The Broken Goblet

[selhan]

Wrath of a Mother





"Its a lot easier to be angry at someone,
than to tell them your hurt."





Ever seen the wrath of a mother when her child has been taken from her? I say on to you, never underestimate the fury of an angry mother. They're the most vicious creatures in the world. When word reached my rum filled ears about Draconic furry upon the seas attacking Pirates, I never knew that the reasoning was that pirates had a dragons egg. That is a furry not even I would get in the way of.





"Let me guess, A bronze dragon out there in the seas, attacking any ship flying the black flags eh?"

"what-what is this.... Bronze-thing drag-thing?"

"Aye. Was a bronze. She was clever though."

"Wot yer mean by clever?"

"Found a wee young lass floating on some debris just south o' Candlekeep. Pretty woman, aye? Of course we picked her up! Let her use the storage room to change out of her soaked dress. Bad idea. Took some stuff and burst out, running straight up and off the plank. Just as she bounced off, she transformed. Huge, bronze shine in the moonlight. Then came the lightning storm from her mouth, aye? Set the whole ship ablaze."

*He taps Captain Pike on the arm* "See didn't I tell ya?"

"Someone managed to shoot off a magic ballistae bolt at her. Hit her in the wing and she dropped into the sea! Thought that was it! Nah, nah. We started puttin' out fires, minute later the dragon came from below. Shatterin' the entire ship. Another lightning storm out of her face. This happened." *He motions to his wounds.*

"Heh...dry land doesn't seem so bad anymore."

"I find it very funny, that Bronze dragon only targeting pirates. Dun anyone else find that funny?"

"Te be fair, we were carryin' eggs. Bet ye she had found out."

"Why in the Kobolds arse yer wanting to be carrin dragon eggs?! No wonder it sunk yer ship."

"It was good pay! Each crew mate could've bought their own personal ship for the job done!"

"See messin with Family gonna bring a whole lotta trouble. .."





And just earlier It was a busy day within the Broken Goblet. Faces known and faces new, all came to enjoy a goblet . Some listening to conversations, others engaging in the conversation, and few seeking rumors, or sharing rumors.





No matter the drunken words, or the bickering tongues, or the harden glares, it's a normal day in the Broken Goblet. And as I've always said, goblets need to be filled. But woe to he who ignites the wrath of a mother scorned.





*Rumors would spread throughout Roaringshore giving warnings of an angry Bronze Dragon targeting Pirate ships for the reasons of a crew that had possession of its egg. Word would speak how that particular ship and Captain was destroyed and sunk to the oceans with one survivor to tell the tell in the Broken Goblet. Notice boards posted with such information and word passed on to the High Admiral and High Captains and every other Captain within Roaringshore.*

[selhan]

((OOC))

I know I haven't been ig as I normally could, but that is because I've join the Dev Team!

After my normal work hours I am available, and could be reached through Discord or Forums. Currently on my first project for the server and learning the ropes if not going through some hurtful brutal initiation phase (Kidding about the initiation!)

But I can be in game if its important. I'm just full head on focus with current project, learning from staff and trying to tackle it so I can get to the things I've been wanting to do for the server!

If people want a Goblet Post, I am backlogged and could continue posting if need be!

[selhan]

Treasure Hunts





"Wot Aargh yer doin'?!"
"What are you doin?!"
"No wot Aargh yer doing?!"
"No what are you doing?!"
"Seekin Treasure mate."


What do you have when you have a tavern full of scoundrel's ? I'll tell ya, a filled Goblet. A seedy tavern in a pirate village known as Roaringshore, where such a scoundrel would lay upon a table drinking rum while hearin the stuff of tales.



Aye the Broken Goblet is such ol' place. But It's also a place when those that be in the know, can buy maps to hidden and lost treasures. Who would had known, the Broken Goblet had a vault filled with treasure maps? This particular man had the wits about him, to seek some from a pirate village. Either the wind was with him, or Lady Luck blessed his soul, for he came to the proper place and made such the purchase.



"Was wondering if the Bartender might know where I could speak to a man privately about ship passage."

"Ship passage?"

"Mhm. * He nods* "The parchment sort, with the right information, destination start, destination end, and a shovel for a friend."

"Oh?" *He tilts his head back to glance at the man upside down then sat up swinging off the table*

*She twirls her thumbs and looks down, she takes a drink and continues to do what she is doing*

"Thought if anyone knew where to get that, it'd be here." *He steps in a bit closer after looking about the crowd* "Or if I just got to wait for some person to show up at the Friendly Arms boasting about finding such."

"How many yer lookin for? I've got pleny ol maps, if yer nose can smell the right ol treasure, and yer eyes be true to wot yer see'n I could be assist'n with maps. Warf, be a good lass, and keep the man entertain while I see to a key, one moment yer fine man and I'll have wot yer been seekin."



I've heard it said, riches you hold in your hands are inferior to treasures you store in your heart. But I will say unto ye, If gold was as plentiful as sand, it would not be as valuable. After all, gold is a treasure, and he who possesses it does all he wishes to in this world, and succeeds in helping souls into paradise. And this man that came to the Broken Goblet bartender to purchase some treasure maps surely had some wits about him.



Patrons may ask the bartender why does he sale treasure maps and not use them himself? He would tell them..



"Because mate, the one who comes to buy a treasure map, may not even find the treasure he was lookin for with the treasure map he bought. But if he finds the treasure by using the treasure map, he's likely to triple what he spent for the treasure map. But if he cant read the treasure map, then well there's no treasure. Savvy? AND if he doesn't find any treasure because he didn't know how to use the treasure map well... He becomes five bags poorer, while I became five bags richer. Per map. I don't take risk when it comes to coins mate, I like guarantees."

[Deragnost]

Tale Of A Matter Most Fowl

Roaringshore, a lawless pirate haven where the sea whispered secrets and danger lurked in every shadow. Amongst its salty inhabitants, there was a figure known - Rose, the Minstrel, whose crimson locks were as fiery as her songs. She ventured into the notorious tavern known as the Broken Goblet, a place where rough souls found solace and stories flowed as freely as the rum.

Rose knew no fear, for her music was her armor, her melodies her shield. In a dimly lit corner of the tavern, she strummed her lute and sang songs of love, adventure, and longing. Her voice cast a bewitching spell over the patrons, who were captivated by her presence.

Amidst the rowdy crowd, a figure emerged from the shadows, an eyepatchless man approached with piercing eyes. It was Zenk, the enigmatic leader of the Boneheads, a pirate crew feared throughout the Seven Seas. He approached Rose with a swagger, his grin as cunning as his reputation.

"Rose," Zenk greeted with a roguish charm. "A siren's voice in Roaringshore. I've missed that."

Rose smiled warmly at the infamous pirate captain. "Zenk, you're looking as rugged as ever. Shall I sing you a tale of your latest adventures?"

Zenk chuckled, his gravelly voice resonating through the tavern. "Aye, that you should, Rose. But first, let's catch up."

As they exchanged stories and laughter, a hushed silence swept across the tavern. The priestess Grimhilda of Umberlee, the Queen of the Depths and Goddess of the Seas, had arrived and demanded a tithe. Her presence was as ominous as the depths she served, and her demands were not to be ignored.

Rose observed the tension in the room and leaned closer to Zenk. "Trouble on the horizon, Zenk. What's your take on this?"

Zenk's eyes glittered with mischief as he leaned in to share a secret. "Rose, meet Horatio." From within his coat, he produced a small, feathered companion, an ordinary-looking chicken, or so it seemed.

As Zenk explained, the priestess demanded a ritual sacrifice of a living being, and if Horatio survived the drowning, the chicken would gain an honorary rank within the Church, becoming a sacred beast. Zenk and Horatio then engaged in an unexpected and oddly eloquent conversation, considering one party was a chicken.

"BAGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCK"

"bagock?"

"BA-BAGOOGBACGOGOGK."

"First off, rude. Second off, language! Zenk cannot beleive the words you have learned!"

Rose, bewildered but intrigued, couldn't help but ask, "Zenk, are you seriously considering sacrificing your loyal companion for power?"

Zenk's grin widened, and he looked down at Horatio with an air of reverence. "Sometimes, Rose, even the humblest creatures can rise to greatness. If this brings power and amazingness to our crew, then why not?"

Although I reworked on the dialogues, I took freely inspiration from what actually happened. A really enjoyable and fun moment!

[selhan]

The Sea Witch



"Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still,
and rough or rigid.
But in the end, it is always beautiful."



The Great Queen of the Sea was worshiped out of fear by most. Umberlee acted on her turbulent whims when making deals with mortals. Temples of Umberlee were few and far between, and the church was disorganized, universally hated throughout Faerûn, and perpetuated out of fear of the goddess. The organization of Umberlee's church reflected her chaotic nature; disputes were settled in favor of the strongest individual. Druids who worshiped the First Circle also venerated Umberlee, as she was a representation of nature in its cruel form.

Dogma
The Undrowned and Umberlants held no ethical standards nor persuasions; the only thing that was set in stone was their belief in the cruelty and viciousness of the sea, the most dangerous place. The folk who were brave enough to travel the savage seas should be ready to pay the price for their challenge to the Bitch Queen's domain. The Church of Umberlee's doctrine was fear; all were to tremble before the Queen's power, as her waves and winds were all-reaching. The mercy of the Great Queen of the Sea was to be bought with generous offerings, as they brought fair winds. All who dared to travel through her domain were to know that Umberlee controlled the monsters of the deep and the drowned dead. Priests and priestesses of Umberlee were to spread the holy word of the Bitch Queen and spread the fear of her rage, and perform no service in her name without collecting high tithe. They were to promote the fear of Umberlee's waves and winds unless her clergy accompanied the travelers.



When I met a Priestess of Umberlee, oddly joy filled my black guts. Why? Because such a Sea Witch is needed to help complete the outstretch cords within the village of Roaringshore and bring things together in a tight knot. Let the High Captains rule the Shore in their own image, I will merely continue to ensure more and more take up residence and find reasons to call it home. More people more patrons, more patrons means good business. This Sea Witch intrigues me, I will look forward to gain her knowledge of her faith until I've come to fully understand the Wavemother's ways. The priestess has yet to fully grasp just how important her presence will mean here. Even others have also took notice.



I've missed an opportunity once before when about a year ago I had met a Wavecaller. But doesnt mean such an opportunity will never present itself. Guess for now, I will continue to watch and enjoy the sight of the Sea Witch collecting the high tithe. While conflict rises once again in the South about Amn and their mage hunters, or the North panicking with parasites, or dominate Gods try to make everyone kneel before him, I will continue to make efforts to ensure that Roaringshore thrives as it should be. After all I do live here.

"So wots yer goals while yer work on that list ol names.?"

"Collect High Tithe, see respectful sailors to safety. Educate the ignorant mainlanders of Umberlee's power and expectations. And pray for Umberlee to drown those who are unfit to breathe air."

"Your more than Welcome to come aboard my ship , I would be interested to learn what you could teach in that regard. I've done nothin in the Shore but serve drinks, be hunted, fend off assassins and hired mercs and a whole lotta drinkin"

"I'm not sure what I could teach you, you already seem to have a healthy respect for the Sea Queen and a worthy desire to make tribute to Her."

"Respect for her I have, make tribute I have, understanding her, and knowing her ways I do not have. Only been living here for a year, and its been quite the busy if not dangerously surviing year .. Not had time for anything else."

13 Flamerule 1358 DR Time of Troubles

One year ago..

"These are your people whether you will commit yourself to it or not. That place, you're the heartbeat of it."

*Indeed you were right Mirella*

[selhan]

Done Talking



People often question a mans ability to do evil. Question their very reason for committing any evil acts. But I have a question for them. What would your good do if evil didn't exist, and what would our world look like if all the shadows disappeared? After all, shadows are cast by things and people. Here is the shadow of my sword. But shadows also come from trees and living beings. Do you want to strip the world of all trees and living things just because of your fantasy of enjoying naked light? You're stupid.

Evil isn’t the real threat to the world. Stupid is just as destructive as Evil, maybe more so, and it’s a hell of a lot more common. What we really need is a crusade against Stupid. That might actually make a difference in this piss pot of a world.



Murderers are not monsters, they're men. And that's the most frightening thing about them. Time has shown over and over, the destructive ways of men, and what altering course of the future their hands of calamity has wrought.

Half the time foolish ones dont even know where the Evil comes from or which side its on. People point fingers and generalize whom is good and whom is evil. But I can point out their ignorance with precision.



There are two sides to every issue, one side is right and the other is wrong, but the middle is always evil. The man who is wrong still retains some respect for truth, if only by accepting the responsibility of choice. But the man in the middle is the knave who blanks out the truth in order to pretend that no choice or values exist, who is willing to sit out the course of any battle, willing to cash in on the blood of the innocent or to crawl on his belly to the guilty, who dispenses justice by condemning both the robber and the robbed to jail, who solves conflicts by ordering the thinker and the fool to meet each other halfway. In any compromise between food and poison, it is only death that can win. In any compromise between good and evil, it is only evil that can profit. In that transfusion of blood which drains the good to feed the evil, the compromise is the transmitting tube connecting both.



Everybody has a little bit of the sun and moon in them. Everybody has a little bit of man, woman, and animal in them. Darks and lights in them. Everyone is part of a connected cosmic system. Part earth and sea, wind and fire, with some salt and dust swimming in them. We have a universe within ourselves that mimics the universe outside. None of us are just black or white, or never wrong and always right. No one. No one exists without polarities. Everybody has good and bad forces working with them, against them, and within them.


*Somewhere beyond the waters of Roaringshore, a large ship was ablaze. And as biting embers spread wildly upon the vessel, it soon sank out of view. Sharks or whatever other sea creature that lurked within the depths of the ocean, would surely feast that day.



But this is not a rumor that has been spread nor told.
But it surely happened.
By whom and to whom is unknown.*

((Rumor))*But one thing might be spoken upon gossiping lips by local residence in Roaringshore that might have been out in the morning, a group of men and woman never seen before in the Shore, passed through the pirate village, and paid for their passage north east.*

[selhan]

A Bag ol Gold, for a Fortune Told!"





*Rumors would spread within the Pirate Village of Roaringshore, of how fortune reading had become a major attraction within the tavern known as the Broken Goblet. Surely this day, the Sea Witch collected many ol tithe for the Bitch Queen*



Drinking is an emotional thing. It joggles you out of the standardism of everyday life, out of everything being the same. It yanks you out of your body and your mind and throws you against the wall. I have the feeling that drinking is a form of suicide where you're allowed to return to life and begin all over the next day. It's like killing yourself, and then you're reborn. I guess I've lived about ten or fifteen thousand lives now



And I cant seem to stop!

[selhan]

​Frozen in Time


 
“There comes a time when the world gets quiet and the only thing left is your own heart. 
So you'd better learn the sound of it. 
Otherwise you'll never understand what it's saying."



It has been within my experience to know of anger, regrets and worries. Silent grudges, unspoken conflict. I was once a person to dwell and brood on each and everyone of those emotions. But it was much later that I had learn to dwell and brood is only a means to cause your own inner self to rot with resentment. Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy.



Time stands still for no man or woman. Not even the Gods. But nor am I ignorant of how some of us still choose to believe otherwise. The last happiest moments some try to relive it over and over until it feels like just yesterday it was. We tend to choose the bad moments to move forward while gripping on the better memories and losing ourselves into a self minded fantasy that we relived the best of them.

 

Some would call such people foolish. But really, take a closer look. Are they really foolish? Do we not see the smiles upon their faces? They that hold on to the happiest of memories continue to smile, while the others that point fingers with hiss of mockery, stand there with scowling faces and brooding tones. Their world is their own. Others have no say in it for it is not theirs.

 

I say let those that cling to such thoughts be, to embrace each other as their are engulfed with the butterflies of hope. For if you are not making them smile, why should you intervene? 

​

[selhan]

Cheeky, Tithe, Business



"Damnation seize my soul if I give you quarters,
or take any from you."



Tales of blasphemy to the Bitch Queen was a topic within the seedy tavern known as the Broken Goblet. Many that are ignorant, or openly blasphemous were likely many faces with some names that might one day learn a hard lesson. Local patrons known as seasoned sailors or pirates might have spit their disapproval for the lack of respect to the Goddess of Oceans. Even the Sea Witch herself worried of the possible wrath that may become from the Wavemother. The need for more tithe was in order in hope to quench such the wrath.



Tithe given, fortunes told to a cheeky tiefling woman that pursue the path to gain the title of Captain. Laughs and carouse filled the Goblet with some amazing results. Doom was once foretold but now the possibility of an altering end may or may not lead the course.



Regardless of the fortune told, a pair was excited through the day and night. Some may say how the grumbling bartender was struggling to deal with his cheeky chastising woman and a Sea Witch that thought to use him for entertainment. But all in all a another night of business thrived within the tavern known as the Broken Goblet. After all, goblets needed to be filled.

[selhan]

How Deep is Thy Evil



"Evil comes in many forms,
but only some of us has an evil never seen before"

Evil doesn't always comes in a dark ghastly form with eerie eyes with talons and fangs. A lot of times it presents it's self as beauty and handsomely. A warm smile, a friendly face. It waves at you, it shakes your hand, and even hugs you given you the most friendly of comforts a friend could ever ask for.



Many dont even know just how close evil is to their hearts. Many of times it even embraces them giving all the comfort imaginable. Some even grow to travel with them, adventure with them, even love them. Some say the calculations of evil can run deep. But I ask you, just how deep can such calculating evil go when its weapon is some of the most intelligent minds?



Many mistaken people with chaotic impulses as a form of evil. Some mistaken those that wont kill another, as a good man with a pure heart. I say, those people couldnt see evil if it laid next to them in bed. Patrons may ask the bartender how does he find those that have evil hearts, he would tell them..



"Try lookin to the one's thats been next to you first,
because more often than naught, they hidden in yer own shadow"



"But if yer still cant see it, try lookin in the mirror"

[Samy]

#

After her return from the sea and the wilderness, the young human woman Sheren is often seen sitting in the goblet and listening to the stories of sailors, smugglers and pirates. After her sea voyage on a ship from the Moonshae Isles, she can now bring in her own sailor's yarn from the Sword Coast. And that's what she does.

She never sits at the table alone, as she always has her trained pet next to her, who drinks with her and occasionally seems to play cards with her. For the other guests watching, it's not entirely clear which of the two is the better card player.

[selhan]

Rumors



“I’d heard you were dead.”
"I heard you wear a red lace corset,”
I said matter-of-factly.
“But I don’t believe every bit of nonsense that gets rumored about.”



In the smoke filled with the stench ol spilled ale that became stale and the some of the oceans winds that manage to enter the door, the Tavern known as the Broken Goblet was still filled with carouse and words from drunken lips. Words of rumors filled the drinking area of some of the most recent words on the roads..



Tales of stolen abyssal items that were gambled away would reach the ears of Roaringshore... ((DM Glittergold))
Tales of strange cultist summoning devils... ((DM Summerbreeze))
Talks of lost Pirate treasure... ((DM Spartacus))
A man looking for a few mercs for a job.. ((Sel)), ((DM Ghost))
Word of a rising conflict about Amn's anti magic ways, that will soon even become more serious((DM Mimic))
And arson of the Wyverns Crossing, the damaging of the forest, a law broken on Duchal Lands.. ((DM Glittergold))



Words , rumors, tales, either from a bartenders lips, or in the songs if bards or spoken around campfires along the Tradeway or even whispered in the most shady of places, they all get spread out. Some will think to have truth, some will be lies, others speculations and suspicions. But if one compares them all, a truth can be found if investigated properly. Every person has their own ways of hearin the news of the roads and the world around them. To each their own some will say.



I just like to do it with a Goblet

[selhan]

Chaos



“I would like to see anyone, prophet, king or God,
convince a thousand cats to do the same thing at the same time.
I doubt they could.”



What I find interesting that many fail to realize is, Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man. Such was the experience this day when I went with a group to continue the search of the man known as Zerros. This group consisting of all sorts of bad from different corners of the Coast. We entered some strange Asylum , but it looked more like some fortress to my eyes. A large cage filled with citizens from Soubar was seen. Many had been imprisoned, missing from the shitehole of a town. But Zerros was not amongst them. I followed the group to a door..the first portal warned of the many dangers within. The group decided to try the door, and in some went...carelessly..



Ancient mummies filled with rot and dread turned out to be formidable. Members within the group were down, badly injured and they could only hope the distraction from others were enough to prevent a permanent fate. And things didnt help that we were in a place that nulled any sort of magic. When the battle ended, I realize many around me, was not use to mundane means. Not I. I had no healing kits, but doesnt mean there was none to be found. After all, downed people and dead bodies is a form of resource depending on what your looking for. And patting down a shapely half drow was a perk in more ways than one. And healing remedies was a reward...

The first battle appeared to be a good lesson, because the group decided to tighten up. Scouts sent forth so we would know what we were walking into. But we made a mistake. We ignored a door. And suddenly ghosts and vampires came rushing out to ambush us.



A mistake not to be repeated...so I thought. We came upon two doors...the majority anxious to find their friend, while others regarded the other door with anticipated eyes. We were right. Both doors soon swung open and one with more ghosts and vampires attacked the main body of the group, while the other door flew up and creatures known from the Underdark came with a savage furry.



Chaos comes in many forms but even so, it is a natural thing.





What is Dark may never be truly vanquished, and some within the group learned this day when someone whom they thought was dead was very much living.
And if anyone thought I didnt notice the angry woman hastily trying to remove some bit of evidence about her, that was revealed on a chalk board..well, they surely dont know me that well. Someone surely has some answering to do. But nor was it any of my business nor beneficial to me.



Be it Summoned fiends, or Dark Knights..



Without magic, without words...we overcame with mundane means.

After more and more fierce fighting and the defeat of an evil enemy. We found what we came to look for. The face of Soubar, the Captain of the Crimson Watch. wounded, crazed with a severed tail in a cell filled with blood that raised to ones knees..he was found. And I even notice the drow that had lingered back to search through things and found a box taking something. That box was empty when I came upon it and I couldnt help but wonder what the chimney elf had found. But my thoughts was short lived as the place rumbled and started to collapse that led a flood of water raging in! I rushed for the portal not even waiting for the others and leaped through with all my pumping legs. I like Zerros but as I told others..I nae love him and I surely wasnt goin to die for him. I admit it was pleasing to see all the others did make it out soon after me. Some relieved to had saved their friend, some tears rolled down cheeks. Anger still hung in the air for somethings revealed caused distrust amongst the group. I can predict a heated argument will follow soon enough if not later. The deed was done, the man found and I made my way back to Roaringshore, the place I called home. But one dire thing kept returning to my mind. We all were chaotic , we all had selfish hearts, each of us had a great evil within our dark souls...



Because not one of us thought to free the many imprisoned citizens of Soubar...who remained locked behind cell doors that was likely pleading and screaming for their lives as the raging flood came drowning them all. Yes chaos can also cost many lives...

((DM Blight))

[selhan]

No Regrets



"To Regret is to acknowledge it's at an end,
instead consider it a lesson learned,
that way you can keep going."



The only calibration that counts is how much heart people invest, how much they ignore their fears of being hurt or caught out or humiliated. And the only thing people regret is that they didn't live boldly enough, that they didn't invest enough heart, didn't love enough. Nothing else really counts at all.



Eventually something you love is going to be taken away. And then you will fall to the floor crying. And then, however much later, it is finally happening to you: you’re falling to the floor crying thinking, “I am falling to the floor crying,” but there’s an element of the ridiculous to it... you knew it would happen and, even worse, while you’re on the floor crying you look at the place where the wall meets the floor and you realize you didn’t paint it very well.”



I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations... one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this, do it or do not do it... you will regret both.



We all do things we desperately wish we could undo. Those regrets just become part of who we are, along with everything else. To spend time trying to change that, well, it's like chasing clouds, it just wont happen. Not everything's perfect, especially in the beginning. And its all right to have a little bit of regret every once in a while. It's when you feel it all the time and can't do anything about it... that's when you get into trouble.
A


As I walk around the village of Roaringshore purchasing foods, I couldn't help but think of many what I had considered regrets that I held within my heart. So much time had pass, so many things I have done, yet could have done more. My mind see's the many faces that I had once interacted with. How I wish I could return to certain moments and either take back things I've said, or said more than I had. But just as my purchase was concluded from one stall, I simply went on to the next. After all, why linger on one stall, one memory, when their are other stalls, other memories to make. Guess I found my truth...



"I regret nothing"
*Every choice that I had ever made, I made with a calculating mind. That is why the goblets stay filled.*

[selhan]

Dangerous Roads



"So Bartender, what kind of day are you having?"
"You couldn't even guess if I told ye."



People ask me, why do I like living in the pirate village of Roaringshore? Why not? Its not too shabby, we have dogs that eat man flesh, stolen wares and supplies, plenty of rum, no stupid laws. Rowdy entertainment. Savvy women that look like this..



I mean hells, after todays experience I not even sure I want to ever leave the Village. Let me explain..I first went out to the Cloud Peaks for some plundering. Met a man and soon another fiendish woman. Both seem savvy and didnt talk to much.

We battled many frost giants and even fell the King...



Did battle with undead things, and even fell the Lich and some mummies...



slayed many lizard men and stole all their treasures...



We suffered minor wounds, but risked our necks entirely. And just when I started to escort a lass to make a deal with an appraiser, we get an encounter on the roads. A short and very slender figure all clad in black with a full faced mask ..(oh and I cant forget the shapely curves(...but she demanded we pay the toll for passage. Extortion? This is BLIMEY BANDITRY! MUGGIN IN ITS FINEST!



Much to my surprise..I've not experience this sort of encounter in over a decade. I stood there shocked slowly comprehending what was taking place! I mean..there I was escorting a woman and I'm being told to pay a toll. The figure seemed so calm that it actually bothered me. But hells...extorting me of all people?! I kept glancing around trying to see if more where lurking but my eyes are only human and I failed to see anyone else..but the short slender figure knew I was whispering to the woman next to me!. Oh that surely lead me to know the mugger wasnt alone! Well..to ensure the woman's safety and because I felt we were surely outnumbered I paid the toll. And the figure kept to their word and allowed us to leave soon after. And just when I thought that was the end of my day...

I find myself soon after, below ground chasing a rumor only to be face to face with many more undead things!



Ghosts, Nightwalkers, Shades, Zombies, Ghasts ..BODAKS EVEN! I surely didnt expect all this to happen! Specially not in a single day! Hells it was barely half the day for me!.



But I continued on finding many treasure. It helped replenished some of which I lost to that mugger. But just when I thought things were back to normal, a woman runs into me! You see, we were both running from the direction we came and there in the cave nearly reaching a bend in a corner..BAM!..my swords her axe and shield..our lips almost connected! Least she was a pretty one! Ugh the thought to be stuck and lost down there with some Hag of a woman. *He shivers* But wait, thats not all guess whats the kicker?



She wore a cloak with the symbol of Auril on it! Like by the Gods! The first thing that came to mind was Solaris! Whew..so happy they didnt share personalities. Or I might have chosen the Hag is if yer git my meanin.



And just when I thought my day of strangeness came at an end...when I was finally leaving the Friendly Arms Inn to head back to the Shore...soon as I past the campfire...a familiar voice speaks out greeting me with sarcasm callin me a mysterious stranger. Soon as I turn to see whom it was..my mind wonders...Just whom was the stranger between us. I mean..was naught even a year ago I drank with this woman, served her drinks. She'd dance in the Goblet and on the tables! A pretty sexy lass, chaotic in many ways. Caused the lost of my hair once, saved my life once. Bloody hells I considered her a good friend and her wife! But to call me a mysterious stranger? How is that?!!!



I mean there she was standin the dark in all red, looking like some Thayan Red Wizard. Aint seen her in months and we live in the same blimey place! She surely aint been coming around the tavern. At least nae when Im "working" there. But wait hmm lets really look into this, I'm not the one locked within my home when I'm in the Shore, I ain't the one runnin off playing hero dipping my nose in just about anything worth a rumor spinning tales and peoples lies just to reach a means to personal gain. I mean one moment they sitting around folks from the Gate having a merry time or trying to save the world or think they was when all they doing is puttin their names on peoples shit list and getting stabbed in the back! Figure of speech mind ye. Specially that list in Neskhal. Mhm thats a funny thing when one plays hero but tries to act innocent and proper. Folks like to make a fancy stone they call a plaque and put yer name on it. How stupid is that?!!! All that does is tell your enemies whom you are! And when these people ain't doing that their huddling around folks from Soubar or elsewhere in shady places talkin in whispers spillin plots! And IM the mysterious stranger?!! Tsk tsk tsk.

All I know is I'm still filling Goblets...



"I nae the one changed. I'm still doing the same ol shite since over a year ago...
serve patrons,
share rumors,
drink rum,
use my intuitive knowledge of the female species to keep em charmed,
try to bring in more patrons,
and continue to be,
a low down black gutted Slippery Bastard of a scoundrel that serves drinks in a tavern named the Broken Goblet,
thats in a pirate village called Roaringshore."

If I'm the mysterious stranger in their eyes, How does one think what they look like in mine? Aye strange day indeed. Like a merchant once told me..

"Woe is the day when Roaringshore the safest place to live"

Guess I should have stayed home.