MAP 1.1: BALOUR's GATE
level-headed man who treats others with the respect he
demands in return. When the characters are ready to
hear what he has to say, read the following boxed text
aloud to the players:
"The refugee crisis," says Captain Zodge, "has stoked
fears that Baldur's Gate might suffer the same fate
as Elturel, of which nothing remains but a hole in the
ground, apparently. Our grand duke, Ulder Ravengard,
was visiting Elturel on a diplomatic mission when the city
was destroyed. Coincidence? I think not.
"The knights of Elturgard call themselves Hellriders.
A few of them escaped the destruction and think we're
somehow to blame for Elturel's downfall. What a bunch
of self-righteous rabble-rousers! We're arresting them on
sight, but that's left us shorthanded to deal with another
problem. For that, I need your help."Captain Zodge won't accept any refusal of his offer.
The Flaming Fist is empowered to draft adventurers in
times of emergency. He can execute them on the spot
for refusing to help, though he would rather they accept.
He gives each character a copper badge that bears the
Flaming Fist's coat of arms. These badges give the char-
acters license to act in Zodge's name.
Read the following boxed text aloud when the charac-
ters are ready to hear more:
- Chionthar River
"Baidu r's Gate has long been plagued by followers ofthe Dead Three-the gods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. I
thought we had wiped them out, but apparently not.
These purveyors of fear and death are taking advantage
of the current crisis to commit murder sprees throughout
the city. As my appointed deputies in this matter, you'll
have license to kill these wretches on sight. Find their
lair, and wipe it out. Eliminate anyone who gets in your
way, and don't worry about collateral damage.
"If you do what I say, I'll see that you each receive two
hundred gold pieces in addition to my gratitude, which is
worth considerably more.
"A few blocks from the Basilisk Gate is Elfsong Tavern.
A spy named Tarina hangs out there, gathering rumors
for the Guild. She owes me a favor, so tell her you work
for me. Ask her what she knows about the Dead Three.
And, for the love of Baidu ran, be nice. Tarina has danger-
ous friends."When a tenday passes without any reports of attacks by
followers of the Dead Three, Zodge secures the funds to
pay the characters, upholding his end of the agreement.
He collects their badges before paying them.
CHAPTE'R l I A TALE OF TWO CITI ES 13