The Broken Goblet

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selhan
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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Ice Cold Goblets



“The heart can get really cold,
if all you've known is winter.”


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Tis was an interesting day in the tavern tonite. I had not one but two maidens of the Frost Queen pay a visit. Both was cold by nature, self-love predominating over passion, rather than being virtuous, they preferred to have her pleasures all to themselves. I've always said a person with a cold heart can only show their love by being cold. Some may think elimination of coldness is the highest of all wisdom. But then they would disrupt the balance in our realm, leaving us all forever burning in heat, embers and fires.

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Talks of Amn and the revenge promised by Auril's were surely amongst drunken lips. Some Aurils evade the Mage Hunters of Amn, yet I still find it funny how those that once gave themselves to service to Amn against the Aurils..now seek to do away with Amn's anti Magic ways. Hmph..hypocrites at its finest is I say so.


A day ago...

"It have been better off if they just let the Aurils put a fokin shrine up. You dont even see how much more of a mess this will turn out. The lesser evil I say. "

"Do you think the Aurils would have stop there? They would had further their cold hostility elsewhere after Neskhal"

"Yeah? Well let me take a shot in the dark fer ya and tell you how this might all go. That conflict with folks and Amn's anti magic ways is gon'a escalate. Someone stupid is gon'a do somethin' stupid and thing gon'a pop off like a fire bomb. Then all those "Heros" listed on that lovely plaque of theirs over in that front yard of Helms Hall, are likely to raise their arms against Amn. Folks already talkin about how stupid they look. But that's not the point, dont be surprised there gon'na be another war. Amn knows War. Read about the Amn wars and you will see. Beregost was under their rule before, dont be suprise it nae happen again. Shrine and taxes is far lesser evil compared to wots gonna happen next. How much yer wanna bet the moment someone so much as hiccup a cantrip in Neshkal, they gon'a find themselves locked away in a cell? Oh and dont yer forget that pretty list ol name of heros. Cause one side see Heros..the other side..that ain't nothing but a long lovely hit list. And last I knew..theres some very angry Aurils really pissed off sulk'n their wounds."

Today...

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"Guess what Fancy Hat Guy!?"

"Tell me Frosty"

"Barboy-Elf-Girl-Man is getting wed!! To a .. FEMALE .. with actual tits!"

'And here I was hopin you had somethin Juicy to tell me...Is this how I spendin my day..talk'n about that elf?'

"He was sure staring at Aether and sweating."

"Come on! You have to admit it's mind blowing! So you been giving my girl and companion in faith Elsa here the royal treatment Fancy Hat Guy?!"

"No, he barely greeted me at all."

"Her arse been here drinkin fer tha past few candlemarks. Meet with one of yer other frosty friends the other night in a deep cave in the Sharptooth. Shield, witih a axe.."

*A small body squirms drunk on one of the tables.*

"Oi see need to stop drinkin that Orc stuff! Thats bloody nasty!"

"Priestess Cheryl?!"

"Cant say her name..too blimey complicated to remember..but she was Frosty didnt tell me all yer friends so pretty. "

"Are you calling me pretty?"

"Dont go getting yer head big..I aint sayin nuthin to that "

"I am exquisite, aren't I."

"Of course."

"The ice one tie up your loose tongue?"

"Fella there got taste"

"Taste indeed, his tongue doesn't get stuck."

"Dont go making Solaris head big..give her a good compliment and she will ride that longer that the Sea ol Swords"

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Carousing and drinking went on another Goblet night. However my mind didnt ignore some of the other discussions that took place. I dark eyes measures the the many faces in the tavern while they and drank. The fake mirth, the forced smiles didn't escape me. Their eyes were cold yet unrevealing of anything they surely didnt want others to hear. But my ears hear plenty. They always do and my eyes often see more.

Cyricist leaving bodies in the Gates, Cyricist leaving books of their teaching. Aye someone found one of their books in the Goblet. And whomever did obviously don't know no better. Such a thing was likely used to wipe a drunken sailors chin or their filthy arse. A drunken pirate wont care to read the religious teachings of a Mad God, they bask in free living, and rather plunder and raid. The Bitch Queen has far more influence in the Shore, not Mad Gods.

The talk of Devils, the talk of Cultist never ends yet..even I myself aint hearing enough or speaking to the right people. Someone out there seen this devil army, and someone out there knows a good deal about these Cultist going around. Must I leave the Shore to find the answers I seek or will a patron with a juice tale enter the Broken Goblet?
“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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selhan
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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Sticky Fingers



What is a Pirate? Hmm lets see..a person who attacks and robs ships at sea,
or even a person who appropriates or reproduces the work of another for profit without permission.


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Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and other valuable goods. Those who conduct acts of piracy are called pirates, vessels used for piracy are pirate ships.

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Then I wonder..what is a person that goes to jail for looking suspicious? Hmm lets see.. the limiting of someone's freedom without the authority or right to do so. Or was it?

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Such was the case when I had to come to the aid of a woman I knew that found herself with the Fist Prison. As luck would have it thanks to the all blessing of Tymora..such a woman manage to post her own bail at double the cost. And must to her surprise I was standing just outside the locked door that lead to the many cells while flipping a coin.


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"You got here so fast"

"Of course. Wot did you think I'm a Paladin that would let you sit and rot for a tenday? I'd spring yer out if I had too. One way or another."

"I manage to pay the guard, he charged me double however "

"Well you look like your in need of some food, a good ale and maybe even a man, and a bath."

"Lets get out of here"

"Fret naught. I would had made sure I visited frequently. And be the only man that visits until you pounce on me."

"I'd rather not go there again it was horrid"

"Well then next time..dont look suspicious.." *He smiled*

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*Word around the Sea Tower District might speak of how a woman was carried off and sent to the Fist Prison. However soon after a man's arrival to the very same place, said woman was set free walking along side the man grumbling in embaracement.*
((Thank you DM Spartacus that was Funny!))
“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Like A Kraken



"I see retirement as just another of these reinventions,
another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself."


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"Yer look like a seasoned vet. Wots yer destination?"

"I'm officially retired *grins* Finding a destination... I suppose that is my destination."

"Retired eh? Wot company or who you use to serve wit?"

"Athkatla is where I'm from. I was a Knight of Torm there for many decades. I'm guessing Roaring Shore is home for you?"

"Aye, best fitt'n place fer me. Lawless, Freedom, no on barks at me tell'n me wot I can or can not do" *He chuckles* "I call it me own paradise."

"The temple has given generous incentives for me to go back to work. I've had enough."

"I'm a man that likes keep'n my eyes around home. Not like some others, meddling and stick'n my nose in places I got no business at. Often times it becomes unhealthy if yer git my mean'n. It's why I sleep good at night. Others..well cant call a place home If you dont feel safe in it right?" *He said with a smirk*

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A Kraken has often been described as the largest monster to haunt the seas. The Kraken either used its large arms to attack ships or would create currents to drown ships. Terrified sailors who said the Kraken had a taste for humans and would devour an entire ship's crew may have exaggerated its appearance.

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And I would surely agree that much exaggeration of appearance is very true. If a man had the means of multiple resources, and like the many tentacles of that of a Kraken was able to bend the hauls of events to his very whim in different areas, yet at the same time, What is he? Pirates hoists the black flag in the name of piracy to instill fear and dread to the weaker, and showing others just whom in that particular body of ocean, has power. But they are pirates not a Kraken. Many men and women that sit upon thrones, whom were voted and given the title of ruler find themselves suddenly in command of towns, castles and cities. By their very command they can direct their subjects to do their very biddings. But they are not Krakens. They are Lords and figures of status.

A Kraken is much larger. Its reach is ten times further. Its subtle viciousness is natural. They dont command ships, they sink it. They are the great beast that lurks from the blindside. And if your not paying attention, it's already too late.

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With two hands you might attempt to complete a single goal one step at a time. A Kraken however, with its many arms and far reaches, lurking within your own shadow, is already eight goals ahead of you.


As the old Knight mentions words of picking up a duty that now seems abandon, in order to keep the world at balance...
What he didn't realize was that man before him...


*Was already turning the world in his own direction*

“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Inkless Quill



“A scholar’s pen is more valuable than a warrior’s sword,
Scholars are the world's pearls, sages are the universe's diamonds,
Take away the scholars and all progress will come to a standstill.”


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"Before I go, since you mention the word Inkwell..Emmanuel the Archdruid, the Guardian of the Cloakwoods..told me I should ask you about an inkless quill?"

*For the first time in the whole conversation her peaceful demeanor changes as she springs on her feet* "That was very considerate of him to direct you here to receive a fair warning on the topic. This unholy contraption is the stinger of the scorpion! The enemy of all which is holy! The reason why generations of scribes lay in sloth instead of learning the noble art of ink making! You certainly wonder where are the blacks carefully extracted from the hawthorn bark in the month of Tarsakh?! Where are the lapis lazuli blues! The madden red hues! Or the tender gleam of gold leaf! All but replaced by the cheap, drab, magically conjured ink of that diabolic contraption! A word to the wise. Avoid inkless quills at all costs!

*He quickly lifts up his hands in defense and slightly gestured for her to calm herself while one brow was raised high and he twitched his nose* "Noted..double noted!"

"Let your handwriting be witnessed by a well crafted quill and mundane ink." *She sits down and returns to her peaceful poise as suddenly as she left it*. "Anything else I can assist you with today?"

"I admit..not what I might had ..expected..but ..like I said..double noted."

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The passion in this woman and the quality of standards she beheld for her craft is what, I myself would consider...perfection. The very freedom from fault or defect, is what some people in the world strive to achieve. Failure is not an option, and to them, anything less than perfection is failure.
*But as interesting holding conversations with her, she doesn't have what I came here for.*

Nae, I didnt find what I came to meet her for, but a name given, was a lead sure enough. I soon left the gates of Candlekeep repeating the name in my head to memory, all the while smirking at the though of the Archdruid. The things he asks me to do....

*The man known as a Bartender of the Broken Goblet would be seen by residence of Candlekeep walking away with a grin while shaking his head.*


“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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selhan
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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Uncharted Territory



“In order to survive in a world of instinct,
its' alternative is to hunt or being hunted.
Reject this, then be prepared to be hunted.”


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Oppressors, extremist , words people would describe the Amnian Mage Hunters. But are they only knowing one side of the story? Often times people are quick to fall to the first tale yet too ignorant to listed to the other side. Each moon has two sides, one revealing itself openly, the other hidden in darkness. What truth, which ones speaks false?

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Questions that I have no answer too, questions that I normally cared not to seek an answer too. But now, because of reasons, I am out searching for those answer. And its bloody cold while I do it.

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The snow was fierce, heavy and thick to the waist. The travel slowed and horrid, the winds biting and it was growing dark. Why the bloody hells was I here at times I wonder, I surely wasnt expecting a damn blizzard. My companion and I continued seeking shelter, a place to hold up, even a cave to keep us from the biting cold. Only the a few wards protected us from the harsh effects of the storm, had we not have such, we already be dead , frozen in the tundra and lost in the mountains. And we were being stalked. I knew the game well, because once upon a time, I did the very same thing. But not in such a storm, not with snow up to my waist, not while being lost in a mountain, and not by foreseeing a frozen death that might have came had It it not been for the next three words..

"HALT! DON"T MOVE!"

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Such words are normally annoying, words I surely dont like to hear , words that make me reach for my sword. But this time, they came with a comforting sense of relief as did the lantern the man held. Well what do you know, saved by a Mage Hunter.

"H-help us..S-sir...w-we..we..are..l-lost..and its..s-so..cold."
*Appear harmless, and the guard will let down his guard, that always works.*

"Decline your identity, travelers." *He says authoritative* " What the hell are you doing up the mountain in the night?"

"I was trying to follow someone through the snow, we got off the road to Amn and somehow got lost in the mountains. "

"There was someone out there in the snow ..think was followin us. Kept dipping and hiding , might be one of them escapes! And Surely some bounty for their return yes?"

"No official bounty yet. But those loyal to Amn "will" be rewarded. So you saw someone in the snow?"

"Someone or something, every time we spotted it, it ducked and buggered off!"

"One sure of foot and outrunning us. I suspect it's one of those haster people. Of the mage sort."

"That's it. Come south you little..."*He mutters as he writes.*

"Oh you suspecting its one of them mages ?"

"Careful. One of the mages has known taste to have exclusively female victims. And the other will turn your dead body to an undead abomination."

"Do we have to bring them back alive if we find them?" *She looks angry now* "Or can I just drag them here by their intestines?"

"Yes. They need to answer for their crimes. There are victims, you know, who will need to hear what they have to say. What happened. How it happened. Why. They'd honestly deserve it, and far worse. But yes, alive. And able to talk, preferably. Don't maim them yet. Or not completely right?"

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There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter. And yet, people I know, would frown upon me if ever they knew I was hunting for these escaped mages. But surely did they even know that these mages committed such criminal act? One surely a necromancer that toy and uprooted over 60 graves. The other was a murderer who preyed on women. We knew not what had stalked us in the mountain during the biting snow storm. But later as we were safe in a little hamlet , we met some farmers. Questions asked but they knew nothing. Yet the sounds of children at play was near and that got my attention. Because whom better to had seen something than that of a warf. I would know that full well. And talking to the children was far more fruitful than talking to adults. And low and behold, one of the suspects seem to had attempted to harm one little girl. If she was a little girl at all. And people whom call themselves heros would see these mages set free?

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I never pretend nor admit I'm a good man, nor a bad one. I've hurt many people, I've killed even more, I've tortured to get what I wanted to hear, I've destroyed hopes and dreams, I've been responsible for towns put ablaze, and responsible for many that have gone missing. But for a person to attempt harm on a child? I gonna ensure he's gutted up real nice, its how I been taught. The Mage Hunters will just have to settle with one breathing body..

1345 DR Someplace down the Trade Way...

"STOP!"

"NO! DON"T!"

*The blade dripping with acid was pulled out for the little boy to see it . Men and woman surrounded the child asking for information, but the boy didn't trust them, and took them in verbal circles evading to give answers. One man had little patience and no discipline. He pulled out a crude blade with intent to scare the boy into telling them what they needed to know. But his attempts were halted by his own.*

"Never do that again do you understand me boy? We do not harm children for each one that lives through childhood, are potentials to us. Give them not threats, instead give them something they might appeal too. Children often see the things most grown men and woman wont. A child's trust gained, is extra eyes and ears from a view you wont find from adults. Now put that blade away before I stab you with it."

"Yes Mother."

"Miss, this is from Marry" *A flower given, gratitude shared, but the child looked up at the man with a fierce stare*

*The man returned a serious look at the boy a hint of approval from what he appraised* "Boy, protect your friends by any means necessary."

*The little boy, the leader of the youthful pack returned an understanding nod to the man. Before they departed*

I was taught by the woman whom I had called mother, that children were our future. And that all of our failures, will never be corrected if we dont have futures. Between those three children, whom may not have looked at me with trusting eyes. But one of them will likely grow up , to fill my very boots. The very least I can do, is ensure the boots are still in a condition worth wearing.

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"You better hope that boy doesnt hurt someone with that dagger you gave them."

"An giving them a precious gem and bags of gold is not equally dangerous? That boy seems happy though. He wants to become a Paladin of Torm."

"You see how he clings to gold? He may want to be a Paladin now, but when he grows older, his heart will lead him another path."

The companion might have looked at me after that response with questionable eyes. She probably asked in her head "How can I be so sure?" Well if she did ask me I would have told her..

"Because I was once like that boy. Dreams of being a renown hero. And owning the very Holy Avenger.."

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But things didnt turn out that way...

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Life sometimes has a way of leading you into another path. One you never expected..

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And sometimes life does it more than just once.



((Thank You DM ABYSS!))
“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Doing's of a Cult
“No evil ever came from a woman’s womb that wasn’t placed there first by a man,
an easy way to figure out if you're in a cult..
If you're wondering whether you're in a cult,
the answer is yes.”
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I start to believe why some think magic is bad or evil and feared, for even without intent, a mere mishaps of use of magic could just as well cause problems. Such the case that happen in front of the Friendly Arms Inn. I knew not the reason nor the why, but when I inquired as to what was the deal with the foul green cloud of gas that smelt like rotting fish, the answer given was merely a name. "Celestial". For those that know the reputation of the woman that seems to be the bringer of catastrophic events around her..to say her name is to say it all.
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However this night, it didn't end with her. As I proceeded to get back to town of Neskhal, I stumbled upon a really bloody mess.

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Lovely I thought, what now? Did the hin kill the man? So I had wondered but nae was the truth. For she stumbled upon it right before I had. But there was another person present. Could they had been the cause of this militated corpse? But I didn't have the time to rule it out because the weather suddenly changed in a very unnormal way.


*A fog slowly seems to spread about the area nearest the dead body*

"Rat..move!.. This way!

*The sky cracks with thunder and a rain begins to fall*

"What-what is... happening?!"

"Complications...Good-that-they-came. Same-ones-that-did-their-mess-at-Soubar. Same-as-Friendly-Arms. Same-as-Greenest."

"Devil-thing worshipers...."

"Well if this happened in Soubar.." *He looks up* "What happens next?"

Who-can-say. Perhaps-assassin-devils-again.


*As snow begins to fall, as does....more of the other...liquid...red and dark, from the sky itself...
A shimmer begins to form around the desecrated body*


"Oi oi ..! Whats that .." *He chin nods at the body*

. . Have-fire?

yes-yes....

When-Rynn-was-alive, he-firebombed-last-scene.

"Rynn?..nae no nuthin about that.."

Oh, Self-doubts-so. But-irrelevant. *She motions for Rat to go ahead."

*She looks to Szar and slowly walks towards it* "want.... Rat to throw....fire-flame.... at body-thing....?"

Mm. Why-not. He-is-Theirs-anyway. Might-as-well-let-them-have-him-in-worse-shape.

*The bomb is thrown and sets the body on fire, as well as the area around it*

I've always said, people amazes me. How they think, how they look at things in their own perspective. How they come to making their chosen decisions. I never tried to upset something or piss off someone before getting into a fight. No not me at all. I rather smile, calculate and wait when their guard is down. Some might call it a cheap way, a cowards way. But I never care what others think. Because for me, its effective. And I'm still breathing. But many others are not like I. Others will chastise , provoke. Some will even throw fire bombs. I'm not quite sure what did it. The shimmering by the body, or the explosion of the fire bomb at the dead militated corpse. But I know what happened next. A portal opened, and hell came out of it. Devils , fiends, hell hounds, and other denizens from hell rushed out wave after wave unleashing fangs, claws, swords and even magic at us.

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"Blimey hells!"

We found ourselves defending our very lives. Three against a swarm. We managed, blades struck where they needed to be but not without some suffering their own wounds. And Tymora blessed. For two other travelers soon arrived, I may even say with perfect timing.


"WHAT DID YOU DO."

"The mage!..if someone can close that portal!"
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Many cults start off with high ideals that get corrupted by leaders or their board of advisors who become power-hungry and dominate and control members' lives. No group with high ideals starts off as a 'cult'; they become one when their errant ways are exposed. Magic is dangerous, it's neither good nor bad, right nor wrong; it can be both a blessing and a curse. It takes strength, the strength of a man, to make the magic his own, to make it serve him, and not the other way around.
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"Oooh the Archdruid nae gonna be happy..." *He said after seeing how close the burning body was to the Shrine*

He-should-have-aided-more-in-the-cult-matter-then.

"If the whole place catches fire,,it the cultist fault."

"no-no Rats fault?"

"How is it your fault? That Tiefer the one told ya to throw it."

"Rat..dont go picking that up and puttin it in yer pockets...we nae want to hear of another exploding abyssal shards in folks pockets.." *He curls the side of his lip*

*she studies the stones, and backs up a bit... * Rat no-no want to have rock-stone explode in Rats pocket...
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Magic....must be nice to have some, cause it surely doesnt look nice to those that dont have them. After all...

It's caused stinking gas clouds, the destruction of nature, the loss of a head, falling rain, blood, and snow, portals with waves of devils, fiends, hell hounds, and imp's all in a single night.


((DM Summerbreeze))
“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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Re: The Broken Goblet

Unread post by selhan »

Vindicators





"To be distraught,
is to be agitated."


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When one cannot control their thoughts, they can become the most destructive force in their life. Our thoughts make us happy, content, irritable, and distraught. Control them and define each moment. A meaning I left with a woman in the little agrarian settlement, and a minor caravan stopover along the Uldoon Trail. Greenest is ruled by a female hin, Dharva Scatterheart. Though it generates little trade of its own, current commerce is tied into agriculture, as well as the caravan industry. At the center of a web of more powerful polities Amn, Berdusk, Elturel, and Scornubel, Greenest stands independent.

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But within this settlement, there was group called the Myradon Vindicators, lead by a man Yuri Lichelina. I knew this man somewhat. I've ventured with him years ago, and he was the very first patron that came to the Broken Goblet on my first night behind the bar. I've not seen him in quite sometime, but doing my stop in Greenest, I happened upon another member of his group. One I've often seen before in that shitehole of a town called Soubar. I had found it strange she was here, for I had always thought she was one of Crimson Watch. Guess the lass has some taste. However even though her palette was soothing, her mind surely was not. Even if she tried to hide it.

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When a person has people they consider dear to them, and they appear to be missing, most people do become distraught. The sense of unease slowly washes over them, anxiety soon follows, and later they find themselves agitated. This woman, this crimson haired, yellow eyes tiefling remained calm, at ease even. But her words told me much more.


"Surprise to you see you here"

"Indeed, need to find some missing Vindicators."

"Missin? Vindicators? Wots a Vindicator?"

"Band of ragtag adventurers who a lead by Yuri with the goal of helping the people more than helping those that run places like Amn or the Gates. I'm one of the Vice Archons of it and I've sort of learned that two of my underlings who have gone missing."

"Ah Yuri's people. Nae seen him in a long time."

"True, he is probably in his home counting his bombs or writing poems."

*He blinks* "Bombs?!" *He chuckles* "Dangerous stuff. Theses folks of yers that gone missin..who are they if yer dont mind me askin?"

"Their names are Candor and Ivarra. Candor is a fighter learning from Yuri on how to use a Greatsword. He's a good scout too, though sometimes he can be a little cocky. Ivarra is one of our mages. Quiet girl but she's got a good head on her shoulder."

The woman didnt just give me names, she gave me more. And within more I heard her worry. If I was to had lingered with the woman further, I might had told her, Never be in a hurry, do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
However something else she said that kept deeply curious. The talks of War, the talks of hugging the conflict. That was the third time I've heard such the phrase this day. As I continued my travel to Neskhal, my dark brown orbs set focus on the nearing horizon. Another war was coming.

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Just like I told this woman earlier, people are scary. How many more lives must these people sacrifice for their petty squabbles. Helmites had already lost hundreds and the Watcher Li had many families to break the sadden news too. The Aurils have lost their temple with the lost of their own numbers and their priestess. And yet Amn and the mage sympathizers are about to soon step foot upon a battlefield to spill each others blood. All for beliefs.

If I had taken part of this conflict, It would had already been ended. For I surely wouldnt be trying to sacrifice so many lives, specially the ones I would hold dear. I would only sacrifice one.

But these people are not me.







“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Another Goblet Tale...



“Why were we hungry? my stomach cried.
Even then I understood that if the rich could only spare all the hungry a bowl of rice,
they would be less rich but they would not starve.
If the solution was so simple, why was anyone hungry? Was it only a lack of sympathy?”


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I get asked many ol times, "Why do people go to that pirate village Roaringshore?"

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I hope its for the tavern..

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Or maybe its because they fancy one of the barmaids that serves a goblet..

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Maybe perhaps because the Broken Goblet sometimes gets easterners...

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I wouldn't blame them if they did. But maybe its perhaps they like to see hard men...

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Or maybe they like big strong men...

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Or maybe they like men that show their abs and can shapeshift into a wolf?

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Maybe they like Grey Orcs...

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Or wait..maybe they like the women...

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Perhaps the cold women...

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Maybe they like the music...

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Or wait..maybe because they came to look for somebody...

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Maybe they were just passing by...

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Well wot eva the bloody reason these ladies and gentlemen came to the Pirate Village known as Roaringshore, they came into the tavern known as the Broken Goblet.

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And by the blimey Gods! They just kept on coming!

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And coming!

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Goblets filled, drunkards all around, stories to tell, rumors to share, songs to play, and dancer's for the songs, and difference of Anti Mage to Mage opinions to mix it all . Even a near death experience. So why do ladies and gentlemen come to the most ravishing pirate village called Roaringshore? I'll yell yer...

I mean just look at them when you come around..

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That beautiful lot of perrrrty men and woman, how can you not feast yer eyes upon such treasurrrre?

No?

Ah..I know wot the answer beee! It's been there, der is whole bloody time..!


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They come for a Goblet.
“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."

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selhan
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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Sought Again



I knew this was bound to happen, staying In Neskhal this long I would be found, "he" always finds me when I'm here or in the surrounding area. And he always sends someone...and that bloody contract.

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Are you here doing the master's bidding?

"Just whom is your master?"

The invincible...

*He glances around then steps away from view*

I was not told you were here I wonder why, I do not think he has patience for you, you might be better signing my contract first. But I am busy watching the watcher.

"For many moons "HE" has tried to get me to sign. I wont subject myself in such a way"

*smugly slyly* He has others at work here.

"What others?"

He has commanded another *waves hand around*

"The other will fail, there's no obtaining it unless its ripped from the ........ cold corpse"

hmm and would that be so wrong?

"Of course not, but the main task is nearly impossible"

But the other waits we wait we watch. We only have to succeed once.

"The best opportunity was missed. However maybe just maybe another will come soon if Amn goes to war with the Mage Sympathizer's. ...Tell your Master.....
I...have.....within ....the ranks."


The master will want to learn who else seeks his magic or seeks him he has heard others are at work .This may be your way...I will report back on your failure if you desire, or......your own success.

"I only need to know whom..."

*giggles and cackles and waves as he flew off*

"Blasts!"

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* "That god damn cursed devil!" he muttered under his breath. He looks around peeking around the corner to ensure no one was passing by before stepping out into the light. One thing after another appeared to pile upon his burdens. He thought to himself, why , why did he step foot off Roaringshore. For every other place seems to make him irritable.*

"Oh you little devil...we shall see who giggles when I have your Master crush you like a discarded play thing."


“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."

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Gainful Night



The Lawless Pirate Village of Roaringshore is a lawless pirate village.
The sounds of gulls or crows and manflesh eating dogs can sometimes drown out sounds of the distant breakings of waves.
When the night is quiet, the fog sets in, the creaks of planks common.
Yet nearby the tavern known as the Broken Goblet, the sounds of laugher and carouse could be the source of charm.
Sometimes one hears sounds of a drunk brawl, or the thud of a fallen corpse followed by the dragging of a body disposed.

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But this night, the sounds were different. The bustling of men and woman, harden from many sea born adventures, a life of raids an occupation of plunder's.
Rum ol plenty, glancing eyes everywhere as a pirate crew walked in for none other than a goblet of rum. Or was it?

Patrons hired, patrons taken. Some saw opportunity, to some it was a dream come true. Many of the filthy hard legs leather faces black gutted patrons signed up joining a crew.


I'll be takin some of your customers bartender. Waters not safe out there, devils appear to have a thing.

Yer nae need to worry about them devils Admiral, have trust in a bartenders words.

Patches need be made, got ambushed, but we still breathen. Only need to haul in the prize for the Five.

Lovely

There is a thing.

Well I'm all ears and earrings.

A lot days and nights, the Shore goes about its common norm. To eat, to thrive, to survive. But some days and some nights, things happen out of the norm. Sometimes old business returns. Like how a devils deal is made, pacts infused. A man's word can weigh just as much. Many people lie, many take advantage of trusts. Some was snakes in the grass the entire time. Serpents tend to have their own agendas. Their promises no heavier than the air you breath. People make many oaths. Oaths bound by ink, oaths bound by honor, oaths bound by blood. Oaths bound by hand shakes.

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And its always a good thing when a person keeps good on their word.



“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."

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Out the Kettle, Into The Fire



“Sometimes a deal with the devil is better than no deal at all.
You obviously don't have my soul,
or you wouldn't be trying to make deals.”


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*Why was it so hot! It always was hot but not like this! Only our sheer fortitude allowed us to press forth! Dammit! We're near, the double doors are ahead..almost there..WAIT...What was that?!*
The mine is full of activity. Fire elementals wander around in between the duergar.
Indeed the mine is perhaps a bit too hot for comfort for some.
There is also a lot of noise - chatter, the sound of fire.
Curiously - no actual mining sounds.
The mines had always held oddities within. Grey dwarves, rock elementals and sometimes hell hounds. Many adventurers would journey into the mines, to disrupt the Duergar's mining and occupation. Plundering their ores and what ever valuable treasures that lay hidden within. And if brave souls dared to venture further, he would find themselves face to face with Pit Fiend. But something has changed, something was out of the normal, and I always hate when things are not normal.

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We fought through the numbers of Duergar warriors. "Investigate the mines". That was all, it was suppose to be simple, "an expedition". I wish I had more with me, but others weren't interested enough to care, or they couldn't be trusted. Damn it was so hot. I can barely breath. I knew of the Fire Elements, some towering in size, others quite persistent. They were everywhere and likely the reason for the added heat. Some areas had too many to fight. But we must get threw. The task sounded easy enough.."Investigate the mines"...I thought it a simple task...but I was wrong.

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A fiend? A half-fiend, perhaps?
There are other beings than duergar and fire elementals here!

Half blooded fiends?! Why?! What were they doing here? Shouldnt be too surprised but still, somethings not right. Something was not normal. Blades pierced and slashed home. Shes fine, she can hold her own I've seen her fight many times, rare can someone even match her sword arm. Shes bested most and thats saying much. Let her take the focus, yes, give me the opening, they wont live long after that. Fiendish blood sprayed on the cavern walls, along with Duegar blood. The elementals kept coming, They were everywhere...so hard to breath...damn it was so hot.
The deeper they wander, the stronger the heat becomes.
The air is heavy, difficult to breathe.
Not dangerous - at least not yet - but for certain it is unpleasant.
The sounds of roaring fires increase too, as they descend into the mine.
It is as if they are listening to the inside of a furnace at times, though the sound isn't constant.
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*Why was it so hot! It always was hot but not like this! Only our sheer fortitude allowed us to press forth! Dammit! We're near, the double doors are ahead..almost there..WAIT...What was that?!*
Beyond the door, voices speak. One of them is deep, but strangely smooth, and carries the very terror of Baator.
The voices are too muffled to make out words through the door.
But you can make out at least three, perhaps four different voices, as he stands there, listening.
One of the voices is indeed the dark, smooth one, a voice that regardless of what it says, sends shivers down Jim's spine.
Whatever speaks this voice is powerful and malevolent and not attempting to hide it even in the slightest.
The wards casted, the plan set, the doors open and we slipped in. Investigate the mines, that was all we had to do, so we thought.

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As the door opens, two guard duergar turn peer towards it, The pit fiend too stares towards the door. No - he stares directly at me. And he laughs.

"Shite..."

"I think this meeting is adjourned. Deal with these fools, devil, and finally demonstrate what you bring to the table."

"Ah, very well. Mortals, I present to you a choi-ce"

As the fiend approaches she takes out a wand of dimension door and uses it to instantly move herself closer to the duergar in robes, holding a blade to his neck "Don't make any sudden moves."

"Death it is."

Time to fight wait something happened to the dwarves, they changed! What was the glow?..Shite it dimensioned behind me! *He looks over* She's holding, I need to cut these down fast!

The sound of battle echoed off the walls of the fiery cavern. The ringing of metal rang aloud from parries and slashes. One dwarf down, another...the two other strange ones with flaming heads like fire elementals left. The woman outnumbered, trapped in a corner and a mage was unleashing spells at her. The second dwarf was down , the mans wards dispelled but he casted a wand to protected him from death magic. He couldnt have that, he was not going to end in a single spell. Charging at the backside of the large devil , he focused on where he was going to plunge his blades. But things didnt go that way. He suddenly hesitated, something assaulted his mind. Suddenly he was overwhelmed with fear and dread. He retreated sulking in the corner, affraid...so very affraid. His companion, was against too many odds, what more then trying to fend off the attacks of a Baator. And he wasnt even scratched. A simple investigation...no it wasnt.

"I am willing to offer you a deal, mortal."

"Please..dont hurt me..!"

"I will allow you to leave this place with your companion. I will even safely transport you outside."

"W-why..you here? ..w-what are you..all..doing?"! *He sounded like he was still in fright*

"That is none of your concern.
But perhaps if you show me something of interest through the eye,
I will let you in on some secrets......Power greater than you could ever imagine."


"Sshes ..bleedin..out...!"

"She's your responsibility, mortal. If you hurry, you might be able to carry her to a healer. I hear there is a temple up above."

I've dealt with Devils before, to them deals are a play thing they use for entertainment more often than naught. I had thought myself free from such things as dealing with devils. But this, this one surely got me. I had no choice, she was too valuable to me, I couldn't lose her. The situation is dangerous. This Devil doesnt realize just what he has in his hands. If he learns of everything, then everyone...is doomed. Should I care tho? What about what he has to offer? Shall I indulge? I've never wanted power, nor ever thirst for it. Shall I find a way out of this? Hmm..theres only person likely powerful enough that may be able to help me. But getting word to him wont be easy. But theres a chance...I slipped the book to her..it has what my master seeks. It just needs to get into his hands..I hope she can do it. I need her to do it.

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*But I do wonder....what is this power he spoke of....*


DM Ghost
“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."

Bartender of the Broken Goblet - "What's yer Poison?"

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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A Good Meal



Greenest - It was the only sizable town along the Uldoon Trail in the Greenfields area of the Western Heartlands

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With a strong presence with the Temple of Chauntea, The town was rumored to have been founded by a the halfling. It was nothing like what I'm use too. I'm a man raised in cities, and seedy taverns were far more to my liking. But such seedy taverns didnt have what taverns like the Greenest Inn or the Lucky Coin had. A good hearty warm meal.

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Being in Amn had surely soured my appetite. I needing a really good meal. Moments like these, I wish that eastern cook was still around. But the dwarf Innkeeper in Greenest would have to do, and it was only a caravan ride away from Neskhal. As I walked in the Inn and dusted off my boots, it appeared they had a new employee. A woman I've meet and seen before. She had crimson hair, thick horns and a voluptuous pair. Quite distracting as it were, but I manage to enjoy a good Roasted Rabbit.

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The meat was succulent and my rotted black guts surely needed that. However I began to hold conversations with this woman. I told her of things in regards to my business in Amn. Well some of it. It was rather interesting to probe the woman's mind to see if she had the wits to segregate the idiocy between mages and their hunters. Much to my surprise, she surely understood my views. Even supports it in fact. This woman was surely not stupid. Perhaps the world still has some hope against stupidity in it.

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Aye, it was indeed refreshing in coming here. That's just the thing about taverns, each has their own signatures, their own flavors. Often times one will find something similar between each and every tavern. I work in one thats an underground festhall. And I work in one where our drinks comes in the most prettiest goblets ever seen. But no matter the style, no matter the service, each and everyone of these taverns all share the same thing. Conversations and rumors. The world we live in would be shite without such a thing.

But even still, as I hold my composer and indulge in this delicious meal while often pretending that I was admiring the woman's amulet, my mind was troubled with many thoughts . And not all was pleasant. I have to be weary with whom I speak with, and with what I say. I've heard some talks of what some others think about me, but if people think I care wot people think, they surely got me mistaken. But that is the least of my worries, just as much as this rising conflict with mages and the Inquisition. Hell I still have a lass to train for the bar. I wonder how shes doing there without my guidance. She does seem to be a hard worker. And speaking of her, I am reminded of something else. Another intriguing business I will need to return to the City to tend too. Many thoughts and wonders cross my mind in regard. Why was that particular woman there ..and most importantly...

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"What did she 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."

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Not the Goblet



“That was the trouble with explaining with words.
If you explained with a blade to their necks, people listened.”


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The marching, the patrols, the rising tension even I can feel. The streets of Neskhal heavy with Inquisitions ever so looking out for any weave spinner. Talks in taverns, talks on the streets speak of the late rumors of wantedpeople. The question is why? Peace talks? War talks? Or are the names considered wanted criminals?

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The dislike for mages has never been so more real. "Powers unchecked, powers that shouldnt be wielded." Those are the talks in this town. Pity that it is. Take away the rising conflict, take away its wars, and the place is a beautiful one. With green trees and a memorizing river, with waterfalls that put you in a trance. You will see a place worth living in, worth retiring in, to some, worth fighting for and even dying for.

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People seen me come and go without much of a greeting or a word. I know their minds wonder why is it that I linger here. Why do I occupy my time here between the Belching Dragon tavern or the Northern lights Inn. There's no Broken Goblet here. I rather be in the Goblet, where the harden men tell of good tales. I enjoy listening to the tough talks, watching the blood spilling fights. To me that is exciting.

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Far as Im concern, they would never understand. Nor could I tell them the truth. I myself is not even sure why I truly linger here. Is it for power ? Am I becoming ambitious? What is a man who serves many powerful masters? I've given my loyalty to one. The one I deemed worthy, the one my black guts tell me is the most powerful one of them all. Could he help me in my situation I wonder. Could he free me from the bond that now robs me of my own freedom? In a world with gods and magic, a realm with all sorts of monstrosities, a land filled with valor and vile, I doubt I will ever be able to predict anything. As I watched the next Mage hunter pass me by with his lantern I chuckle. Because the truth of what I do know, is this is the world I live in. This is the realm that I walk.

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"From magical beasts to hungry tyrants ,
to lost adventurers to noble valor.
this will continue as it is, as it was,
beyond my life time and the next."
“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."

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Instructed

“And now you'll be telling stories
of my coming back
and they won't be false, and they won't be true
but they'll be real”




If there was anything that ever gave him a shocking expression, it was the coded letter delivered to him. His mind race, the stakes now high. Why was he asked of such? What did they really seek?. The risk was now very real, but the job was something within his profession. Something he was trained to do, something he's use to doing like washing his face in the morning.

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Was it the devil they wanted? Nae it couldnt be. They are far beyond devils likely. What bloody secrets was in the depths of that place ? For all the time he spent in this bloody place, he wanted his business to be over soon, so that he could leave and not return. But this..this message changed everything. Under normal circumstances, it would have been an easy task. Effortless even. But situations make this very dangerous now. How, how can he pull it off without exposer? How can he do the job without rising questions?

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They received the message, but why ask of him of thus? Do not they understand the risk it puts the man in? No he thought to himself, he was thinking too shallow. Of course they feared not. The master had to be far more powerful, such things wouldnt be a threat to him. Fine then he thought, he's known such role, hes been in this position many of times. He was the once the tool, he most reliable, the priceless one. He alone has changed many outcomes, he's altered many outcomes. Although mortal, he was useful. He did what most would never dare to do. He's made the impossible, possible. It wasnt long ago a woman had asked him "is there nothing worth living or dying for?" His answer was difficult, for he never really needed a worth . He simply liked living. Such thoughts of "what was worthy?" never crossed his mind. Tools were had such thoughts. They simply were, simply is, simply did as instructed. But those days are over, he had a life now, he had the Goblet. He had a new home, he had a ship and he had people he would call family.

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"Fine then, if that is what the master wishes, so be it.
But many will not be able to understand if they learn of what I am about to do.
But the Dark ones want to meet. Perhaps the can be ride of this damn eye."
“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."

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Re: The Broken Goblet

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Another Level



“When You Are Dealing With Powers
What Matters Is Efficiency
But When You Are Dealing With People,
What Matters Is Effectiveness”


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As I faced the woman before me, I knew then just how far I've come. Nearly fourteen years ago when I first planted my worn boots on the docks of Baldurs, I was nothing but a young knave. A young lad seeking adventure, seeking coins to get me to the next day. But there I was, face to face in my true form, my true self, the real me. Mother would had been proud. Have I truly risen to this point that I am requested for a meeting? A meeting where someone of power, who commands hundreds?

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I know this woman none, I've met her more than thrice, and I've read about her even more so. There she stood a mere stride away from me. I measured the distance, I could reach her if I extended my arm. She was that bloody close. And alone. She was clever. She knew what she was doing. No friends, no guards, no allies, and she came alone into my world. She came with an offer, and she was testing me, measuring me just as I was measuring her. She sought to fill the void she once had full, and she needed her hand to be able to reach beyond the borders of banishment.

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In our realm, theres many thrones. Regardless if they are made of gold, or stones, or bones or even iron and vines. No matter whom or what sits upon those thrones, the power of the people is much stronger than the people in power. People are the most important resource in the world. Contrary to what we, the people, have been told, we are the power, we have supreme authority because we are the masses and true power always resides with the masses, never with the global elite who, by their very nature, have always been a vulnerable minority and will always continue to be...As long as the masses realize that, of course.

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And for the ones that sit upon thrones, thinking they are above their people...

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will sooner or later find themselves removed from their seat of power.

It's true...when the Throne serves its people,

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The people will bend the knee long before even entering the very gates to their castle. That is respect. And when you have respect from your people, you realize your sitting on a throne far more than you like. I know this, how? Because some how...right under my nose, when the thought neglected me, I found myself sitting upon a throne. And I hate it. But this, this intriguing meeting, I do like, I like very much. And even though I have the means, the power to let her hear all the answers she may or may not like, I wont give an answer until I've discussed it with my people.
“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."

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