A Silver Fox in Baldur's Gate
22 Eleint, The Year of Twelve Warnings (1494 DR)
Baldur's Gate, the Sword Coast
Syndra Silvane, a retired adventurer turned merchant, had sent an invitation to the adventurers inviting them to the city of Baldur's Gate. In the invitation, she had offered to be the group's patron, offering each member a hefty salary as well as other perks only a wealthy patron could provide.
The five-member group of adventurers had traveled over a tenday by ship from Waterdeep after receiving an invitation to meet Syndra Silvane in Baldur's Gate.
The invitation requested the adventurers' presence at Syndra Silvane's manor in the Lower City. In the invitation, it read that if they accepted her as their patron, she would provide them with a comfortable salary as well as other perks. In return, all she asked was that she be given the first opportunity to purchase any magic item the group came upon should they choose to sell the item. The invitation noted that more details would be provided at the meeting.
The group arrived at Silvane's Manor late in the afternoon. Above, the group heard the plaintive cries of gulls circling overhead. The sky was getting darker which threatened to bring a late summer rainfall to the region; a welcome relief from the heat and humidity felt by everyone who began to miss the cooler climate of Waterdeep, some 500 miles north along the Sword Coast.
A Shou butler who introduced himself as Zhang Jun led the group inside the three-story manor then to a formal dining room richly decorated with pieces of artwork and glass cases containing various wondrous items. The light scent of citrus fruit, emanating from a small bowl of water mixed with oil, lingered in the air.
While the group waited for their host to arrive, Zhang Jun offered each guest a crystal goblet filled with red wine which he said came from Barovia, a demi-plane beyond the boundaries of Toril. Saer Justinian, a paladin, politely took the offered wine but did not drink it while the others enjoyed the wine's rich, tantalizing flavor.
Saer Justinian was an aasimar, human-based planetouched beings that were said to be descended from angels and other creatures of good. He had traveled to Waterdeep from the northern city of Silverymoon where he served as a paladin of the Red Knight, the Lady of Strategy, the Faerûnian deity of strategy and battle tactics, and an exarch of Tempus. In Waterdeep, he received visions from the Red Knight which eventually led him to join the other adventurers he now traveled with.
The only wizard in the group, Nicaster "Nic" Wytchson, was a Half-Elf who received his training in the arcane arts from House Rōsfier, which he had learned was allied with Syndra Silvane. As a matter of fact, it was his mentor Lihluna Rōsfier who had presented Nicaster with the invitation from Syndra Silvane. Apparently, Syndra Silvane had personally asked to have the descendant of Arcanist Wytchson, the legendary archmage who lived before the Spellplague, meet with her in Baldur's Gate. In the invitation, Syndra Silvane had asked that Nicaster form an adventuring party before leaving Waterdeep.
Aeolond Blackstar, an eladrin cleric of Corellon Larethian, claimed to be from the island nation of Evermeet, the last true kingdom and final destination for all non-drow Tel'Quessir ("elves") on Faerûn. Like Saer Justinian, he too had received a vision from his deity. He then traveled to Waterdeep where he met Nicaster. At first, the half-elf wizard was curious as to why Aeoland would leave the fabled island, something he had never heard anyone of the Tel'Quessir do. However, Aeolond made it clear he was on a mission from Corellon Larethian. That was enough for Nicaster who invited him to join the adventuring party he was putting together.
Laythin, a human who could trace his ancestry to the great plains of Shaar, had lived his entire life in Waterdeep. The son of a captain of the City Watch, his father wanted him to join the Watch and serve under his leadership. However, Laythin's natural skill with the bow could not be ignored. Instead, he chose to become a bounty hunter, working independently of the Watch yet tracking and hunting down criminals the Watch couldn't catch. Lihluna Rōsfier, who had heard of Laythin, had encouraged Nicaster to seek him and offer the bounty hunter a position in the adventuring company Nicaster was forming.
Glindo Goodburrow, a Lightfoot halfling rogue, was the last member to join the newly formed, yet still nameless, adventuring company. He was on board the ship the others were on when got to know them after a few rounds of Baldur's Bones, Glindo's favorite game of chance. Glindo had traveled to Waterdeep "on business" as he kept saying, and was headed back to Baldur's Gate where he originally was from. Nicaster, sensing more to Glindo's story, offered for him to join the company. Glindo feigned a reluctance to join but did so after winning back every coin he lost in the game.
After nearly half-an-hour, Syndra Silvane entered the dining room. Syndra Silvane was a human who, despite being in her later years, had clearly not lost the grace and beauty of her youthful prime. Her silver hair accentuated her tanned skin and hazel eyes. She wore an elegant green silk and velvet gown. The only jewelry she wore was a vibrant emerald cat's eye stone that clasped a striking gold chain.
Everyone bowed respectfully to their host who asked them all to sit at the table. Glindo Goodburrow stood on his chair so as to be equal in height with those around him. The butler coughed audibly. Glindo excused himself and sat down. He then asked for a taller chair since he couldn't quite reach the table. Zhang Jun gathered some cushions from the empty chairs and stacked them under the halfling.
After introducing herself and asking Zhang Jun to serve everyone a bowl of delicious chilled peach soup with fresh goat cheese. He refilled everyone's goblet, except Saer Justinian's. After everyone was served, Syndra Silvane asked each of them to introduce themselves. She made sure to ask where each of her guests hailed from. Everyone did so, even adding their particular skills and expertise, and even reasons for becoming an adventurer which Syndra Silvan found fascinating.
During the discussion, Nicaster, the group's half-elf wizard, was clearly flirting with the "silver fox" as he later called Syndra Silvane in reference to her silver tresses. It was also obvious enough to everyone that their host was happily indulging herself in Nicaster's not-so-subtle advances.
Nicaster, trying to be discreet, even asked Syndra Silvane a personal question about her becoming a patron and her being a merchant. "So... what does Mr. Silvane have to say about this situation?"
"There has never been a "Mr. Silvane", I'm afraid," The silver fox smiled coyly at Nicaster. "My past adventuring life had prevented me from enjoying such dalliances."
"It's never too late to experience such pleasures." Nicaster leaned over and softly whispered to Syndra Silvane.
Syndra Silvane, blushing like a young maiden, quickly took a sip of wine from her crystal goblet.
"So... what does Mr. Silvane have to say about this situation?" - Nicaster WytchsonSyndra Silvane then told everyone about the various magic items kept in glass cases around the room. Among the items, which included a pair of Boots of the Winterlands, and a Helm of Comprehending Languages, was a Holy Avenger, a legendary sword Saer Justinian eyed with admiration. He knew and heard of many paladins who devoted their entire lives in search of such a coveted blade. When asked why the magic items were on display and not being used, Syndra Silvane said the items are waiting to be bought at the right price. It was how she made her fortune as a merchant and the reason why she wanted to sponsor the group. Just as she had acquired many magic items during her travels and adventures into dungeons, ruins, and other deadly places, she plans to send the intrepid adventurers across the continent of Faerûn and beyond to find similar enchanted items. While the discussion continued, Syndra Silvane had Zhang Jun get the prepared contract. She read aloud the contract, which everyone agreed was fair, then had each of them sign it. As Syndra Silvane was having the last person sign the contract, Zhang Jun came over and whispered something into her ear. A look of worry suddenly came over Syndra Silvane. "What is it, Mistress Silvane," Nicaster inquired. "What seems the matter?" "It seems there is civil unrest at the Basilisk Gate," Silvane said. She turned to the adventurers at the table. "It also seems your employment has officially begun." "What is it you need us to do?" Laythin asked. "Although I do not always approve of their methods of ensuring peace in our city," Silvane said. "the Flaming Fist is in need of assistance at the Basilisk Gate." "Who's in charge of the Flaming Fist?" Saer Justinian asked Silvane. "And the city itself, for that matter." "The city is ruled by four dukes, referred to as the Council of Four. One among them is chosen to be the Grand Duke. Ulder Ravengard is currently the Grand Duke with Belynne Stelmane, Dillard Portyr, and Thalamra Vanthampur serving as Dukes. The Flaming Fist soldiers answer to the Council of Four and commanding officers they have placed in charge. I'm told Captain Zodge commands the Flaming Fists stationed at the Basilisk Gate. Seek him and offer your aid. For this task, I will give each of you 200 gold coins upon your return after giving aid to Captain Zodge." The group was both shocked and pleased by the amount offered by their newly acquired patron. "What are we waiting for?" Aelond asked the others as he stood up and took a final sip of wine. "Let's hurry so we can be back soon and collect that 200 gold coins for each of us!" *** Glindo led the group to the Basilisk Gate which was clear on the other side of the city. He said it would take about a half-hour to reach the gate if they hurried. Along the way, the adventuring company noticed citizens in a state of panic. Many were seen hastily packing what little belongings they had and leaving in groups towards the city's gates. Curious, the group stopped and asked a citizen what was causing the unrest. The half-elf man said that a few days ago a flood of refugees from Elturel, a city to the east, had begun arriving in Baldur's Gate. The situation had gotten worse since news first arrived that Elturel had fallen. Everyone was saying Baldur’s Gate was next, but no one truly knew who or what had claimed Elturel. "What do you mean Elturel had fallen?" Nicaster inquired. "Elturel had been besieged by a conquering army?" Saer Justinian asked. Although he had never been to the capital city of Elturgard, he had heard that many paladins and worshippers of Tempus could be found there. "No masters," the man replied. "I've heard the refugees say the city had simply vanished! It's no longer there! Now, I fear our city is next." The half-elf was very eager to get his family out of Baldur's Gate so the group left him and continued towards the Basilisk Gate. When they arrived at the eastern gate, the group saw dozens of Flaming Fist soldiers trying to control an angry mob of citizens eager to leave the city. When they asked a soldier where Captain Zodge was, the soldier pointed to a tall human man with long black hair and a leather eye patch trying to intervene in a fight between his soldiers and citizens, as he pushed into the fray and ordered the citizen back into the city. To Glindo who had seen how Flaming Fist soldiers handled most situations like these, it was just another day in the City of Blood. When the group approached Captain Zodge, he seemed pleased to see them. They asked the captain what was happening. “The refugee crisis,” says Captain Zodge, “had stoked fears that Baldur’s Gate might suffer the same fate as Elturel, of which nothing remained 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.” The group offered to help. The captain took out several copper badges from a belt pouch. Each badge bore the Flaming Fist’s coat of arms. Captain Zodge said the badges gave the group the license to act in Zodge’s name. “Baldur’s Gate has long been plagued by followers of the Dead Three—the gods Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul," Captain Zodge said. "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 Balduran, be nice. Tarina has dangerous friends.” Captain Zodge immediately dismissed the group and went back to rejoin the other soldiers at the closed gate. "Syndra is paying us 200 gold coins," Aeolond said to the others. "And Captain Zodge is also paying us 200 gold coins?" "Are you complaining?" Glindo asked. "You're welcome to send any amount of those coins my way if you feel burdened by that many coins." "I'm not complaining at all," Aeolond said. "And as far as your offer, the answer is a solid not-a-chance-in-the-Nine-Hells." Glindo smiled then offered to lead the group to the Elfsong Tavern, which he said was one of the most popular taverns in Baldur's Gate. The sun had just settled across the Sea of Swords as the group made their way to the Elfsong Tavern which Glindo said was only a few blocks away.
Session played on December 19, 2020
Syndra Silvane
Comments