Descent into Avernus

(Nancy Kaufman) #1

THE BASILISK GATE


Read or paraphrase the following boxed text to your


players to begin the adventure:


Welcome to Baldur's Gate, a veritable nest of rats and
vipers clinging to the rocky slopes overlooking the Chion-
thar River. From their high perches in the Upper City, the
local nobles-known as patriars-gaze down with veiled
contempt upon the common rabble in the grimy Lower
City, which hugs the foggy harbor. The whole of Baidu r's
Gate reeks of blood. crime, and opportunity. One can
easily fathom why pirates and traders are drawn to this
place like flies to a carcass.
Following the river farther east would eventually lead

you to Elturel, capital of the holy land of Elturgard-or


at least that was the case until a few days ago. The Aood
of refugees from Elturel has gotten worse since news
first arrived that the city has fallen. Everyone is saying
Baldur's Gate is next, but no one truly knows who or
what has claimed Elturel.
The patriars pay a mercenary army called the Flaming
Fist to protect their interests in Baldur's Gate, and by
extension, the city itself. The Flaming Fist has gained
even more power since their charismatic leader, Ulder
Ravengard, claimed the title of Grand Duke a few years
ago. Apparently, Ravengard is missing. In his absence,
the Flaming Fist has sealed the city's gates to staunch
the flow of refugees. No one is allowed in or out.
All of this was brought to your attention shortly after
you were drafted by the Flaming Fist to help defend the
city. Your orders are to speak to Captain Zodge at the
Basilisk Gate, which pierces the city's eastern wall and
takes its name from the various statues that rest in its
niches and perch atop its battlements. Unseen beyond
the sealed Basilisk Gate, a dirt road stretches through the
Outer City slums to the bridge known as Wyrm's Cross-
ing, then to distant realms beyond.
Dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers are trying to control an
angry mob of commoners eager to leave the city. Armed

with only a vague description of Captain Zodge-a tall


man with long black hair and a leather eye patch-it


takes you a while to find him. A fight breaks out between
soldiers and commoners, and you finally spot the one-
eyed captain as he wades into the fray and begins throw-
ing punches. Just another day in the City of Blood.

An influx of Elturgardian refugees coupled with uncer-


tainty regarding the fate of Grand Duke Ulder Raven-


gard has convinced Captain Darmin Zodge, a lawful


evil human veteran, to prove himself worthy of leading


the Flaming Fist- lest some rival seize the opportunity


in the days ahead. Zodge also knows that Liara Portyr,


who commands the Flaming Fist stronghold of Fort


C H APTER 1 I A TAL£ Of TWO CfTrES


FLllMING F1sT
Co11T oF ARMS

Beluarian in Chuh, has been recalled to Baldur's Gate


by her uncle. Duke Dillard Portyr. Zodge hopes to im-


press Commander Portyr with his ability to maintain


the peace in Baldur's Gate until her arrival.


Although Zodge lacks common decency, he cares


for the well-being of the soldiers who serve under his


command. Angry mobs can be dangerous, and Zodge is


quick to take out the instigators so that the mob's anger


turns to fear quickly. No one is arrested during the fra-


cas the characters observe, but several commoners are


beaten and robbed of their money pouches after a brief


skirmish with Zodgc and his soldiers. Express to the


players that their characters would not be surprised by


Zodge's handling of the situation. Flaming Fist captains


have tremendous latitude when it comes to keeping the


peace in Baldur's Gate, especially in the Lower City.


It's widely known that the best way to deal with Flam-


ing Fist soldiers is to bribe them. Those who cao afford


to pay a bribe of 10 gp or more (instead of the usual gate


fee of 2 cp) are allowed passage through a gate after a


bit of haggling.


MEETING CAPTAIN ZODGE
Captain Zodge is expecting the characters. If they

choose not to speak with him, he tracks them down


eventually. The Flaming Fist has contacts throughout


the city, so hiding from Zodge is difficult unless the


characters know someone who can shelter them. Zodge


keeps six Flaming Fist soldiers (human veterans)


near him at all times. Their names are Jssio, Minaqua,


Nelestree, Oliver, Soltus, and Thalkara.


When he's not flexing his military muscle or taking


bribes, Captain Zodge presents himself as a forthright,

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