Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Posted: **Fri Dec 08, 2023 4:46 am**

To Play With Flames, Is To Get Burned

“When your going to threaten someone,
Keep your eyes open,
Keep your ears pricked.
Keep looking behind you.
Because one day you will be found,
and then you'll be crow food.”

I often wonder, just why many are adamant about following their way of life strictly, so...religiously. Because of dogmas, sermons or some ancient text written by mortals, people who appeal to such ways will suddenly convert their very own life style to such a way. Why must the good only be good, and the evil only do evil? None of which looks appealing to me, nor do I see it as freedom.

I am a man that follows a code, a moral of my own design. Not by because I'm suppose too, nor instructed too, nor because I've read some book or script that I found appealing. And part of my own code as simply as it maybe, never forgets a persons threat to me, nor do I allow such threats to in my wake. It might not be now, it might not even be a year from now. But one day, when the opportunity presents itself, I will ensure whom made the threats wont even get a chance to regret it. Because after all, a person dead cant feel shite.

"Ooh..people." *He tips his hat*

*Growls low at Sel as he phases ready to rip him to shreds, still stares like an animal ready to rip guts and entrails, fixating him Longley*

"Oh gods it's the Bartender." *She jokes*

"The bartender that I am" *He grins wide devilishly while giving a courting bow and another tip of his hat then he blinks and points at the dragon* "OI is that fokin dragon?!"

"Oh gods, is that an imbecile!? Of course I am! Another for the count..."

"Oh it talks proper, event got a mouth on it, I know someone that will pay a high price for blue scales" *He grins*

"You try to hunt my scales, human, me and this one, will bury you deep, but not after torturing you, Longley. I advise you revise your life expectancy, and fast."

"You will think ...to bury shite..easy on the threats..I dont normally leave such in alive in my wake." *His expression was one of cold seriousness*

"Says to one threatening to kill me for money, we are alike on that then. We can be civil human, I would advise it, truly "

*He looked at the Dragon* "Listen better, if I threaten you, you already be dead."

Religion can never reform mankind because religion is slavery. It is far better to be free, to leave the forts and barricades of fear, to stand erect and face the future with a smile. It is far better to give yourself sometimes to negligence, to drift with wave and tide, with the blind force of the world, to think and dream, to forget the chains and limitations of the breathing life, to forget purpose and object, to lounge in the picture gallery of the brain, to feel once more the clasps and kisses of the past, to bring life's morning back, to see again the forms and faces of the dead, to paint fair pictures for the coming years, to forget all Gods, their promises and threats, to feel within your veins life's joyous stream and hear the martial music, the rhythmic beating of your fearless heart. And then to rouse yourself to do all useful things, to reach with thought and deed the ideal in your brain, to give your fancies wing, that they, like chemist bees, may find art's nectar in the weeds of common things, to look with trained and steady eyes for facts, to find the subtle threads that join the distant with the now, to increase knowledge, to take burdens from the weak, to develop the brain, to defend the right, to make a palace for the soul. This is real religion. This is real worship.

Many people think, because their good with a blade, or possess powerful magic, or have all the wealth and connections in the world, that they can so easily threaten others with confidence. As any living mortal, we are already threatened with suffering from three directions, one from our body, which is doomed to decay..., another from the external world which may rage against us with overwhelming and merciless force of destruction, and finally from our relations with other mortals... This last source is perhaps the more painful than any other.

"Never make threats when your not in a position to control the outcome.
Because the best way to counter a threat, is let their ego get the to their head.
For sooner or later, they will sleep peacefully, go about their days comfortably.
Then lose their very life without a chance to even regret ever making a threat.
People can cry snake all they want, but I will tell you the snake lives, while the prey didn't."

*You or I might think that at least one would show courage and put up a fight.
But neither you nor I have suffered as they,
and even we have born witness in silence to lesser ills under less dire threat.
Yet, in the face of evil, to sit silent is an even greater evil.
Complacency is ever the enabler of darkest deeds.*

Posted: **Sun Dec 10, 2023 7:54 am**

Footholds and Strongholds

1346 DR

Don't you want power ?

We do not seek power my boy.
We been around to see power rise many times in their selfish greedy ambitions,
only to watch them crumble while we still remain.

Then what is your purpose?

Purpose? Stupid boy, we are to thrive. Thrive until it is we ,
that sits back growing bellies.

That doesnt sound like much at all.

Foolish boy, we do nothing unless profit is to be gain.
Without gain, the world will not take experience in our service.

-----------------------

It can be said, the songs of ambition could be seen upon the mask of intrigue, for nothing is quite addicting than obtaining ones goals. Some will use cleverness and guile to obtain the sweet flavor of success. Others will use any means necessary.

No organization can stay uncorrupt for long, be it a political party, a religious institution or a charity foundation - sooner or later the instinctual evils of greed and cruelty overwhelm the organization, fueled by its authoritative control over people. The minds of men intoxicated with power are fickle. Everybody wants power, the difference is what kind of power they want. Those with a desire to control will exploit weakness in one’s self and the need to rely on others. Some will even risk going to the most dangerous places to them.

You have to be either naïve or power-hungry to get into politics. I wouldn't consider it myself. for I am too well-informed. 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.

I've always said, knowledge is power. Power to do evil...or power to do good. Power itself is not evil. So knowledge itself is not evil. Power resides only where men believe it resides. Even a shadow on the wall, for shadows can kill just the same. And often times a very small man can cast a very large shadow.

“Patience is power.
Patience is not an absence of action;
rather it is "timing"
it waits on the right time to act,
for the right principles
and in the right way.”

Posted: **Wed Dec 13, 2023 4:02 am**

𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

“Most people do not really want freedom,
because freedom involves responsibility,
and most people are frightened of responsibility.”

In a time long past any current existing mortal lifespan, there was a human man from Netheril. Rumored to be one of the oldest non-draconic beings in Faerun and one of the most powerful mages. A man whom possessed incredible power and was a great intelligent genius. Over two thousand years, he'd composed perfect plans to deal with nearly every possible situation, and even for things he was not prepared for, he could come up with an almost-perfect response in moments. He was a talented and cunning inventor of new spells, magic items, and magical techniques and strategies.

Today in our current time the 12th of Nightal 1359 DR to be exact, there was a man, a human man whom was quite mundane, who was also a barer of one of those magical items. And this day, this very calm and somber day...that man was summoned by the item's creator.

“If you hang out with chickens,
you're going to cluck and if you hang out with eagles,
you're going to fly.”

*The room is dark and uncomfortable for Sel's mortal senses. Around him, he sees liches - many of them - standing in the shadows, their red eyes gazing out at him silently. Ahead a lich, skeletal and in frayed black robes stands, also staring at Sel. The lich ahead has at least two dozen stones, glowing in different colors orbiting his head. There is no mistaking who this is...*

Death Knights: *The death knights in union kneel and remain silent.*

Fang Bearer: *As upon reaction he knelt to a knee and kept his head low*

The Ancient Master: "The devil cannot see here, which is why I have brought you here." Comes the voice of the ancient lich. My knights are unaware, because if they had been aware, now the devil would know it has been detected. Tell me what you witnessed within..."

Fang Bearer: *The man recounts his investigation in details from the beginning to the very end.*

The Ancient Master: "What have you learned of Lord..."

Fang Bearer: *The man recounts his long report of the observation and investigation of person of subject*

The Ancient Master: "The Lord and I have known one another through... agreements... for several centuries. As you can imagine by that, he is no mere human and something else entirely. I will not divulge his true nature, but -"

Fang Bearer: *He couldn't help but raise his head in a look of utter surprise*

The man understood full well his responsibility as a Barer of Fang, but he surely didn't understand the depth of his progressed situation. In a world of mice and men, mortals squabble and bicker over the smallest of reasons. They will even push such bicker to a means of conflict and wars. Just miles away, the debate of magic and whom should wield it was bringing regions to a conflict that will cost many lives. And those people knew nothing of a far more serious danger that could destroy the very realm they walk upon.

The Ancient Master: "- know that allying with him in this, may be the only course of action that will free you of the devil. I have interest in seeing this devil fail, myself."

Fang Bearer: "If that is your command, so be it."

The Ancient Master: "He is one of the generals of the Hag Countess, Should the schemes come to fruition, much destruction will plague Faerûn. You may tell him you are a Fang-bearer if you deem it wise. He will know the term. But note you may also need to convince others who would not knowingly work with myself. I leave that to your judgement. We shall see if you are wise enough to decide correctly."

Fang Bearer: "Understood Master"

The Ancient Master: "I will cast a spell upon you before you return to Nashkel. An illusion that the pit fiend will not be able to see through. Whenever you are in Nashkel, the devil's eye will only see falsehoods. Believable, but untrue."

The Ancient Master: *He speaks an arcane incantation, weaving precisely with his hand in the air, as if a master painter.*

Metocratus: *The Death Knight peaks the incantation to reopen the portal.*

The Ancient Master: "End the schemes of the devils, Fang-bearer and you have proven your self worthy of the blade."

Fang Bearer: "As you instructed Master"

What we call our destiny is truly our character and that character can be altered. The knowledge that we are responsible for our actions and attitudes does not need to be discouraging, because it also means that we are free to change this destiny. One is not in bondage to the past, which has shaped our feelings, to race, inheritance, background. All this can be altered if we have the courage to examine how it formed us. We can alter the chemistry provided we have the courage to dissect the elements.

“Eventually we all have to accept full and total responsibility for our actions,
everything we have done, and have not done.
The difference between me and many others is..
I know exactly what I'm doing. ”

"And all this, started with a Broken Goblet"

((DM Ghost))

Posted: **Fri Dec 15, 2023 1:44 am**

Still Gobletting

The night was near, the stench of stale air heavy. As the bartender of the Broken Goblet was doing his inspections to ensure goblets were filled, he was visited by familiar faces. But it was no surprise for someone always comes in for a goblet.

A goblet of conversations..

A goblet of information..

A goblet of the dirty filthy fun that you can only find in the Goblet

Everyone that steps through the front door of the pirate tavern known as the Broken Goblet, come for some reason or another. Even if they may not wear their reasons upon their face, or if they mask their intent its still a reason regardless. Every tavern has their own signature, their own theme, their own things that make it appealing to visit, even if some of those taverns are not appealing at all. But it's about what a tavern could provide.

Some provide Intrigue..

Some provide sexy smiles..

Some provide real business..

But none provides a rum drinking, black gutted, savvy , scoundrel of a bartender
like the Broken Goblet.

Nor do they have goblets, made from blown glass that rests upon a stem of metal that were uniquely crafted in various designs to resemble a bellowing dragon or a rising Kraken or even the ones with a more bawdy designs like a mermaid entwined with a naked sailor.

There's only one place to find such goblets ...

In the lawless pirate village known as Roaringshore.

Posted: **Sat Dec 16, 2023 1:16 pm**

False Impressions

“Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive.
A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth,
in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction.”

I knew they were mistaken, all of them fed lies and were easily manipulated.
And some dare to question my actions? Hmph. Fools they are, fools they will be revealed.

Dhaerys Lockheart: So, they would rather blame those who bring security and order, and welcome criminals?..........under the guise of "unjust oppression" have a criminal background or propension.

Sel: "They consider you all criminals..."

Dhaerys Lockheart: Which is why, in part, they refuse registration. I wonder when it has become justified to kill to avoid registration.

Dhaerys Lockheart: I am not moved by shows. I wish to bring peace and justice to the grieving families. We have an ungrateful task, but one that is necessary to overcome the suffering those mages so carelessly spread.

I'd had use to wonder just whom was the enemy, who was at fault, and whom made the mistake. Do to my previous stay in Nashkel, I've heard the talks, spoke with some of the locals and even the Inquisition. Now its all so very clear.

*After the man finished his unexpected meeting with the Mistress, he stepped out into the sunlight and headed for the caravan . A hint of a smiled was painted upon his face as he shook his head*

"And to think, those others are going to be in for a very big surprise. "

"And yet still, they dont even know the real threat that stirs while the conflict takes everyone's attention."

Posted: **Sun Dec 17, 2023 2:26 am**

A Bloody Mess

"All Hail the Inquisition!"

"Down with the Oppressors!"

"Those Mages are Criminals!"

"Amn is the criminals, they take children with the weave"

"Mages are dangerous!"

"The Mage Hunters are dangerous!"

Debates, arguments...its all I ever hear when the subject of Amn comes up. But they all know nothing. I told others I told them what I had seen! Yet they still dont act, or perhaps they think I spill lies. Im a man of word, I speak no lies, if I dont want to tell the truth in something, I just wont say it. I knew what I saw those many nights ago in the vision. The young girl locked away in a cage, brutally beaten, soaked with blood, with patches of her hair ripped from her skull!. I told them! I bloody told them!

But nae, their ignorance and stupidity leads them to think what they do is the righteous path! Fools! All of them! They do not see what I see! Blinded by their misguided ways and entrapped to the limits of their ignorance they will never see the truth if they continue. The fight for what? Freedom of oppression?! They are supporting the very wrong thing!

*As he looked upon the cage, that he had recognized in a vision a few tendays ago, he was seething with anger as his fists clenched tightly . The mattress was soaked in blood. Blood was everywhere around the cage. Even what looked like gore and remains scattered infront of the cage, as well as many strands of blonde hair...*

"So they would all protect the one responsible for this?!"
"This is what they feel is just?"
"That foker is what they will fight for?!"

*The voice moves around,
the shadow you saw before darts from a wall to the other.
Like a tiger circling its prey.*

"The mage you seek is gone... only the echoes of his... beautiful acts remain."
*The shadow cackles.*
"The mage fed this cave with pain and blood... a shame... a shame that he left."

*A distant sound of cackling.*
"There is nowhere to hide..."
*At that, the shadow becomes manifest before them.*

"But no matter... I have more... I have more to feed on... just before me."

"Do you know where he went and if the girl he has with him alive?"

"He surely did not go where I am about to send you..." *That said. The shadow motions to attack.*

*The fight began, the strong shadow attacked with furry and hunger, incorporate, semi transparent and blood thirsty. But the fight was intense and the adventures was determined.*

*After the defeat of the shadow, frustrations expressed. No longer was the being , nor could they pry for more information. Or so they thought...*

*As the group tries to make sense of the portal another distant cackle can be heard. Moving. Observing.*

*Once more, the same voice from before.*
"You are more resilient than I thought... beautiful...
simply beautiful... the more your lives hold on tight to this world...
the sweeter you will taste..."

"I would give you a much sweeter death...
than whatever expects you beyond that gate..."
*The shadow speaks again.*

"You want death? ..tell us how to find that bloody mage...and we will see about what you want."

*The shadows begin to muster in the middle of the cave. Thicker and thicker.*

"Oh fok me..." *He said as he looked up to the increased size of the shadow that would tower over any frost giant he's ever seen*

"Accept... your... fate..."

"No, not until i find that bloody mage!"

*This fight went far less the way the adventures wanted. Wards stripped like a peeled onion, spells entered the mind and some even turned on each other. All the while the enormous shadow summoned another undead being, and attacked with a savage furry. Moments later after panic and worry plagued them one man woke up dazed and confused trying to make sense of his surroundings*

*The air inside the cave becomes more suffocating,
mixing with the putrid scent that was already present.
More darkness seem to come from the height,
from the mouth of the carved statue on the wall.*

"Quick.... out..... now-now...!"

*Another fight begins, the shadow attacks relentlessly with its pitch black claws.
The woman is able to deflect the attacks, not without a lot of effort.
The dark being is not an easy opponent to mess with.*

*Suddenly spells were casts , two figures shape shifted and with haste slipped through under the tall shadows legs and dove for the exit. The last person able to hold her own soon tumbled beneath the legs and rolled through the small entrance. But just when they thought they might be in the clear, the large shadow soon reforms from a dark mist!*

"RUUUUUUUUUN!"

*The adventures manage to escape after running through a maze and rolling and tumbling underneath the gigantic hungry shadow. The mans thoughts was filled with the massive amount of blood that had been on the ground that they had to roll in for their escape. His clothes stained by the crimson pool. His last thoughts before he collapse from his exhaustion was...*

"It could be the blood of that young girl."

"I'm going to make you scream in agony and cut off your hands, and anyone that tries to stop me."

DM Abyss

Posted: **Mon Dec 18, 2023 10:48 am**

“𝕴𝖙'𝖘 𝖇𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖜𝖎𝖒 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖊𝖆 𝖇𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖜
𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖓 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖜𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖆𝖎𝖗 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖋𝖊𝖊𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖗𝖔𝖜.”

Lore of The Broken Goblet:

Hidden: show

The Broken Goblet:
When pirates and lawless folk come to brawl and carouse, their first thought is to roll into the Goblet swords drawn, and swagger as they promenade along the raised entry dais and down toward the bar. It's the place to be seen -- and the place to be killed in, if the body count of the last few years is any indication. Don't go here unless you're very good with a blade, alert, have a lot of well-armed friends with you, and are protected against poisons.

Beware, this place is strongly warded, and the defenses permit only existing defensive spells to continue. Newly cast spells are twisted and lost, without effect. The defenses also whisk all missiles (hurled glasses, daggers, darts, bolts, and arrows alike) up into gentle contact with the ceiling. This prevents broken glasses -- for drink is served here in ornately carved and blown glasses, some of which are exquisitely beautiful, and rather more of which are simply rude.

The staff here go armed with daggers, boot knives, and steel knuckle spikes. Overly amorous patrons are warned that the large men with many
scars are large men with many scars, but the buxom wenches with the long lashes and ready smiles are doppelgangers. They often respond to overly familiar touches with a dagger strike and a shift in the form of one hand into a loose curtain of flesh that can be slapped over a patron's face to smother or blind him!

The street door is guarded by two house guards with orders to keep it clear so that access is denied to none. Brawls are thus prevented from erupting on the way in and out the door and harming trade. This has the effect of allowing each patron to make a grand entrance on the raised entry dais, which overlooks the taproom from behind a safety rail. A trophy of a long-ago brawl decorates this smoothed oak tree-trunk railing: A black-bladed battle axe split the rail in two and crashed down to bury itself haft-deep in the edge of the floor beneath. Its owner did not live long enough to get it free -- so the proprietors of the tavern left it there as a warning.

From the taproom, many small, shadowy stairs lead down to jakes (a dangerous place known for stabbings and impromptu body disposals, with direct connections to the tidal sewers) and up to private drinking rooms, some of which have sliding panels offering egress to side alleys. Lighting is always scanty in the Goblet, and a ghostpipes spell provides gentle background music to cover most conversations from casual eavesdropping.

Prospects:
There are constant rumors that the staff and ownership of the Goblet are not human -- and consist of beings far more deadly than the doppleganger wenches. Most folk believe that some fell power runs the tavern. Its wardings are certainly strong, and spells have been deflected from them that hurled back or slew large mercenary attacking forces sent to cleanse or raid Roaringshore. (Those bearing a ward token can cast spells within the tavern.) The truth, according to one Harper I spoke with, is that illithids rule this tavern and use their powers to gather information about the illicit doings of the Sword Coast from the guests who come here..

The Broken Goblet can be found in the Pirate Village called Roaringshore. One can talk to the boatman from the harbor of Baldurs Gate, Wyverns Crossing next to the bridge of the River Chionthar, or from Ulgoths Beard. One could travel by foot, if they pass through the Field of the Dead. One could even come here by a caravan route from Soubar.

Roaringshore is a lawless place, a more neutral evil aligned village. Its ruled by "The Five", five High Captains where their word is law . A place where hanging bodies from execution is left hanging for the crows to pick their bones to serve as a reminder to those that transgress against the Shore. A village filled with Pirates, thieves, smugglers and even run a ways and even fugitives.

The village has its own market where any scallywag can buy potions, weapons, munitions , and food. It even has its own Auctioneer. Down at the docks, one could even fish , if you need to purchase a rod and line along with lures and what have you, then you can take the small boat to the large ship called "The Sparrowhawk", where you can make such purchase. But careful, someone lives in that ship, do mind your manners or you might walk the plank!

If such a place seems savvy to you, then put on your leather boots, and a fitting tricorne and head over to Roaringshore and enjoy a life of being a freeman and woman. However, if your an elf, well there's the risk some of the locals might try sale you off to Calmishite slavers. The Broken Goblet is a place for hard legs to enjoy a good cheap drink, a place to flex but mind the locals, if you intend to insult a pirate, your liable to get shanked, and in Roaringshore, your corpse might be fed to the dogs. Savvy?

Oh and by the way, dont break the furniture in the Broken Goblet. That's rule number one, and my boss well.. lets just say "Miss Jackie" doesn't tolerate it. But she will care less if a persons bones are broken.

Posted: **Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:03 am**

Mockery

“Ah, pay no heed if your enemies laugh.
They'll not be able to once you lop off their heads.”

A flesh golem was a type of golem, a ghoulish, macabre horror assembled from the body parts of various creatures or people. And just when I lead a group of adventurers in a Blood Mages' ritual chamber to investigate the many arcane runes and writings...

We were attacked by one.

*Some rocks fall from the height ceiling, and dust is in the air.
More dust falls from the ceiling. The air becomes a little more laborious to breathe.
A shadow seem to cover you. But this time, of flesh and bones.
It lands on the floor with fury, the ground trembles and it roars!*

RRRROOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!

It came out roaring intent to crush us if not rip us apart! The coppery rancid smell of blood was already thick in the cave, but this abomination intensified the stench! But we fought, even when caught off guard because we were only expecting a large shadow to attack!

*The Thayan Knight quickly got into its trained defensive stance and held his shield up high to take the blunt of the initial attack! Dexterous figures quickly tumbled out the way and reposition themselves to flank the beast! Mages not liking the close proximity of the abomination hastily retreated to gain ground before unleashing their magic! When the battle was over, the flesh golem fell to a pile of flesh and blood.*

Ugh, what a horrid thing!

*Continues to stab it on the floor to ensure what ever it was doesn't rise again* Stay...dead

*Growls and coughs.*

The moment was won, but the battle was far from over. Wizards went about their task in what I summoned them for. Arcane runes, books, writings all were examined and investigated. For this time, I brought the proper means. More pieces of the puzzle solved, and now I knew just what that mage was, and what he was truly doing. I've always been a mundane man, but I never let that restrict me. If I dont have the means to progression, I will obtain the means by any means. Even if I have to reach out into the darkness of the world that many others would think me insane. I am that sort of man. And I brought others similar of like mind. Either only willing to assist me, by lending me their blade, or powers, or because I was considered a friend or an asset, they came to the call. One mage even took a big risk just to unearth the biggest clue. Funny when I think about it. Many would consider these people enemies or evil doers. Yet here they are risking their very life in a way those others wouldn't dare do.

*The wizard spoke in a foreign tongue as he read the pages of the book that had blank pages to the common eye*

*As The wizards talks in Abyssal, several runes seem to shimmer and react in the dark chamber.*

"Gaooloots oot ooneemmool bebanm? *He clicks his tongue in a tutting sound.* "Cemkleg fncut voi clag voi'g teywed in gu dach aetmmoogdag? Voi gu lafak puckur punakpekur ntiu dach putere mepam cu enek luch o bnooma..."

"The book is magic..."
"No shite."
"I thinks that maybe we should leave soon..."

*More runes are alit as more words in abyssal are spoken.
The whole cave sparkles, revealing that nearly every inch of the walls had been covered with bloodied runes at some point.*

"I aint no blimey finger wiggler..just make sure you dont summon something horrid on our heads.." *He looks around still keeping his eyes on the shadowed areas*

But just when we had solved another part of the missing clue or things I had not known before..

The portal opened...

Whisper: "The writing on the board..do you think a young girl at the age of 18 could be the writer?"
Different Whisper: "The writing was very very crude, as if a child did it. Very child like drawings "
Whisper: "Is it possible the girl could be alive..doing the blood mages bidding?"
Different Whisper: "Would think yes. Unless this mage man cannot draw....but that would be unlikely. Becoming a mage in the first place requires a very very stead hand. "

*In the near distance another wizard continues his abyssal words as if talking to the book*

"Oo nu oogpoona khag oongbenb deni... Poomgankael naoollee.
Oo ia oog ca voi au teg exkzuk mepaeta ooneaetg care gnaelee kkuug oobbnamooooga khag mnookg?"

*Blood seems to pour out of the journal,
exploding all around, and all over the wizard*

"Mage..do tell me you intended that.."

'I did not..."

"Shite, move him away!"

*The wizard falls on the ground as the blood explodes everywhere, unconscious.
He is trembling, convulsing on the ground.
He looks in deep pain, unaware of his surroundings.*

*Lets out a shrill hissing scream of pain, but then breaks in a strange, almost manic laughter as he writhes in agony.*

"Hmmm, it's not his body...Hold I will try something."

"What yer mean not his body? Hes shakin like a fish out ol water"

"Physically nothing is wrong with him..but.."

*As the spell takes effect, everything ceases.
The wizard is able to breathe, the convulsions stop, as if nothing happened.*

*Negative energy seems to swarm the cave,
infiltrating the rock, the soil, everything.*

"Shite..screw the scry..we are leaving and with haste!"

*You feel all struggling as the desecrating emanation of the book become nauseous; choking.
It becomes difficult to breathe, difficult to move, difficult to even think...
Only Sel remains standing, the other feel crippled, dizzy, as if the magic was infiltrating their veins. Their own blood.
The putrid scent of the cave begins to let emanation of rot fill your lungs.*

*A quick cast of a mind protecting spell and the commands of the undead beings was quick thinking enough to assist the crippled forms...but that was not the height of their new found problem..In the back of the cave, the portal seems to activate.*

"The portal..somethings coming!"

"TIME TO LEAVE!"

Another damn Golem! But unlike the first one made of flesh, this one was a hulking pile of metal armor, and he hit foking hard. People where knocked around like mere play things, some badly injured from the mighty blow of the large metal abomination. There was no way I was able to get them out in such close quarters of that metal golem! Only one thought came to mind, escape the cave, lead it away and return when I've lost it. The cave opening was right there and I dove for it.

But my lunging body came to an abrupt halt!

*The tall armor grabbed Sel back and toss him in the blood.*

*The man thrown and tossed like a rag doll, rolled into the large pool of blood around his companions, and quickly raised into a crouch ready to defend himself, knowing the effort would be futile but the moment gave him just enough time, to start talking*

*The pain feels excruciating. It is difficult to see, to hear.
All sounds are dizzy, except for Sel who is a little more conscious.*

*He looks at the metal figure* "Something tells me your not the mage..."
*He whispers to the others to avoid the metal figure from hearing* "Can any of you teleport us in your current state..now is the best time..."

*Another, slender, robed figure passes the portal.*

"Wait!"

Well... well.. what do we have here?

*He looks up at the white robbed figure and clearly remembers him from the scry vision a few ten days ago* "Well now...isnt this a surprise.."

Oh you... you have survived, I see.

*He cants his head and smiles* "Lovely place you have here...quite the art work..tell me..still using that girl for a pet?"

Who? *He grins.*

*He nods towards the cage* "The one you had in that."
*Whispers* "Do recover while I try to buy time.."

You will pay for interfering with my plans... Your blood will soak the carpets of the great place... in the name of the Dark Prince !
*He reaches for a wand, but a flash of light proceeds him*

*A wand of his own was already activated and a silence spell was casted on the Blood mage just as one of his own wizard in the desperate attempt casted the teleportation spell that made the group vanish from the bloody floor of the cave, and returned them to Roaringshore*

*The group lands safe, in Roaringshore.
While the moment was dire, they escaped, simply injured.
The effect of the blood dissipated as soon as you landed in Roaringshore, greatly improving your conditions. *

"The wretch is now trying to get into my head...! *He snarls in disgust.* You better kill him...
*he glares at Sel.* And make sure he stays dead...

*A sending arrives. It's Kazaiev's vocie*: "I know there is a woman you like. I will take her in my collection. Just know... that you are WATCHED! You think Roaringshore is safe"? *His voice disappears in a laughter*

*Raises his chin and cocks his head as if hes listening to something.*

*She clenches her fist and starts to smack her head* get out........ GET OUT OUT GET OUT GET OUUUUUUT *she is really hitting herself* Rats.... paws.....*she starts to tear up and gets on her knees, panicking* He-he say-squeaking.... Rats paws..... are-are pretty.... and scream-screech pretty... Rat wonders... if he-he... is coming for Rat.....

HA, looks like he had a chat with us all.

"Hes mocking us now..."

Mocking you, perhaps... He is now silent to me...

Sel, please offer me that blood mages bones.

*The Blood Mage mocked and toyed with the group by sending most a sending of his delighted threats. Some were worried, others laughs, few only got more angry. As the group made their way to a small boat and rowed out to the a ship known as the Sparrowhawk, in the mind of the bartender he had but one thought.*

"The 45th Layer of the Abyss..."

((DM ABYSS))

((OOC-The post was made for entertainment reading. I always like to share the experience of my Rp in the server to show others my perspective view. Things do happen on the server, not many are incline to post about it on the forums like I do. But they do happen. You just need to know how to find them, how to reach out, Big thanks to many of the DMs that are hard at work on the server trying to provide plots and stories for players. I know some players feel nothing happens for them. But I assure you ,its all in the matter of how you reach out. Timing is everything, This event was in fact scheduled, but the timing of it was misunderstood. But the DM and the players did what we could to see the event through. Once again because I must, a reminder this post is not IC knowledge for everyone. If there would be a rumor out of this event, then it would simply be.))

*A group of adventurers might have been seen heading towards Amn from the Cloud Peaks. In fact, there was one lone adventure whom saw us pass by in the Cloud Peaks.*

And...

*The same group of adventurers covered in blood, were seen by pirates taking the small boat that rowed them out towards the Pirate ship called the Sparrowhawk*

((BGTSCC has many on going DM Events. I urge you, try getting involved in some. Find ones that interest you and your character. There is more to the game than simply looting and grinding and casual talks. ))

Posted: **Mon Jan 01, 2024 4:54 am**

Continue the Course

“Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.
Focus on your character, not your reputation.
Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.”

They say a person can become too greedy for their own good. Too much of something can give you a belly ache of the very dish you over indulged in, vomiting they very things one had been greedy for. A thief's ultimate punishment, is when their greedy hands are removed for them. No longer are they able to pick a persons coin purse, no longer are they able to pick locked doors that stand in the way of their treasures.

But how does one stop the ambitions of a person who seeks to dominate the world? You're going to meet many people with domineering personalities, the loud, the obnoxious, those that noisily stake their claims in your territory and everywhere else they set foot on. This is the blueprint of a predator. Predators prey on gentleness, peace, calmness, sweetness and any positivity that they sniff out as weakness. Anything that is happy and at peace they mistake for weakness. It's not your job to change these people, but it's your job to show them that your peace and gentleness do not equate to weakness. I have always appeared to be weak and fragile and delicate, but the thing is, I am not weak, fragile and I am not delicate.

There's silly saying, "You are what you eat." But there's also another similar saying. "You become what you walk with". Walk in the light, and you soon shine bright like a torch in a dungeon. Walk in darkness...well there's many possibilities. Walk with death, and aye you will become it.

The one thing in my opinion however, is never walk with the weak. Weakness will consume, your judgments are hesitant, your choices are transparent, you goals are fickle. Anything that you cannot sacrifice pins you. Makes you predictable, makes you weak. And if you walk with weakness, you soon become fearful, paranoid, soft.

It is why, for those that do not wear their emotions upon their face are in fact the most dangerous sort of people. A person with no emotions, can sacrifice easy. They are immune to anger, hate, resentment, love. They can sooner drive the world into a spiral of chaos and still sleep good at night with no regard for the other souls. People think their decisions are often brash but in truth, its the most easiest way to live. To be free of weak emotions, to be a faceless one.

Their weakness if never revealed, not because others were not able to figure it out. But because there was never one to begin with. They shouldn't be misunderstand however, they are not immortals. They too can die just like any other living being in one shape or form. They just don't fear death, because they understand that no matter whom they are, or what they are. They too will come to an end, just like everything else in the world. Because of faceless ones like that, I will continue another year, of doing what I do best...

Getting things done.
Making things happen in my own design.
Seeing things through to the very end.
And continue serving...
Goblets.

That is...until I've decided to pursue something even far greater...

Posted: **Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:36 am**

What's Your Price?

“Everyone has a price,
the important thing is to find out what it is.”

It never seems to surprise me when I meet a patron with ambitions for status and power. Some reach deep, others reach even deeper. Some put much efforts into their ambitions, others ...well others simply do nothing and merely hope what they wish for spawns within their grasp.

*The slender finger poked against his chest* " . . .What . .IS . .your price?"

"Wait..are your asking the price for ...me?"

*Grins*

"What is my price?" I had asked myself after the patrons question. I find myself amused. But I had to think about that question. What is my price? Far as I knew from experience, everyone has a price. Some hardly considered a price at all, others..well some others make you want to call them a down right greedy bastard to their face. Oddly enough that simple question seemed difficult or is it?

I mean had the woman told me a task before such a question I would likely had given her an answer. But no task? No objective? Just merely asking me "my" price?

"I rarely would open to strangers . .but you . .. what you do . . already know enough to hang most folks in the land . .yes?"

*Clever girl*

Aye the woman was quite clever indeed, but not clever enough. There are many things of which a wise man might wish to be ignorant. But her last question held truth. Some believe things like influence, information, is worth far more than coins. Depending on who possesses such things like influence and information, they can be very much indeed one very dangerous person. To know the secrets of many, the truth that people kept hidden. Why somethings are worth dying to protect. Just as much as anything that is of great worth, the higher the value, the more dangerous it becomes. Information, misinformation, disinformation. People can call it what they want, but I certainly is drowning in it. In this age of information abundance and overload, those who get ahead will be the folks who figure out what to leave out so they can concentrate on what's really important to them. Nothing is more paralyzing than the idea of limitless possibilities. The idea that you can do anything is absolutely terrifying.

Some people will kill for secrets, others will kill to protect their secrets. Such is the world I live in. From the North, to the South, I've heard many things, seen many things in my human life span. Know many things. I mean, when a person has their delectable drinks that come within the form of a goblet, its only a matter of time their tongues become more loose than their wits. However it all doesn't answer her first question...."What is my price?"

It took awhile and a tour of Roaringshore from the Broken Goblet, to the quarters of my ship until I finally realized why I couldn't answer the woman's question. Its not because I couldnt think of a price. Its because in truth, I couldnt find what I needed that I didn't have. I'm not considered a greedy bastard, but If theres something I dont have, that I want, well I will do just about anything to have it. I have a job, I have a home, I have wealth, I have influence near and far, I have plenty of allies. If I need mages, I know where to get some that wont ask questions. If I need a merc, I know whom to reach out too without being questioned. If I need information well it tends to come to me. There are somethings I surely can do without. ..

*He reaches into his pocket to feel for a particular gem*

But overall, I am just not sure what else I do need. Maybe a wife for mere amusement to merely see the look on peoples faces. The title husband..now that surely be something that would turn heads...wait..title?...Now why didn't I think of that? A title...that's something I dont have. Hmm..but what sort of title would be fitting to me I wonder? Captain? Feng Bearer? Hmm...as interesting as all that sounds, firstly I am reminded that I have some unfinished work, and unfinished business to deal with. After all...

I still need to fill goblets.

Posted: **Fri Jan 05, 2024 6:20 am**

Soaring Sparrows

“The best and most beautiful things in the world,
cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart.”

I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them. I am a man raised and trained that emotions can make a soul weak. In fact it was over a decade ago that such a weakness nearly sent me to an early grave. Yet still...after so long...I admit...such a feelin...is different than what I remember.

"If I really come to love you, I fear I might become boring to you"

"..oh? Afraid of being boring?"

"What about you, are you afraid to love?"

"Nah, not afraid ta love. "

"..I admire you much, care for you plenty. I do enjoy us. I should tell you something important. A blood mage I been hunting up in Amn...a fugitive....Gave each of us threats. If he comes for you, firstly I apologize"

"Firstly ye better come get me. Apologize after"

Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions.
I use to secretly envy people that knew love.
They have someone who takes them as they are.
Even though I wasn't in a proper place for such discussions as love,

Like the blood halls of the Ziggurat..

Fighting raging Black Dragons..

Or nearly getting cleaved in half by Frost Giants..

The discussion happened nevertheless..

"And what of you?"

"What of me? I ain't in it fer tha breakin couches... I was doin that fine before, though ye are skilled at it *she teases a kiss at him* I love ye fer who ye be... how ye act... how ye think. how yer five steps ahead but pretend ta be two steps behind"

"Yer truly loving me for me?"

*She laughs at that and wraps her tail around his arm* "Ain't that what its supposed ta be?"

"I didnt know you felt that much for me... I will think more of you from now on."

"What more is there ta think of.. I'm Cap'n Shana Sparrowhawk... savvy?"

If she was still awake now, and I could speak freely with comfort while holding my bottle of rum, I would tell her..

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are."

However she's not awake, and I'm still in the Broken Goblet with patrons ,
sharing talks and drinks with them.
Serving them their delectable drinks in the renown vessel of the establishment.

After all, when people come in for a goblet,

I have to serve them a goblet.

Posted: **Mon Jan 08, 2024 6:00 am**

Failing

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve,
the fear of failure.”

Some have a saying, "The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." Angry people are not always wise, and lately I've been a very angry person. Anybody can become angry that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.

*This bloody mage really needs to die..*

If you spend your time hoping someone will suffer the consequences for what they did to you, then you're allowing them to hurt you a second time in your mind. But I can't help it. My anger is fuel by the frustration of a deed not yet done. And as more time goes by, I grow more impatient wanting to ensure his death. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But I must being him in breathing, in order to progress to the next task. The problem is, the answers are right under my nose and I cant seem to see it!

I know I shouldn't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. But this anger is surely consuming me , rotting within me to my very black guts. At the going rate I might find myself lost in hatred for mages. He already killed her. He seen the vision, her body mangled and ripped apart. Her screams , her cries. For days we had been talking with this witch of a woman I call her. And I cant get the right answers because I'm failing at asking the right questions.

The burning emotion was even breaking my focus at the Iron Throne's Gala.
Many whispers and conversations that I heard, and I could barely keep focus..

"I have only arrived recently. It has been a long, wearying journey. And, truly, I had not thought the Hhunes of Baldur's Gate to know me."

"Senithira of House Kytolamn. A pleasure to meet you... Ulzan, was it? Of the Thayan Enclave."

"But I have contacts among those who deal in iron and jewels."

Watch your hands, no improper touching.

"The hat is the latest fashion out of Waterdeep,"

"I am glad to return to a Gate that seems to be thriving. For the most part, at any rate."

"I am trying to find footing again... I grow tired of solitary travels... Perhaps something we can discuss in private."

"Just follow the hips darhlin', but easy on the good eh? Wouldn't want the nobles jaws to drop"

I would just prefer to observe, yes.

"Especially if you ask if they're sisters, Zerros."

Even the Host of the Gala didn't seem to be in the best of spirits. Not after his maid sang a song. But then again, after what I had seen of the man, I surely wasn't surprised. My diamonds would hardly had tickled his coffers, I even gifted him a blue. Minor things, after all I already possess one of the most rarest of gems. Something I surely wouldn't part with. This one other however..I surely need to be rid of. God damn devils.

I will...
find the means...
to be rid of the devils eye...
and cut the hands off of that mage...
see my peace restored...
and establish my rightful title as the Bearer...

*His mind goes back to a mysterious woman that was at the Gala*

But I can't help that someone else was paying just as much attention as I was,

If not more...

Posted: **Tue Jan 09, 2024 12:47 pm**

Already Miss the Shore

"There is no place more delightful than one’s own fireplace I say,
Home is where our story begins, there is no place like it,
Don't misunderstand, home is not a place… it’s a feeling"

"Ships on vigor of the waves are skimming
Barren summits to the verdant plains
Each horizon is a new beginning
Rise and reign"

This town doesn't fit my current mood. With the rising tensions, the many Inquisitions and Mage Hunters. All I smell is pelts mix with the spring. I much rather be on my ship, sailing the Sea ol Swords, feeling the wind at my back while smelling the ocean water.

"Nae, der be nothin' like it."

"Vows of favor or the thrill of plunder
Pull together for the clan and kin
Clank of hammers and the crash of thunder
Pound within."

"The life of a freeman, the life of a pirate."

"Sails a' swaying on the crimson rivers
Blood and glory in the fighting fields
Shields a' shatter into splintered timbers
Iron and steel"

"But I have to stay in this blimey town of Neskhal for now until the winds and the waves carry me back home to Roaringshore. We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there."

"Wind and the waves will carry me
Wind and the waves will set me free
Wind and the waves will carry me
Wind and the waves will set me free."

Posted: **Sun Jan 14, 2024 8:20 am**

Pirate's Love

"In the vast sea of life,
love is the compass that guides us through stormy waters,
and leads us to our true destiny."

Every person loves. Let it be either another person or a thing. For a Pirate, they love nothing more than what's called treasure.

True love is like a buried treasure, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to go on the adventure. Not just a box of coins and jewels and magic artifacts are considered treasure. Many times treasure is something that someone considers very cherishing or dear to their hearts. Something worth protecting, something worth dying for, something worth killing for.

Other times its indeed merely something unknown but suspected to be of high value. A lot of times its the suspense in the unknowing , and the hopes of something grand and spectacular. Even if people from Roaringshore must par take in a long sea voyage to the far reaches of places like Velen.

"Aye, sometimes in order to find long lost pirate treasures, yer have to go find a dead pirate"

*But damn, why Velen?*

Posted: **Sun Jan 14, 2024 8:55 pm**

Determination over Damnation

"Evil lurks in the minds of mad men,
I say on to you nay, it lurks in all of us.
Some just choose to resist it,
Others, embrace it.
Few control it."

Haven't I always said, that I would do anything necessary to get a task done? I can bet my coin purse many only assume that meant by doing the most evil and vile things, like murder in cold blood. I can bet Tymora a coin for each person that didn't assume that I would even go to paladins and knights to see something done. Oh yes..I would. After all... I did say "by any means necessary."

I'm a man of morals yes, but not a man of virtues. The fancy thing about being a roguish black gutted scoundrel, is you get to choose what you care for. I am not bound by honor, nor am I bound by values and virtues or controlling dark powers, nor am I bound by man made laws. I would use a Knight to see a job done. I would even go to the far reaches of the Sunset Mountains to seek aid if I so desired it. I would even go to the depths of the Underdark, even tho I wont give a inch of trust to the chimney elves. Never trust those or your only askin to get stabbed in the back like a idiot.

But I will say, I am a very determine sort of man. When someone tells me "no," it doesn't mean I can't do it, it simply means I can't do it with them, and I will seek out other means. It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. Sounds savvy doesn't it? We all have two sides to each of us. Some say, you can tell by the use of a mirror the moment you look away from it.

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The sayin to 'Press On!' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

"So it's better to get off yer arse and be a blimey determine bastard, or suffer the misery of damnation due to your lack of efforts.
I even will go as far as appear in court to the Counsel of Four. But why would I go there? Hmph, wouldn't folks like to know..pity, for I will never tell them."

Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

The Broken Goblet

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