HotDK 13: “Recruitment and the Trip to Baldur’s Gate”

Frume’s squire shows you to a private space off the tavern’s common room and closes the door when he leaves. Waiting for you in the room are the broadshouldered human paladin, the monk Leosin, and many pitchers of dark red wine. The paladin’s face wears a serious expression, unlike its usual open countenance.

“ My friends, we have important business to discuss. At this point, you know almost as much about it as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday ago. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals— not yet anyway. We’re working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep their heads down and observe. We can’t promise you anything except long days filled with danger and stress— but what could be better than that, eh?”

As the discussion continues, you are told that between the maps you recovered and questioning of Frulam Mondath that it is now known that the Cult of the Dragon is expected to haul the treasures gained from raiding in the Greenfields as far north as Waterdeep or possibly farther still. Invitations are offered by Orlanthar to join the Order of the Gauntlet (an organization that emphasizes faith, vigilance, and the constant struggle against evil) while Leosin offers membership into The Harpers (who like the Order are dedicated to furthering equality and justice and to keeping power out of the hands of those who don’t deserve it but are much more secretive in their approach). Malice and Pubert choose the Order and are inducted later that evening in a private ceremony; Brehanna, due to her respect for Leosin, chooses to join the Harpers - a somewhat less formal induction with a simple presentation of a pendant. The rest of the group determines that while they are willing to help the current cause against the Cult, choose not to formalize membership with either group.

For the Cult to continue north as suspected, they will have to pass through Baldur's Gate, which famously does not allow carts nor animals into the city. This means having to sell their existing wagons and animals before entering the city, the carrying (or hiring porters to carry) their heavy chests and bags through the city to Blackgate and buying or hiring new carts and animals to continue north.

You travel by boat from Elturel westward on the Chionthar River to Baldur's Gate, a journey of about two days during which only Arynor succumbs to motion sickness. When crossing under the bridge that crosses the river Rargir spots a caravan that he's certain is the cult's wagons and people. After pointing it out, Malice also recognizes faces and notices a carriage with curtained windows.

You arrive at the docks of the city knowing you are well ahead of what you believe to be the cult's entourage by several hours as they weren't moving terribly fast. You locate Orlanthar's cotact, Ackyn Selebon. He operates an equipage business in the Outer City north of the city wall, in a district called Blackgate. There he sells all the material needed for long-distance freight hauling: wagons, rope, netting, grease, chains, wheels, and so on. His shop also repairs wagons. He is not directly involved in the hiring of guards for caravans, but he knows people who are. He mentions the name of one merchant, Achreny Ulyetin, who is planning a caravan to Waterdeep leaving in the next day or two; if not hiring himself, he would at least know which merchants or teamsters are. He offers a discount for the inn across the road which his wife runs and promises to let you know if he sees a group matching the Cult's description.

You settle in, waiting, watching...