Rumors of the Friendly Arm Inn

[Kayle Walker]

Erzebet Lunevin would post signs around the Friendly Arms. She would warn of a murderous Cyricist who goes by Garon, with physical details provided courtesy of a Zeila Linepret. He was responsible for murder and abscondment with the ensuing corpse. She urges extreme caution and for all adventurers and travelers to spread the word anywhere they can to avoid a second victim.

[LegendOfLight]

An altar of Shar could be spotted upon freshly desecrated land.
On the Lions way, favoring the Friendly Arm Inn.
A body lay upon it, drained of all blood, an obvious sacrifice for the Dark Lady.
No message would be found, simply a banner, an altar, and the body of what could be a servant of the Light..
Dark times.

[DaloLorn]

Sometime during the night, a Mulani corpse bearing several arrow wounds was dragged into the temple by a passing adventurer. Her attackers remain unknown, but it is perhaps the girl itself that is more interesting than her murderers: Upon being returned to life, she would refuse most subsequent healing, instead dragging herself into the Friendly Arm proper and paying for a room to recover in.

Her attempts at explanation might not have seemed entirely coherent, an issue further compounded by her clumsy grasp of Common, but her identity at least is no mystery: She is Zeila Linepret, a Mulhorandi wanderer who had been staying at the inn for some time now, and had chosen to check out only hours before her unfortunate return, for reasons she did not wish to explain...

[DaloLorn]

After a good night's rest at the Friendly Arm, a worn-out half-sun elf of uncertain health could be seen putting up a flyer on the inn's bulletin board before teleporting away:

Seeking consultations with the clergy of Corellon and the Lord of Flames on a matter of grave importance. Seek out Aela Lathyaan, most likely found in the village of Greenest. Other probable locations include the Temple of Mystra in Baldur's Gate, or Candlekeep.

(P.S. Yuri, if you happen to read this: We need to talk.)

[DaloLorn]

After a good night's rest at the Friendly Arm, a worn-out half-sun elf of uncertain health could be seen putting up a flyer on the inn's bulletin board before teleporting away:

Seeking consultations with the clergy of Corellon and the Lord of Flames on a matter of grave importance. Seek out Aela Lathyaan, most likely found in the village of Greenest. Other probable locations include the Temple of Mystra in Baldur's Gate, or Candlekeep.

(P.S. Yuri, if you happen to read this: We need to talk.)

Aela returns at some point to attach a note to her previous flyer:

Now also seeking Sunite clergy in relation to the same subject.

Similar flyers (minus the message to Yuri) now start appearing throughout Baldur's Gate.

[Lethze]

A flash of rust coloured light burst out in the tent outside the inn near the coming of dawn, a gate portal opened, from it crawled out a heavily damaged figure - a tiefling, with obvious wounds of burn, piercing and incision all over her body, one of her horns was seemingly broken off, and her left lower leg was missing. The ones getting close to her could clearly smell an acidic scent and feel the cold air surrounding her.

She was brought into the inn by passengers during her coma after falling out of the portal; her life was stabilised, but no further healing has been done yet to close her wounds and repair her missing limb, for she was unable to afford the treatment.

Those who are familiar with her would know her name - Zel, currently resting in the inn. She has recovered the ability to speak, with the bearing of pain, but not seemed keen to talk of the experience that put her nearly into the embrace of death, not to anyone that has asked her of it yet, at least.

[BoostedAnimal]

A notice on the board catches the eye, penned in small, slightly awkward letters - suggesting the author has recently acquired the skill of writing:

I'm Gin, a trapfinder in search of new opportunities.

Here's what I'm good at:
Identifying and disarming traps
Assisting with locks if you've misplaced your keys
Tracking
Gathering herbs
Crafting oils and creams for skincare with delightful scents
Numbers

I'm decent at:
Providing security, guarding
Engaging in close combat

Things I struggle with:
Letters
Magics
Dishonesty
Engaging in activities that might lead to feelings of guilt


Additionally, I'm on the lookout for a combat medic who can share knowledge on treating severe wounds!

[Obvious_Illusion]

The Lavender Knight Cometh.

Clanging plate, pious determination, and a flourish of cloak and blonde locks, there is little subtlety to the divinity of the charming man some have begun calling The Lavender Knight. Over the preceding months, the Illuskan has been quick to offer aid and healing to those troubled by the villainy and misfortunes of the region. It is even said that the Lavender Knight led the charge against a horrific devil summoned by goblins. Although patient in his dealings, his stoic gaze scrutinises those of ill repute and devious appearance, and he is oft prone to giving unsolicited and stern reminders about how one might live a good and orderly life. Frequently mistaken as a paladin or a knight, he simply introduces himself as "Vhaan de Luca, Itinerant Priest and Warrior of Tyr." A favoured man with the divine spark of the Even-Handed God might be a living miracle for some, and an impediment to others. In quieter moments he might be spotted in deep contemplation by the inn's campfire or inside with a stein of Luskan Black Ale, a sense of melancholy permeating him.

------

OOC: Just a bit of a scene setting/intro post after having RPed for a few months with this character. PCs who have not met him are welcome to have heard/noticed some of the above prior to meeting him.

[selhan]

*A man placed a sign on the notice board for the interests of Druids. In his posting he mentions something about a valuable Druids recipe to make a dark weapon mold.*

[DM Verjigorm]

Late during the eve of the 16th of Ches, a frightened elderly couple arrive at the Inn. Whilst huddled by the fireplace inside the bar, they speak openly of having run across a wounded, armored gnoll upon the Way of the Lion. That despite the sudden chance meeting with the monstrous creature, they had also been passed by and left completely unharmed.

"I saw devilworks in it's eyes, I tell you!"
"Now, darlin', t'were jus' the torch you were flailin' at it."
"Well, I had to scare it off, didn't I?! It was dressed for war!"
"Scare it? Didn' even flinch! You'se a lucky one, darlin'. Even torn an' beaten up as it were, you cain't even help lift sacks o' potatoes anymore! How were ya plannin' on teachin' that thing wut's wut?"

As the evening progressed, the elders had settled more into bickering amongst themselves rather than fearful recollection of what they mentioned having thought to have been the end of their lives.

[selhan]

Beastly Hatred

“Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world,
but has not solved one yet.”

"Malar Hunt, That's what some had called it, when the Trade Way and nearby settlements and forests where engulfed by a thick crimson fog. I was never savvy to religion, nor did I know much of the one called The Beastlord whom was the epitome of the dark, bloody side of nature. Only later did I learn that particular deity was the lesser deity of hunting, stalking, bloodlust, and bestial savagery. After I was mauled by a pack of wild savage beasts. The Glimmer woods reported many forest animals mutilated and mauled. A war band of Elves had already taken the call to investigate . But strange sightings ranged up and down the Trade Way, with feral terrifying wolves beyond normal sizes with ruby eyes and snarling hatred. Lurking, sulking within the fog..hunting."

It was right here! *Looks for it*

"OH SHITE! Don't get to too far!"

It vanished Right before my eyes! *Soon spots it again and gave chase*

As they chase it an ambush of the pack emerges.

Damn too many..

*Rumors around the Friendly Arms Inn would speak of a human man, known as a Broken Goblet bartender and a female halfling namely Terra was revived and healed by magical and mundane means as their bodies were laying in their own pool of blood. It was said they were victims of a savage violent attack according to their mauled bodies. The mans eyes however was a notable mention of being crimson in color . Both were said to be have been seething with a raging hatred. The halfling woman was later appearing slightly more calm than the man, by the help of someone dear to her....slightly.*

Sel will spend the next day with a burning pain. He will be extremely quick to anger.

After the overdose of healings, regenerations, he opens his eyes groaning in burning pain with a scowl upon his face,

She leans down to check over the two, searching for bite marks.

". . . they are both going to be spending the next tenday with a priest."

I think they must've been brought here from th'North. We'd've heard if they were jumped here.

"Huh. I think you're right."

Sel getting caught with his pants down is rare.

It's a game to th'wolves. Brought'm back here t'us like thrown sticks.

So... can anyone confirm what the hell just happened?

Cursed. Witness-it-in-him. It-will kill-him-if-is-not-taken-away.]

"Perhaps this wolf wants you both to. . . change, for lack of a better word, closer to others. Get to a proper priest, both of you, yes. And hope they have wolfsbane."

"Ree! Be careful. Giant wolves, Malar's hunt, curse bites."

"You need t'see a priest. Try th'one here, at th'Inn. Hey your understand me?"

Sel's eyes look different. They are entirely filled in with blood. Sel seems to be the only one who cant tell.

*He glances around glaring, a very angry expression on his face* "Ol course I foking understand. Bunch a noise is all I hear from the many mouths" *He winces grabbing his shoulder. He scans the group angerly* "The hells you people gawking at!".."Move!"

As the moon fades away into dawn. The distant howls in the night vanish
The sounds of mourning doves greet the dawn as night fades away into morning.

The-agony-will-not-fade.

"Go see the hin in the temple at the Inn- . . . or not."

Yeah. Listen. Hey. *He sheathes his club.* HEY! Don't make me piking tackle you.

"You people gonna fancy me all day or be rid of those fokin wolves?!"

You're seein' a Priest. *He manages to grab Sel, for the moment, firmly by the shoulder.* You gonna go there willingly, or am I gonna have t'drag you?

So what did you do? *Leans in* who did you kill?

*As he is grabbed by the big orc blood seeing Celestia in front of him he boot kick her away!*

*Falls on her butt*

"Something in the trees, back to the Inn, fools. Stop wrestling. . ."

*At Jassin's mention, Rhaeg considers, then finally releases Sel* You hurt or kill anyone because've your little curse, and I'm makin' an interestin' bag instrument out've your lungs, barkeep.

"I aint bloody cursed, just in a lot pain." *He said through clenching teeth*

*A spell of Removed Curse was casted on the man*

This day near the Friendly Arms Inn, In the Glimmer Woods, South of Lion's Way...





The mark of Malar was surely left.

To Be Continued Elsewhere...

[Obvious_Illusion]

Beastly Fervour

On the second eve of the High Hunt, the Beastlord beckoned yet another display of bloodthirsty carnage. The red mist setting in on the campfire by the Friendly Arm Inn, a group of adventurers discovered an eviscerated corpse of a bear on the path leading to the Cloakwood, with blood smears in the mark of a claw on the ground. The tiefling Cuth stepped forward at the calling of the hunt, much to the frustration of the many other adventurers who insisted on staying by the safety of the walls of the inn's keep. Was it curiosity, goodwill, or the appeal of danger or the hunt that motivated them to follow him into the Cloakwood - to be honest, Cuth could not care less. The dark grew thicker amongst the woods, with distant howling, and a giant wolf appeared before the large group, asking Cuth if he was prey or predator. Of course, he recklessly declared "Predator". However, the ensuing assault of giant lupine beasts rendered him and many others prey. What took place after, Cuth has no idea.

After the bloody night, the survivors returned to the Temple of Wisdom at the Friendly Arm Inn, paying for those who had fallen to be raised. Cuth awoke with a distinct feeling that he had been cursed... or was it...? No. He felt blessed; an intensely primal experience. Around him, others in the temple spoke of seeking a cure for a 'curse', and planning to meet at the front gate of the inn's keep to teleport to seek the aid of the one called Ashenie. Paying the mage Mareev for his and Melek's cost of being raised, the two quickly slipped away from the view of others. He was not sure if she had been cursed, but she expressed no desire to join the others. Standing on the rooftop of the Friendly Arm Inn, Cuth watched the sunrise with a sharp-toothed devilish grin. There was no way he was giving up this new primal feeling - and so he teleported away with Melek.

Since then, he has felt a beastly fervour. Already a bloodthirsty man - satiating his malevolent spirit guide with his own blood and the blood he hunts - his carnage has only intensified since. However, few have yet witnessed the tiefling in his full, glorious gore.

[JustAnotherGuy]

After hearing that several adventurers had traveled into the Cloakwoods, The Guardian follows them to assist. Several long battles with gnolls ensued, until finally there was a lull. After a brief reprieve, giant wolves attacked those within the Cloakwoods. The rumor goes that a giant worg took the Archdruid away. He was then rescued by others, alive. When he returned to the Friendly Arms Inn, he bore a scratch on his face that looked like the symbol of Malar. He warned others that the High Hunt had begun.

[AsuraKing]

What started as an already eventful day outside the Friendly Arm ((that event I cant speak on..)), was quite rapidly followed up by what could only be described as a divine miracle...

A man clad in black plate armor approached the former Banite Vigilator, the now self proclaimed Sunmaster Barristan Schulltze, just outside the Friendly Arms Inn in front of a small crowd. It became quite clear, very quickly that this armored individual was a former pupil of the former Banite, and one greatly offended not only by Barristan's inability to recall his name but by the fact he felt abandoned and betrayed after Barristan's departure from the Abbey.

"I. Served you. I studied under you. You were the Iron Fist of Bane that held me in line. Gave my life a purpose. You punished me for my insolence. You praised my devotion."
"I am Murgen. Murgen Darksworn. Orphan that asked you to give his life a purpose. To become a pries of Bane as powerful as you."
"You left us! Left me! Left everything! You betrayed. My loyalty... My dedication. Left it in the gutter."

Murgen's rage flowed, spilling out as he levied accusations upon the Sunmaster, accusations which he did not refute. Instead Barristan stood there, alongside Vichard Domivyk and Layla Zaisis, who all urged the man to leave his past behind and create his own path forward.

"That past, that darkness, is all experience.. Life lessons you can take can forge into new goals, ones you establish for yourself. I spent months and months researching a new path for myself after His fall." Barristan Stated

"No... No... This darkness?' It is real..It is tangible... It has a face and a name."
"There is no escape from it. Not anymore. The Black Sun's grasp is crushing. Suffocating."
"And you... You left me in it. To be picked like a discarded slave."

It was then that Murgen revealed the true reason of his hate as he removed his right gauntlet and bracer... His flesh black as obsidian, dotted with purple veins, a skull emblazoned on the back of his hand... A divine curse, by the hands of a God itself, locking a carnage demon within the man's mortal flesh. A curse which did not take long to show itself, as Murgen reached out to strike Barristan, only to be halted in his tracks by the Tormtar, Vichard.

Barristan, Vichard, and Layla pleaded with the man, urging him to let them help him. At first he refused, the curse driving him into a frenzy as he once more attempted to strike at Barristan. Vichard once more stepped in, locking the man into a hold as the trio attempted to break through to the man locked behind the curse. Barristan's tone had shifted, away from his now calm and warm tone, to his previous cold and distant presence of his past life... A life more familiar to Murgen.

"I believe your will is stronger than you think, otherwise you'd never have made it past a Slave under my authority back then. If you wish aid, be it from me, or another, say it."
"A pathetic demon is no match for such willpower. If you wish to harness that rage of yours, make it your rage, not that.. creature's"

After what appeared to be an internal struggle, a single word escaped Murgen's lips: "YES"

Without hesitation Barristan began a ritual, chanting in old Loross and weaving various divine sigils across the ground around Murgen. Be it through divine grace, or sheer luck, Murgen had found Barristan at the hour of High Noon, where Amaunator was at his most radiant. As the Sunmaster chanted, in a long forgotten tongue, the sky around the Friendly Arm became a shining beacon, an otherworldly light plunging through the clouds... And through that Sunlight, the darkness upon Murgen was purged, a curse marked by a god, lifted by the Sunmaster's faith in a long forgotten God.

((DM Soulcatcher event resulting in the use of the Miracle spell))

[Lethze]

Following the lead provided by a randomly appeared dire rat, a group of randomly gathered dwellers of the inn (Erzebet Lunevin, Lagrima del Abanzzi, Zeila Linepret, Zel Castriver) set out to investigate the "living ground" on a "two-leg path".

Tracking the blood spilled by a dead horse that missed a hoof all the way to the northern Trade Way, the group was ambushed by ankhegs merged out of the ground. After a series of fighting between the giant underground insectoids and the three heavyly warded humanoids plus a polymorphed silver dragon, the threat of ankhegs were considered temporarily cleared, leaving rotting bug corpses piling up on the Trade Way. With the confirmation that no abnormal magic was detected on the ankhegs, the group suspected that those subterranean magical beasts who prefer forests as their usual hunting groud, were as well driven out of the woods by the Hunt of Malar, concluding that the Hunt has caused troubles beyond the reach of the woods.

A dagger was extracted from a ankheg corpse, seemingly belonged to the first victim of this unexpected ankheg attack. It was brought to the temple of the inn to be sent to a proper burial considering the owner of it had probably become unsuitable for a burial through the digestive system of ankheg. The identity of the dagger's owner was successfully acquired through magical means, and the relevant personnel was warned of this threat.

In memory of William Gromsbury (Junior).