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

The Pathfinder Hall has recently been preparing to house at least two dozen orphans. The building is quite well suited for it, most who have seen the inside would agree. Sleeping quarters for two dozen, wide open spaces. Large meeting room which can double as a dining room or teaching room. A training room would ensure all the children get the exercise they need.

The new Steward of the Order of Lions, Telia Santraeger, can often be found in the office, leaning over papers and writing. If it is not work for the newspaper, she is trying to find ways to accommodate the orphans easily. The Temple of Ilmater is involved of course as the orphans will come from the overfilled Temple orphanage. Other people are involved as well, including a guard, a teacher and recently a cook.

This day, Telia could be seen putting up a new canvas on the easel standing in the lounge. When she has had a spare moment, she walks over to it and makes a couple of strokes with a brush. The outline of a small round bedtime table is clearly visible. Any visitor would see the painting in progress.

Michael Dunn and Rain Dog have been seen frequenting the Pathfinder's Hall at least once now. The man has recently washed all the pots and pans and other hereto disused articles of the spacious kitchen.

Having spoke with Telia of what he considered the immediate needs of the larder to be. He, for now, keeps mostly to himself and to the work at hand. Cleaning and cooking, preparing for the host of children that are soon to fill the hall.

After the Foreign Exchange Committee meeting, Ameris is seen arriving to Pathfinder Hall; this is unremarkable, as he has taken up residence there with the Steward. This night, though, after a short and seemingly unhappy conversation with Telia, he departs under a cloud, heading back to the Temple of Ilmater.

There is a key left on the dining table, for some reason. If anyone would look in the fireplace, they would see the burnt remains of a broken canvas there. The easel stands empty.

Ameris returns to find the ashes in the fire and the key on the table. That key has to be used, so he can access where his belongings are locked away! Sword at his side, he leaves in a hurry, after a sending spell is sent.

The dramas of earlier in the week fading, Pathfinder's Hall has seem some activity, with visitors sharing tales and preparations being made for the incoming orphans.

Mentor, Protector -- First Lessons

Mendoza wrote:A man in a golden-yellow hood and cloak appears at the building in Baldur's Gate where the Orphanage has been temporarily moved to. Upon gaining entry, the man introduces himself and explains to the Sisters his willingness to train any of the children that wish to learn how to use a sword. He tells the attending Sister that Brother Ameris from the Temple of the Broken God has vouched for him. He waits in the front room of the building for the Sister's answer.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Sister Juna greets Dorne politely and after hearing him out, she leaves the man alone, while she retreats further into the building to talk with the other caretakers and guardians. Dorne can hear the typical sounds of children-filled rooms... giggles, yelling, loud thumps of running, little feet, some crying. What should catch man's attention is a fact that the clergy and Radiant Heart guards are spread thin and the kids are many.
Soon Sister Juna comes back with four boys in tow. They all look no more than 12 and no less than 10 years all and they form a proper line next to the Ilmateri.

"Sir, those are Nicholas, Riley, Andrew and Dannic. They expressed interest in learning some sword-play. Please keep in mind that they are still children" She gives the four boys a certain look before her attention is returned to Dorne "And they need very close supervision. I trust you will take a good care of them. Please escort them back here in three hours so they are not late for their chores and dinner."

Mendoza wrote:The man nods along as Sister Juna speaks and maintains eye contact with her throughout. Once she finishes, he looks over to the four boys and examines them closely for a few seconds before walking over to the first, going to one knee before him.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Nicholas looks curiously at Dorne.

Mendoza wrote:As he does so, he places one hand on the child's bicep, giving a light squeeze before moving his hand further up to the child's shoulder and again giving a light squeeze (someone with a good eye would discern the reason for this is to gauge the child's strength and specifically whether or not he could swing a sword).

DM Arrakeen wrote:The child would not mind the inspection, standing still, eyes trailing Dorne's doings carefully. Throughout the whole ordeal, Dorne would learn that the boy would have trouble with lifting a longer, bigger blade.

Mendoza wrote:Simultaneously, he speaks in a soft, warm voice to the child asking why the boy would like to learn to wield a sword.

DM Arrakeen wrote:"I want to be able to protect the other kids, mister!" Nicholas would say with a resolve so apparent in his still childlike voice

Mendoza wrote:He listens intently to his response before asking if the child has ever had to swing a sword before.

DM Arrakeen wrote:"No" The boy shakes his head, scratching his cheek with a sheepish smile showing "Sorry, mister"

Mendoza wrote:Afterwards, he would stand and continue down the line of boys with the same action and questions for them all.

DM Arrakeen wrote:From the four boys, neither have ever wielded a real sword. The answers as to why they wish to learn how to do it would vary from child to child but one thing would be common for all of them. Motivation to learn.

Mendoza wrote:Upon finishing his questions, he rises and addresses all the boys, "A sword is a weapon, not a toy. The training will not be easy, but... If you all listen to my instructions... You will wield a blade better than most others. Now, do you all agree to listen to my directions without question?"

DM Arrakeen wrote:Boys vigorously nod, muttering in agreement, still a little bit intimidated by the man.

Mendoza wrote:After the boys respond, Dorne offers them a warm and comforting smile before nodding once. "Good. I have faith that you all will be excellent students."

DM Arrakeen wrote:Being offered a comforting smile the four pupils entrusted to Dorne straighten their backs, awaiting instructions.

Mendoza wrote:After his short speech, Dorne walks over to Sister Juna. He leans in close as he speaks softly, hoping to ensure the boys do not overhear, "Sister, were there no girls who were interested? I would be more than happy to train them as well should they show similar interest."

DM Arrakeen wrote:The ilmateri turns to glance at the boys still standing in line before she answers Dorne. "Even if, for now I can't spare the girls. They are helping with the children. Once our situation improves we could revisit this." Juna nods to the Lion Blade offering a smile before she casts the last glance at her charges. With a mild concern visible in her eyes, the older woman returns to her duties.

Mendoza wrote:After Sister Juna leaves, Dorne turns to the boys and addresses them again. "For our first lesson, we will visit our training room where most of the lessons will take place. As you may have heard some of the children will be moved to the Pathfinders Hall nearby. I have requested that you four be among the children selected. That way we don't have to travel far for lessons. And I can keep a closer eye on all of ye." The final sentence is muttered under his breath.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Boys would glance between one another, exchanging mischievous grins at the thought of leaving the Orphanage.

Mendoza wrote:Before departing for the Pathfinders Hall, Dorne instructs them of the proper formation they must use while traveling. He tells them to form two single file lines. He moves Nicholas and Riley into one line and Andrew and Dannic into another. "Nicholas and Andrew will be in front on the way there and then Dannic and Riley can be in front on the way back." He tries to sound as fair and even-handed, knowing that young boys can be jealous over the most minor things. "Both lines will walk side by side and I will walk behind ye, centered between the two lines. And when I say 'Form up' ye will get into these lines directly in front me alright?"

DM Arrakeen wrote:"Aye Aye, sir!" Boys say in unison, saluting to Dorne with smiles plastered across their faces. It's clear they are enjoying themselves

Mendoza wrote:Dorne utters the command, "Form up."

DM Arrakeen wrote:They rearrange themselves into the proper formation. It keeps its form even if a little unevenly.

Mendoza wrote:"Excellent work! If ye continue to listen this well maybe I can arrange a sweet-snack at the kitchen in the Pathfinders Hall." He smiles warmly to the group and beams with pride.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Boys puff their chests up, trying to look proud. Which could make a bystander laugh.

Mendoza wrote:After getting the lines to his satisfaction, Dorne leads the group of Lion Cubs towards the Pathfinders Hall. He gives them a short tour of the facilities including the upstairs and main floor.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Dannic and Andrew look around, admiring the soft carpets and painting on the walls, while Riley seems to be itching to check the door hinges that looked crooked to him. Nicholas' eyes, on the other hand, seem to be glued to the Lion Blade, tracing his every step.

Mendoza wrote:Finally, he leads them down to the basement. "Down here is where the training room is and where we will be doing most of our lessons." He walks them into the training room and stands silently for several moments, letting the boys examine the room for themselves.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Which the lucky four does, surveying the space and equipment.

Mendoza wrote:He breaks the silence once all the boys have satisfied their curiosity, "You all ready for your second lesson?" He awaits their response before continuing.

DM Arrakeen wrote:His question is met with four, very determined nods.

Mendoza wrote:"Good, now when I saw 'Stand at attention' you all will form a single line facing me. Alright? Now, stand at attention." He waits patiently for the children to form the proper line.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Kids form a proper line

Mendoza wrote:Upon completing the task, Dorne speaks up with a comforting smile, "Excellent work!... Now, there are several things I must teach you all before we get to swordplay... Your minds must be as sharp as your blades, young ones. That is the difference between a good swordsman and a great swordsman. Do you understand?" He awaits their response before continuing.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Four heads offer a solemn nod to the teacher.

Mendoza wrote:"Good, now I believe we should have a name for our group and seeing as I am Lion Blade and we are in the Order of Lion's guildhall, tis only fitting that I call ye Lion Cubs. How does that sound?" He smiles warmly and awaits their response.

DM Arrakeen wrote:Andrew roars, trying to imitate a lion for which Riley smacks him across the head.

"Cubs are small lions" Nicholas says in a thoughtful tone. "We are small, but we will grow. I like it." He looks to his friends. Boys smile to Dorne nodding their heads in agreement.

Mendoza wrote:"Excellent. I know you all will make me proud and if ye listen well to me words, you will all become the greatest sword wielders in the land." Upon finishing the lesson, he gives the command to 'form up', then arrange some snack for the children before escorting his pupils back to the Orphanage.

Before the sun has risen in the mornings, Michael and Rain are in the kitchens, heating up the kitchen's ovens and hearth and preparing to feed the small army that will soon be within the Pathfinder's Hall. Breakfasts usually consist of pancakes or potatoe cakes - simple carbs an starches that are easy to make in bulk with the limited supplies available. They practice with small batches for now on any willing guests.

By the time the sun breaks over the city walls, he does take time to pause, and look toward the rising dawn, but there is no joy in it. Its a joyless act of duty.

Soon as the pair have shared their own meal apart from the rest within the kitchen, they're gone again, not returning for lunch and only in the evening when dusk is upon the farmlands, and all the chores and tasks that can be accomplished for the day have been.

Dinners vary of soups, stews, fried vegetables and the primary meat that is served is fish. Simple practice for now that will soon be needed. Afterwards, once the dishes and kitchen are clean again the pair depart, declining a bed and sleeping somewhere outside the city's walls.

//Edited because the children are not yet at the Pathfinder's Hall

Subject: Orphanage and Orphans of Baldur's Gate (Player/DM IC RP)

Nomster wrote:The Pathfinder Hall has not been this busy for a long time. Furniture is being moved and more people come and go as preparations are done to house three dozen orphans in the large building. There is still much to do and it is clear that those in Pathfinder Hall want everything to be ready before the orphans arrive. So far, the house lacks the sound level one would expect of three dozen children.

DM Arrakeen wrote: Sister Juna together with other Ilmatari and Anne could be seen busy with preparations regarding the relocation of some of the Orphanage's charges. Rumor has it that around three dozen of children would be moved under Order of Lions care due to overcrowding at the two buildings available to the institution.

A drunk man would be seen walking through the streets of the Eastern District with a sickly old lion and step inside with it to the Pathfinder Hall, claiming that since the Order of Lions was there, it was suitable to drop of the lion at. There was a tense moment as the drunkard spoke of cruelties inflicted on the lion and people stepped in, to give the drunkard some coin so that he would leave and not harm the lion any further. Before the man left, he mentioned the lion was called Simon.

The city guard were seen stepping in afterwards, inquiring about who had harmed a cat... as such was forbidden. The lion's presence in the Pathfinder Hall, seemed acceptable for the time being. The drunkard was explained to have been the one breaking the law.

Examination would reveal that Simon had all his claws removed and is toothless. Due to his old age, he much preferred the fireplace to rest at than other places in the building. The drunkard returned and was once more given coin - to stay well away from Simon.

It was decided that he be kept locked inside the office only when no one could watch over him, as having him roam about freely in the lounge may make a visitor afraid and thus lash out thinking Simon is dangerous.

Among the speculations on why Simon has been mistreated so is that perhaps he was used for a circus or other form of similar entertainment. How the drunkard kept the lion without drawing larger notice is unknown but it was clear Simon was kept in a very small cage and likely never roamed free.

A pot of boiled soft fish, meant to be gentle against his toothless gums, and a pot of water was left for Simon in the office. The pillows on the sofa carried inside for him to lie on were fluffed up. Telia could be seen walking in with a couple of blankets after Simon had eaten the fish, making sure he would stay warm for the duration of the night.

"Ashley" comes by the pathfinders hall early one morning. She starts to tidy up the place and see as to what preparations are being made for the arrival of the children. Suddenly she hears a loud roaring coming from another room. Moments latter "Ashley" may be seen running from the building while looking over her shoulder to make sure she is not being chased.