Session 12 - Chapter 4 - Inside Baldur's Gate

Hello and Welcome!

The next morning the team had their breakfast at the Splurging Sturgeon and then made their way through the city to meet their contact, Ackyn Selebon. 

They travelled through the city, taking in the sites. Dafnae spied someone gesturing to her in Thieves' Cant. She glided over to the person hiding behind their hood. When she got close, she gestured back to ask what was going on. 

Creeping closer, Dafnae heard the whispers from the shrouded figure "You are new here. You don't know what is going on. If you want to learn what is going on, meet me at the Basilisk Gate at dusk." Then the figure vanished into the crowd. She wasn't able to see clearly the person, but she recognised the figure enough to know that it was the same figure that she saw in the Wide, the market where the cart overturned. She realised that was a distraction to try to get to her.

She returned to her friends and told them what has happened. They agreed that after their discussion with Selebon they would head to the Basilisk Gate to learn more.

En route to the Blackgate the team did some quick shopping in order to buy some short and long bows and quivers of arrows so that they don't find themselves in a similar predicament as they did with the Hobgoblin raiding party on the river.

With the newly acquired equipment in tow, they journeyed through the rest of the city, paying the taxes as they passed and made it to the Blackgate. This district was focused on the management of goods heading in and out of the city. This Ackyn would surely then know if large amounts of goods were passing through and the Cultists would need to use these haulers to move their horde.

Ackyn's equipage business was easy to find. The lot was filled with wagons in various states of construction and repair with a multitude of craftsmen working on them, sanding, drilling, hammering, greasing, etc. Torsion bid good day to one of the workers and asked if Master Selebon was in as they had business to discuss with him. The worked got up from the lathe he was working on and moved closer to the main floor of the workshop and yelled out "Hey Boss, you have visitors." He then gestured over into the far corner where Torsion saw someone who looked like the description they were given and then the worker returned to the lathe, wood dust newly starting to fly everywhere.

The four ventured in, walking past spare wheels, netting, barrels of grease - all the things such a hauliers should have readily available and made it to the man who greeted them with a hearty "Hello, I am Ackyn. How can I be of service to you fine adventurers" as he wiped grease and soot off his hands on a dirty cloth hanging from his waist.

Torsion explained that they were sent here to meet him by Ontharr Frume and that he would be able to assist on the next part of their journey. To this Ackyn said "Well, well, indeed! Any friend of Ontharr is a friend of mine! Come, let's discuss matters in my office so that we may discuss maters more privately" and he ushered them to his office and he gestured to one of the errand boys to fetch them all some strong tea.

They sat down and discussed that they would need to somehow gain passage on one of the next caravans heading north and they were hoping he could help. He suggested that yes, the best thing to do would be to go to the nearby Drowned Rat or the Blacklantern Hostel to see if they can get hired. The area is full of labourers looking to be hired and many merchants go there looking for a team to hire.

The Adventurers thanked him for the information and made their way to the Blacklantern Hostel and started to ask around. They met with a rather chatty fellow who seemed to do most of his heavy lifting with his fast talking tongue than with his back but he gave them the name of the good Merchant with whom he had just returned from and was collecting wages for. A Master Noohar Serelim, and Elf Merchant, together with his mute brother Selvek. He said he and his mates just finished a job and he was good to work for and he had heard that they were going to set off again in the next several days. He advised to check the Drowned Rat as likely he would be there. He also gave Chard a bit of advice that he should likely ditch his uniform as they don't take kindly to people looking all official around here.

As the day was getting on, they decided to head back and en-route Chard changed out of his uniform. They would need to get to the Basilisk Gate on time if they were to learn what was going on.

They easily navigated back and arrived at the Gate on the other side of the city on time. They were met by a rather mean fellow who was collecting the tax from those crossing. They heard others refer to him as Nant Thangol and he seemed to be taking various opportunities to charge high prices from those he felt he could bully. The four passed through without incident but he did leave a lasting impression.

Once through the gate, sure enough Dafnae again spied the same hooded figure who gestured to them to follow. They followed and were lead into the back entrance of what looked like a shop.

Inside the shop, they were met by the hooded figure and an elderly man, smoking a long pipe. The hooded figure removed the hood and fake beard to reveal that it was not a man at all, but a woman and she introduced herself as Risla Rael and then introduced the other figure simply as Musayed. 

She gestured for them to sit and poured tea for everyone. She began to explain that they represent The Guild and were interested to meet them after she had heard word from one of their mutual associates who was working with them. When asked whom, Risla merely said the one to whom you exchanged 4 rings with the other day. Dafnae realised that this could only be her Fence. She would have to box his ears later for not being forthcoming that he was now working for The Guild.

Chard and Dafnae inquired then what this was all about and that they had no business with The Guild. Risla answered to this that they understand that one amongst them is a member of The Flaming Fists and that this is a bit of conflict between them and The Guild, and if she is associated with mutual business partners, then this would potentially pose a problem.

Chard commented quickly that this was his previously life and that he no longer is directly associated with them and that he has other business to attend to, business not pertaining to The Guild's business. Rilsa was satisfied with this answer and continued that then perhaps they could still then help them with their business after all. She further explained that they have been having some trouble with a specific tax collector at the Basilisk Gate, a certain Nant Thangol, whom they refer to only as The Basilisk, and that they would like to remedy this situation. 

Torsion was getting uncomfortable in his seat as he could understand what was being implied. But Chard replied again that Guild business was not their business and he didn't see how they could help. Dafnae didn't like how this discussion was going but they had to see it through. Pipp was concerned but at the same time oddly intrigued at all this cloak and dagger business.

Rilsa agreed and then asked "Well, how about we simply settle on a specific aspect of mutual business and then we can each get on with our own business. Your uniform. If you say you have left that life behind, then would you be willing to part with it for 50gp?"

Chard looked in his pack and removed his Flaming Fist uniform. He looked it over to ensure it didn't have any specific identification of his on it. "This old thing?" he asked. He looked it over and thought a bit. Then he simply tossed it over to with a laugh Rilsa and said "Here you go. I don't need it anymore. But I'd probably give it a clean before you wear it as you don't want to know where I have been lately - no need for the gold, you can have it for free." Torsion furrowed his eyebrows and gave a barely audible harumph. Pipp and Dafnae had a look of shock and surprise on their faces at what Chard had just done. Chard just gave them a quick smile in return.

Rilsa was pleased and thanked Chard. The older gentleman just sat in silence. She said "Well, wonderful Master Morthos. I understand you and your fellow travellers are seeking passage on the next merchant caravan. Torsion could not contain himself anymore and he broke his silence in a slightly agitated tone with "You are very informed of our comings and goings. Should we be concerned about our sleeping arrangements now?". Rilsa replied "There is no reason to be concerned Master Brighthelm. We are here as friends and we have successfully conducted business, and that is the only business you need to know about. As you say, our business is not your business, but it is our business to know everyone's business after all. And we will speak to our network of Merchants and see if we can assist you in getting hired on in the next caravan for you have done us a great service with this uniform."

After they finished the tea, Rilsa mentioned that their meeting was at an end and that should would guide them out the front of the shop and that surely they would be able to make their own way back to the Splurging Sturgeon - she said the Inn name with specific emphasis to poke at the Dwarf, which elicited the usual harumph. "Sleep well", she said as they walked past various trinkets in the store front, "and thank you again. We will contact you soon with news of the Caravan.". The door closed behind them and the team looked at the name of the store where they just were - The Calim Jewel Emporium. 

On the walk back to their Inn, Torsion was no longer holding back and began to debate with Chard. He wanted to know how he could hand over the uniform to those ruffians knowing full well what they would do to the man. Chard retorted with "Well, we don't know exactly what they will do. Plus, we need all the help we can get and what is the life of one man anyway knowing the threat these Dragon Cultists have against us all - especially if it can help us save many. Plus, the guy was a jerk at the gate so he likely deserves what he'll get anyway." In his thoughts though, Chard continued to wonder to himself if any of this actually mattered if what he saw in his visions were to come true, then everyone and everything in the known world would burn to ash. He shook those thoughts away as quickly as they entered his mind and left Torsion to ponder the moral dilemma that his companion presented him with. 

---

The next morning Pipp awoke to the voice of Master Hedare in her head. The Message came through "Pipp, we have found an artifact of great power for you to use. It can be found in the Crypt of Riddlemaster Elvira of the Bluff. It is located in the Cliffside Cemetery. Seek out the main professor, Master Vertigon Wintermist, at the Bardic College for a key." 

When they met up for breakfast, Pipp told everyone what message she received and they agreed to head there as if the Master Bard said it would help them then surely it would. 

On their way to the Cemetery, they stopped in at the main Bardic college and met with one of the lead professors to learn more about Riddlemaster Elvira of the Bluff. The aged man said yes, there is such a crypt but that it is deliberately under a pseudonym of Stormsown. He fumbled through the items on his desk and said yes, this would be the key Master Hedare spoke of and handed it to Pipp. He said, many have tried but none have succeeded. He wished them luck and to be ware of the Guardian that lurks in the Crypt. Pipp thanked Master Wintermist as she rejoined her companions and they continued onto the cemetery.

In the Cliffside Cemetery, they easily found a Crypt belonging to the name of Stormsworn. They examined the exterior  and found only one entrance. The key easily fit into the lock and the door opened.

A single file passage led them down to an area of 4 rooms, 2 on each side, with a door at the end. In each room was a pedestal. 

Pipp went to explore the first pedestal and as she crossed the threshold the wall slammed shut behind, trapping her. Undeterred, she checked the platform - there was a musical note carved on the top and a riddle on the back. 

Not sure what was going on and trying to play a few notes from the inside, the other party members were not sure how to proceed. They in turn tried each of the other rooms, the same thing happening - the wall coming down, enclosing them, with another musical note and riddle inside.

Once the fourth door had closed, each Adventurer suddenly felt the temperature drop and a chill in the air. 

The apparition appeared in front of Pipp first, attacking. It missed and Pipp's indominable courage helped her stave off the horrifying visage. As the Ghost left, the door raised, freeing Pipp. She ventured into the hallway and found the other 3 days closed still. 

In turn, the Ghost tried to attack each of the other three Heroes. Torsion fighting back, landing a blow with his new magical weapon. Chard and Dafnae unfortunately were caught off guard by the Horrifying Visage and they became fightened for just a few rounds, but not before aging 10 years each due to the shock.

With all doors opened, they could all enter into the hallway and engage with the Ghost.

The battle raged slowly, Torsion trying the door to see if they could advance but to no avail. 

When it seemed the Ghost would be defeated it vanished and Chard could see Torsion's gaze suddenly go blank as he started to scream and swing his War Hammer at Chard. A Possession the others exclaimed!

Chard, determined to not let the possessed Dwarf pass stood his ground to protect Pipp and Dafnae and the two exchanged blows Pipp and Dafnae used cantrips to weaken him.

Chard thought it rather comical and he knew that he would not hear the end of this once they freed Torsion. They matched each other blow for blow until luckily Torsion fell unconscious and the ghost reappeared. But the party were ready for it and landed the killing blows quickly to send it back to is original place of existence.

Torsion slowly came to and they decided to rest and heal before they tried the door again.