Baldur's Gate: Of Monarok's Trials
by Blood Amps
Chapter One - Hired!
In the Slums district of Athkatla operated a band of mercenaries known as the Mandiocs. Known for there fine training of the ways of the sword, these mercenaries are highly sought after by private idealist or other sects and cults. Among these mercenaries one may find a member with backgrounds such as thievery and murder as well as the banishment from Baldur's Gate or Waterdeep. Basically, the Mandiocs are a group of cutthroats and bandits for hire. They are also recognized for their fierce ambition and the unnecessary collateral damage they cause.
One such member within the Mandiocs is a resilient young man who goes by the name of Monarok (this name was chosen by his guild and now remains with him. The origins of his real title are unknown to this date). Trained by the best of the Mandiocs and befriended by the deadliest, Monarok has made his way through the ranks with flying colors. Though there are only three ranks within the Mandiocs, and Monarok being the second, he is considered a high authority due to his good business.
Monarok is well-witted, strong, and ambidextrous with a broad, one-handed sword which he always has with him. These skills, though few, are best known and sot after by many a high bidder. Often working for the Shadow Thieves, Monarok has picked up bits of the thieving practice here and there. Stealth, lock-picking, and trap-finding are his most accomplished skills, though little accomplished they are.
Monarok lives by the blade of his sword, and long shall he live if he so remains to it. His conception of reality and of the gods are passive and he does as he pleases to suit his needs. Though he has good morals and high standards, Monarok will change for a brief time if the money is right. Like they say, no job too small...
Monarok's latest business is the escort of some mage of repute. A man named Vhailor had met with top agents in the Mandiocs for a dangerous escort to Baldur's Gate. And, as I've said earlier, the Mandiocs are known for there banishment from Baldur's Gate. Though there are exceptions, and their best being Monarok. And so it fell upon him to take on the job of Vhailor. The man had paid well just to meet with the Mandiocs and had promised more to come. Though trust is hard to get in Athkatla, bribery often subsides this.
'On the 'morrow we shall leave, fair warrior. Rest well for our journey be a long hike.' said the old man, Vhailor.
And with that the man had left to his rooms upstairs in the Five Flagons Inn. Homeless, Monarok had also rented a room for the night. He bought a small room though.
Within his room, Monarok sat upon his bed in noting but his brown, cloth-woven shirt and pants; loose-fitting for comfort when he strapped on his armor. The night drifted on while Monarok sat deep in meditation. Thoughts swept through the hideously scarred mind of Monarok. Emotions and past events spoke of horrible things that had flayed the life from Monarok. But one thing stood true in his mind. Time moves on and destroys all: kingdoms, life, and eventually memories.
Monarok fell asleep soon after...
Sunrise swept threw the window of Monarok's quarters, awakening him from his disturbing slumber. Hair matted, skin ithcy and cold, eyes swollen with sleep that still hung from his lids; Monarok was dead tired, but that didn't stop him. Money is his only concern and to get it meant to wake up. He pulled on his thin leather armor and pulled a black overcoat over it. It made him a bit bulkier, but other than that it wasn't noticeable at all.
A knock came to his door, and he grabbed his black hilt sword. 'Name your business!' he said aloud. 'Come, my employed friend, we embark if you are indeed ready.'
Monarok opened the door. He saw that Vhailor had stuck out his hand in common gesture. Monarok took his hand and shook, returning the courtesy. 'Wouldn't we need some provisions? I'm sure it's a long way to either Beregost or Nashkel.'
'Unnecessary,' replied Vhailor, 'Food is all about the wilderness... you just have to know where to look. Come, I'll worry about the food and fear not for I shall provide you with plenty if it need be so.'
Though his trust yet be gained by Vhailor, Monarok took his words. He couldn't argue. He wasn't hired to eat... just to escort. 'I see your dressed casually. That is good for I wish to avoid any attention that may be brought upon us.'
'Is there something I should know?' asked Monarok, curious as to this mage's intent. There were a lot of vicious people in the wild, but none came close to the mages of civilization. 'There... is nothing, Monarok. Hold your tongue on these matters for you'll not be needing to known them. Mark that I intend no offense... I just need this to be a... quiet matter.'
'Aye,' replied Monarok. And they left Athkatla.
End of Chapter One. More to come soon, so check back later. Also, please review this article. I appreciate your interest. DISCLAIMER: I own no rights to the Forgotten Realm thingy!
by Blood Amps
Chapter One - Hired!
In the Slums district of Athkatla operated a band of mercenaries known as the Mandiocs. Known for there fine training of the ways of the sword, these mercenaries are highly sought after by private idealist or other sects and cults. Among these mercenaries one may find a member with backgrounds such as thievery and murder as well as the banishment from Baldur's Gate or Waterdeep. Basically, the Mandiocs are a group of cutthroats and bandits for hire. They are also recognized for their fierce ambition and the unnecessary collateral damage they cause.
One such member within the Mandiocs is a resilient young man who goes by the name of Monarok (this name was chosen by his guild and now remains with him. The origins of his real title are unknown to this date). Trained by the best of the Mandiocs and befriended by the deadliest, Monarok has made his way through the ranks with flying colors. Though there are only three ranks within the Mandiocs, and Monarok being the second, he is considered a high authority due to his good business.
Monarok is well-witted, strong, and ambidextrous with a broad, one-handed sword which he always has with him. These skills, though few, are best known and sot after by many a high bidder. Often working for the Shadow Thieves, Monarok has picked up bits of the thieving practice here and there. Stealth, lock-picking, and trap-finding are his most accomplished skills, though little accomplished they are.
Monarok lives by the blade of his sword, and long shall he live if he so remains to it. His conception of reality and of the gods are passive and he does as he pleases to suit his needs. Though he has good morals and high standards, Monarok will change for a brief time if the money is right. Like they say, no job too small...
Monarok's latest business is the escort of some mage of repute. A man named Vhailor had met with top agents in the Mandiocs for a dangerous escort to Baldur's Gate. And, as I've said earlier, the Mandiocs are known for there banishment from Baldur's Gate. Though there are exceptions, and their best being Monarok. And so it fell upon him to take on the job of Vhailor. The man had paid well just to meet with the Mandiocs and had promised more to come. Though trust is hard to get in Athkatla, bribery often subsides this.
'On the 'morrow we shall leave, fair warrior. Rest well for our journey be a long hike.' said the old man, Vhailor.
And with that the man had left to his rooms upstairs in the Five Flagons Inn. Homeless, Monarok had also rented a room for the night. He bought a small room though.
Within his room, Monarok sat upon his bed in noting but his brown, cloth-woven shirt and pants; loose-fitting for comfort when he strapped on his armor. The night drifted on while Monarok sat deep in meditation. Thoughts swept through the hideously scarred mind of Monarok. Emotions and past events spoke of horrible things that had flayed the life from Monarok. But one thing stood true in his mind. Time moves on and destroys all: kingdoms, life, and eventually memories.
Monarok fell asleep soon after...
Sunrise swept threw the window of Monarok's quarters, awakening him from his disturbing slumber. Hair matted, skin ithcy and cold, eyes swollen with sleep that still hung from his lids; Monarok was dead tired, but that didn't stop him. Money is his only concern and to get it meant to wake up. He pulled on his thin leather armor and pulled a black overcoat over it. It made him a bit bulkier, but other than that it wasn't noticeable at all.
A knock came to his door, and he grabbed his black hilt sword. 'Name your business!' he said aloud. 'Come, my employed friend, we embark if you are indeed ready.'
Monarok opened the door. He saw that Vhailor had stuck out his hand in common gesture. Monarok took his hand and shook, returning the courtesy. 'Wouldn't we need some provisions? I'm sure it's a long way to either Beregost or Nashkel.'
'Unnecessary,' replied Vhailor, 'Food is all about the wilderness... you just have to know where to look. Come, I'll worry about the food and fear not for I shall provide you with plenty if it need be so.'
Though his trust yet be gained by Vhailor, Monarok took his words. He couldn't argue. He wasn't hired to eat... just to escort. 'I see your dressed casually. That is good for I wish to avoid any attention that may be brought upon us.'
'Is there something I should know?' asked Monarok, curious as to this mage's intent. There were a lot of vicious people in the wild, but none came close to the mages of civilization. 'There... is nothing, Monarok. Hold your tongue on these matters for you'll not be needing to known them. Mark that I intend no offense... I just need this to be a... quiet matter.'
'Aye,' replied Monarok. And they left Athkatla.
End of Chapter One. More to come soon, so check back later. Also, please review this article. I appreciate your interest. DISCLAIMER: I own no rights to the Forgotten Realm thingy!