So, the Copper Coronet. I've only been here 5 seconds and I'm already side-eyeing that red-coated buffoon over there.



My business, not yours. Now please stop being so intrusive, and move along.

Intrusive? Intrusive! Why I oughta... ooh doggy!



(Pants happily) Woof! Skooter-woof!

Skooter? That's an odd name. And why am I talking to a dog anyway?!

(wags tail)

Woof! Rawawawaa!

(He sniffs you, then lifts his leg and relieves himself on your shoes)

Woof-docks-woof!

What the hell-?

Then... he TELEPORTS AWAY!



A magic dog! Oh my Weave I'm going to have to get to the docks ASAP!!

As soon as I find a place to rest, that is. I'm pretty exhausted from the escaping and all.

From the center of the room, Brus, Gaelan's kid, again addresses me.



An elder has been staying here and needs escort back to his village.

You can find him in the Government District, in the main building. His name is Loron. He's incredibly rich and a hot target for bandits, and your protection would be welcome.

Sounds interesting. I'll take a look in a bit. Thank you.

No problem.

I try to get a feel for this place, so I talk to the nearest bar patron.



Well, why do you come then?

I begin to make my way counter-clockwise around the main room. True to form, a stranger addresses me quickly.



A pit of base corruption? You must deem yourself lucky for thinking that, knight. There are far fouler places.

How does it set this place aright that there are worse abodes of depravation and sin? By any means stay here, if it appeals to you, elf - I heard your kin delights in base pleasures, despite their facade of virtue, but I am leaving.

How did you come to this place to start with?

One lowbred fool told me that I could find employment here; I am seeking to join a group of adventurers, but only one that pursues virtuous tasks.

And what is your business here, if I may inquire again, my good Lord?

I am Syvishtar. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Well met! Speak then! Is your heart filled with courage or be it steeped in cowardice?

When there is cause for courage, I have it in abundance.

I trust that your accounting is true. Tell me then, Syvishtar, be you a force for evil or good?

There is no true good or true evil. The universe is a balance of all things.

Bah! The excuse of the damned! Begone from my sight and enter not back into it until your heart be prepared to honor purity and the triumph of what is good.

Well, okay then! I am reminded of Ajantis. And not in a good way.

Chloe gets pensive after this, and talks to me.



Most of our culture is based on two things: Perfecting ourselves by training the body and the mind daily; and the worship of Akadai and Lathandar.

We begin training as children as soon as we can stand and hold a sword. We practice every day, without fail, no matter what. Any day without improvement is a day wasted, as my torque... teacher, used to tell us.

As far as Akadia and Lathandar, it is the common belief that they created the Yr'kai people together, though we do not know why. It is said that they wanted the perfect warriors an told us to constantly seek perfection and we would be rewarded in the afterlife.

We have been perfecting ourselves a little more each day, each year, each generation, since then. Every generation we seem to be better warriors than our parents, so we are getting closer to perfection, perhaps, if perfection is even a goal that is achievable in life. Sorry for the long explanation.

It was fascinating. Thank you.

Next to Anomen is a small, stinky person. I am curious, so I ask him.



Me gully dwarf. In Dorp clan, help High Bulp! (*Pounds chest, smiles, and nods*)

I guess that means yo had relatively high status in your gully dwarf clan. May I ask where you came from?

Me come from... umm... here!

Thanks, Dorp. You've been a big help.

I look around and notice Wulfgar standing by the fire. We nod.



Then an earnest noblewoman comes up to us.



You! Are you for hire? As a mercenary, I mean? You look capable and hearty, like you've had formal training.

I may be able to help you. But I need to gather a large amount of gold to rescue a friend, so I'd be interested in knowing what you offer as payment.

You don't even know what I ask but you wish to know the payment? I will reward you, but we must hurry. I cannot guarantee it if my land is looted. Will you help?

I will help, but I will need to know exactly what is going on. Who are we fighting and why?

There is no time! I only hope that the attackers have not made it inside. If they have... if they have breached the inner courtyard they will be hard to rout.

I will tell you what secrets I can. Perhaps you will be able to sneak in and attack from a more vulnerable spot. I hope Father is all right. He... would not leave.

He stayed to cover the retreat, as a male should.

Should I travel with you? I've spent a few weeks slumming, and I am quite capable of opening the odd lock. I had to pick three just to get out of the main keep.

Aunty doesn't like me leaving at night, but how else can I donate to the poor and not be noticed? They have pride too, and... I really shouldn't be seen with them.

You can travel in the party with me. I'm sure you will be a useful addition.

Wonderful! Do you help people often? I have often wanted to get away from the keep and Aunty's rules. She doesn't understand that I just want to help people.

Now this is a worthy quest. Aiding a noble is almost always advantageous. And such a fetching one at that. I hope you can take care of yourself though, Lady Nalia, because we can only do so much to watch your back.

Here... I'll mark the location on your map. We should head there immediately. Be careful not to be spotted. I hope everything is all right!

Alright, I'll do as I've agreed, but you should know that my ultimate goal is to rescue an old friend of mine, above and beyond anything else.

An old friend? Who's that?

Her name is Imoen, and she's been taken prisoner by the Cowled Wizards... and I'm not about to leave her to their mercy.

If she needs help then of course I'm willing to help you find her, if you want me to. But we have to take care of my family's situation first, that's all I ask!

I decide to let Thael go for now.



As you wish. I'll continue my search for Irenicus. If you need me you can find me where we first met, at Waukeen's Promenade.

Very well Thael, good luck to you.

Nalia and Kivan seem to hit it off quickly.



Did she lose her beloved?

Her son.

She lived in a small village on my father's lands that was assailed by a tribe of orcs. They killed as many as they could loot, and the rest they locked in the Mayor's house and set on fire to torment the de'Arnise soldiers who were trying to recapture the village.

This woman, she said to me that her son did not fear to die... but he was only afraid that he would not find his mother beyond this life. So she said to him, "Just hold my hand, dear, and we will not lose each other."

My father's soldiers managed to chase the orcs away and put the fires down, but half of the villagers died to the smoke or the flames. He woman's little son was among them...

She... she tried to drown herself as soon as she realized that her child was gone... because... because of her promise, and her hope that she still could catch up to him and enter Ilmater's fold with him.

And yet she lived?

Yes, she did. Someone saw her and raised an alarm; they saved her... her body at least. She never tried to kill herself again, because, I think, she'd lost hope of ever finding her son in the afterlife.

This is my worst fear, Nalia. To lose Deheriana entirely; to have the faint bond that remains taken away from me.

At first I thought that I was bound by Sheverash to the Material Plane, and I rebeled against what I perceived as his will.

Did you try to kill yourself?

We elves cannot do that... we cannot take our own life, because we are connected to our entire kin's spirit. One cannot sever the bond abruptly without denying himself Arvanaith.

And if I cannot find Deheriana, what use is death?

No, I have done what that woman did - I let go of thoughts, I let go of duties, I let go of wants... I dissolved into the world. I was nothing until I heard Shevarash's voice. Only then did I put myself back together, piece by piece.

I do not know what to say, except that I think Shevarash is a cruel deity.

Thousands of years ago, Shevarash endured a loss similar to mine - his entire family was slain by drow. Perhaps he saw a quality in me that would not allow me to rest in Arvanaith until I had slain Deheriana's murderers. Just like he could not find peace.

Or, perhaps I have uttered a vow that bound me to him admidst my tortures.

After all this time, I finally understand that what I have done was no one's choice but my own.

Then Kivan speaks to me, because he was thinking about something else at the time.



Yes, he is of our own kin. Of the elves.

I do not believe it, Kivan. No elf could apply such systematic, cruel pain to another elf without harming himself. And I have not felt any connection of the spirit with Irenicus.

I am mistaken, then. (He sighs in relief.)

Then Yasraena speaks up.

I am unfamiliar with the surfacer gods. What is--was--under Bhaal's authority?

Bhaal was the god of murder.

The god of murder? Then I was more correct than I had supposed. The drow would envy you greatly!

Being envied by the drow is rarely a sign of a good situation.

True. And I do not envy you.

Kivan speaks again.



If they wish to live.

I feel guilty since they've died because of me, because of what I am. I'd like to... make amends.

It is a noble sentiment, but do not forget that you should follow their wishes, not just pacify your conscience.

It's easy for you to say!

No, it was very difficult for me to say.

Nearby us is a man with a very large sword. I decide to talk to him.



I have acquired my wares from the likes of the famous adventurers Seeker, Fire, and Henry Olsen. Their exploits are known by many, so you can be assured of the quality of the items I sell.

Sounds great. I would like to make a purchase.

There are some +3 to +5 weapons here, like the Heartseeker Bow, Club of Spellstriking, Elven Mithril chain, and other crazy items. All outside of my budget, of course.

Yasraena decides to talk about wizards.



That is just the kind of attitude that makes the priestesses wary.

They do not fear any kind of revolution by the wizards, but they have learned it is not wise to upset a wizard.

I don't really care for your comparisons of the poor, Chloe. Regardless, I know enough to only give of our extra coin. We have plenty, it's not like we'd miss a few coins.

A few coins or no, that money is going to the cause of rescuing Syvishtar's sister. Every moment gathering coin is another moment she rots in that prison. Or worse, in the hands of that psychopath. He was only overcome because he agreed to go; he may have broken free and killed everyone as far as we know.

Oh, don't be so dramatic, Chloe. A coin here and there won't delay the rescue of Imoen. But it'll make a world of difference to a beggar with nothing.

Just be careful you limit it to a coin or two here and there. I see how your hand twitches on your coin purse every time someone who is wearing less than silk walks by.

I can control myself, Chloe. Control your tongue when speaking to me of this matter, as well.

A guard by a door tells me to get lost.



A little later we walk by Minsc and Hrothgar. They seem quite friendly with each other. I give them a nod as well.



As I walk down the room, I get accosted by a bald man.



Luvly...

I decide to let Kivan rest for a bit.

I also share a nod with Worgas. He's standing by the stairs.



But then I am assaulted by a banshee!



Rumar! Lord Rumar! You know who I'm talking about! EVERYONE here knows who I'm talking about! He's meeting HER here again!

Rumar's around here somewhere! No one will tell me where he is! But I'll get him... and his cheap slattern, too!

YOU HEAR THAT, RUMAR?! I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS!!

I'm not touching this with a 10 foot pole.

No, I don't know where he is.

I'll find him eventually. I SWEAR I'll find him!!

Chloe seems to think I need some comforting.



I agree. The Yr'kai believe that when our warriors die in honorable battle, they are lifted up to spend an eternity as Akadia's personal guards. Akadia's realm is said to be a paradise, yet even in death the fallen Yr'kai continue to practice daily, constantly improving their skills to better serve our goddess.

What happens if you die of old age or illness?

Some believe that we suffere in the hells, others that we instead serve as handmaidens and menservants in Lathandar's palace. I personally believe we are reborn to be given another chance. But ultimately, none of us know for sure.

Being reborn sounds like the best option, if it's true. If you mess up, I like the idea that you can try again.

I agree completely. I find myself wondering how much of your prior life you resemble, if being reborn is what truly hapens. I suppose it matters little, though. You'd be a completely different person. Perhaps one that doesn't get cramped feet in the morning. (Giggles) Let's press on though, shall we?

As I pass the stairs, when my gaze catches a mysterious other's gaze.



(Before you say a word, he smiles mysteriously, as if he knows your intent, and speaks in a low drawl.) Curiosity killed the cat!

(Surprised, you take a few steps back, your hand rushing to your weapon.)

Relax, friend. (He drinks a wine glass, with a calm smile on his face.) I too was an adventurer once... perhaps I was referring to my own curiosity?

(You realize your reaction may have been a bit too dramatic, even you are surprised. Other patrons in the inn are nervously watching you. You look at him again. From the contours of his appearance, he seems to be a half-elf. He seems to wear no armor. You only see two blades around his waist for protection. He does not seem to be a threat.)

I apologize... you startled me.

Come! Some drinks to ease the tension, my treat! Bartender! Mugs of your sweetest mead for my new friends!

My thanks! Who are you?

Ha! Jumping straight to my life history, eh? Maybe should conduct interviews, write things down, no? I don't suppose you have any paper? You should cultivate the habit! Well, simply put, I was an adventurer, like you I expect, with many tales to tell from many paces... again like you I'm sure. However, that life is behind me now. I now own an inn... not in this neighborhood of course (He mischeviously winks at the bartender). As an innkeeper, I wish to provide beverages both local and exotic, and this is the reason that has brought me here.

So... - (You try to say something, but he interrupts you.)

I know adventurers are always looking for quests and all. Is that why you are here? I mean I have nothing to share in the way of news or rumor. I have little interest in what happens here. What you will get from me, are little quests... well, not all the way to quests, more like tasks. As I mentioned before, I'm here looking for beverages, but this place has become fairly lawless, and travellers such as myself are... welcomed by robbers! Ha ha ha!

So, if you are willing, I would like you to help me buy or find some brew. I'll pay you enough, and supply you with a few special brews I've collected.

I also collect magic items. I cannot sell you any yet, but if you have unwanted items, you can sel them to me. I will acquire them for a fair price. Perhaps one day, if our business relationship has blossomed into something more, you can also buy from me. But let me say that I am very reluctant to let go of my collection, so prices will be high.

Now that's over with. Everything clear? Anything else I can do for you?

Of course. Look at my wares.

Of course, let me see what you have.

But I don't currently have anything he's interested in.

Goodbye, my friend. I am sure our paths will meet again... very soon.

The drunk beside him is less talkative.



But the drunk beside that drunk, well, he's much more... informative.



Weeellll, I shpose thatsh true, it ish. Now, then. It wouldsht be truer if ye bought ol' Garrol a drink, aye?

Here's 5 gold pieces, Garroll. I'm interested in hearing what's been going on around here, if you know of it.

(Eh?) Goingsh on? Oh, I be knowin', I shoitanly do. Wish all yer generoush coin, ye be lookin' for shome of Lahtinan's 'entertainment,' aye?

'Entertainment?' What kind of 'entertainment' are you speaking of, Garroll?

Well, dash depends on whash kind of fun you ish looking for, aye? Lehtinan, here, he sherves all kindsh, he doesh.

(Psst! Garroll, my friend? Are you sure you should be talking about such things to strangers?)

(Ach, I'm sure Lehtinan nay be mindin'.)

Lehtinan, you servsh all thosh who have coin a'plenty, aye? He 'as grippersh in th' back, I hearsh, to wagersh on. A real fightsh, wish blood an' all!

(Garroll! Be wary!)

Err, oh, aye. Mayhapsh ye should be askin' Lehtinan for yourshelf, if 'at's whatsh ye be wantin'. I'ave little enough coin, myshelf, to 'ave ever indulged.

I appreciate the information, friend. I must be on my way.

A pearl to ye, then. Have yoursehfl an ale for Garroll, aye?

I may just do that. I go to Lehtinan to ask him about these particular 'entertainments.'



(hurrm) Yes. Well. I am Lehtinan. Proprietor of the Copper Coronet, if you will. (hurrm) Welcome.

Perhaps I could see what services you have available?

The Copper Coronet aims to please. (hurrrrrrm) But you must speak to Bernard if you wish to purchase something.

I'm looking to dispose of some coin. Any ideas on how to spend it?

(Hurmm). Coin is... always... welcome. You will find the Copper Coronet able to fulfill your needs, whether drink, rest, or other sorts... of entertainment. (hurrrm)

Other sorts of entertainment? What are you talking about?

Ohh... (hurrm)... one is always able to provide entertainment. (hurrm) Things like companionship, perhaps, or gambling on battles, and other things.

I've never had anything against gambling. What do you know about that?

(hurrrm... hurrrmmm) Very well. You look like one who might... appreciate... such entertainments. There is more to my little place than meets the eye.

Go over to the fellow by the door on the far wall and tell him I said to let you in. Talk to Frankie or perhaps Madame Nin if you wish to... partake. And enjoy. (hurrm)

That man is slimier than an earthworm. I wonder what these 'other entertainments' are, though.

Vorgen fucked around with this message at 12:37 on Aug 10, 2015

Then Yasraena starts to get creepy.



Was? Did your mother order his death?

Gorion died defending me from my half-brother, Sarevok.

Died....

(Yasraena's eyes shine like crimson fire. A sudden cloak of silence falls on her, and she turns away abruptly.)

As I go up the stairs, I see my new golem, Lesser Clay Golem, standing there waiting for me!



Hi buddy! I check up on him, to see how he's doing.





I'm really glad I stole this guy from Irenicus.

Then I go talk to the bouncer guarding the door.



Yah, yah, whatever you say.

I just get right into the door, and run into the infamous Rumar.



Really? Well, be a sport and don't mention my whereabouts to her. I'm rather... tied up with my little pumpkin, here. Isn't that right, pumpkin?

(giggle!) Uh-huh... (giggle!)

Next to those two is a dwarf wearing yellow.



Me adventures in the frozen wastes of Icewind Dale. I found me some magical ice in the Gloomfrost Glacier and I want to go back and git some more. Some bloody blokes stole what I 'ad in this damned city.

Magical ice? You're joking. I never heard of any magical ice.

Eh ye daft or wot? That glacial ice be more powerful then any metal crafted and that includes mithril. Ye bloody city dwellers no nothin'. What ye be needin and make it quick?

Apparently he sells things too.

Let's see your goods.

Here ye go.

Chloe decides to set the tone...



Thank you, Chloe. You're quite lovely as well.

You remind me a bit of my first lover.

Oh? How so?

She was a noble as well. The youngest daughter of Lord Kegan D'Martine.

I know the D'Martine's a bit from my father's dealings with them. I think I may have met her once. Theresa, was it not?

That's the one.

Interesting. What happened?

Lord D'Martine arranged for her to marry Duke Andros of Greymist. It was a great honor, of course. Increased her noble standing, and all that.

Both sad and happy news, I suppose.

Yes. The price of nobility is sometimes one's own happiness. She's miserable, last I heard. But she has three children, all of whom are wealthier and in a higher class than she was growing up. So she thinks it's worth it.

I suppose. The dealings of the nobility often leave a sour taste in my mouth. But I'm quite accustomed to it, nevertheless. I had planned on marrying a noble of a similar mind as mine concerning the poor. Or at least a nice young man who wouldn't upset anyone too much.

Ever have any dalliances of your own?

A few, yes. One was a local boy by the name of Beran. He was handsome, but painfully dull and even duller of wit. But he was sweet. Then there was Marietta, a chamber maid. My parents were none too thrilled to learn of that one. They sent her whole family to the Roenalls. It's one thing to dally around with the staff, but one must never ever be caught doing so, after all. I still feel guilty about that.

Hmm. Well, perhaps you'll find someone who will make you happy?

We all hope for that, Chloe. Let us catch up to the others. I get a bit nervous when I lose sight of them.

Of course. But I will protect you if needed. (grins)

Hmm.



So... do you wish a companion for the evening, then?

Yes, actually I think I would.

Excellent. This is Cominda, and she will accompany you to your room, my Lord. You may speak with her further, there, as you wish.



Whoa, what a hottie! They didn't have this kinda action up in Baldur's Gate! She leads me down the hallway to the furthest room.



Get to know me better? As I am sure my Lord is aware, I am but a simple slave assigned the task of bringing pleasure to others. There is little else to know.

Whoa, what?

You are a slave? Slaves are allowed, here?

I should not speak but... slavery is illegal. But the trade goes on. There is a terrible compound here in the slums, and many come through it, as did I.

Slaves?! No one should be enslaved to others. They should all be free!

If that is true, then I shall do everything in my power to aid you and free these slaves.

I doubt you can do anything, my Lord. If anyone were able to free us it would be a miracle. Did you still wish to spend the evening here, my Lord?

Yes, of course. You're not free yet, are you?

Oh... I see. Of course, my Lord. I... hope my companionship will please you.



It is a... pleasant night.

The next morning, over breakfast, Chloe talks to me some more.



The most obvious events of my past are the daily practices. Sword fighting, mental discipline, reading, philosophical debates, discussion on honor. We were aso allowed to play, or get into trouble a bit. Punishments for getting into trouble got progresively worse as we aged, to teach us discipline but to allow us to have fun and freedom at an early age, which we feel is important.

And I thought *my* training was bad... (laugh). Despite all the training, did you have a happy childhood?

I grew to enjoy it and I found my fun when I was able. I was treated well. So yes, I had a happy childhood. I have many pleasant memories, more so than the unpleasant ones. Many cannot say the same, I am afraid. But enough of this topic. We've fun of our own to have this day. Carry on, Syvishtar, and lead us to adventure.

Because I want to help people. I want to change what people think of nobles --

Why?

Because I want to do good with what I have!

But why? You do not see the poor, the rabble, as your equals. Your manner betrays ou. So why not aid your equals instead?

The nobles don't need any help.

But did not you? Is that not why you joined with Syvishtar in the first place?

...Alright. This will be the last time we see each other then. Goodbye.

I'm sure they'll be fine.

We explore this area some more, looking down the second hallway of rooms. Out of one we hear a shout.



Do you want to tashte the blade (hep!) of my shword? And I assure you, that it'sh not... clean!

It's just a joke. Don't panic. What is your name?

I am Leshter... Lesh-, L-E-S-T-E-R! Warrior extrordinaire Of the Order of Pints of Beer, a knight of the drunks, bu the... urp... drunks, for the drunks (hep!). My name ishh known inall tavernsh to the north... and shouth, easht and weshtttt...

Lester, do you want to join our party?

Join you? Why not, but first I have to make sure that the leader (hep!) of thish party ishh worthy of my company!

How will you know that?

A person is defined not only by the (hep!) proficiency shkills in weapons or magic... also... also also defined by the... courage of the... idiot - individual! Individual, that's what I meant to say! Do you... uh, what's your name?

Syvishtar.

So, Syvishtar, do you dare to stand up to the... the test?

Yes, I do.

I thought sho. You look like a courag... courago.... a brave person! (Hep!) Thishh is the cup of delicious wine. If you can beat me and stay on your feet, I'll join (hep!) your party!

He gives me a mysterious drink!



As I gulp it down, I feel it beating against my liver. Thankfully, my liver seems to win.





You are truly worthy of my (hep!) company. I'm pleased to join your party and will support you in the fight against weapons and pint in the hand.

So, Lester! Would you like an ale?

So Lester joins the party.







Well, singing is an important part of the life of an order member. Composing a song of praise in honor of alcohol and debauchery is a requirement for promotion!

I will not present you with my first completed piece!

By all means! Everyone, listen, Lester is going to sing for us! Go ahead, Lester!

Okay... sha... shall I begin? Okay.

Ahem...

Oh fair maiden, oh buxom wench!

Come hither, come hither,

Ignore my stench!

ere my tumescence doth wither, come hither!

Bravo! Bravo! What wordplay! Go on!

Er... that's all for now. I haven't made any more up yet. But as soon as I complete the next verse, I'll let you know!

Okay, okay. But don't rush! These things take time!

Oh aye... unfortunately. A, uh... ghost is sometimes hauntin' me. Terrible, frightenin' thing, that is.

Why would a ghost be haunting you?

Oh... er, I don't know. Can't say for sure. Excuse me, but this does be me private room... could ye please leave?

Alright, alright... I'm going.

Next time don't be bloody sneakin' up on people when they're in their private rooms, by Mask! Ye just about gave me a heart attack, ye did!

I leave Chloe to watch over him.

Then I turn to talk to the obvious woman who has been staring at me the whole time I've been in this hallway.



Kill you? No, no nothing like that. The reason that I've been looking for you is because I would like to join you and help you out. I owe you for destroying Section and freeing me from that evil organization. So can I join you?

I could use someone of your skill in my group. You may join me.

Thank you for letting me join with you, Syvishtar.

Good to have you with us. Let's go.

The ranks of the Golden Company are overflowing!



Now is as good at time as any to get the refugees out of Shaundakul's Sanctuary. I tell Willie and Lester to go get some drinks, then teleport there.



Now, just to go back to the Copper Coronet and let them free...







Then, curious, I take the door opposite the brothel to see what other entertainments there are in this establishment.





Well, okay then!



Better than that! Here we have the very best in live entertainment! Actual combat between man and beast, presented for your viewing pleasure!

Witness the Coronet's own gladiators fight for their lives in the pit! Feel free to join the nobles in the viewing balcony above, my Lord.

Gladiators? There are people willing to risk their lives in this pit of yours?

Willing or unwilling, it makes little difference. The gladiators fight to amuse our clientele... I'm sure you'll agree they put on an excellent show!

You mean that they're slaves.

Slavery is such a harsh word, my Lord. Here, we think of them as purchased employees... and an excellent source of entertainment. Go on in and witness it for yourself!

Isn't slavery and this sort of barbarism illegal?

The legalities are such a technicality... the amusements are here for your enjoyment. Let Lehtinan and his staff worry about such matters as legality.

I see. When is the next fight?

I understand there is a match ready to be underway very soon! Go on in, my Lord, and see for yourself!

I'll be on my way, then.

As you wish, my Lord. Enjoy!



I trust all bets have been placed. Very well! BEGIN!



You will fight because you are a slave and you have been told to fight! Refuse and be devoured for the amusement of our guests!

They let some kind of troll thing into the arena with him. I watch with bated breath.



The half-orc manages to kill it! Then some bouncers enter into the arena as well.



Curse you! You forced me to kill this poor beast to quench your lust for bloodshed! (The gladiator raises his axe menacingly at the guards.)

Calm down, greenskin! Don't forget about the children! You may not care about your own life, but think about theirs!

Move along! Move back to your cell. We have to clear the pit for the next match.

That was... quite dramatic. I look around me at my other fellow onlookers.







Well that's a little obvious. You don't have a tankard in your hand or the requisite food stains, and you don't look like you were freshly scraped off the street.

Are you enjoying the festivities? I thought that last match was particularly enthralling. The height difference was a treat, if nothing else.

I think what goes on here is disgusting.

You're not the only one, but I wouldn't say that so loudly if I was you. Lehtinan's guards will throw you out as soon as look at you. He does like to keep this quiet, as you might understand.

I'm Arath, by the way.

I'm Syvishtar, savior of the Sword Coast.

A pleasure to meet you, Syvishtar. Shame about the location.

You look terribly capable, if you don't mind me saying so. Very... prepared.

Would you be averse to an exchange of services? It just so happens I'm in a bit of a bind, and I could use the help of someone so obviously trained in the arts of battle.

What are you trying to do?

The owner of this establishment, Lehtinan, deals extensively in the slave trade, as you may have noticed. I'm trying to cause him some trouble.

The slaves here are bought and forced to fight innocent animals and other creatures for the amusement of the scum that frequent this place. There are women and children in cells here, Syvishtar. It has to stop.

Will you help me?

I cannot abide the idea of slavery.

Any enemy of the slave trade is a friend of mine.

Good. Alright, from what I understand, the slaves are kept in cells out the back. We just have to find a way in. We'll have to fight any guards there, but once we've started freeing the slaves, they'll help us fight.

I can either come with you or I can wait further out and help the slaves take the other guards out. It's up to you.

Come with me, we'll have a better chance that way.

Let's find our way to the back, then.

Who else should we take with us on this mission of liberation? I ponder this as we make our way into the main area of the Copper Coronet again. Nikita, however, ponders me.



Raised in a library? I would guess you learned a lot while you were there.

I never listened in my lessons. They were pretty boring.

Well, I hope that is not a trait you still have Syvishtar. Ignorance is not bliss. It may get you into trouble.

In the center of the room, closer to the fire, another group of adventurers stands together.



Lord Thaddeus Leoncourt of Baldur's Gate has recently had one of his possessions stolen. He didn't say what was taken, but it must be something of great value, since he is offering a substantial reward for its return.

We've tracked the culprit to Amn, but the trail's gone cold. We know that he was a Shadow Thief, and that he had a deal to unload the goods with one of the local fences, but we could not learn more - Shadow Thieves do not like being questioned, and we do not have any other means of contact with them.

Except for Castor here, but for some odd reason, he wouldn't even come close to their building.

Don't ask.

Yes, well, all we know is the fence's name: Grudin. He should be somewhere around the docks or the slums, but we're having troubles locating him. If you could find this man and help us discover the whereabouts of Lord Leoncourt's stolen item, we'd be happy to split the reward with you. But first you have to find Grudin. Return here when you have some news.

It's a deal. Any idea where I should start looking for this man?

I would ask around. The Shadow Thieves rule the docks, so their operation is centered there. But Grudin could be here, in the slums, as well. I do not think he operates during the day, though.

Good luck. Talk to me again if you find anything new.

Sure thing man. Hope there's good money involved in this. Ok, talk to you later, and who is this sailor behind me?



I thought so. Are you mercenaries or adventurers?

Is there a difference? We accept a variety of tasks, receive payment, and we also look for adventure.

I have something here, just for tired mercenaries and adventurers!

What is it?

Take a look yourself!

He has different kinds of beer and wine.

Next to him, a mysterious gentleman scowls.



Information on what? I am not regular to these areas and am just passing through on business.

I need to find a way to make some coin. Would you be able to help me in that area, or else give me any advice on earning quick cash?

I am not that kind of petty thief.

Oh, you are a thief, then. I figured you would know about making a quick copper in a city as large as this.

I make my money in large amounts, the perks of being a contract assassin. Even an assassin needs to come to dumps in order to get the job done.

You are looking for a target?

I have already told you too much, now be off.

Wait, I think we can aid each other. You know about procuring funds, as well as the advantage of deadly stealth.

That does not aid me in the slightest, only you.

How well do you think you will last in this city on your own? This is the Shadow Thieves' domain and they will not take kindly to a lone assassin poking his nose in.

What's your point?

Travel with me. Together we can achieve both of our goals. You will help me and I will help you.

Very well, I accept your help, traveller. I am Adario Kalvaras... I am sure the name rings a bell.

Greetings Adario Kalvaras. I am afraid the name rings no bell, but I am not from around here.

Me neither. I have travelled far from the South for this task... and I shall get the job done.

I should tell you first, perhaps, that I seek to rescue an old friend who is being held hostage by the Cowled Wizards. There may be significant risk.

Allies can be a good thing, though you show weakness for friends. Either way I gain, so, very well!

Alright, let's go.

Then we finally turn to the elephant in the room - Lord Jierdan.

Word has come to me of your actions. I see you as capable and headstrong, with the ability to handle what e'er is thrown at you. Just the type of creature that I am looking for.

You have done your research well. What do you need of me?

Certainly you understand that these are dangerous times, and that extreme measures are often called for. That is why I have need of you.

I am Lord of a community outside Athkatla, and while I provide for my people as best that I can, there are some things I cannot do. Battle is not my strong point.

There are marauders, horrid ogres and trolls, that must be destroyed with fire or they regenerate. I need a firm hand to push them back. I need you, Syvishtar.

I offer a grand sum, worthy of a man of your stature. I offer 10,000 gold if you can free my land of this scourge. It is a fortune, you will agree.

Why me and not some other company? You could have anyone at that price.

Ah, but you would not lump yourself together with common mercenaries, would you? No, I require someone with finesse and skill, as well as strength. You are ideal.

I have no doubt your serivce will be exemplary. If all goes wel, we shall all receive exactly what we deserve. My lands are on your map; the Windspear Hills await.

Oh wow! What a coincidence! I need to go to the Windspear Hills!

Vorgen fucked around with this message at 01:57 on Aug 10, 2015

Wizard Styles fucked around with this message at 01:03 on Aug 10, 2015

Darthemed fucked around with this message at 04:34 on Aug 10, 2015

Vorgen fucked around with this message at 07:00 on Aug 10, 2015