Razlo

[MercTroop]

When I was little mercenaries came to my village looking for recruits, my parents seemed all to eager to get rid of me. Took me awhile but I managed to earn back what they paid for me, took to traveling. Joined a death cult for awhile, at least until it became apparent they just wanted my body. Ended up in water deep, got my self a warrior bard. Joined the temple of Oghma to get closer to her, they taught me to read and write. Lost the damsel, kept the faith.

Took a job escorting some scholars to Candle Keep, people seem nice enough I decided to stay. Made friends with one of scholars named Hardegan, he gives me jobs the Order needs taken care of. Most of the time its simple book deliveries, occasionally they give me more dangerous tasks.

[MercTroop]

Hardegan had tasked me with recovering a scroll that was stolen from one our agents studying vampires in the forest. One of the local Minitaur tribes had some how killed him and most of the guards with him. Shadow druids in the area had made attempts to recover the scroll back difficult, so they passed the task to their agents. I was able to track down which minitaur had it, a rising Mage with in his tribe called Thunder Hoof in common. He proved to be cunning as I cornered him in his maze he would always slip through my grasp.

Other agents have been getting pulled into similar difficult tasks, for all the knowledge we collect at times it doesn't seem enough. Hardegan suspects some one has been betraying the order as so many of our caravans have been hit during the trade way. His theory was proven even more when one of our scribes was found poisoned, it angers me to think a enemy walks amongst us.

To help the order I've taken to hiring some of the local sell swords, my first recruit was a man called Cendern. A man weathered to be as hard as the sea, despite his age he seemed to possess allot of fight in him. I tasked him with finding a tome stolen by bladelings, now I can divert my full attention to the scrolls recovery. Perhaps if he proves his use I will hire more able bodied sell swords.



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First deal is struck in friendly arms inn.

[MercTroop]

My time spent with the minotaurs has been enlightening, they respond best when force is used. Force is some thing I have an abundance to give. One of the tribe leaders spilled his guts to me literally and figuratively. Thunder Hoof part in this game of cat and mouse will soon come to a end.

I was able to recruit a man called Nroc, his motivation seems driven by building a better reputation. In time I fear he may find our work bitter sweet, as few believe our deeds or wish to hear them.


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Nroc recruitment

[MercTroop]

I was able to corner Thunder Hoof down, tribes guarding him had been distracted by a cleric of Mielikki. Even as his guards bodies lay around us, Thunder Hoof spells failed he kept fighting. As I stepped forward for the final blow I could hear the roar of the great tiger spirit, its cries of approval rang in my ear. When Thunder Hoof lay dead at my feat I saw it clearer than I had before, I felt it brush against me, standing there I basked in its approval. It faded away once more as pain of my broken bones bit me.

Thunder Hoof may of been my enemy, but he had earned my respect. I retrieved the scroll he had stolen, then took the top of his staff as a token. Painfully I went back towards Candle Keep.



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[MercTroop]

Organization members I arrived with have taken to traveling on along the coast, they felt Candle Keep did not need them. With war between Baldur Gate and Amn they departed quickly, not wanting to be drawn into a fight isn't their own. At their urging of Hardegan I attempted to join the Candle Keep group so that I might continue to find purpose in my work.

Rumors of Wendel being a tiefling, a evil wizard lording over his keep were false. He was an old man seasoned by the land, did not display any of the cruel demeanor I was expecting. Wendel decided to give me a chance at least for now, I hope spirits guide me not to fail his expectations.

As I waited to tell Hardegan the news, I received a message from Baldur Gate had been killed. Bandits had attacked his caravan leaving no survivors. I recovered his body and gave him a warriors funeral, burning the corpse as the sun rose.

[MercTroop]

Towns folk had gathered at a settlement just out side Baldur Gate, two men stood on the gallows. One a man who looked hardened from the weather and age. Beside him stood a half orc who could barely control his tears. A man in worn leather with a sword at his hip talked to those attending.

"For illegal pouching on lands of Lord Toasz, murder of Will Platige, theft of twenty gold pieces Wiet and Bagnar have been found guilty of these crimes and are to be hanged. They shall be allowed their last words amongst the living."

An executioner walked over to the human first.

Wiet:" I killed Will, that I don't deny. All I ask is you do not judge my children for my crimes."

Executioner places a black bag of the mans head and secures the noose. Then moves towards the half orc.

In a half sob Bagnar speaks:"I want to apolo."

Before he can get through his sentence the executioner cuts him off by placing a black bag over his head. Half orc begins to sing a death Hym and the man leading the execution speaks again.

"May the gods punish you justly in death for your crimes in life." With a nod the executioner pulls the gallows lever air falls silent save for a few repulsed gasps. "Dukes law has been served."

Strange executions of these lands still confused Razlo, he wondered why the men had not been allowed a honorable death fighting a beast of the land. As the crowd dispersed a face Razlo prayed to never see stared at the corpses. A man with pale skin, dark hair, bound in leather, his eyes filled with wonder as he gazed at the corpse. This man was called Sent from a life Razlo had tried his best to avoid contacting again. Sent gaze turned away from the corpses towards Razlo, giving a nod to follow him he began to make his way to the edge of town.

Unease took hold of Razlo with every step as they drew nearer to the edge of town, they went twenty foot paces into the forest before the man turned around.

Sent:" Gods smile on us to bring us together Razlo."
Razlo: "I did not think any one else had survived the family."
Sent face looks worried before it becomes kinder:"We were all worried when you left us, we feared you had been lost to us."
Razlo pauses before he continues holding back his anger as he speaks:"Every thing they told us was a lie Sent, we were assassins to one mans ambitions. Pillaging and murdering villages is not the work of the gods, its the tasks of cruel men."
Sent starts to get upset raising his voice:"Our work was just, there is only one true faith. Lord of Bones demands all bow a knee to him, we must deliver his wrath up on those who refuse his loving caress."
Razlo: "Family wanted to turn us into a legion of undead. We would not be spreading the peace we aimed for, we'd the cause of countless suffering.

Frustrated Razlo rubs his eyes with his left hand, knowing Sent will not see the truth.

Sent:" We have a new purpose now, Lord Toasz believes in our cause. Even if you don't rejoin us, come see what remains of your true family Razlo. We reside on Lord Toasz estate, he has been most generous with us."

Sent turns and starts walking off as he makes one last remark."We only have your best interests at heart."

Razlo stares at Sent back as he ponders his next action.....

[MercTroop]

Despite Razlo feelings, he still felt a bond to those of his past. Send had always believed in their bloody work, if others still lived perhaps he could convince them to leave with him.

Lord Toasz estate rested on a hill, fortifications had been build around it. A small village rested near it, at odds with the estate. Run down, much of the buildings had suffered from the weather or were on the verge of rotting completely.



A old woman stood in Razlo path half starved she still managed to smile as a child provided her support to walk. Old Woman speaks in a soft tone that forces Razlo to get close to hear her words.

Old Woman: " Please sir if you are able with a sword lend us your skills. Our Lord has with drawn his men to his keep, the land aims to retake us. A pack of worgs see our misfortune and aim to take us all."

Razlo:" If you have gold and ale I will see it done when I return from meeting your Lord. "

Old woman: "We will gather a reward for when you return."

Pushing on towards the Estate villagers only stare at him from a distance, whispering in hushed tones. Only a hand full of guards manned the fortifications, most of them were watching the gate. One of the servants lead Razlo into a large hall then leaves him there. Shortly after Sent enters rubbing his hands together.

Sent: " Come I wish to show you some thing."

Sent leads Razlo up stairs to a balcony, with a view of a large hall. A man decorated in jewelery in a dark green robe is chanting as two men in black chant with him. Ground has runes scribed in blood that feel familiar to Razlo. As the chanting draws to a end three guards drag servant who had met Razlo at the gate into the chamber. Her screams and begs fall on deaf ears as they ritually kill her.

Sent: " We can rebuild what we lost, we have a new family. With Lord Toasz backing we can build the family back to the way it was. Look how ambitious he is."

Enraged Razlo unsheaths his long sword, swinging it at Sent face. Instinctively Sent dodges and rolls away from the next atack while sheathing a blade. Parrying the next series of attacks, Sent strikes at Razlo face. Razlo catches his sword hand, in return Sent grabs Razlo sword hand. Struggling to stab each other Sent stamps his right foot revealing a hidden blade in his shoe, kicking Razlo in the leg.

Grunting in pain Razlo head butts Sent causing them both to lose a grip on each other. Stepping into a sword strike Razlo knocks Sent over the edge of the balcony. Hitting the ground with a thud it draws the attention of those they had been watching. One of the strangers in black robes runs over to aide Sent, while one of the guards run off into the building.

Reaching into a side pouch Razlo pulls out a fire bomb and throws it at Lord Toasz standing in the center of the room. Sent grabs the black robed figure and uses the man to guard him self from the blast. Glancing down from his perch Razlo spots Sent pushing a badly burned body off of him self, one of the guards was stumbling around most of his hand missing. As the fire quickly begins to spread Razlo limps as fast as he can do leave.

[MercTroop]

Sounds of fire and the lord is dead filled the air. Limping into the corridor two guards approached him one of theme yelled out "on your knee's dog." Guards ran towards him head long screaming for blood. Raising his blade Razlo lopped it at one of the guards hitting him in the chest. Unsheathing his back up sword he parried the attack of the remaining guard, striking at the man he exposed a weakness in his defense and smashed the back of his sword into his face. Cutting down the guard, adrenaline now pulsed through Razlo. Running down the corridor he collected his other sword and made his way further into the estate.

Passing a window he could see Sent sneak up behind a guard stepping on the guards knee and pressing his own long sword into his face. Gathering the guards sword, Sent was making a run for it. Picking up a near by table Razlo smashed in through the window and jumped out after him. Landing caused his leg to sting, it wasn't a bad feeling the pain made him feel alive.

Following the wall they passed through a side gate entering the forest. Sent stopped in a clearing his face badly burned by the fire. Unsheathing a Kukri and his shield Razlo walked forward tripping a wire. A log swung down towards Razlo, he could feel his tiger spirit forcefully move his body into a roll. As he got up Sent was on him striking with a speed Razlo didn't expect.

Guarding with his shield he could barely get a attack off, Sent lowered his defense slightly after an attack. Seeing his chance Razlo strikes at the man, striking only air he barely raises his shield in time to defend. Blow of the strike forces Razlo shield into his face knocking him over.

Scrambling to get up the sound of a snarl rumbles through the air. Red eyes emerge at first followed by dark shapes, howl of the hunt fills the air. Glancing up Razlo see's Sent dodge the lunge of a worg and cut down another behind it. A pain sears through his arm a worg bites down on his arm as another runs up to behind it. Power of the spirits enter him as he over powers the worg throwing at it the one charging at him.

Moments where life and death hang in the balance are what Razlo truly cherished. All his pain seeped away as he could feel the spirit of the white hunter flow through him. Grasping his Kukri and shield he charges Sent, his Kukri pierces the mans back cutting all the way up to Sent shoulder. Stepping back the remaining worgs go after the easier prey and tear Sent apart.

Taking his chance to leave, Razlo runs into the forest until the power of the white hunter leaves him. Exhausted he sits under a tree, his body burned in pain his arm had been crushed badly enough that he could not lift it any more. Opening his back pack he pulled out some healing potions and forced him self to drink them. Placing a stone of alarm next to him self he rested his eyes.

[MercTroop]

When he awoke he bandaged him self and foraged for some food eating some grubs. Healing potions had restored the full use of his limbs, so he continued on to the village. Arriving the villagers scrambled together tone of the village was different now, they seemed angry at him.

Man: "What have you done? You've doomed us all."

Razlo: "Your lord was a fool, the spirits he was calling would of consumed us all."

Crowd was now in a uproar they were working them selves into a frenzy. Seeing the situation Razlo walks back into the forest, walk to candle keep would be a long one.

[MercTroop]

In one of room of temple of Oghma.

Grasping a half empty bottle of whiskey, Razlo refills his cup. Sitting in one of the private rooms, a finished mission report sat next to him. A moment of hesitation lingers as he fights back bitter memories, but the pause is brief as he drinks from the glass and places it on the table. Around the temple sit three remaining from the organization, members he considers his family.

Thomas sat in his chair, wearing a dark elogant sleeveless vest over a white sleeve tunic. Around his neck a large gold chain hung that held his cloak together, at the bottom of the chain symbol of Oghma dangled. He pawed at a goblet in front of him, as he smirked at the group.

Sherri sat next to him, wearing a breast plate with a belt wrapped around her torso holding many throwing daggers. A red scarf was wrapped around her neck, and her hair was braided back. She eagerly tears into a plate of food eagerly occasionally looking up at those around them.

At the head of the table sat Woolsie. Age had greyed his beard, countless battles had scarred him. A dark coat was drenched around him, worn out from continuous travel. In his left hand he held on to the symbol of Oghma as he prayed silently. In his other hand he jotted down mystical symbols onto a scroll. For all of them Woolsie was closest thing they had to a father figure.

"Had I known the drunk would of joined us today, I would of brought one of my dogs to mask the smell" Thomas remarks already starting the bickering.

"I'm surprised you can smell any thing on your high horse." Touch of anger enters Razlo voice before he takes another shot of whiskey.

"Did he get into your mushroom bag again? He was fine on the ride here." Thomas retorts causing Sherri to snort with laughter. With no come back Razlo bitterly drinks another shot of whiskey.

"Join me in prayer." Woolsie commands them as he puts down his quill. Room grows silent, every one stops what they are doing as Woolsie leads them in prayer.

"Absolute and all knowing Oghma, nothing is hidden from Your sight. In the prescience since the beginning, all knowledge existed within You. Kindly share Your knowledge with us, making us aware of what is meant to be, permitting our souls to understand it, and wisdom to agree with its outcome. Provide us with the gift of discretion, to prudently apply received knowledge. To ensure the fulfillment of Your Will.Your knowledge shines forth forever!"

As the prayer ends the group says Oghma in unison.

"Organization wants us to investigate a rogue agent in Baldur Gate. Agent Broku has snapped under the weight of his duties, is reported to be killing at will. Flaming Fists are reporting the killings as random and inspired by the occult. According to our intelligence every one killed so far is known to have association with Mask." Woolsie pauses taking a sip from his goblet.

"Sounds like he's making our job easier for us" Razlo remarks.

"Broku has also been killing Harper Agent, they are putting pressure on us to act. We are currently enjoy a peace with them." Woolsie continues before Sherri interrupts him.

"After what they did to my beloved we should be joining Broku." She says with spite in her voice.

"Your husbands death pains us all, but we must put aside our feelings to maintain the peace. If the Harpers get their hands on him before us it may damage our standing in Baldur Gate." Woolsie places his hand on Sherri's in a attempt to comfort her before removing it.

Sherri looks up set, watching her grief Razlo feels his own anger swell with him.

"How do we know this isn't another Harper trick, our last peace with them lasted for only a season. They could be trying to lure us out." Thomas remarks with a slight serious tone.

"Organization feels Broku situation is dire enough for direct involvement. While we should be cautious, do not attack any Harper agents you encounter unless given cause first." Woolsie looks at the group he waits until Razlo nods in agreement, and eventually Sherri relents and nods. Satisfied he has their word he continues.

"Our Fist contact will meet you in Baldur Gate, you leave once you are all able."

Three figures on horses ride out of Candle Keep as the sun prepares to set.

To be continued...

[MercTroop]

Trio each enter Baldur Gate on their own, meeting up at a safe house set up in the back of a local arms dealer.

"My informants tell me the guy we're looking for is in a brothal called the Purr near the docks district." Thomas says as he unfolds a city map pointing to the location.

Sherri studies the map a moment before glancing at Razlo looking out the window taking hits of whiskey straight from a bottle.

"Razlo will go in from the front, I'll go in through the side of the building. Thomas you will handle interference in case we run into problems." Sherri voice gets annoyed as she yells at Razlo. "Put down that bottle, we're forming a plan we don't need another blood bath."

"I already know the place." Razlo remarks as he continues to gaze out the window.

"Ah now I know why you were so generous with donations to the local healers." Thomas says with a smirk.

"Better than using all my gold to play dress up like a little girl. No man should own so much jewelery." Razlo retorts.

"I wouldn't expect a savage to under stand the ways of finer culture." Thomas adjusts a jeweled ring on his finger.

"When it turns dark we move, so lets get our plan together. Then we can discuss what part of culture requires a tiara." Sherri sits back in her chair, as Thomas face turns red.

Couple hours later....

Streets of Baldur Gate were different at night, lanterns lit up various signs. Street performers were easy to find in and around taverns providing the nights entertainment. Atmosphere slowly changed as the trio walked through the streets, performers were replaced by street walkers and others selling more exotic wares.

Trio split up as they neared the Purr, Sherri walks a short distance away before cloaking her self in a invisibility spell.

[MercTroop]

Eyes filled with pain and sorrow stared at Razlo as he entered the brothal, various women called him as he moved set to purpose. Ruler of this part of town was called Cutter he sat in the back room as a woman seemingly made of flame strip danced in front of him. Guards took Razlo weapons before Cutter waved the woman away. Razlo watched as she strutted away, before walking up to Cutter.

Cutter was a large gorrila in a suit, rumor was he was cursed by a druid trapping him into gorrila form. People who made the mistake of making fun of him were often found cut into pieces.

"Please have a seat, whiskey right." Cutter gestured for one of the guards to pour Razlo a drink, which he handed it to Razlo.

"Another half orc today or perhaps you'd like to throw some extra gold down and get two?" Cutter said with a slight smirk on his face.

"I know your hiding Broku." That remark quickly removed the smirk from Broku face as he already began rubbing his hands together plotting how to get money from the exchange.

"Perhaps, but if I did know where he was telling you would ruin my smuggling reputation. A few gold coins might pry the information from one of my men." Taking a sip from a bottle Broku gestured to the table in front of him. Razlo placed a large sum gold on the table, Cutter ape hands greedily picked them up before nodding to one of his guards.

Every thing went dark as a bag was slipped over Razlo head, he could feel his nose break as he was dragged to the ground.

Sound of Cutters laughter could be heard as he spoke "Got a reputation to up hold, nothing personal Razlo."

Sound of glass breaking followed by the screams of guards, suddenly the bag was snatched off Razlo face. Sherri stood above him two dead guards lay at her feet as she was throwing daggers down the hall, before turning back to Cutter . Lifting the table up to defend him self he released a beastial roar, Razlo long sword hit his hand as it was slid across the room.

Dazed Razlo picked up the sword and slashed threw a guard, the table crashed into his back pinning him against the wall. Sherri somersaulted over the table throwing daggers at Cutter as he raised a arm to protect his face punching her against a wall.

Deep inside Razlo he could hear a voice calling him to the hunt, the tiger spirit appeared before him roaring before walking into his body. His muscles burned as he gasped for air, rage inside him exploded as he pushed the table off him self. Screaming in rage Sherri echoed his cry, picking up the sword they advanced on Cutter.

Backed into a corner they dodged his wild swings at the air, cutting off his arms. Falling to his knee's Cutter tries to plead for his life telling the pair that Broku is in the basement. The drum of the hunt calls Razlo as he cuts Cutter head off, the pair make their way down the basement killing every guard in their way. Drunk off the blood shed the pair relish the kills....

[MercTroop]

Basement was littered with chains and blood stains. Broku stood in the middle holding a long sword, he looked ready to fight. He stood about the same high as Razlo, clean shaven garments of a civilian adorned him now.

"I knew you'd come." Broku shouts as he raises his sword. "Organization is a lie, they've turned us into monsters. Look how many you killed coming here, blood shed won't stop. The Harpers were right, we all deserve death."

Razlo pulls a bolt out of his arm as he raises his blood stained sword. "Fight hard we will give you a honorable death."

"Shut up idiot." Sherri yells at Razlo. "If you come with us the organization will get you help."

"I can't stop killing even if I wanted to. We're all so broken, they've stripped of what makes us human." Broku yells back. "Kill me if you can and end my madness."

Clash of steel sparks lights up the room as Sherri attacks Broku. Razlo runs in behind her as they assault the Broku. Sherri falls back begins casting ghost visage on her self, as Razlo trades sword strikes with Broku. As their swords lock they scream at each other unleashing the beast with in. Sherri emerges from the shadows behind Broku as he pushes Razlo back, to parry her attack. Stepping into the shadows Razlo strikes as Broku focuses his attention on Sherri.

In a instant his sword snaps in half as Broku grabs the air and plunges it towards Razlo face. Raising his hand the blade pierces through Razlo hand and Broku twists it as it stabs into Razlo eye. Screaming in pain Razlo falls over, as Sherri presses the attack on Broku.

Crawling to a corner Razlo pulls the blade from his eye and drinks a healing potion. A darkness spell fills the room choking the light but the sound of a sword duel echos through the room. Tiger spirit numbs the pain as Razlo picks him self up as he casts a blind sight spell. He watches as Broku slashes at a illusion of Sherri as she strikes at him from the side.

Picking him self up he embraces the shadows as he sneaks up on Broku.