having to kill nine to ten men were uttered. What went on deep within the Undercellar ? Only the those adventurers would know. Unless that is, they shared the tales and or spread the word.



Many things in life is peculiar. Even when a friend chooses not to make a greeting gesture. Such things never go unnoticed. The question that remains is simply...would I care or not.



After all, I'm such a man that can handle the cards that I'm dealt with.

[selhan]

Paying Due's



"I recognize in thieves, traitors and murderers,
ruthless and the cunning, a deep beauty, a sunken beauty.
Honor among thieves is the ancestor of all honor."



"Hey Guido, here's the tendays worth. Do me a favor will ya? Can yer send word to the Landlord that I'm askin to trim off the top some. Need the spare coins to hire some helping hands. Need a barmaid or two."



The Blushing Mermaid -
Infamous up and down the Sword Coast, the Blushing Mermaid is known as the best tavern and inn in Baldur’s Gate for those looking to get their teeth kicked in, or to kick in someone else’s. Always one spilled drink away from a brawl, the bar is the sort of place most don’t visit unless they’re well-armed or with a lot of friends — preferably both. The place takes its name from the life-sized wooden mermaid hanging above the incongruous reception desk, a dozen blackened and withered hands nailed to its body — souvenirs left by those who refused to pay their bill.



Few people bother to sleep at the Mermaid, due in part to its operators’ loud pronouncement that they aren’t responsible for any losses, including those of life and limb. Instead, its plethora of back rooms and antechambers act as de facto offices for the menagerie of shady characters who spend their days drinking here. Ostensibly retired sailors, the bar’s regulars are in fact contacts for a variety of unsavory organizations, from smugglers and bandits to fences, drug dealers, and panderers. Some work for the Guild, others for operations all along the Sword Coast. Those looking to do business with the Gate’s underworld find that a handful of silver in the Mermaid can open doors, but the wrong word can find you dumped unconscious in the alley out back. While the Mermaid’s criminal aspects are an open secret, the place is well connected enough that the Flaming Fist traditionally leaves it alone.

The Structure
The tavern was long, low building which looked like it would collapse at any minute. It was surrounded on three sides by a tangle of stables, outbuildings, and enclosures. It was known to have at least four levels of cellars, and many more were said to exist.

The Interior
The lobby had a high of ceiling adorned with a crudely carved life-sized mermaid suspended over the reception desk. This nearly nude woman was adorned with more than a score of blackened and shriveled severed hands of patrons who did not pay their bills. There were rumors these hands could magically animate and aid the desk clerk in "handling" the city watch, intruders, or obnoxious guests. The tavern's other rooms had low ceilings and dim of lighting; they were furnished with mismatched and much-abused furniture. All rented rooms were heavily lockable with iron or wooden bars, but patrons were still advised not to sleep too soundly, which was difficult to do as the establishment was usually noisy at all hours.

The Atmosphere
The Mermaid was renowned up and down the Sword Coast as a meeting place for those who wish to conduct illicit business. It was a noisy place frequently beset by brawls, and patrons either go in heavily armed groups or studiously avoid provoking other patrons. A representative of virtually any illegal group operating in Baldur's Gate can usually be found somewhere on the premises, and the Mermaid is the best place to engage the services of any of them. A very heavy bag of gold is rumored to get a representatives attention. Independent operators usually frequent the Elfsong Tavern rather than the Mermaid, because it has always been rumored, the Guild is overprotective of their territories, and transgressors tend to go missing.