Upon completion of the Temple of Gonds mechanized steam engines, Nalissa Colds and Shaeth Galeas finished their work. They completed additional sources of power for the ice bound boats known by their creator as "Spanky-boats". The days following the completion of their work included long hours and rough nights fitting several of the vessels with the additional devices. When all of the vessels modifications were finished, the workers stood proudly at the docks edge as the ships were carefully moved into the rough ice waters.
Off the docks and into the water! The Baldur's Gate citizens stood outside watching as the steam engines pumped plumes of hot steam into the air. The crushing paddles broke the ice around it. The workers and citizens cheered together as the Gondite's "Spanky-boats" crawled above the ice, making their way down the rivers and trade routes carrying essential cargo to neighboring villages. Other modified vessels of the same design smashed and broke the ice into open pathways for boats and vessels to continue trade.
After days of running these Gondite creations, the docks themselves gave way to the vessels who had crushed the ice to a manageable size. Grand Duke Belt put out a statement thanking the Civil Council for their contribution to Baldurian Trade. In the words of the Grand Duke,
"This demonstration is only one of many contributions of our brilliant people, proving once again the resilience and tenacity of Baldur's Gate. The city thanks: Rhaeg for the advocacy of our hard working shipwrights, the Temple of Gond for its tireless dedication, House Alora, Ylordia, and Burninghem for their resources, finally House Darius for their organization and execution. It Gives us great pride to see so many heros amongst our citizens."
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Once again, a sizeable retinue of Flaming Fist soldiers escort a wagon out of the city towards the north. Those witnessing the departure, say they saw only the Grand Dukes Entar Silvershield and Liia Jannath within the wagon. They pass out into the Fields of the Dead, travelling the Coast Way towards Waterdeep.
A list of names is posted outside of Baldur's Gate listing off the names of the upcoming individuals sentenced to death this upcoming Tenday:
Those Committed of Crimes to be Punished by Death:
Thorak - Full Orc - Crimes of Banditry and Murder
Matthew - Surname Unknown - Crimes of Necromancy
Ethis Samos - Crimes of Murder
Lynn Valma - Crimes of Poisoning and Murder
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
The morning Tarsakh the third is greeted by the sounds of a grieving family who arrive to the Flaming Fist compound to report their missing child. The mother and father report nightmares of the child. Their son allegedly woke them up several times in the night to report a strange man in a dark brown coat with tall bark-like antlers. This strange hooded visage would watch the child from across the room with fiery burning eyes. The parents went to the child's room to check, and each time nobody was there. Upon the third night of the two slept well through the night without being awoken by the young boy. When they went to check on him in the morning he had vanished without a trace. The Flaming Fist has asked that anyone matching this description to be approached with caution and reported immediately.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
As it happens every year, today is the day of the Breaking! The City-wide celebration that is traditionally held on the day the last ice thaws and breaks from the harbour and thus opening the season of naval commerce back again.
Grand Duchess Liia and Belt had made an appearance in the Harbour, giving praise and a free gift of cinnamon buns and mead to the citizen of Baldur's Gate, for their durability and strength in overcoming the recent crisis of food scarcity. Amidst those praises, Grand Duke Belt had named several factions and organisations which deserved special praise: The Commons, The Triadic Collective, The Halls of Inner Light, House Darius, House Divine, Order of the Radiant Heart, The Merchant's League, Rocky Creek, High Hall of Wonders- Gond's Faithful and The Sanctuary of Ilmater!
For their tireless work in alleviating hunger, suffering and ensuring that in the future no such threats will ever come back- Grand Duchess Liia has announced that they will receive "Noteworthy gifts". Belt, known as the People's Dukes, has been seen being the first person to hand goods to a dock worker to deliver to the market. He also had done several rounds of baby-kissing, high-fiving with workers and, usual for him, joyous exultations!
The food problems of the Gate are, officially, over.
Lanterns glow in the night hours of Baldur's Gate as the many members of the city watch patrol in greater numbers. Rumor has it there could be something nefarious lurking in the shadows of the East Gate District after another report of two additional missing children reach the lips of the town crier. Flaming Fist soldiers appear tight lipped on a potential cause, but have referred any frightened families or children to reach the Ilmater shrine in light of their offer to assist in these times.
A report from the tradeway indicates signs that have been kicked or broken. It appears to be the work of something with hoof prints. Several travelers suspect it the work of the local wildlife. Few clues or evidence point either way. One partially smoked cigar was found next to a flask, which could lead one to believe the recent vandalism may be the work of bandits. No casualties or injuries have been reported. Only confused wagons wasting time going down the wrong routes.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Something stirs in the harbour, rumours talk of a meeting.
Dabron Sashenstar, renowned adventurer, explorer and heir to House Sashenstar was seen visiting the office of the Merchant's League.
It is said that plans have been made between House Sashenstar, the League and the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply but the details are not known to the public. The League's office stirs with activity and positivity for the future to come.
Later in the afternoon, citizens of Baldur's Gate lock their doors reporting a strange man with black hair and fine clothes dancing and singing in tongues. The man is reported as wearing furs and light armor. While reported as harmless, local watch suspect a drunk may have come across somebody's equipment.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Reports of an art theft at House Anjinson of the House of Cards trading cartel were quickly followed by reports adventurers had tracked the thief down before he was later apprehended by agents of the house and returned to Baldur's Gate. It is said he is willing to cooperate with authorities apparently seeking a better outcome.
There were no artists on hand to capture the moment of his return but it is said treasure hunters were among the crowd.
Elsewhere around the docklands rumours lore had been recently uncovered about a cult searching for relics on the coast, this for many brought back memories of recent encounters with Hags, Fey, Devils and Dragons such was fear in the underbelly of the city. Of course there was a rumour of undead in the underbelly too but that is another story. Whatever clues have been uncovered no one is currently talking.
On the next day, fliers bearing an official Ducal seal are pinned in various places of the city. Town criers can be heard speaking them aloud to the masses who are unable to read or, simply, don't want to.
The harbour is lively, the mercantile fleet of House Sashenstar prepares to set sail.
According to the rumours, a valuable deal has been signed between the renowned Balduran House and another House in Elturel.
This, right after a meeting at the Merchants' League between Lord Aldeth Sashenstar, Jon Smythe of the Chiontar Charter & Seaward Supply and Nathan Goldenmane of House Darius.
The mariners of House Sashenstar talk of a trade deal that will bring much food to Baldur's Gate. On top of that, rumours of negotiations to fit the mercantile fleet with a new technology developed by the Temple of Gond and House Darius.
The town crier announces: "Hear ye, hear ye! The glorious Grand Dukes have raised Osric of house Vale to nobility of Baldur's Gate! Henceforth he shall be known as Lord Osric Vale! Glory to the Grand Dukes and Baldur's Gate!"
Announcement from the Council of Four The city has recently been the theatre of speeches and propaganda clashing against each other, while the general public seem to have perceived the Black Abbey's message in a hostile and suspicious way, it is also true that the supporters of the Dead Three within the city are not known to be vocal due to the local laws.
On the contrary, the speech of Lord Osric Vale finds ground to flourish and it is said that a few young men and women decided to approach the Radiant Heart to become squires, inspired by his words. On top of that, a few adventuring groups have found in that speech their next new mission and will be travelling to the East to join the war.
As soon as the climate returns to normal, all the town criers across the city are given the following proclamation. The Council of Four speaks.
Let it be known,
The members of the Zhentarim, Black Abbey and the Order of the Blackrose are now banished from Ducal Lands, and will be banished until further notice.
This ruling has been made with the following charges:
Zhentarim:
Threat to the City and its Security.
Order of the Blackrose:
Affiliation with Darkhold, enemy to the Lords Alliance.
Threat to the City and its Security.
Black Abbey:
Sedition.
Threats to Baldur's Gate and its citizens.
Preaching and use of Symbols of banished Deities.
Affiliation with Darkhold, enemy to the Lords Alliance.
Threat to the City and its Security.
In addition, Baldur's Gate proclaims that it stands by the families of the innocents that are losing their lives in this war and will sustain its allies in the effort of rebuilding and restoring what the Zhentarim destroyed.
So speaks the Council of Four,
Glory to Baldur's Gate
A most strange occurance is sighted in the Gate this afternoon. The known Thayan Enclave closes its doors for the day as it deals with a sudden swarm of frogs that takes over the building. It is unclear what caused it, as the Thayas spill no words to any who ask. From the outside, all can see a green mist accompanied by a weird smell and, of course, frogs.
Winter is coming... Or something like that, idk, you get the joke
The sounds of hammering could be heard outside of the northern farmlands this morning. Long beams of timber stretch across the morning sky as Flaming Fist soldiers and carpenters alike nail together the beginnings of a long stretch of gallows. A long wooden trunk is driven into the ground atop a mound of lumber. Citizens gather as the anticipation of a grand execution is to be set. A ledger remains staked in the ground at the worksite.
Hereby Sentenced to Death by
Execution
Simor Hinus - Public Display of Symbol of Bane and Preaching of Dogma
Seven Pirates of Captain Butterbeard - Murder and Robber
Peter Gilbu - Aiding an Orc in Murder and Treason
Amra Engar - Holding a Pact with a Fiend
These individuals will be given mercy only by death of execution in accordance to Duke Law. Aiding these individuals will result in following their example. The execution will proceed within the next few days upon completion of the structures.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
