(Dnd5e) Baldur's Gate (Inactive)

Game Master DaWay

10 Mirtul, the 10th of the Melting
Approaching Highsun

Nestled atop the cliffs that rise from the Sword Coast. The Citadel of Candlekeep houses the finest and most comprehensive collection of writings on the face of Faerun. It is an imposing fortress, kept in strict isolation from the intrigues that occasionally plague the rest of the Forgotten Realms. It is secluded, highly regimented, and it is home.

Within these hallowed halls of knowledge your story begins. You have spent most of the past 20 years of life within this keep's austere walls, under the tutelage of the sage Gorion. Acting as your father, he has raised you on a thousand tales of heroes and monsters, lovers and infidels, battles and tragedies. However, one story was always left untold: that of your true heritage. You have been told that you are an orphan, but your past is largely unknown.

Lately, Gorion has been growing distant from you, as if some grave matter weighs heavily in his heart. You have asked about his concerns as gently as possible, but your queries have been in vain. Your sole comfort is the knowledgethat he is a wise man, and you know he will tell you when the time is right. Nonetheless, his silence is troubling and you cannot help but feel that something is terribly wrong...

Today, Gorion has appeared more agitated than ever, and now he has uncharacteristically interrupted your chores in the middle of the day. Imparting hurried instructions for you to equip yourself for travel, he has handed you what gold he can spare, but given no clue as to why. Nevertheless, you now stand before the Candlekeep Inn, ready to purchase what you need for an unplanned and unexpected journey.

Does this apply to all characters? Or one or two specifically?Oh, and dot. :-)

Arturien prepared himself for leaving Candlekeep. He had been here a long time. The place was truly feeling like home. If not for the brothers here, he doubted he would have found his calling, to serve Deneir.

As he prepared his things, he softly recited a prayer to the Lord of Glyphs, which at times sounded more like a theoretical mathematics problem. He smiled as he hefted his backpack and walked out his room.

He was in a hurry, and this was not truly aware of where he was going, so perhaps he could be forgiven for running headlong into someone. Arturien hit the ground hard.

"Ow. Sorry. Sorry. That was completely my fault."

He looked up and saw who he had run into.

Would someone like to introduce their character with a crashing of limbs? :-)

dot

I do not believe that it applies to Rolen due to his elven heritage, and I have cleared this with GM DaWay.

Siann liked order. She liked to be in the proper place at the proper time. Right now she should have been in the library annex, helping Meister Shann catalogue a new shipment of transcripts.

Now, this summons from Gorion. Shaking her head, she hurried down the corridor, so preoccupied by her own thoughts that the individual hurtling out of his own room went un-noticed.

He fell on his derriere, but Siann's quick reflexes allowed her to take the energy of the collision and use it to roll fluidly back onto her feet.

Rising , catlike, a furious frown furrowing her brow, she barked "Take care! If I'd been one of the older Meisters...." as she stood over the half-elf.

She recognized him, Artur-something, another 'orphan' taken in by Gorion.

Crossing her arms, she glared down at the man, only slightly mollified by his apology and admission of fault.

Hearing Gorion's chiding voice in her head "Forgiveness, Siann, is often the path to enlightenment and further wisdom..."

Still frowning, she extended her arm to help the clumsy cleric from the ground.

Arturien flinched at the tone of the woman. It reminded him of one the more strict members of his Brotherhood. He'd seen her around. It was hard not to notice her actually. Plenty of the others in the Keep were really afraid of her. He just wished he could remember her name. He had always been bad with that.

She offered her hand, and he took it. And was a little shocked by how easily she lifted him up.

"Thank you. I'm sorry, I was being summoned by Gorian. And I try to not let him down. Because he's very important to me. Not that I don't think Candlekeep itself isn't important. Or my duties as a priest for that matter."

Arturien took a deep breath and sighed. He finally, awkwardly let go of her hand.

"For future reference, it's really better if you just stop me when I start to ramble like that."

He put out his hand again, but this time in greeting.

"I'm Arturien. Most just call me 'Arty'. Or 'Farty' if their 12 and very uncreative. And I really wish I hadn't said just now. Please, just ignore me. It's really for the best."

Rolen strolled easily through the halls of Candlekeep. One of his nature and profession were not often welcomed here, but he had quite an attachment and long-standing relationship with Gorion. Rolen did not have many friends, but Gorion was one of his very best. This urgent summons pulled Rolen off the streets, but it would have been a call that he would have answered regardless of his criminal machinations at the time.

As Rolen approached the quarters of Gorion, he could not help but notice two of the wards of his friend untangling themselves from an obvious jumble. When they both stood, Rolen thought it best to make their acquaintance. he paces back and forth with his hands clasped behind his back.

Ho there. I hope that you two are alright? I am Rolen Philandril, well met. Gorion has summoned me. You would not happen to know what any of this is about, would you?

Siann tries to follow Arturien's ramblings, her frown slowly softening into puzzlement as he continues to talk.

Finally, she realizes that he's attempted a more formal introduction, and nodding she accepts the offered hand.

"I am Siann, of Amn. " she manages to get in before Rolen inturrupts.

Turning her attention to the Elf, Siann takes his measure before answering "It think Arturien took the worst , as to what Gorion may have in store..." she shrugs.

It was intended as a basic general introduction.[/b]

The hallowed halls of Candlekeep are just what you would expect from a keep turned library, or vice versa. Surrounding the outer walls of the keep itself is the Candlekeep Inn, where old Withrop has put you up. There are also a barracks, a temple to Ogmha as well as several other smaller warehouses and residences.

[ooc]This part is going to be more or less sandbox style. Just let me know when you are ready to go and meet Gorion.

"Rolen and Siann, then. I should write that down." He then looked vaguely horrified. "I haven't any scrolls or ink. I'll need to purchase some on the road," he said with a sigh.

"And, no, Gorian hasn't said anything specific to me either. He's been very evasive actually. Although, to be fair, I've been busy with priestly duties of late. All I know was that he said to meet him at the Candlekeep Inn. I was just heading there now before our collision."

"Let's go."

Straightening her tunic, Siann nods at Arturien's suggestion, then turns and begins walking in the direction of the Inn.

As she walked, she tried to remember if Gorion had summoned her or others in this way before. It was strange. He was ususally quite staid and predictable. But this felt different.

Siann respected Gorion, but didn't agree with him on all things. He was always preaching to her about compassion and having thoughts for the weak and unfortunate. But her upbringing taught her that strength and discipline were important for survival, your only consideration was keeping yourself and your comrades/family alive and well, others were impediments at best or obstacles at worst.

Her lips twisted into a smirk as she walked, remembering a particularly intense argument she and Gorion had a few months ago about that very subject.

Making your way over to the keep where Gorion is meeting you another young human girl hurries up to you. You recognize her as the bright and cheery, Imoen. Another one of Gorion's wards.

She greets you, Hey ya, it's me. Imoen.

"Imoen." Siann says in a flat tone, nodding slightly at the slight girl, then continuing on towards the Inn, making the other girl hurry to keep up.

"Of course, Gorion would summon her as well. One of the many banes of my ordered existience here. Look at her, all cheerful and bubbly for no reason....attention span of a gnat. Insufferable!"

Seems like we will have quite a gathering.

Imoen continues to talk your ear off, I'm surprised that stuffy ol' Gorion let you away from your studies and chores. That ol' fiddle faddle. I snuck off too. Old Puffguts Withrop was looking for me, but I got all day to do his chores. You have time for a story today? No, I can tell you don't. What have ya been up to?

Let me know if you want to bypass her completely and tell me you are going to see Gorion at the keep.

Yeah, well, that's all well and good miss, but we have pressing matters. Come now, all, we mustn't keep Gorion waiting.

Rolen shuffles the other wards along to their appointment with a smile and nod to Imoen.

Before her peevishness reveals itself with a biting comment to the cheerful Imoen, one of Gorion's lectures inturrupts Siann's thoughts

"Politeness, even in the face of enmitiy, is the true hallmark of an enlightened mind....

So, after taking a deep breath, Siann allows Imoen to prattle on, occasionally uttering an "Uh, huh" or a "I see..." as they all strode on to the Inn.

Arturien smiles at Imoen.

"Ah, Imoen. So good to see you. You should try to be more respectful to your elders though. Or, barring that, at least be a little more discreet," he says with a disarming smile.

Well, to me your all a bunch of old fiddle-faddles. She says coyishly.

More to come later.

Gorion awaits you on the landing to the steps on the keep. When he sees you he speaks, This is very unnerving. I know, but you must trust me. It is very important that you pack your posessions so that we may leave Candlekeep, immediately. Hurry, for there is no time to tarry! The keep is well protect but not invulnerable.

Fine, I am ready to leave. Are your wards? Gorion, would you mind explaining why, while we move out?

"I brought my equipment as well," Arturien said sounding concerned. "Is there anything else we can do?

"Everything I need is here in my pack..." Siann says , scowling at her mentor "What exactly is the keep not invulnerable against?"

Why will be explained to you on the road, as to where. Alas, I cannot, for I have no truly decided yet. All that is certain is that we will be safer on the move. Perhaps the woods might offer some secluded security, or perhaps the city of Baldur's Gate would offer cover admist it's teeming throngs of people. I do not know where we shall end up, but I have a few friends here and there. Hmm, I will think on this.

Candlekeep is indeed a formidable obstacle for ne'er-do-wells, but it is not invulnerable. No matter how thick the mesh, at least one mosquito always finds its way through. No, my friend and children we must leave as soon as possible, for our safety, and for that of our friends here.

On your way out of the keep he stops at the door while the Watchers open it. He makes sure to look each on of you in the eye and says in a matter-of-fact tone, Listen, if we get separated it is imperative that you get yourselves to the Friendly Arm Inn. It is just North East of here. There you will meet Khalid and Janeira. They have long been my friends and you can trust them.

"Friendly Arm Inn. Khalid and Janeira," Arturien dutifully repeated. "Alright. Let's go."

My Perception is +5. I'd be happy to walk in the front row to spot danger, unless someone else would like to.

I too will be up front.

Rolen moves to the front.

"Indeed, let's move."

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Having processed all of Gorion's warnings, Siann nods and says "I'm with you, Gorion. Let's go, the day's wasting!"

Oh, and here are my prepared spells for the day:

1st Level (2/2): (D) command, (D) identify (ritual), bless, cure wounds, healing word, protection from evil

Along the way Gorion moves with an alacrity that is rarely seen in a human of his advanced age. He calls to the group, Let's hurry, children! The night can only get worse, so we must find some shelter soon. He pauses for a moment before exclaiming, Wait! There is something wrong. We are in an ambush. Prepare yourself.

Suddenly out of the woods an armored figure appears, standing well over 7' tall with glowing golden eyes says You're perceptive for an old man. You know why I'm here. Hand them over and no one will be hurt. If you resist it will be a waste of your life. You can see a formidable group behind him consisting of a robed figure, 3 armored humanoids and two ogres.

You're a fool if you believe I would trust your benevolence. Step aside and you and your lackeys will be unhurt.

I'm sorry you feel that way, old man.

Flee my children!

A battle ensues, the sound of magic and steel clashing rings in your ears. You can see Gorion fells the group before he is struck down by the giant of a man.

11 Mirtal, the eleventh of the Melting
Dawn

The dawn is especially cruel this morning.

You awake with the realization that you have not been living some horrible dream. Ambushed you saw Gorion cut down before your eyes, and even his powerful magic could not stop the onslaught. It was his with his wish that you flee, but that does not remove the feeling of helplessness that now overwhelms you. Hand them over! The armored fiend had said. He was after you, all of you, but why? If only Gorion had given some clue, but now you are alone and lost. Candlekeep is near but you will find no quarter there. The readers pay for their serenity with a rather draconic entry rule, and without Gorion's influence, their doors will remain closed.

You will not last long on you own with your meager equipment. Perhaps you can get some help from the friends Gorion mentioned, the ones at the Friendly Arm.

[ooc]We are entering the sandbox portion now.[/b]

You are on a path, to the west lays Candlekeep to the east the road continues. You fled the battle from the North.

...Welp, that was a bit of a time skip. :-)

Arturien sat upright against a tree, staring at the the holy symbol of Deneir in his hands. The group had just finished a small meal that was eaten in silence. The melancholy of last night's events plagued them all.

"We need," Arturien began before forcing himself to stop and take a deep breath. "We need to discuss where we're going next. Candlekeep is closer, but -- Well, I would like to honor Gorian's wishes and seek the Friendly Arm Inn."

Candlekeep will provide no solace to us now. We must find our way to the Friendly Arm and ask about regarding Gorion. Maybe we can determine why he died, and why those who killed him sought our odd assortment.

Siann seethed with anger...and unease. That monster of a man...such power, cutting down Gorion, demanding that Gorion hand the wards over to him...why?....and her, fleeing like a mouse! But, the words of her master had rung true in her mind "Obey Gorion, in all things" And so, she fled.

Now, standing, fists clenched, chewing the last bite the morning's cold breakfast, she looks back the way they came.

"Does he lie there, still? Should we not return...he deserves a proper burial." she says softly.

In the fog of your discussion about travel plans and proper burials a familiar face approaches. That of the spritely Imoen. She waves, with a smile on her face and approaches. If you need a description, let's go with a younger version of Allison Hannigan from Buffy era.

Sorry I followed ya, but I never get out of Candlekeep and those monks are such a bore. Never any decent coin in their pockets neither. I...I saw Gorion, and I am SO sorry! Kinda figured something bad might happen to you out here.

Siann's eyes narrow on Imoen's familiar smile, "You saw him? Then his body still lays where he fell. We must return and pay him the respect he deserves."

"Imoen, how far away is his body?"

Not far I'll take ya there. She leads you through the woods and two his body which has been cleaved in two. The bodies of several of the fallen members of the armor clad man's gang lay there as well.

Arturien sadly begins the task of administering the final rites to the body in the name of his god, Deneir.

He also checks him for any final messages that could be passed on.

"Before we bury him. Would anyone like to say some final words?"

Siann looks down at the shattered body of her mentor, brow furrowed a little. Looking up at Artuien's request, she steps forward "Gorion was a mentor to many. He tried to do so for me. He was wise but soft. "

Her speech done, Siann sensibly checks to see if Gorion carried any usedful equipment before helping with the burial; also, if the bodies of the others were still there, she checks them as well.

Between everything, you will find a bunch of mundane equipment, a total of 40 gold pieces and a single parchment.

Crouching, Siann hefts the pouch she'd collected the coins in, "This'll come in handy. But, what is this..." lifting the parchment for the others to see.

Rolen looks to the pouch.

Nice to see that someone else is not opposed to looting from those who do not require their gold any longer.

He looks at the parchment.

What does it say?

It is written in a strange and archaic language that neither Siann nor Rolen can identify.

Seeing no further interest in the parchment Siann foldsvit an secrets it in her tunic.

Placing one final stone on Gorion's brier, she says "let's get to the Inn, the day's wasting..."

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Arturien finishes blessing the body. Then he directs the others to help him dig a grave. Once that is done, they lay Gorion gently in.

"Holy Deneir, The Lit Candle, and The Lord of all Glyphs, please accept this loyal servant into the House of Knowledge. He was a wise man, a scholar, and a teacher. He sought the truth and harmony of the universe. Let him continue his search, basked in the warm embrace of your glow."

When he is done he says in a quiet, informal voice, "Goodbye old friend." And then he begins pouring dirt onto the body.

***

Later, on their way to the Inn, Arturien asks, "Siann, may I take a look at that paper? I know a fair bit about languages."

Celestial, Draconic, Dwarvish, Elvish, Infernal, and Sylvan. I could also make an investigation or arcane check, if you need one.

Go ahead and make an Arcane Check.

Arcana : 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Sigh.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Having said your goodbyes and now on your way to the Friendly Arm Inn you travel through the roads mostly uneventful.

DM stuff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

When everyone seems to hear several small humanoids chattering in the thick underbrush.

"Siann, Rolen, go check that out. Call if you need us," Arturien said with a whisper.

Rolen nods and moves stealthily towards the sounds.

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Siann wrinkled her nose at Arturien's flowery gravesite prayer, wasted words in her opinion, but nonetheless helped to bury her former mentor.

At Arturien's request she freely gives over the parchment, only to take it back at the cleric's perplexed expression upon looking at it.

When the noise in the bush is heard, she creeps forward opposite Rolen...

Stealth 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Rolen and Siann see four goblins creeping towards your position. Their shortbows are drawn and arrows are noched.