The Broken Goblet

[selhan]

Perverse





“When you're accustomed to being considered 'normal',
difference feels like a perversion.”





Pala-things tried to-to murder-kill Rat...

"Why?"

Threw-thrown a spear-stick at me...Was eat-devouring a-a man-things leg across road-thing.... was minding own business per-per usual..... those stupid-dumb man-things no-no know when to keep to them-themselves...Rat raided the-the bandits earlier... took-take some of their-their limbs yes-yes...Tried to-to grab... to-to threaten Rat...even tried to-to make rat drop her-her food-meal...Tch.. stupid-dumb man-things...you-you will no-no believe what they-they say-squeaked next...

"Oh? Wot they say?

"Rat tell-told them it was-was bandit-trash... apparently they-they care about that...."the-the Moral Character of who-whoever this was.... does not-no in any way justify what-what doing, No-no man-thing or woman-thing deserves to-to be treated with such... sacrilege.... a-a man-things deathly remains are-are sacred.....what-what a load of-of horse shit-crap....."

Rat rat... I think yah goin' to find that most of the races aren't going to agree with yah eating their own kind I doubt its unique to... man-things

Rat-kins eat-devour their-their own kind....Many-much eat-devour their-their own kind... and others...

"Well to each their own, I'll stick to steak and pork and fowl "

For for what its worth Rat, be careful where yah eat that stuff... maybe do it in hiding cause someones prob goin' to get yah one of these days if they see yah I'd be sad if I heard yah got squeek-squewered.

"Now yer squeakin?"

Rat no-no care what they-they think... Rat will do-do what pleases where-where at....

More of a screamer *Grins*

He blinks

Rat... no-no understand...?

"Dont pay attention.."

why-why...?

"Shes talkin more filthy than yer Captain"

*She shrugs and takes a sip of her Orc Grog*





Many believe they know what is normal. The truth is, they only know what is normal for themselves. To believe everyone else should follow in their ways is where they make the fool of themselves. No everyone is the same. Nor were we all raised commonly. To those that where child's and filled their days with fun and smiles and laughter, never have a real understanding of the dark side of what life can boot to you.





Some at an early age, only have one thing they feel, one thing in their mind, the need to feed for survival. They didnt have the luxury to be spoon fed, well taken care of. They had to steal, they had to bribe, hustle, manipulate , lie and sometimes kill to survive. Sometimes if their situation is really at its worse, they can even go beyond that and do the most unspeakable things, things many other's wont dare to do.





I really wonder just how many people had really experience true hunger..that ravish starvation state, where you no longer care what things taste like. Your only instinct, your only thought, is you need to eat or your going to die. Its a bizarre thing, but more so when it happens to someone young. Younglings dont know better, their just hungry. Scraps thrown on the streets were likely treasures for them. But what happens when there's no scraps? What happens the only thing around is you and another living thing? Hunger..that need to feed, that instinct to survival is completely overwhelming. And the longer you go in such a state, the less your mind is able to even resist the impure thoughts and cravings.





I knew a person that had succumb to such impurities, such perversions. Aye, I'd be tellin a lie if I said it doesnt disgust me, but I understand it. And its a difficult habit to break. I've tried many times, I barely succeed. All I can say is, at least this person isn't feasting upon the innocents. For those people that sympathize for the dead, I would ask them why? There nothing more than a mere corps. Ash and bones is what will become of them. In Roaringshore, a place where they dont bring down the hanging bodies are daily reminders that nothing special happens to the dead ones. They are still left there, hanging , rotting while the black crows perch upon their bones. If their flesh was consumed by something to keep it living, well then..I'd say at least their flesh was put to good use and not wasted.

[selhan]

Deceptions

“Friends ask you questions;
enemies question you.”

As he walked the clean streets of the Upper City, he gave a glare of loathing. Despicable came to his thoughts as he looked upon the fortunate, the wealthy, the well off the nobles. It was near pleasing to see them sniveling and grumbling about the unrelenting storm. He knew what they had done, the talk has spread wide throughout the city of Baldur's. His mind went back to previous tenday's and months, the stupidity of people, the foolish rumors...

"Sel's the spice dealer, he's bringing it from Roaringshore!"

"Just tells us what you know."

"Sel gave a bunch of spice to his patrons, and a lot of them died in the Broken Goblet."

They knew nothing, as they flung accusations and suspicions towards me. I kept telling them, I never seen the drug, no one in the Shore was under its influence. I heard the talks early on, and hinted to people that it was the bloody nobles. But nae, it was my name they spit from their accusing mouths, what because I'm a filthy pirate? My life is anything but simple, but I prefer simple. Rum, women, a healthy coin purse. What's there to gain in drug dealing? What would pirates need of such things when they spend most of their times raiding and plundering for their booties only to spend it for days of drinking and few meals in between. I knew it was the bloody nobles, because their the worse kind of corruption. Their greed has no limits. They sit upon their wealth, the grow fat from their gains, they dislike having to share, and they always thirst for more wealth. And they will sacrifice the lesser, the unfortunates for the means. Hmph, let the city crumble with their conflicts, while we pirates stand back and watch with amusement. Those people have forgotten Baldurs Gate was founded by pirates' and farmers, they are no better than us. The only difference is, they manage their corruption far better.

"Your city may soon come apart, and it will be your own doing. There's no sin worse than greed, and your bloody nobles reek of it."

[selhan]

Dark Desires





"Ambition is the path to success.
Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in."

-By The Fang Bearer of 1360 DR

Lloth - known as the Queen of Spiders as well as the Queen of the Demonweb Pits, was the most influential goddess of the Drow, within the pantheon of the Dark Seldarine. Lolth drove her worshipers into heavy infighting under the pretense of culling the weak, while her actual goals were to hold absolute control over the dark elves, prevent the rise of alternative faiths or ideas, and avoid complacency (even though she found amusement in the strife that plagued her followers' communities). However, in the long run, her influence proved to be an obstacle to the growth and success of her Drow followers, preventing them from unifying against common enemies or for a common cause. Any attempt by the Drow to emulate Lolth was doomed to fail, for unlike other humanoids, their arachnid deity was without their form or psychology. They were ashamed that they could not fully live up to her demands, and in truth, the Spider Queen was one they could never truly please. Any boon she granted to them was only in service to escalating conflict and causing further strife, and in the end, she cared nothing for them.







I've met many Drow's in my human life time. Some tried to kill me, some befriended me, some wanted me to work for them, some even wanted a relationship. I' been a man that's able to say, I've met several types of Drow's within the Sword Coast. The Drow city Sshamath, a city ruled by wizards where the priestesses of Lolth are relegated to lesser roles. What known as the Conclave appears to be the cities ruling body. I've heard they consisted of mages. Not by the common Matron Mothers one may hear from tales. I've met Bregan D'aerthe drows. A rogue band of various mercenaries that enjoy the world of intrigue and influence. I"ve met some drows that follow the one called Eilistraee. Commonly called the Dark Maiden, with worshipers that indulge in some form of dance. I call them tea cup drows myself. Those are surely by far the most different type of drows compared to the others I've met. And then there's the ones many has heard about, from songs and tales to rumors to books. The ones that worship the Spider Queen Lloth. Known as the more evil ones, filled with ambitions. To them status is everything, gaining favor from Lloth herself is even more so. I can trust a pirate by how much coins I put in their hands, or how much I can keep their goblets filled. But a drow that favors the Spider Queen? Only a fool would trust them, they couldn't even trust each other for that is their way.

"I dont quite understand the um...culture of this place..I mean, I've heard tales of other far more ..." *He points at her* "Female Dominant...less um...fergivin..?"

"Sshamath is ....different"

"Yer dont seem ..umm..fond of it..."

"It is ruled by the Conclave, representatives of different schools of magic, then representative of house Sshamath and also house Zau'viir, House Sshamath and house Zau'viir are unfortunately in the minority within the Conclave. They represents more traditional approaches to many matters. "But they are being held back by ruling magocracy. I am sure they plot and intrigue in the shadows but..." *Shrugs slightly* I've been here for a long time and I've never seen them attempting to break the status quo"

"Ah I see, so they are not quite fittin to ya."

"It's laws and rules were not really compatible with traditionalists"

"Hmm..now it makes sense. Do fer'give a male, I never really understood the ways down here..each visit was always different. Sometimes, someone's trying to kill me, other times trying to do business, and the other times.." *He grins*'fun stuff..but speakin ol fun stuff, Please do excuse a man, I did have an appointment to make with a familiar succubus's." *He thumbs to the direction of the Spiders Kiss and grins devilishly* "Do have a good day or " *He looks up* "night er I mean, cycle rather."

Upon the surface, many would take a quick glance at these dark skinned creatures and right away from what tales are said, they would think this race down right evil, and should be purged from the surface. But now that I've met several different types of Drows, I see what they see when they look upon me. "Rivvil". Just like humans, there's different types, with different cultures and traditions. And even with that, not all are the same. The majority would be however, given the region, culture, traditional upbringing. Humans in Baldurs, are quite different than the ones in Roaringshore. Now as I look upon these underdwellers, they dont appear all that different from my kind. But still, from experience and from meeting the many different types, I still will never trust them. In there eyes, I'm no better than the slaves around me. Mere cattle. This Lloth worshiper, I could see in her crimson eyes, that had the city of Sshamath follow more traditional ways, we surely wouldnt be having a conversation. She'd likely have me bound and chain to some labor camp. But yet..I cant help but admit this sort of drow seems the more fascinating type.





*As the man headed off to the underground establishment known as the Spiders Kiss, he glances around within the city of Sshamath , and he couldnt help but admire its own form of beauty. But he also wondered, what would this city really be like, if the more traditional sort of drows ruled it. The next thought occured to him that he surely wouldn't be walking this very street.*





"Well, better spend my coins worth while I can, be a blimey problem to wake up a slave"

[selhan]

Divided by One




“Don't spend time beating on a wall,
hoping to transform it into a door. ”





Liia Jannath Grand Duke : "What is victory, when we stand on a mound of ashes. We may point fingers at those who sought to bring us harm, and to some extent we could be right. But half if not more of this responsibility is ours. Us, those meant to Guide you. The Dukes, the Nobles, the Generals."

*Astonished eye blinks and murmurs within the crow upon the Grand Dukes words of responsibility*

Liia Jannath Grand Duke : "A man, Rogier Exeltis has been brought to prison. Responsible, with others, for this terrible chain of events. A man of the ruling class, no less. I wish our fair people to know, that we have failed to look right under our eyes. Where evil nestled right under our balconies, and for that, good people of Baldur's Gate. You have my apology."

Liia Jannath Grand Duke : We will strive to do better, we will strive to heal this City. We cannot allow such a thing to happen again. Thank you for listening. *She bows her head with dignity and grace.*

*Many in the crowd claps for the Grand Duke Liia Jannath*

Sel : *He clasp* "Well said..well put"
*Perfectly delivered*





The Grand Duke was right after all, they city had failed. What is the triumph of war when the territories an army conquers it naught but a pile of ash, the lands destroyed. They may had defeated an army, but winning the battle is all they won. Because if they carefully look around themselves, they will soon realize, they gained nothing.

Failure is often a good thing. We learn from our mistakes. Successful people do not become successful without experiencing failure. But in another point of view, failing is still blimey embracing. In this case, the city failed its people to the drug problem that plague the city. They don't even realize just how much they failed. Nearly five to six months ago, the drugs stepped foot within the city of Baldurs Gate. And nearly four months had pass before the city even started to give a damn. "Why was that so?" some may wonder, the answers quite simple, its a reality. The Crimson Spice was infecting the Lower city. The part of the city those high in the status chain , could care less about. Thus why they were ignored. "Why care for the filth" they would say, "So what" they would comment. "Its just the lower city" they would claim.





For many years, the status division in the city was always the eye sore. The poor separated from the wealthy, the sick divided away from the healthy. Fok'n prissy folks. Snobbish, annoying, chins held up high with their fancy words and struts the streets looking down at everyone else thats not from their side of the city. Often times nobles had always been found to be the most corrupt. The Dentons was a clear example. Hmph, the city thought themselves hero's unseating Lord Denton. Yet they failed in his capture. And yet again they failed to stop the city from becoming a slum addicting mess. At this rate, failure and hero's will be two words that always goes hand in hand. The Grand Duke was very right. The whole time, it was right under their prissy noses. But no, they looked else where, wanting a notable enemy to point a finger at. A target they felt would give them some form of status. Those bloody idiots even looked at me, they even blamed the local thieves, and even devils from the hells. Yet the whole time, all they had to do, was look in the mirror.

I remember some people coming to me or inviting me over and asked me what I had known, since a bartenders ears hears plenty. I gave hints without risking my own neck. I gave them things to look at. Its was bloody simple! All they had to do was measure the time of its arrival! Who else would sacrifice the lower city for gains! But they didnt want to find the real enemy. They wanted to choose an enemy. Even when someone tells them to their faces who the culprits likely were, they dismissed the notions and wanted to chase what they thought best.

So now, five people rot in Prison and they city sits the remnants of drug addiction. Dock workers..slow in their performance, families suffering and sundered apart, healing will not come soon.





All because...people failed the people..

[selhan]

Dark Explorations





"Sometimes you have to go to the darkest of places,
to find out whom you really are.
But be warned if its too dark,
you spend more time just trying to survive."





I've always known the world to have many horrors, and I knew there has been some even my own eyes have yet seen. But if a patron ever asked me, what sort of horrors are in the Underdark, I would tell them without guile, without a sense of survival, without using your wits, it likely be the last place you ever see. I've recently spent a lot of time in the Underdark. I had no importance of purpose, I only meant to purchase of their popular brands of drinks for the Broken Goblet. But yet, I'd be lying if I say curiosity didn't get the best of me. With a companion, we ventured out. No guide, no one to escort us. I had papers of safe passage within the city of Ssahmath but those papers do not extend beyond the boundaries of the city. Beyond the borders I would have to survive on my own accord. And I'll tell ye, there's a lot of things to survive against.





During my explorations, I came across familiar areas that I remembered nearly fourteen years ago. Strange how seeing such areas brought a sense of comfort. I was much younger than nor was I as experienced as I am now. Before I avoided the many beasties within the dark vast caverns and tunnels. But this time, I brought the fight to them.





Umber haulks, devils, critters I knew not wot they were, even the menacing half spiders half chimney elves. Not sure what sort of abomination those were, but they fought fiercely. Such speed, such agility with their many legs. I wonder if drows bred such things, or was this some magical experiment gone wrong. Who really knew but the denizens of the Underdark. So many blimey mushrooms, some even animated like humanoids. I've seen such before, but not quite like theses. The Underdark, was all about survival. Hunt or be hunted, prey or become prey. It was vigorating.





Throughout the explorations with my companion, I wondered does the Underdark go even deeper? Was there another city? Would I meet more like the one with the snaked headed whip? These under dwellers surely had a thing for slaves, that much I knew.








The Netherese ruines..now thats another place I've not ventured in for quite sometime. The memories I have of it I hold dear to me, specially in the Searing tunnels.






1346 DR

Rai: "You've found the way to the Underdark?" *The blade presses against his neck*

Sel Darkmore: "Easy...yes..I found the path and made a map of it. It's under Durlags Tower the passage leads through some ancient ruins."

Rai: "Take me there."

Sel Darkmore: "What? Now?!"

Rai: "Does it sound like I'm asking?" *The blade presses more, drawing blood.*

Sel Darkmore: "Okay okay...but we will need certain supplies, the journey is no easy trek. And why the hells do you want to do there?"

Rai: "So I can get another dagger like the one I got to your neck."





Funny how rivals can quickly become allies when both are in need of each other to survive. I remember that long ago time, both seeing monsters we've never seen before, had we been alone to fight them, we would sure be no more. It surely wasn't any easy fight. Not like now. Now, I've far more experienced, my equipment is quality, my blades magical and my prowess far exceeding than fourteen years ago. But with each step I took in the vast darkness known as the Underdark, I foreseen each step I had taken those fourteen years ago, the younger me, the less experience, and the woman with a blade to my neck. How times have surely changed yet still, strangely...the journey was quite enticing still.

[selhan]

Judge Me Second





“We can never judge the lives of others,
because each person knows only their own pain,
and renunciation.”





If people treat you like an option, then leave them like a choice. I say on to you careful whom you trust, sugar and salt looks the same but the taste surely is not. When trust is broken, to say sorry is entirely too late to utter. Some people say I've changed a lot, but in truth a lot has changed me. Before you judge a person, better make sure your perfect.





Some people tend to cross the line, but when they cross it too many times their making a choice. I give a person one excuse and one only. To repeat excuses just shows you think me a fool. I can play the fool, but a fool I am not. I find it amusing how others try to know my business. It actually makes me smirk and feel the sense of entertainment. They think I wouldnt know, they think I couldnt see, yet where they errored was that I've had already known what they intend to do. Yes, come, come closer, get closer, be within a reaching distance, lean to me and hear your own heart race while mines remains calm.





Never judge a person by what you see. Because you wouldn't know that what your seeing, is what they want you to see. Know them first, judge them second or you could be making the most foolish mistake. Because when you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.

[selhan]

Remorseless





“Uncertain way of gain. But I am in
So far in blood that sin will pluck on sin.
Tear-falling pity dwells not in this eye.”





In a damp village during the darkest hour in the night, a thick heavy fog rolled in and shrouded the streets. Roaringshore, sometimes called Little Luskan was a village nestled in a small deep water cove on the sword coast. The common eye would see many of the locals consisting of pirates, vagabonds, mercenaries, thieves, smugglers, run o' ways. It's a place where the High Captains word is the only law, a place where corpse are hung and never taken down even after the crows pick their bones.






But like all manner of places, theres always more that meets the naked eyes. The establish Inn known as the Swordarms Inn, is owned by a necromancer whom possesses forbidden knowledge. Such is quite evident by the floating corpse near the ceiling. Some rumors say, mage patrons often checks in, but they never check out. The nearby drinking tavern is also more than simply a drinking tavern. It's a place of rumors, a place of brawls, a place of the finest glass goblets ever seen this side of the coast. It was also rumored to be run by mind flayers who used the establishment to gather information about illicit doings occurring around the Sword Coast. And believe if or not, such a seedy place is still an attraction of all sorts of patrons.







Its not a place for remorse nor a place for sensitivity. If you cant stomach the lawlessness of Roaringshore, then it be wise that those without stern hearts, don't come there. In the three years that I've lived in the Shore, I've seen and experience some brutal acts. Men beaten to a bloody pulp if not killed for their miscalculated words. Women that had their faces cut or given a black eye for some manner of transgression. Bombs delivered to women's homes, mens corpse fed to the village dogs if not discarded into the ocean for the sharks to feast upon them. A ship full of elves sacrificed to the Bitch Queen if not sold into slavery. A woman's heart eaten before her very own eyes, fleeing men and woman jumping out of buildings risking to break their legs just to ensure a person was caught to be killed.





Yes, its surely not a place for the faint of heart. A person needs to be harden, immune to sensitivity. A place where roughness and carouse is a mix of the local culture. Where someone could easily go missing just as easy as a corpse is shoveled like mere dirt. Where imprisonment is always a temporary thing, and death the more desirable thing. Where women wear tricorne hats and drink from goblets made of blown glass..,





Where a pirate ship is often a Captains home.

[selhan]

Disturbed



“You see how I live, shadows and silence,
leaving things as I find them because I have no reason to disturb them.
But there are things that I have known,
even though I never wished to know them and cannot give them a name.”





If lies comfort, and truth disturbs, self is being agitated as a result of prideful living. I've always thought that wild nature always gives a very simple message to humanity, "Do not disturb me." In my view that's the most peaceful gift that could be given, yet many don't seem to understand such. It's a very known truth. Many are too eager to disturb the peace of others, or stir the emotions if displeasure. Some people just cant seem to stop minding other's business. Magic doesn’t require beauty, easy magic is pretty. Greater magic asks that you trouble the waters. It requires a disruption. And it never fails, someone, something will always seek for the greater in things, and ignore other's peace.





Must one really , cross someone's territory just to make their gains? Why do they not simply respect what's already in place? Why do fools neglect consequences? I wonder if it's because they are truly ignorant, oblivious to the common sense, or are they mundanely just blind fools? When a person disturbs a dragons slumber, they will be met with a dragon awaken, and likely very agitated. Yet fools do it still. For some odd reason, they believe its their course, their path, their purpose. But if they were to look through my own eyes they will see how they are mocked. Our realm is filled with many dangers, many none of us has fully experienced. Why does one feel the need to seek out all the dangers in the world? Their called dangers for a reason.





*The bartender sits at one of the tables in the Broken Goblet, silently watching the rowdy patrons carouse and drink themselves drunk. Each holding those pretty goblets made of blown glass that rests upon the unique carved stems. Lost in his own thought, he didn't even realize his own muttering voice.*





"Foolish idiots, when will they learn...they see what I want them to see. "
*Their attempts was already known. I'm already a few steps ahead. I'm always a few steps ahead.*


"The South failed against Castus and let him slip away. The North will likely do everything necessary for a different result."
*Things are about to get interesting.*

*The bartender pulled out a document to look it over. He's read it several times already, but he read it again as if it was a prized possession.*
*At least I got what I needed out of Amn.*

[selhan]

Seeking Darkness and Shadows





“What would your good do if evil didn't exist,
and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared?”





*A hand lifted, a finger extended. He trailed the palm of her left hand making imaginary circles* "One side feels empty, a void, like theres something missing.." *He switched over to her other hand* "On the other..it feels like you have everything I've ever wanted. Yet..the thirst...just doesn't seem enough."

"And.. what type are you?" *She asked*

"Both" *The man replied*

*She chuckles and tilts her head to the side* "I can understand the first type.. but the second.. it sounds sad if you have achieved everything you wanted..or.. boring maybe.."

"And wot of you..?"

Me..? *She raises her hands a little as if surrendering and giggles* "You already know a thing or two about me...and my motivations.."

"Do I really?" *He leaned close, nearly seemed like he was about to climb upon her but he planted his hand against the armrest to push himself up to his feet* "A half blood, that likes taking things without asking, that's hesitant to embrace what others would call dark. Worried of the how the world would look upon her. I see a woman, with wide vastness of goals, yet undecided in what direction she will take."

*She rests her head slightly on the armrest and looks up at the ceiling then looking at him closely as he comes so close to her for a moment* "The Shadow Plane is calling to me... that's the only thing I really know..."

"Is that so?..well long ago I knew some people...people that could lead you in the right direction." *With a fingertip, he began writing some words upon her legs*






To crave and to have are as like as a thing and its shadow. For when does a berry break upon the tongue as sweetly as when one longs to taste it, and when is the taste refracted into so many hues and savors of ripeness and earth, and when do our senses know any thing so utterly as when we lack it? And here again is a foreshadowing the world will be made whole. For to wish for a hand on one's hair is all but to feel it. So whatever we may lose, very craving gives it back to us again.





"When a person says, they seek the life of Darkness they could be considered mad, but I doubt they themselves even realize just what their asking for. The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow."

[selhan]

To Spider or Not To Spider



“At some point,
you just gotta forgive the past,
your happiness hinges on it.”



And there I was, drunk, reeking of rum, sweaty and spent looking upon another drow woman. And just when I thought I meet all sorts of chimney elves, I find one in a whole other category. This one a full blood, but was born upon the surface she claimed. I wonder how such was even possible? In a far away place, one I've never visited in my human life, yet heard about. But this woman states a Llothite would surely see her as an abomination still. She seemed wasn't like the last one I've met, nor like them tea cup moon dancer ones, nor the half blooded ones. No, this one was somewhere in between.



When it comes to the world below, I've come to terms that I will never ever truly be able to understand their culture. I thought Humans had their problems, but drows, I think they spend more time at each others throats more so than a band of cutthroats. But speaking of the Underdark and their denizens, its about time I pay it another visit.

[Deragnost]

Words Unspoken

She was, for once, at the bar instead of on stage. She had a goblet of mead in her hand, as she thought about what she had talked about earlier with those people at the Run a Rig. To say that she liked them was obvious, they were socially amiable people, and yet... something seemed to disturb the young minstrel.

She listened to pirate stories across the room with almost indifference: they talked about their raids, their plunder, their loot and how long their rapier was. Nothing out of the ordinary, another day at the Broken Goblet.

Yet this day, it looked different. There was something... eh, she couldn't describe it, but she felt as if something was on the horizon, and the air around Roaringshore or the Coast was getting heavier. The things they had talked about, the things they had requested from each other, were not something she could take lightly. Maybe she should have let it go?
Maybe, yes, maybe she should have followed the advice Sel had given her: screw everything, to hell with her interests in Baldur's Gate, to hell with her interests with Castus and everything she had behind the scenes. The people she helped, the people and creatures she killed.

When had she started being so cold and cynical? She didn't know it yet, maybe it was just a bad day to think about it all, or maybe there was a glimmer of truth. It was said that there is truth in wine, and here she was, instead, drinking a goblet of mead.
When murder becomes a mere bargaining chip, where does being human end, and where does the beast begin?

These thoughts were dispelled by a group of bards who approached the stage, and began playing a song throughout the Broken Goblet. For once, she was happy not to be there. For once, she could enjoy music in peace, to empty her mind. Those thoughts could wait for another day. She would go on stage tomorrow. She really missed playing at the Broken Goblet: maybe she would start again.

Soon, perhaps.

[selhan]

The Smell of Battle



“Nothing whets the intelligence more than a passionate suspicion,
nothing develops all the faculties of an immature mind,
more than a trail running away into the dark.”



I remember that day when the mage-terrorist Tyrelius was being tried for his list of crimes. Corrupt politics was allowing the man off easy, but someone felt easy was not enough and he served justice by his own hands. He pulled out his axe and leaped forth shouldering another who attempted to stop him and swung the death blow cleaving Tyrelius dead in his very seat. The whole spectacle was very amusing to me. I had only came that day to watch another mage burn for his own list of crimes, but more so because he had threaten me. I can still remember the smell of his burning corpse that very day. Others looked at me with a disgusting expression, but regardless, watching that man burn was pleasing to my very bones.



But now, tendays later, the world appeared to have flipped like a single coin. Many are after the fallen Paladin Castus, the winged being with powers to purge magic from a persons body like snuffing out flames to a burning log. His actions was terrible to some, his reasons suspicious to others, his blood likely wanted by another. Rumor had spread about how he raised an army of his own, no longer trusting the ways of the Inquisition nor Amn in whole. Corrupted they deemed them. In my opinion, what region isn't corrupted. The Fallen seems to be heading in the direction north towards Boarskyre Bridge. How clever he would be if that was the intended destination. Magic was already dead there ever since the God of Murder was slain on that very bridge. An ideal place for one such as him to hold up in. He wouldn't even need to use his powers to render magic null and void.



But I wonder..will all the combined minds from the south come to the proper clause? Will they be able to stop the Fallen from becoming an even greater threat? The dangers they would face is serious. Their not even liked in the North. What few allies they may find there, couldn't possibly even be enough. Unless of course, they dared seek the help from Darkhold. Even with what, I've heard from few underdwellers, the Zhentrim was seen marching throught the Upperdark. Their very boots was surely enough to shake the very ground. They would likely have hundreds of their seasoned soldiers if that is true. But I wonder what's the cause, if there's a cause. The mind of the Dreadmistress is quite formidable. I've met with her once in her black castle.. A war room even. I remember clearly upon the large table with maps and figurines, possible remanence of previous tactics and strategy against the Lord Alliance. Some call that war won by the Alliance, others say it was a draw. In my opinion, her willingness for dialog saved countless lives for both sides. But that surely doesn't mean she's a yielding woman. I've seen what she can do, and I doubt many has. But if what I heard was true, her cause has a purpose and that purpose wasn't conjured up from a waking dream.



*The bartender sat back in his preferred chair with a goblet of rum slowly swirling in his hand*
*She an ambitious woman, that sit's upon a throne of thorns. Much blood will spill for the Fallen, and the Fallen's blood will surely spill.*

[selhan]

Undecided




"A tavern is a place where madness is sold by the bottle,
For whoever is lonely there is a tavern."





When a tenday has been busy to a man, there's nothing more relaxing than a preferred drink in a pretty glass goblet. With rumors on the lips of drinking patrons, laughter and jests all around. One could call it normal in the Broken Goblet, but strange and dire times is nigh.





Dire when a particular drowess continues to frequent the Shore. Sometimes I really wonder just why does she persist, why does she continue risking her own hide upon the surface. Special here in the Shore or the North in Soubar. Her ways goes against the very culture of both places. Shes unfitting, nae belongs, yet persistent. Strange when a riddling tiefling visits the Goblet, in search of a Doppleganger. Word is this particular one she chases, is highly intelligent. I've fairly familiar with many notable tieflings in the coast. But this one..this riddler, I've surely nae seen before. A new face to my eyes, but not new to the coast. The long horns, the vibrant hair, nearly reminds me of Shana, but Shana she surely is not. There is none like that her..nevah.





And yet as the days and nights pass, things get stranger still. People come to me all the time seeking to hear a rumor or hear the latest of words from the traveling roads. Quite the common thing really. But for once, a man came in asking about people whom I've surely have never heard about or know of. But the good thing about a tavern is that sometimes, someone else sharing a drink, may just have the answers to what someone seeks. After all, it cant always be a bartender that knows everything. They only know what is shared.





At least he was a decent patron. Wasn't blimey annoyin and he did ask the right questions. But a whiskey drink none the less. I'd like him more if he drank rum. But to each their own. Everyone has their own preference, their own tastes of flavors they deem most enjoyable. At least for a whiskey drinker, he knew how to laugh. Talks of blushing elves, was surely a humorous thing. It was him and I that a particular elf woman was rumored to had shared a lustful moment with. I wonder how the days has been for that woman, likely defensive, irritable, frustrated. But nevertheless, I was there within the locked room , and I witness her cheeks turn color. The Blushing Elf I call her. She surely was flustered and that clearly was evident. Too bad many didnt see what happened behind the lock doors of wonder. That alone would be quite a tale to sale.





But this man before me, cunning I can admit. Sly with his words. Quite clever in fact. He surely asked much, and spilled little, but revealed quite much. Ah yes, the same man looking for a particular woman. That's what started the whole ..controversy with the Blushing Elf. How amusing, I nearly forgot all about that woman. Likely they did too.





But such things in Roaringshore never just ends with a tavern talks, drunken laughs or bloody brawls. You just never really know what else can happen or take place. I surely didnt think I would be sitting upon my ship , sharing a view of the Sun rise with a woman.





However this was one of those mysteries that comes around now and then. A new face, a subtle approach, gestures of toying and teasing. Oh she played quite a good game. When a man and woman engage in a game of what I call push and pull, its a game of testing ones resolve. Testing how much one can endure before they break their will and lose themselves to the greatest sin known to mankind. Yet ..even when the opportune moment was there, within grasp, there was something far more important to do. When a person is soul searching, they are utterly lost before finding what pleases that very soul. Everyone has their calling, everyone has their path. And I myself find it interesting leading some people to find just that. I know what its like, I remember, I always remember what it was like, soul searching, seeking purpose, trying to find out just what was my destiny within this realm. I was one of the lucky ones. I didn't have to search far, nor did I found my purpose, my destiny.





It found me instead.

[Deragnost]

Old Rivalry

The minstrel knew that the news she received, was not well received on her end. It wasn't exactly great, considering what she was facing. She didn't like it, and she knew she was angry for it all. Oh, how much she would have liked to deal with it with her rapier. Alas, fate decided the person wasn't meant to fall under her blade, and thus she had to rethink about her strategies. She had only one choice, to speak with the man she both loved and hated, trusted and at the same time she was wary of him. Was it a healthy relationship? Who knows. But the truth was, they were on the same ship from her point of view. Two faces of the same coin.

"There he is!"
"well well surely strange times. Wot now..Dun tell me it has something to do with that guy?"
"Nope!"
"Let me guess, perhaps one of these two?"
"Nope!"
"What are those?"
"Easy on the goods Darhlin..got a date tonite."
"With who?"
"No tellin!"
"I'm part of the knitting club, it's my holy duty to collect this information!"
"Knitting ...club..? ...poor strings.."

"It is not about that one. I... think I heard those names, somewhere, but not sure who they are. What did they do?"
"Nae sure..some fella came in askin about em"
"Oh Wait..you've come to tell me a blushing elf accepts my hand in marriage?"

"No, we came to tell you that he has found a ride to that place..."
"Great fer him..why tell me?"
"Because apparently he promised to come back and get his revenge on that person you know, for what happened to him some time ago."
Silence came as the man reached for the bottle on the table.
"Oh gods..."
Some more muffled talks happened after that, a bit more serious ones. Some heard, some unheard.
"IF yer really worried about [...] i guess just think about [...] needs a [...] and [...]"
" [...]power."
" But..."
The man stood while smirking devilishly.

"if you really want to do it... Here is how to..."

And thus, the plan was indeed revealed. She would have listened, and a thin smile appeared on her features. She knew he was right, and there was truly no other way to face this thing. Roaringshore was her home, despite many would have believed otherwise - or others would have accused her of such. The truth is usually with more shades of gray, but in the end we all believe what we choose to believe. Some knew her, some didn't. And she started to believe what others thought wasn't as important as she did a year ago. In the end, no matter where you are, one has to be true to oneself. And if someone gives you one wrong... then make sure to make them pay when you have the chance, in the appropriate way. Perhaps, if she was lucky, she would have seen her rivals and enemies hang soon enough.

[selhan]

Clandestine





“Any time a secret group usurps the collective will of the people,
it’s wrong. Period.”





The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings...Our way of life is under attack. Those who make themselves our enemy are advancing around the globe...no war ever posed a greater threat to our security. If you are awaiting a finding of "clear and present danger," then I can only say that the danger has never been more clear and its presence has never been more imminent.


"You know, sometimes one can be too clandestine."


But nothing here was what it seemed. Even the grey stone of the buildings hid within itself a score of secret tints, to be revealed only by one momentary strand of light. At first, the tide of secrecy that rippled through the streets had made some people tense and watchful, but in time they realized that in a city of clandestine passions, it would be too late.


"....there are other factions working to undermine my efforts....I don't trust things given for free. What's the catch?"


I've never trusted a person whom don't love themselves yet tell me they love me. In my opinion, be careful when a naked person offers you a shirt. But sometimes, in order to make progress, in order to make gains, one has to take a risk. There comes a time in a persons life where they need to close their eyes and extend a hand into a dark void. Sometimes nothing happens, other times, it can harmful. But also there are times, your hand will be filled with a reward. Its a wary moment before you plunge your hand into the darkness. But think of this one thought. Fifty years from that moment, do you think you will hate yourself for still wondering what might had happen had you reached into the darkness?


"We need him alive."


Why is it that some people fear snakes and some do not? I'll tell you. People fear the unknown. Not all snakes are poisonous, but if a person doesn't know that fact, they will assume all snakes are poisonous. I have come to accept the feeling of not knowing where I am going. And I have trained myself to love it. Because it is only when we are suspended in mid-air with no landing in sight, that we force our wings to unravel and alas begin our flight. And as we fly, we still may not know where we are going to. But the miracle is in the unfolding of the wings. You may not know where you're going, but you know that so long as you spread your wings, the winds will carry you.





"He has committed grave sins and threatens every single divine with his desire to undo magic. There is no recourse but punishment. Some seek to bring him to redemption - to redeem without punishment is to absolve of misdeeds, and is a disorder to our realm."


If man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. Redemption is something you have to fight for in a very personal, down-dirty way. Some of our characters lose that, some stray from that, and some regain it. However there has been times where a person has been deemed unable to be redeemed.


"I am quite sure they operate from the shadows and trade in miserable secrets in their horrid plans. They shall be blinded by moonlight, and also delivered justice."

"The Dreadmistress is likely try to barter the Fallen, give him over to the Gate to try lift the ban. You have to know the womans history. Once upon a time she was friends with many of those within the Gates. People whom you may even trust. The if the Gate gets the Fallen, well its only a matter of time before such power lands into corrupted hands. But if the Sharan's get it, well everyone fok'd"





I do wonder..does these people even know what their truly going to fight for...