Somewhere within a tavern unknown to anyone other then the few that were down stairs in a fighting pit with blood stains floors and the stench of sweat that lingers thickly in the air. A man was bounded and chained suffering from bad air and big punches. One other person held the door shut to make sure no one entered. However the drinking area was filled with patrons, lost in conversations or carousing. All unknowing what was taking place below in the pit, except one patron, after all, this one was the one that had fetch the man and kept him bound.
"Now Mr...Trace was it?...Tell me..are you the last member of your Company..you know ..namely the Company of the Scorpions?"
*The mountain of a man cracked his own knuckles while his throat rumbles like that of a large lion, growling.*
"What's it to you?"
" Why did you and your folks slaughter a whole Halfling village?"
"I didn't have a choice!"
"Why the Hin Village ?"
"Cuz Cyric caught wind that they were hiding the tablets of fate there. When they weren't agreeable he ordered us to tear the place apart."
"Did you folks find the Tablets?"
"No."
"Vol, make sure hes not lyin hmm"
"I'm not lyin!"
*This time the hit lands square against his jaw, spewing blood and a couple teeth from his mouth, unlike the the previous oddly attempt*
"So you and your company , slaughtered an entire hin village for the Tablets and yet..you found none?"
"He won't stop until he gets them, the man is... possessed or something."
"Aint know of anyone name Cyric around here thats for sure, this the Shore, we got pirates, pirates and more bloody pirates. And a whole lotta ale. Normally such a thing is not my business..but I like Hins. Use to call one mother"
"Oh by the gods man, I didn't want to do it you have to believe me!"
"Makes me want to feed you to the sharks...but ..there's something else I prefer..."
Later, three people would be seen walking up from the fighting pit. No other patrons knew of the forth, nor did they see a forth exit the pit.
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
It was late in the evening, on the same day the death of Bhaal was witnessed. Dying Gods or not the bartender of the Broken Goblet had a bar to tend to. The evening was calm other then the normal carousing from the common drinking patrons. It wasn't long until more travelers from the north and south soon arrived.
Talks of the days events where first on the topic, that was until the drinks started to get to their heads. Patrons.. lost in the effect of their requested alcohol, soon started a carousing of their own. Well most of them at the least. Some still effected by the event on the Boarsekyr Bridge. Others still in disbelief.
To the bartender, the drink was what everyone needed. Bhaal was not a god he worshiped nor followed or ever gave praise too. But ever since he became a bartender, he's grown to learn the seriousness of peoples devotions. Like many patrons who come to the tavern for a drink, it was merely a way to relax and drink down sorrows. Unless they intended to abuse the drink to reach heights of bliss. As the night went on and patrons and employees started to take leave, only but a few remained. All familiar faces. However the women started to bicker about who had the best rump. One woman who made claims of having the best rump and even held a title of Champion in such regards boldly accepted any challenge. And the challenge was met. What followed was all the women except the barmaids formed positions to show off their best curves or apple bottom's.
However only a woman could be the judge. Due to conflict of interests.
"Psst Oi, why only Shana gets to judge the arses?"
"Because you ain't touching my wife, and I ain't touching the other girls arses"
Two men, a bartender and a husband stood back watching as one female went around judging rumps. Giving a professional appraisal. The two men stood in awkward silence having to endure the show as well as the assessments. From a rump that was considered shapely and balance but cold to the touch, to the thicker one with the proper sort of bounce and a tattoo under a skirt, to an athletic, firm, muscular definition through dark leggings. The rumps where judged by shape, volume, and bounce. Patrons that night in the Broken Goblet may speak of a claimed reigning "Rump Champ" being dethroned. Whispers say the woman might have been dethroned due to her lack of ability to resist blowing wind during the judging. A new Rump Champion was named this night however while the former fell into depression due to loosing the title, but with the expression to return one day and take back the title.
Patrons within the Broken Goblet would speak of the oddly silence of two men by the bar. It would be said, the bartender had never been so quiet behind the bar.
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
"Alright, let me put away my things and I will head on over"
A person has got to have a strong mind if they fall back. When they fall back, they may get counted out. So you got to have a strong mind and know your worth. When you come back, you've got to be different and even more better. Fun times, troubled times both keeps a person occupied to a point they forget things, important things even, or even deals made and or promises. When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.
"You summoned for my presence?"
"I did. I found a clue to a lost relic. Those in my service did." *Then why summon me*
"So you are close to what your looking for?"
"I have a wonderful contract prepared for you right here too." *looks off to a table and papers* "Perhaps you are keen to sign now, Perhaps you realize how dangerous the world is without it?" *I ain't signing shite*
"Heh..Tis fine, I rather not..I think our ..friendship suffice. hmm?"
"Two things"
"And these two things are?"
"A terrible trouble...." *Sounds fun*
"Consider it taken care of." *By any means necessary*
"I care not for your troubled life for you have not signed my document." *And I will never sign that bloody document*
"Just get it done however it suits you. Understand I will not be pleased if you fail or I hear my name mentioned." *I never fail*
"You really would be better to sign, I can protect those that do." *They are fools, not I.*
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. Aye fun ....it does make one forget things. But now play time has to be set aside. And let focus be thy weapon.
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
*One of four people hastily pinned a notice on the bulletin board in Neshkel, as well as leave a copy of the message to one of the Amn sentries in front of the Adventure Guild building . It would read*
"To whom it may concern,
There is a very large black ooze of a creature deep within the nearby mines. Its very formidable and has the ability to cause a lot of confusion while disorienting the mind. It was fought to a degree but we had to fall back because we were trying to kill each other do to the oozes ability to confuse us as to whom was the enemy. Do inform travelers and adventurers alike to take great caution. It was like seen just beyond the bridge where the devil lingers. "
Earlier.....
The sound of blades hitting against axes and violent grunts echo's within the tunnels of the Neshkel mines. War cries of Tempus along with a buccaneers taunt were the last things a mine full of Grey Dwarves heard before either being skewered, or cut or even broken to a lifeless corpse.
But then they came upon a large black Ooze. And they couldn't kill it, and they nearly killed each other.
((DM Midnight's Event PM them via forums if anyone wishes to pursue the case of the Black Ooze))
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
Roaringshore - The traveler should be aware that many pirates here are runaways, local thieves, and adventurers all out to make an impression, and perhaps attract some business as mercenary hirelings. A lot of posing goes on. This can make Roaringshore a very dangerous place for the visitor who isn't in a large, well-armed group, or obviously powerful. The haze of smoke hanging over the place is visible for miles. and its stench travels far downwind. Water flowing out the river mouth carries reeking sewage, streaks of dye, and islands of floating garbage far out to sea.However...
The Shore' can be a beautiful sight with keen and experienced eye'. When the Suns reflection shines off the ocean's surface, the lighting effect is magical on its own. No matter the garbage that floats on the waters nearby the docks, nor the blood from corpses that attract frenzy sharks. During the right time a day when eyes look upon the horizon and see the ships off in the distance, the sails themselves may give off a feel of pride, a feel of freedom. Seagulls flying above with blue skies higher above filled with white clouds gives that refreshing feeling even though some of the stench of trash and bodies and fish can assault ones nostrils.
Sometimes such a stench can be masked by the smell of pirates taking a moment to indulge in a hearty meal. This very day, one pirate did just that with a roast pig. The aroma from the roast filled the air nearby, and bringing about a frenzy hunger to pirates. Even the Shore's recognized dog name Gnoll was licking his chomper's and waiting to get his share. Aye such the life in the Shore.
Although when the bartender of the Broken Goblet, a tavern within the pirate village called the Shore' finally headed up the walkway to check on the bar, he saw something very off. It might not be off to other patrons but a bartender knows his patrons to an extent. And one patron was not normal, instead, he was well past 11 goblets drunk.
"One thing that I have come to learn as a bartender is that, meeting and seeing and even engaging in conversations with the frequent patrons, I get a feel of them. I pick up on minor habits within the tavern. Aye Goblet coin is Goblet coin, but I can't help but love all the filthy lots. Each one in due time, I learn whats their favorite drinks, I learn their limits of how many goblets they will allow themselves. And even get to learn each personality. But when a patron does something out of routine its quite noticeable to me. This day, I see one whos getting drunk, and for him, that is not a normal. What ever troubles the man, whatever pain he is going through, he's now doing what the many others are doing..dulling his senses by drowning himself in his drink. I hope the man reaches the Inn, cause my bruiser ain't around to help carry him, and I ain't getting a drunker's spillage on my good clothes.
"By now, outsiders would have heard plenty of rumors of the Shore and the Broken Goblet. When men and woman strive to be freedom men and woman, almost anything goes in such a lawless land. It was about four maybe five months ago, Pike told me he wants to see how far I can keep up. He must be impressed by now. But he ain't seen nothing yet , I still got more to go."
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It's a way of understanding it.”
In a world of turmoil, men and woman have found ways to make a living or even a legacy. In the year 1358 DR, people have experienced grief, love, freedom, hatred and even redemption. Some have even found pain or death, and the loss of hope. War's are prolong much longer than they should have. And like war, empires are not created on the battlefield. Instead they are created within a room with men or women with idea's and influence. People who can think out of the box of the common norms, people who are willing to go far and beyond to reach goals and meet their desires.
Some people will stop at nothing to obtain more knowledge or even power. With the silence of the Gods and the wild magic , mages of all kinds have finally found a frustration that brings them to a boil.
Other's take advantage of whatever opportunities that presence themselves. They often don't care about the world around them, and never will unless it effects them directly.
Faith is lost in most men and woman, regardless if they speak of it or not. Some has been doing it far before the Gods were banished from the heavens and thrown down in our world. People has done things forbidden far before these time's of troubles. Blasphemy are their actions, and unforgiveable some will say.
Why would everyone simply kneel and be humbled and allow themselves to be in a faithless devastation? There's no fun in that, surely. Nor is being dead a dozen times either. From all the words that gets spat out from drunken lips, most of us already know, the Gods are hardly any better than the rest of us. Some others shrug off any concerns for their god, other hold themselves devotedly.
As the days continue on, most are still , silent and uneventful. Other times things are chaotic. Rumors speak of a temple within the Gates trying to heal a big mass numbers of fallen men or woman. Some had died, others still beaten and still badly injured. I myself even paid a visit to someone I knew. At least they lived. But did I truly care? Did the meaning of humanity bring me forth to see the status of an injured woman? Or was it merely curiosity.
In a massive way, people lost sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Grief will take them and overwhelm them. Some will seek some sort of substitute to dull the pain of loss, others will pursue vengeance. Grief is unpredictable. A wound on the flesh is nothing like the wound to the heart from within. The pain can be unbearable, nor can you grasp at it and brace yourself to endure it. The same happens when romance is severed. Some see love as the most powerful thing a living being can experience, others claim its the weakest thing you can do. But one thing is for sure, regardless in these troubling times, regardless that faith continues to dwindle, the primal instincts between a man and woman will continue with the unity of the heart. Even in the darkest of times, the cruelest of worlds, lovers will love. That's just the way it is, they way it was, and how it will forever be. People will mock the thing of love. But regardless, this is our world. And the decisions each of us make will determine the outcome of the future.
Discipline does not leave each and everyone of us just because our gods do not answer. Discipline will always thrive by the ones purely focus. Why quite training when you can continue to train? Why stop improving when there's always room to improve? The strive to perfection will always be a goal to reach, if a person always keeps the goal in mind. Not always is it when things get harder, that things become impossible. For some, things have only gotten more interesting.
The stuff of freedom can mean far more to a person than life itself. I for one rather die a free man than to die enslaved. Like others with the same mindset, we prefer to live freely even thou we lose out on luxury or wealth. To be called freemen is something to live and die for. But there are others who can say the same that live by a code of creed.
Regardless of the troubled world, regardless if magic has gone to shite and the Gods die off like any other moral, so long as the minstrels still sing the stuff of tales...
As long as the Iron forges continue to flare heat and smoke..
As long as people continue to fight that hard fight and face the many dangers...
As long as elves continue to protect their culture and the woodlands around them...
As long as even the vile things in our world continues to strive for more gains..
And as long as influence continues to be spread ..
We will all still have a world to live in, and what becomes of our world will be up to each of us to decided.
The ultimate question is...what will you do? And can you roll with it?
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
This isolated village of Roaringshore nestles in a small deepwater cove on the coast about a third of the way south from the mouth of the Winding Water toward the city of Baldur's Gate. Like Lathtarl's Lantern , this is a pirate hold but unlike the Lantern, the reputation of bold, lawless Roaringshore has spread far up and down the length of the Sword Coast. Two establishments of note have lasted long enough to garner well-deserved reputations: the Swordarm and the Broken Goblet. And in 1358 DR, the Shore' changed....
With the increase of population, the Shore began to thrive. The Broken Goblet a drinking tavern had an increase of patrons, the Swordarm Inn, had an increase of patrons. Ship crews found more able bodies. And it wasn't long, that things started to change.
However no matter the changes, the newly hanging bodies are reminders that...this was the Shore, and we leave bodies hanging to send the clear message.
But the Shore wasn't the only places going through changes. Word would had reached the Broken Goblet sooner or later about the arrival of Manshoon in the North. What was already long talked about and discussed on numerous occasions. With the whispers and rumors from the North, does this mean their time has arrived? Would there be a new ruler of the towering dark castle known as Darkhold? If the talks were true, then behind the tall black walls of Darkhold there's surely to be changes. Originally called the Keep of the Far Hills, it was the western stronghold of the Zhentarim, located near the Sunset Mountains in the Western Heartlands. The fortress itself was made of a black stone that had been fused together by some unknown means and was not native to the region. This led some to believe it was formed by elementals summoned by a Netheril sorcerer.
What will it mean for the Shore? Perhaps more patrons? Would the Zhentarim force from Darkhold, spread diplomacy to gain more allies? Long ago word had spread of their allegiance with the dark under dwellers known as the Drows. They had nearly took out all the Lords Alliance supply lines and were responsible for carrying out such raids. They were so successful, scouts searched far and wide to find help of all kinds trying to form plans to detour the raids. Was they ever successful? Who knows, only the ones directly involved in the war would know. The residence of Roaringshore may or may not involve themselves with such the things of war with the Lords Alliance, for the enjoys their freedom more so. Piracy happens not simply because, but because they are hungry free men and woman of the Shore.
Within the Pirate Village nestled along the creek, ship workers, sailors, fishermen, pirates, run a ways, and thieves, continue their average day. Looking for coins to drink and to feed themselves. To outsiders, the pirate village may look shabby but to the ones that live here , it was home and a perfect home they felt it was. Where the wind blows of freedom and the gulls fly high above. Men and woman of the Shore were content with what they had and made the best of it.
If the bartender of the Broken Goblet was asked what's his thoughts on change was , he would tell you..
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. Let me tell you the dilemma in people. It's that we hate change and love it at the same time, what we really want is for things to remain the same but get better. The question to ask yourself however is simply this...."
"Are you getting off yer arse and trying to better things? Or are you sitting on your bloody arse and sniveling about bettering things? Take a look around you, if yer cant call this change, then your more thick headed than a bloody orc."
((Big Thanks and Shout out to Ashenie. Upon inquiry, you delivered and you delivered big. Even with so much on your plate. From the Bartender and the patrons and the residence of Roaringshore, you have our appreciation! Don't stress of the bugs and walk mesh. There were only few and they were nothing too serious and they can be fixed. This is a very old game, and you still manage to lay down an outstanding job!))
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
There comes a time in everyone lives where they must ask themselves..Just what are we doing. Many live for the day, others live for the future, a few continue to live in the past. As I look upon the many faces of patrons, I often wonder just what choices they all have made in their lives. Like what lead them to come to Roaringshore, or life did they leave behind, or did they even have a life to begin with.
And what of those that react on instincts or primal instinct, and find themselves with more than what they can deal with. The saying of they bit off more than they can chew is a saying very meaningful. Some cant handle pressure, some even welcome it. Others..not so much.
The funny thing with people is that, when things are fun, they hardly care for consequences. But when its time to face the consequences, they often act dumb. I say, when yer make a choice, be sure and absolute first. Life ain't good if you got too much regrets. Trust me, it bloody sucks.
Each decision in a persons life should be first questioned. Not just once, nor twice, sometimes even more then thrice. If people all act upon the very first choice that comes to mind..the world would be a utter mess. I've always thought it was best to judge a person by their questions rather than their answers. When I look at it carefully in another view, there are really only four questions of value in life, What is sacred? Or what is the spirit made of? What is worth living for and what is worth dying for? The answer to each is quite the same , well in my own opinion for the answer that I have came up with. It will be for others to form their own answers.
Aye however..looking upon the patrons faces..I ask myself had they ever question their own decisions properly. Lately I have been making decisions or choices that I shouldn't have. It's unlike me. Have I grown old or careless that I have suddenly become lacking in guile? Perhaps I've opened myself up too much and need to be elusive once more. Guess it's that time I spend some time alone and really rethink all my options. I will admit, I'm starting to lose focus, and that is something I normally call failure. But gods, the distraction has been blissful.
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
Heavy rain pours upon the pirate village called Roaringshore. Washing away stained blood, washing away a mans sins. Both things never completely washed away, for there will always be a taint of once was.
The summer sun was never meant for men like me. Men like me belonged to the rain, we just try to never show it. To me life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain. And dancing in the rain I surely have. You see living within the Shore, Being soaked alone is cold. Being soaked with your best friend, crews or companions is an adventure.
However after a nights rain of jokes and drinks and business, the Gate had a carnival to attend too. Some went , others didn't the rest simply couldn't make it. I recently said, having fun often makes people forget whats important, whats dire. Celebration at its earnest yet the skies were still red, and rain continue to fall heavily. Wars coming to a stand still or was it? Gods are still silent, magic is still unpredictable yet during these times of troubles, society still finds time to have fun.
Within a house filled with nobles, the thought occurs.."Did we all forget what has happened?" Drinks poured, eyes peers, smiles return and even stories told. A bartender, with a story with a tale, was it true? Or was it a creation from creativity? I never asked, for I enjoyed it all the same.
Aye, even I that was within the presence of many nobles and Lords, It didn't stop wondering just what other chaotic event might unfold. It wasnt even long that performance and music was played. That always leads to one thing. Dancing.
Ha! But what some of the nobles didnt realize , was that men and woman of the Shore was present. And like a Quartermaster once said, we are free men and woman of the Shore. And free men and woman is what we showed them. You see, in the Shore in the Swordarms Inn, and in the Broken Goblet, damn near anything goes and we gave the nobles a bit of just that. Well me and my bruiser that is.
To some we may had looked like fools, others enjoyed the show. To us, we were free and free men get to do what every the hell they want.
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
A parcel is delivered to the Broken Goblet to the attention of Sel the bartender. The parcel contain a folder titled Yhogovolish the Invincible and several books. He already knew it was from a woman name Edelgarde from Candlekeep. He has yet to speak with the woman in person, but through other individuals and a messenger, he's manage to establish some bit of correspondence. Thus far it seems to be going smoothly. Just because one can not get around, doesn't mean their helpless.
The bartender took the parcel to the back office and locked the door behind him leaving Captain Pike to manage the bar. He examine the letters then the books. Reading titles after titles. He open the letter fully and a sense of unease made his brow furrow as he started to read.
Yhogovolish the Invincible
Yhogovolish is a devil who appeared during the devil wars in 1355 DR and attempted to take control of the Old Silver Mine in the Trollclaws so that those who fought against Dragonspear forces would find themselves out of silver weapons.
The first few pages were recounting the events of the Old Silver Mines in the Troll Claws. Word after word, sentence after sentence, the bartender would read, trying to understand, trying to learn of the events of past. For some reason it was of interest to him, and maybe even important. Taking periodic breaks sometimes even a day or so, his mind raced with many thoughts of many possible outcomes.
One thing he knew for sure was, he was slacking. Fun does that, but now its time to correct himself because even other's were seeing it.
"That was a scary scroll"
"Those scrolls tend to summon what ye be linked closely ta."
"Um..let's continue and never the mind about those ..things.."
Earlier.....
He held up a scroll and read the incantations written upon it, no flash of light, no sound other then the attacking creatures and the grunts a defending blade. Sudden...darkness came from the ground like a mist or even a darkness spell but something took shape, something took form and its eye's glowed red, the demonic like wings with a shadowy film stretched forth as the shape stood at attention. He's seen all sorts of magic before and was quite sure there's many he had not seen, this was surely one of those. He made a mental note to himself, to be more careful with scrolls, specially in the presence of others.
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
It can be said that pleasure in the job puts perfection in the works. But to the mysterious bartender of the Broken Goblet, perfection is not attainable, but if you chase perfection he believed you can catch excellence.
Although perfection and excellence are merely goals. But its good to have goals. Everyone should set goals in their lives, yearly goals, daily goals. Even dreams without goals are just dreams and nothing more. Setting goals even little at a time, marks progression. There's no need to take the longest of stride and risk a fall or a stumble. Putting one foot carefully in front of the other leads to moving forward, it leads to progression. Before you know it, you completed each every goal you had set for yourself.
As the bartender walks along the cliff houses, he glances back at the wagon that would take travelers to the North stopping at Soubar. He couldn't help but wonder..just what is going on beyond there.?
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
"No one is perfect, not even me. Perfects boring. Perfect is what people like Tha Gate and Radient Heart want. always followin tha rules.. even when tha rules hurt. Thinking that no on gets hurt if everyone obeys, world be like that... lucks important... bad and good."
"Not one fer Chaos?"
"Not sure"
"thas fair.... most don't see Chaos fer what it is."
"Well Im more the man with morals."
"Morals are just a function of chaos.
Chaos can't be chaotic all tha time.
otherwise it would be.. order
And so it becomes order, to remain chaotic...yer quiet."
"Trying to ...comprehend your ..wisdom. For the better part of my life..I lived it one way..was never quite..adventurous. Didn't quite mingle with so much ..people The Goblet....its been very interesting to me. Even tho others dont think much of it.
"Others don't think much of it? Seems like tha best place on tha coast ta me."
"Patrons make it so."
"Sounds chaotic"
"Think im learnin. So in your case, you prefer the life of a free woman ?"
"Aye.... thas how its best done...Free ta do what I want....Makes tha world a one of opportunity."
It never seems to get dull when seeing and learning other peoples thoughts and view about life in their own version. Then again, when anyone sees them other than the way I see them, it makes me feel exciting. But when I run into someone who has nearly the same view, I feel of a kindred spirit. This marsh, I've trek through many of times. But this night, it turned out much differently. As I looked upon the person speaking with me, I came to realize this is the deepest they had ever spoken. Just you thought you knew someone, they tend to surprise you. But I already knew that. I spent a life time knowing that. When I look at a person, it's far more different than the way most looks at a person. Most people will size a person up, trying to figure what they are about. I simply wait for what they will reveal to me, because they always do. One way or another, they always do. And if they don't , it ends better when I'm not interested to know. Cause if I am, I'm gonna learn like I always do, and how I always do. By any means, necessary.
"She's is going to help the elves to defend their village after the orcish attack. It will be soon."
"Aye she mention about the orcs"
"There's a bronze dragon there, too, from what I heard. And the elves may need all the help they can get since the orcs have a green dragon on their side. And... *Pauses*
"Oi your doin that thing again..! You get hurt..your pay cut in half. Understand?!"
"Green dragons Rose...and a shite ton of orcs I'm guessin." *He smirks* "Hells those uppity elves always shut everyone out of their business. I sure ain't knowing why outsiders helpin them now."
"I'm going too. ...don't worry, I won't be in the frontlines."
Why, why do people do that! Risk their necks for others who would more than likely not return the gestures or not even deserving? Is it Pride? A calling? Something to prove? I bloody call it idiocy! I pay the minstrels coins, I've given her work. Yet this will be thrice that she goes out and risks her neck for others for no apparent reasons comprehensible to my mind. Risking her goals and dreams for a group of elves that shun most outsiders. The sign in front of their settlement even states so. Tieflings are not even allowed. From what I remember from the Archdruid dilemma is that , they bicker over a piece of foking wood. The stubbornness of Elves can rival the stubbornness of dwarves they say. Is it something the Archdruid failed to mention? Or does the elves have a good reason? To me its a piece of wood magical or not nothing more. Why not simply give it so the issue can be done with? Will they pose the risk of conflict or even war over wood? Maybe I have overlooked something. One mans trash is another mans treasure. Perhaps this wood has value and a large worth. I surely wont get involved with it. Dealing with elves...has always been frustrating. It was then, it is now, and it will forever be. And my bloody minstrel runs off to go help them. *A deep breath* nothing better happen to her. Or I will hunt every god damn orc in those bloody woods and pile the bodies on the Elves front door.
"..apparently Darkhold offered a truce to the Dukes - so a peace treaty is about to happen again. Especially with the Lord's Alliance in Corm Orp. And in short there will be peace for a year, opening trade negotiations"
"So the war is near an end?
"So it seems."
*Interruptions*
"I have a report for you."
*Brows raise*
"Enough to count more than three ballistae's on both entrances to the curved road, and I went to the gate of Darkhold. Nothing looked out of place."
"That was risky, careful there ........, the Zhentrims is not like here in the Shore.."
"If what I heard is true, perhaps soon the Gates of Darkhold will once again be open to the Public."
"I'm still meeting people up north. They are a different breed as far as I can tell."
A treaty? That's surprising, I would had thought a strong force, wave upon wave of the black army would continue the fight until they gained a lot of ground. The reports I heard months ago of their gains seemed unstoppable. Guess without their dragon the tides surely had turned. Well from experiences I'm sure the folks in the Gates will get prissy about it. They surely wont trust the treaty and I can almost bet many will try to block such a thing from happening. History always repeats itself. If I was a necromancer I wonder how many times I would have witness just the sort of thing. Oh well, perhaps now I will get to meet some zhentrims and add more customers to my ever growing list of patrons. It would be nice again to hear shite from the North again. I've always wanted to see the insides of that dark castle. Then again, I've heard strange rumors and tis probably not in the best of health to do so.
Gods I love hearing the word of the roads..it give's me interesting shite to talk about.
"Hey Sel, a friend of yours asked me to give you these.."
Some people of the Shore may have seen the bartender storming off down to the docks with the facial expression of anger..
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
The goblets within the Broken Goblet, where made of blown glass that rested upon a stem of various metals from silver, or gold. Each stem had an elegant design with good craftmanship. Some were of a bellowing dragon, another was a Krakan sinking a ship. Others had a more bawdy design like a mermaid entwined with a sailor. Just because the Shore was filled with harden pirates and scoundrels and other lowly sorts of men and woman, it doesn't mean its not without its romance.
Most of the pirates will lose themselves in their drink and seek out a tavern wrench or two sometimes more. Patrons tend to flirt with the barmaids or minstrels or even other female patrons. After all, men needs a good woman, or even its a woman that needs a good man. But unlike in other places, things are not quite the same. Free men and woman of the Shore pursue things differently. The style is far different than those within the Gates. You don't see a couple offering each other a fine glass of wine in a fancy establishment. Here in the Shore, they offer each other a goblet of good ol ale, or even rum. Nay, here they don't ask for a man or a woman, they take em. A punch in the face is the normal response if they approve to be took or not. Some patrons has seen a man get his nose broke before for thinking to carry a woman over his shoulder.
But when the response is accepting, its a whole nother ship to be sailing. And just like any ship out on the sea, sometimes the sailing be smooth, and other times it be a bloody storm. Most times, there's no room for romance in the Shore. Sailors be out to seas for a long time. Rare there be a lass willing to wait for em. The bartender of the Broken Goblet would tell you...
"I seen plenty of romance take fruit in the Goblet, when the hot blood of desire gets stirring ain't no stoppin it. And the bloody Swordarms Inn gettin all the profits of it, that bloody darn finger wiggler over there should be given me a free room. Them floatin bodies sure ain't attracting patrons!."
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
I remember thinking how easy it was to forget that we live day to day under a shadow. A stab in the dark. A crazy mage with a death spell. A woman snatching the heart out of a mans chest. You ...just...never ...know. So best to enjoy the moment before the end is nigh. I've told folks over and over the quiet and stillness in the air was something to be weary of. The Zhentarim force had been too quiet. Now they've all came out of the darkness and met with free men.
*Distance voices* - "...we're looking for people who can move ours...."
"...Seems the Zhents have come to shop..seems a crew meetin...and I aint been invited ta sit yet so....eh, recruitin and trade partners"
"Shop fer wot?"
*Distant voices* - .."is growing flowers on his tongue for the high courts. They need to be buttered up, you know."
*More distance voices* - "There do come times when a cargo ain't as...easily sold as others."
"Ah Crew business, aye I dont get involved with crew stuff , not my place in all. What ever it is, hope it brings more patrons."
*Distant voices* - "The old lord ...... was a bit more squeamish with certain things. Do you traffic in flesh? Not many buyers for that sort of thing around here, I'm sure you know."
"..yes well, been opin ta join tha crew, not sure Garons taken a shine ta me tho, an werent invited ta sit wit em so...dont speak much fer me"
"Garons a man of pure discipline. You cant attend meetings after certain requirements made... got to work yer way up the ladder if yer git my meanin."
*Distant voices* - "Why should we take a leap of faith with people we barely know ?"
*More distant voices* - "Because we control passages to the Underdark, straight to the gates of Sshamath and other major buyers."
The bartender made only a short stop for it wasn't his shift just yet and he had supplies to pick up. He made a quick inventory and tended to a woman at the bar while periodically glancing at the familiar free men of the Shore meeting with strange faces. The man he's never seen before had the face that could pass for one of the men of the shore. Oddly the man seemed to be trying at learning mannerism but his movements where ridged enough to give off the tale tell signs that he wasn't a man of manners at all. He would fit in with the Shore quiet easily. The woman on the other hand, was something else entirely.
With a mask with no known significance to the bartender, her tone and words spoke with a hint of authority. Like a woman who commanded men on a regular if not armies. Like a woman of power...and a woman that seems to like to trade in flesh. Whatever the woman meant by the trade in flesh, either by literal means, or by the traffic of slaves, she surely seems the type with a great deal of motivation and determination. The bartender of the Broken Goblet would tell you...
"A person with a great deal of motivation and determination tends to be the very people that makes things happen and gets things done."
"When a good thing goes bad it's not the end of the world."
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
"When bad things happens, there's one of three things."
*Which is?*
"Complain, change it, or accept it."
"I like that...I like that" *I like that very much*
The Archdruid known as the Guardian of the Woods spoke truth in those very words. With all things wrong, or with all things right, there's only those three things a person can really do. Not everybody will choose the same, everyone has their own belief's, their own views and their own desires. Experienced ones knew such of three choosing's. Some men and woman are considered bold while others are considered brave, but in truth before they all made a choice, there simply was a choice to be made and they made it.
"I was explaining to Sel that the followers of Sylvanus have a special ritual."
"Why doesn't he just do that elven ritual that turns him into an elf?"
"I aint trying to be no elf! "
"Bugger me, speaking of the Keep, I keep forgetting to go meet that lady over there."
"Edelgarde?"
"Aye that one"
"Tell her you use an inkless quill, She'll compliment you!"
"And you'll be safe with her, Sel. She's a redhead. But she won't be interested in you."
*He glances down at his crotch area then back at Mattie* 'Eh..dont think I will say that..."
"She's not talking about your potency, Sel."
"But the words, the phrase, I aint walking up to no woman and sayin my quill is inkless.."
We all do what we do for our very own reasons. Just as well as we may turn down or refuse to do things likewise. Dryads; maidens who acted as the protectors of forests and trees. They appeared to be beautiful women with delicate features seemingly made of soft wood. Their hair seemed to be made of leaves and foliage that changed color with the seasons of the calendar. Druids have their rituals, sometimes, offering outsiders. Some offerings are enticing , far from the possibilities of refusal, but not impossible. Just as someone may say yay, others can say nay.
"Actually, the problems are resolved...We will proceed without her. Soon, we set out to hunt the spider."
"Went to the woods about a ten day ago, bloody spiders every where. Couldnt take two steps without webs getting thrown at me."
"Were they mechanical, by any chance?"
"Clockwork....Hey, I ran into those types long before, around the time that whole Orcus stuff with Carah was goin on. Damn near kilt me twice."
"Supposedly they are hiding in some caves in my forest. But each time I go to look myself, they are not there."
"Yer heard about the Sharptooth?
"I've heard some things, but no details. I leave those woods to the elves."
"Bad Orc problems there, worse than the normal. And aye, orcs manage to have a Dragon on their side. "
"Interesting. . . the orcs have arisen again . . . any reports of them serving fire?"
"Aint hear about that"
"When last they formed up, they were worshipping fire. And had some kind of . . . blood disease that came from . . . devils? Or something of the sort. And they were strong"
"So that side of the woods aint yer domain"
"We used to be close allies with Doron Amar. But there was a falling out with their previous leadership, and our previous leadership. I'm trying to patch it up."
Doron Amar was founded in 1346 D.R., with the first Council. This first Council, composed of Aloria ap Ravar, Alarice Lharythlin, and Elrithmithrade Tir'draluin, established a small foothold in the Wood of Sharp Teeth and began rallying elves to their cause. A home for elves on the Sword Coast. Their efforts, while formative, were plagued by trials.
The bartender of the Broken Goblet would tell you...
"A man once told me, when bad things happen , there's one of three things yer can do, Complain, change it, or accept it. I'd say, be annoyin, be a hero, or be smarter than a kobolds arse."
((Late post, behind on some, but its the weekend and I'm off for the next two days so will catch up !))
“We drink to get drunk, we get drunk to fall asleep, when we fall asleep, we commit no sin, when we commit no sin, we go to the Heaven's."
