The Undercellar

[selhan]

Time for Your Self



“We need solitude, because when we're alone, we're free from obligations,
we don't need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.”



I’ve always loved the night, when everyone else is asleep and the world feels as if it is all mine. It’s quiet and dark, the perfect time for creativity. But other times, the moment gives me a chance to indulge in a less stressful, relaxing and far more pleasurable ways. A hot bath, the comfort of a bed and a bottle of rum . And I call that combination the indulgence of pleasures.



Everyone needs a moment to themselves. Away from things considered annoyances, drama, conflict, even death. I am a man that would question, what kind of man are you if you do not take a moment to indulge in your own pleasures. Why must my life be about work and venture, explorations and treasure hunting or dip a hand into the web of rumors and conspiracy? Anyone with a family can tell you, that they like having some time to themselves. Their family even if it was was such a close one, you could get smothered. Of course, we didn't always agree with one another. Sometimes we quarreled with brother and sisters, but nor couldn't they remember hating each other for more than a candles mark.



A mind will never be at its prime of freshness, if it never gets a chance to simply relax. And the same can be said to the body. A body needs it's moment to be spent and rested. Or it will never preform with the quality it was expected too. Every body has their own ways of resetting themselves. Dwarves drink, elves reverie, humans? Well, we do the fun stuff , after all, we wont live centuries. So we need to do what we can before our clock of old age reaches its end.



So my advice to you patrons would be, buy a drink and indulge with what your bloody heart desires.

[selhan]

News of the Roads



"A tavern is not a tavern,
without it's rumors."



"What news of the road my friend?"

"Aint heard much of the roads of late, but me and Rose almost got blown up. Good thing I stepped out. Poor lass lost her hat and her eyebrows!"

"ah...you an I got very different ideas of what blown up means"

"War..aye been the prime talk now a days specially as the conflict esculatin'. Strange war if yer ask me.. Over a fokin statue "

"What escalation have you heard of, concerning it all?"

"Just heard theres been some skirmishes already . Aint no details. Too blimey cold up there to get involved in that mess. "

""They tried to take a bridge in the mountain pass, earlier this very day - a troll lead a sizeable horde."

"Other than the Aurilites freezing Nashkel's food supply and demanding tribute. . I'm sure they gather allies to defend their icy fortress."

"First I heard. Too busy saving me own neck tho in the Shore."

"I will speak some extra prayers for the Helmites. Now what I wanted to know more about was those devils in Greenest."

"Im quite sure far as allies goes, they gonna use everything from the Peaks. And more than likely what ever up in Speartop"

"I wouldn't know anything about that, Greenest devils, I mean."

"Devils?"

"I can tell ya bout that, Was there for the whole damned adventure."




*The talk of rumors the tale of a cult spawning devils had his interest. He didn't share what he himself knew because he was naught sure if it was a related thing. But Indeed an army of devils was making their approach to Amn, and he had a pretty good feeling why. But a cult with summoning rituals? Didn't quite sound like the same ones. Or perhaps it was. The only thing for sure the bartender knew, was within a tenday from now, there would be a war down in Amn, and it was going to be a bloody chaotic mess. He soon dismissed such thoughts because he had his own things to worry about back in the Shore. An attempt on his Minstrels life. And the question was why"



But for now, he had a Festhall full of patrons and drinks needed to be filled. No tavern can be without its rumors, and tales. Sometimes when people need information about something or someone, a tavern is a good place to start.



That is if the main subject wasn't over shrouded by talks of a butter churner....

"Butter churning and tha meaning of life. the Universe and everythin"

[selhan]

A notice was put outside of the Undercellar and in the Blackmarket area, it reads

"Seeking a Wizards Assistance"

[selhan]

Mysteries and Intrigue



"When your skin prickles suddenly and it feels chilly,
but no one else around, you can bet it was a ghost."



Our world doesn't exist without its dangers. Wars, famine, corruptions, deceit, thievery, murder, and even kidnappings. Yes kidnappings. It was always rumored that some people suddenly disappear. Many of times, they were a person whom offended someone, crossed someone, didn't hold up to their end of the bargain. Sometimes people paid for someone to disappear, or put bounties upon heads dead or alive. It happens. Even within the big protective walls of the city of Baldur's.

Someone paid them. It was a contract. That much seems to be true or, at least, makes sense. That I heard them say... I think it was one at first but then there were others and at least two that worked closely with the first one.

"Where they take you?"

.. I am not sure. There were stairs, and doors. I was held in a cell with a dirt floor, There was water dripping somewhere and heavy things like crates being shifted about. Also sounds of building. A cellar? I'm not sure. We teleported there.

"Couldnt yer have use yer magic or sumthin?"

I suppose I could have before they gagged me but my hands were bound and I had a blindfold so it would have been flailing in the dark. They made sure the cell was warded. I couldn't even hear myself breathe.

"Wot yer got mugged?"

Mugged? Hmm... suppose could say that too. I did loose a case full of teleportation scrolls. They later let me go.

"Eh? Let yer go? Wot fer some teleport scrolls? All that?"

My dignity? *She shakes her head a few times.* I didn't notice anything else missing though they've surely gone through my things.



Looks like someone didn't want me to go to war either and I doubt it was one of the winterfolk. There is one favor you could do but I don't think I'll ask that since there aren't really many leads.

"Alright ask "

To find out who the kidnappers were... but I don't think much comes out of it. They were quite good. I can't even really tell which way I got dragged from the square.

"Well from all that you told, they seem simply to be hired work. Might want to look into who hired em"

I think that's going to be a cold one too. They said it was the winterfolk but it doesn't make much sense with a lot bigger fish to fry. It wasn't the first time... now that I think about it. The blade, the voice, the movements.. *She seems to be talking out loud, pondering.* Yes... it was him then too.

"Him? Then too?"

There was an incident... some time ago. It was just outside the city. I was walking with Kzanett as we had the same direction and had just had a small talk with. Right after we parted ways a figure came from behind and places a knife on my throat. He wanted information.



If a patron ever came to ask the bartender of the Undercellar if the rumors are true that people get snatched up in the dark alleys and made to disappear, he would tell them....

"It happens in broad daylike too."

[selhan]

“I've had enough of this. If you'll excuse me,
I'm going to find a tavern where I can pay a woman to sit in my lap
and look very pleased with me while I drink heavily”



Leather boots walked upon the docks. Not the docks of the Roaringshore, but the docks of the Steeps within the city of Baldur's. It's has been sometime since I checked on Mirinda. I admit fault. The Shore has taken much of my time, and I've had plenty of business to attend to. But now with everything set in motions and soon concluding, I could have spare time to do what I love most, bartend. Besides, there's new blood upon my hands. So its best that I lay low. I was even told so.

Earlier somewhere in Roaringshore...



It's time lad to stop. Too much blood shed going on and devils attacks.

Them devils wont be a problem, they got focus elsewhere.

*Takes the bag and the sword* It wont look good if this keeps going. He isn't dead is he?

He's suppose to. But he will live for now, just don't forget our deal.

A Death knight once asked me, why do I do that which I do? What was it that moves me? And he even told me not to be too ambitious. A man needs to learn when to come to terms with their mistakes. Aye indeed ambition was getting the best of me. In short order, I am responsible for many lives. Even if those lives where not pure or good lives, they were lives non the less. My hands are not just soaked in blood, I've bathed in it as a figure of speech. That is how many, that is how many lives I've taken in such a short period. All because of what? Anger, ambitions?. I decided to take a break and breath. Get a good bottle of rum, and pay a visit to the festhall. And good thing that I had for I met someone looking to be employed. Was this coincidence? A sign from the Gods, or was this something fated?. Everything started to play in my mind. Everything that has happened ,happened just as it all was suppose too. Everything...now felt perfect.



Oh, I would like a beer. This... rollrun. * she chooses the cheapest one* while I wait for you manager.

*He raises a brow* "Yer wantin the rollrum cause yer like it? Or is coin an issue?" *He appraises the woman* "And ...what business yer lookin for to be waitin on the manager.."

A traveler suggested to find this inn... I'm looking for work.

'Oh is that so...? Tell me..what sort of work..?"

I would accept any kind of job.. I can clean, serve, organize.. I can sing or dance a little. Whatever your establishment is missing.

"Do you know what this place is?"

It is an inn, I was told, is it not?



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. It surely wasn't a Inn, it was more, much more. But this woman seemed serious so I will be transparent. 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.



*He points behind her to the far corner table* "Sometimes there's an Eastern woman who sits at that table to read out peoples fortunes. Her name is Sayushi, and shes a very good chef. We have one barmaid, her name is Callo, as fancy as she is, shes also a bruiser. Helps throw out unwanted troubling patrons."

Arre you.. perhaps.. the manager?

"Somewhat...I'm one of the bartenders. *He thumb's over his shoulder to the door* "Guido from the Blushing Mermaid is whom I ...answer too in regards to the Festhall. Im taking you to the main area of the Black market..theres some venders. Are you versed in protecting yourself?"

Oh... I'm not a fighter, Mr. Sel.. I can sing a few protective verses, but..

"But?..."

That is all. I can't handle any weapon well. I can run fast, Mr. Sel. If I need to be here to do the work... I will be able to handle it. *she bows her head*

"If your serious about going to work in the Festhall as a performer..your goin to learn how to use a knife. Drunk patrons are drunk patrons. Not telling you to cut someone's throat, that brings unnecessary attention , like the Fist. We dont want that. Unless you really need to defend yourself."

And because I found it in my youth, the bar was that much more sacred, its image clouded by that special reverence children accord those places where they feel safe. Others might feel this way about a classroom or playground, a theater or church, a laboratory or library or stadium. Even a home. But none of these places claimed me. We exalt what is at hand. Had I grown up beside a river or an ocean, some natural avenue of self-discovery and escape, I might have mythologized it. Instead I grew up in Baldur's Gate, a city with many taverns, and that has made all the difference.


Baldur's Gate, the Grey Harbor


And now, I have a new employee to train...

[Cinta]

There are many forms of precision, but most peculiar kind may be of the woman who knows how to present herself without having to utter a word. There is a precision in how tight the apron is tied over the waist, there is precision in every strand of hair secured up in a high bun, precision in the small smile to the patrons that never makes her eyes move, precision in the bow of the head while she folds her hands above her lap. When it's not the luxurious shine of accessories, but the mindful presence in every detail of the body, that radiates elegance.

---

After changing her clothes, the new employee quickly threw herself into work at the festhall. The floor was swept while she waited for the patrons to finish their business in the rooms, bed sheets changed, tables cleaned, and she helped Mirinda to serve drinks when needed, reaching long into the night.

[selhan]

((Initial Post Updated with Additional Lore ))

[selhan]

Put To Work



The night was late, the lamps were flickering. Patrons huddled and talked in hush tones as the performers were playing music merely to earn a few coins. A pair of bartenders cleaning behind the bar.



The new employee the general helper held in her hand the lute she had been awaiting for. She was inspecting the lute, tuning its strings when she notice the bartenders and offered assistance. "Nae continue with wot yer do'n, we just discussion some plans here" the bartender said. The woman nodded and did as instructed. The night was quiet but for the songs played by the minstrel, but then the front door opened.



Everyone needs a tavern. Either for a drink, a sharing of rumors, food and rest. However sometimes people need more. Some prefer a festhall, no matter how sleezy or shady or extravagant it may be. Someone will always need such a place. And the Underceller has been known to have one. And just when employees thought it be a slow and quiet night, things got busy.



"Oi new girl, take this large bag ol coins. On the morrow go out and get yerself a pretty dress or have one tailored fer ya. Got some side work fer you to be doin fer me soon."

Everything I do, I do for a reason. Everything I say, I say with calculating purpose. People in these lands see me a certain way, some smirk, some mock, some admire, some respect. They don't even realize that how they see me, is exactly how I want them to see me. There was once a woman, who nearly seen through it all. She was clever. I've not seen her around in sometime. Her company was often refreshing, but just as it was refreshing it was also very dangerous.



Business was going smoothly with drinks and laughter's. Specially when a patron thought to search for her male friend who seem to have been missing. Curious mind with a mix of ignorance compelled her to check the rooms beyond the blue curtain. How amusing it was when the woman realize just where she was at.



The reaction is a moment to always remember. But work still must go on, and work was surely given. A list of things needed. Even one patron whom was part of my ship crew, was tasked to find a shipwright.

[Cinta]

As promised, a note was put up at the Undercellar.

Let it be known that Ms. Jalavi Dunestalker, and excellent scout and escort, offers her services to the patrons of the Undercellar.

Jalavi demonstrated masterly skills at pathfinding, scouting, guarding, and throughout knowledge of the surrounding areas of wilderness, as far as to the Amnian borders.

If you wish to contact her, leave a message either here or at the caravan stop just outside of the city.

[Cinta]

A few days have passed and the new employee gathered many of the required item, hopefully to the patrons' satisfaction.

A few boxes of fresh soap (mint and citrus scented) were imported from Beregost, since that is the place with the best soap, or so they say! - Guest staying at the rented rooms of the Festhall now can borrow one such soap at the bar.

The beds have been thoroughly cleaned, sheets and blankets washed and dried on fresh air and under the sun during those rare sunny days. - The beds are expected to be lice free for now...

Two large sacks of fresh apples and pears were delivered and placed down behind the bar. Between two servings the new maid, Wei Lu by name, serenely started to chop them up, and fill a few large jars with fruits and specific spices, sealing and hiding them behind the bar for now. As her hands quickly cut the fruits, on a quiet but melodic voice, she joins in on the verses of the performers.

[selhan]

*Rumors in the Undercellar might talk about the Festhall having a busy night. They might even mention on how the new employee was hard at work, hauling in a Keg, tending to patrons and even helped one of the bartenders drag a drunk man into one of the rooms.*

[Cinta]

A busy day, so to say.

It was early in the morning, before the sun even came up, that Wei Lu could be spotted just a few streets down from the Undercellar, fighting with a big and stubborn pack-horse, that just didn't want to stay at one place, as the woman tried to somehow re-attach the broken holster which held a large keg on the stallion.

Lucky for her, a kind and quite drunk gentleman just passed the streets at that time, and was willing to help the maid to carry the keg back at the inn, and they even managed to get it down the stairs without anything or anyone broken.



For everyone's continued safety, the keg remained there for the rest of the morning until the bartender and a patron put it into it's right place.



This is on the house sir. Thank you for the help again. - she bows
He nods with a swaying head - Always 'ere to help! - snatches the bottle and opens it to take a swig. Then eyes the glass and takes it up with swaying hand to his eyes, looks at it squinting.
It is for the drink, sir.
Then his hand moves to pocket it as he shrugs. She blinks.
His hand stops, and he puts it back on the table. - Right, the drink. - realizing her meaning he pours some in the glass... mostly on the table... and raises the glass to her - Drink! - gives her the glass with very little rum in it.
I can't drink during my shift, sir. - she bows
Oh, I didn' know you shift. - drinks it instead
May I ask how I can address you, sir?
Address? - shakes his head - I don' 'ave one. You see, I also shift! - chuckles
I meant how I could call you.
Oh! - looks back to the drink perplexed then back to her and shrugs - You don' need to, I'm already 'ere, lucky for you!
She bows again with seemingly never-ending patience. - I meant your name, sir.

---

As the morning turned into late afternoon, more guests arrived, drinks were bought, rumors of recent events of interest was discussed...



...and personal safety of some patrons were secured, as it is expected of an excellent establishment such as the Undercellar.

[Rhifox]

A woman dressed in the blacks and yellows of the Zhentarim and wearing a distinctive horned mask has been seen moving through the Undercellar of late. What business she has had within is unknown.

[selhan]

Sel was seen assisting Mirinda in the Festhall in the late hours of the night. Organizing drinks, and replacing bed sheets were some of the tasks handled. The Undercellar was always known to see some of the most shadiest people come and go that prefer to avoid the streets of the city of Baldurs. With the war on the cheap and highly addictive drug known as Crimson Spice was recently deemed illegal, it appears the bartender was ensuring none of it would be found within the Festhall. After all to him, whats bad for business is bad for business.



And he wasnt going to let some highly addictive drug stop business. But what isnt illegal is quite frankly not illegal. In a sleezy establishment like the Festhall, there would be talks of something new in the city. It wasnt weapons nor armor, nor fine materials. But something rumored to grant beautiful visions, relaxing the body and mind.

"Hmm, now such a thing surely sounds more like it."

[selhan]

Rumors In the Undercellar



*One of the bartenders of the Undercellar meet with one of the guards to give out instructions on handling any patrons or staff that appear to be under the influence of the drug spice. He gave the guard a detailed list of side effects.*





"Anyone yer seen with those side effect, I wan't them hauled over to the church of Ilmater for treatment. We ain't going to make coins if our folks and patrons spendin' their blimey coins on that paste'y shite yer follow? And if anyone comes in here askin questions about the damn spice, yer be sure to tell them we aint folks to be answerin stupid questions that can get us hurt. Tell them to go pry over the Upp'a city, where it fok'n comes from. Who' else nae give two shites about the lower city or even got a grudge against them?! Don't be surprise if Dentons name all over that mess. Might be his little pay back when them folks ran him out of the city" *He smirks*