City Relief Effort (Official Board)

[Lampir]

City Relief Effort
Contact: James White the Second (Forum/Login Name: Lampir)
Donations Should be Made to: James White the Second

Balder's Gate and Surrounding Environs are in deep, deep trouble. War, drought, an increase in pirate activity and banditry have caused dire straights. Three main issues must be resolved:

1) The Severe Lack of Food
2) The Near Complete Stalling of Trade
3) Finding Enough Coin to Help the Above

///// Guys we have DM support on these activities. We are go to start really trying to make a difference to what we're seeing in the "Fading With the Sun" board you can read here: http://www.bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=25737

Please post ideas, times available, volunteering time, etc. We'll coordinate ICly and OOCly using this board. EVERYONE is welcome to join in!!!!!! //////


First City Relief Effort Meeting Projects

1) Escorting a large floatilla of merchant ships to make a much needed trip to a nearby city and back again safely without attacks by pirates or other troubles. We need: Merchants, adventurers/mercenaries to protect the ships, coin to fund the purchase of goods and hiring of sailors. Ideas for how to evade the pirates are welcome. Creativity rewarded.

2) Escorting caravans to Amn and back without the usual influx of bandits and ambushes. We need: Adventurers/mercenaries to protect the caravans

3) Repair diplomatic relations with Amn. This is believed to be most well done if proof of the faked assaults that led to the Balder's Gate/Amnian war can be brought to light and leaders of both sides can be convinced. We need: Proof, witnesses, hard cold evidence, diplomats and people with connections to either side's higher-ups.

4) Solicit coin through fundraising and charity. We need: Volunteers willing to run events, donations for charity auctions, creative ideas for raising money.

5) Help farmers & fishermen bring in food for themselves, their families and the city. We need: Expert assistance in equipping and training local farmers/fishermen in drought-farming techniques. Irrigation ditches must be dug, foraging techniques and more efficient fishing techniques taught. Guides to escort hunting parties into the forest to hunt game. We also need coin to purchase new equipment for these people and hired menial labor to dig ditches and sow late-season, dought-resistant crops like squash, pumpkins, broccoli, lettuce, beans, etc.

[gimchi]

Shialla returns from the rebuilding of Beregost, well pleased with her efforts there.

She is appalled at the state she finds the great city in, and had not realized how severe and delayed the aftershocks of war could be.

She hears of the relief effort set in motion by this James White person, and wonders if it has anything to do with the rumors that have reached her ears from the contacts she has been nurturing so carefully, regarding Duke Entar Silvershield.

For the time being she sets her curiosity aside, and pens a short letter to the man. She slips it under the door at 42 Cobbleway.

The letter reads:

To Saer James White the Second, I pledge whatever aid I can lend this fair city, be it the strength of my back, or the edge of my blade. I can also offer a small amount of coin. You may reach me at the Blade and Stars Inn should my effort be required.

Yours in truth, Shialla Shi'arroh


As she turns away she snugs her favorite black beret tighter on her head. Come hells or high water, this city will be my home. The people here will come to accept me or I will die in the trying.

[Maverick 40]

Laisren has never concerned himself with the needs of others outside of his own kin, but after the recent incursions of Malarites into Doron's surrounding forest, he ponders this relief effort.

"We can not allow these fool farmers to continue searching our wood", he thought to himself.

The recent Orcish activities just north of the river in the Swordteeth have kept his attention fixated there. Still, he knew that any conflict with the humans would also produce dire consequences. He begins writing a letter addressed to a few of the young Rangers of the Mathora.....

[Lampir]

Madam Shi'arroh,

It is a pleasure to hear of your interest in helping. I will keep you and the others in touch as efforts progress. Any coin you wish to donate will be put to excellent use. Not a coin will be mispent.

Mercy be upon you,
James White the Second

Update
Relief Funds to date: 2,000 gold


Had a delightful discussion with
Ameena Khoury - has contacts with Calimshan merchants
Edwin Beaumont (Mister Beaumont)
Z'yenna Ann Ey'z - (some diplomacy - don't know her name IC)


They and Pate were involved in a small trade transporatation when ambushed by a huge number of bandits angry at the adventurers for reducing them to banditry to live. More adventurers walked in on the situation and slew the bandits. James has promised to try and reduce loss of life in these struggles as much as possible and understands that the poverty has indeed pushed people to do desperate acts like become bandits. The hope is to increase trade so that those bandits can again have jobs to go to.

James was also told that miss Vala would like to help in the cause.

Pate donated 1000 coins to the cause.
Radient Heart donated 1000 coins during cleansing of undead crypt.

[Atlas]

-

[mrieder79]

A shortish elf followed by a rather thin and distracted looking spotted cat approaches.

"I have heard you need escorts by land and sea, as well as diplomats. My arcane talents would doubtless be useful in both trade caravans and on sailing vessels and I do have some moderate proficiency with diplomacy."

He retires to a corner to await a response, and the cat leaps in his lap and begins to groom itsself - to little effect.

[Lampir]

James receives these detailed plans and files them in a folder labeled “VCPDP”, his secret acronym for ‘Very Counter-Productive and Destructive Plans” before penning a polite thank you note.

Sir Arkaine HalfOrken,

You are as ever a man of action and a credit to Helm. However, as was pointed out in the meeting, the vessel Captain Mealir volunteered is worth well over 650,000 gold, a sum neither of us are able to recoup. Indeed, if the good captain were willing to volunteer his vessel for the guaranteed loss of it, I would find the selling of it and use of that coin to create jobs, purchase drought-resistant seed and otherwise prime our economic pump to be of more immediate benefit to the recovery of our city.

I am well aware of the dangers Roaringshores presents, however at present to dedicate our limited resources to such a plan would be economic suicide and leave our city without the needed protection to prevent an invasion by outside forces. I have filed your plans away for a future date when fewer people are starving and dying of the most fearsome of our current enemies: drought, poverty and desperation.

Mercy upon you, brother in arms,
James White the Second

*To Varlok*

Yes good sir, we are in need of all those talents and would be quite glad to add you to the roster of those helping in this effort. In fact, if you have the means, I could very much use your talents to begin contacting various distant cities to see the condition of their supplies and lands to determine which places would be best for our caravans to go to purchase needed tools, food, seed, etc. Have you that ability to begin coordinating with distant merchants through arcane messaging?

[mrieder79]

A small yellow cat with black spots appears at the doorstep. You see a parchment affixed to its back through some unknown means. Upon removing the parchment, the cat chokes a few times on a hairball, then looks expectantly up at you. Opening the parchment, you find it is from the wizard, Varlok Banlin.

James,

I would be pleased to contact distant cities in person or through arcane channels as I have the means to do both. Please give your response to Gendal, and he will bring it to me.


May Azuth guide your steps,

Varlok

As you finish reading the short note, the small cat meows expectantly, then throws up a little bit.

[Lampir]

*After feeding the cat a bit of fish tail James pens a letter*

Varlok,

It was a pleasure to meet you in person. I will indeed be requiring your services in the next few days as we try to figure out strategically where to go and who to bring. Your familiar looks to be in need of some careful veterinary attention. I would recommend you speak with a ranger or druid soon.

Your humble servant,
James White the Second

Update
Relief Funds to Date: 53,359 gold

James has been moving up and down the Trade Way soliciting donations to some effect. Miss Nea has volunteered to help Herran with his fundraising event. The gnome Nelwynn donated a bar of soap for 'those stinky poor people'. Herran is working hard to arrange and set up fundraising events.

Pate introduced Jarresh Stillwater who has made a donation (500 gold) and also volunteered to do guard duty in exchange for food and healing kits.

Tristan Ebonhawk has volunteered to assist the cause as well.

• James sells a minor item to donate 4500 gold.
  Laitae Lafreth donates 10,000 gold.
  Valge Kylm donates 100 gold.
  Sir Arkaine HalfOrken donates 10,000 gold
  Aston Keir donates 1000 gold.
  Auron donates 550 gold.
  Varlock donates 1000 gold.
  Anonymous donates 100 gold.
  Vala donates 9 gold.
  Virr Churr donates 100 gold.
  Doron Amar (Rhys) donates 20,000 gold.
  Kin donates 2,500 gold.
  Anonymous donates 500 gold
  Anonymous donates 1000 gold

[Lampir]

Update
Relief Funds to Date: 514,568 gold

Araulan offers to help bless the fields when the farmers are ready to start planting again. James will leave word at the Shrine of Silvanus.

James met a pair of street urchins living by picking pockets and eating dead rats. It pained him deeply and his new poster depicts the girl "Lizzy" and her young companion.

Met with Elvina Air-S'efarro who has agreed to hire as many workers as are logical for the unskilled labor needed to build the Order of the Silver Rose's new headquarters.James will get worthwhile workers in touch with their archetech Miss Barbryn Glori in the Merchant League. Also James was told to speak to Mr. Tildon about using some of the people to work on the Gullykin rebuilding.

Thororin Oakenshield has volunteered to help when muscle or sword arm is needed.

• Auron donates 500 gold.
  Kald Blake donations 400,000 gold.
  Will Dahan donates 1,500 gold.
  Vala donates 50,000 gold.
  Adrian Seaker donates 100 gold.
  "Friend of the Bears" (Yasia Davis) donates 100 gold.
  Celdur Amolyn donates 200 gold.
  Virr Churr donates 500 gold to help the poor currently lodging in the FAI
  Krumarth donates 8500 gold
  Anonymous donations of 900 gold
  Vala Sten doates 409 gold

[Lampir]

(A 'form letter' James pays neat-handed, literate out-of-work people to write or, barring finding any, pays Candlekeep to scribe)

To Madam (Mister) _______,

Dearest (Sir or Madam) the city's dying trade, increasing crime rates and unforgivable lack of good food is becoming taxing on all classes. The ruffian pirates and brigands have caused our merchants to twiddle their thumbs in frustration while those out-of-work sailors and dockmen turn to mugging and robbing even such noble(men/women) as yourself.

I have even heard of the laughable solution the Order of the Silver Rose proposed, stocking Mr. Bentley's fine establishment the Friendly Arm Inn with unbathed, uncouth homeless. Clearly you have reason to think that adventurers of that caliber have no grasp on your needs and desires.

However, I do.

I myself enjoy an excellent vintage wine from Calimsham, the delicate musical tones of a master musician and the luxurious feel of fine silken clothing. I understand that this problem with Balder's Gate is becoming so bad that it is even trickling into the Palace District and the Fist are too overwhelmed to solve it.

I am not overwhelmed. I believe that with your support I can focus these adventurers and other rural sorts into doing real actionable steps to clean up our city and get trade flowing properly. The farms you may own will be helped to start producing again. The goods you have waiting in distant cities will finally be able to arrive.

But there is a price. I need sponsorship for the first few caravans and mercantile ships. I will offer a full accounting of every coin spent and help hand-shop for you at the city of destination.

I would be happy to meet with you along with a few of my assistants so as to discuss this sponsorship further. Please let me know of a convenient time.

Your humble servant,
James White, the Second

---------------------------------------------------

(another form letter to the merchants)

Dearest (Sir or Madam),

Are you frustrated by the stymied trade and poor business in Balder's Gate? Have you been trying to seek a caravan guard brave enough, competent enough, to get you through the increased brigand activities? Are you tired of losing money?

The City Relief Project wants to help you. We are assembling some of the strongest, most skilled escorts in the land. We are collecting support to give you the financial boost to purchase goods for the return trip.

But we need you too.

Without your contacts, your wagons, your business savvy and skill this project cannot get off the ground. We are ready to move on this NOW. You can start recovering your business THIS MONTH. The trade must flow - now is the time to make that happen.

I will be happy to meet with you and some of my assistants to prove to you our sincerity and competence. We will be offering loans to those who want to purchase and sell their own goods or we will sponsor the purchase of food and other relief products and pay you for the use of your wagons and drivers. The choices are endless (sir, madam), but to sit and do nothing is death.

Please send word with a time and place of your convenience.

Your humble servant,
James White the Second

[paw]

Herran goes to find James as soon as he has read the letter from Sir Bartholomew, and after a greeting and a few pleasantries, relays the contents of the letter.

"Sir Bartholomew has agreed to meet with us within the tenday. In his letter of reply he stated that he would have his man come to the theater to take us to the meeting. This should hopefully lead to much greater contacts and get my fund raising plans in full gear along with you being able to present the overall concept of projects we pursue."

After a while longer of light conversation they part, Herran smiling and waving back as he goes.

[Lampir]

Herran,

Exciting opportunity! I will hopefully be there to meet with him in person. If not, I beg of you to act as proxy in my stead. Should you need a Second and I am unforeseeably detained consider Miss Nea or Mister Pate to support you. They are both exceptionally gifted and passionate.

Mercy bless you,
James White the Second

Update
Relief Funds to Date: 528,659 gold

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! Druids for rituals and diplomats for calming the farmers are needed for this in-game post. Please assume James has contacted you and asked you to speak with Thergal Stonesmith.http://www.bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26026

Thergal Stonesmith reports the farmlands can be salvagable with the right care and attention. He requires the assistance of other druids. James has promised to put a call out to any volunteering druids to meet with and get directions from Thergal who is leading the farm-restoration project. Special druidic blessings are needed so workers cannot be hired to assist. James agrees to also spread word to the local peasants and farmers of Thergal's work so they will be less hostile towards him.

James meets with NTE owner and member of the Merchant League Delphinn Veil to discuss hiring the NTE's wagons and drivers using City Relief funds. Using City Relief funds to purchase relif supplies like food and medicine and then having city Relief volunteers guard and escort the relief caravan. Delphinn has agreed to at least consider this and reach out to some distant city contacts to find the best food prices and availability. James passed on Varlock's name and contact information as someone who can help in arcane communication in organizing this information.

Delphinn also mentioned some of his own personal charitable efforts he is begining to conduct. Seems Delphinn has had a similar effort idea to helping the City.

• Azeem Abdul-Hadi donates 2,000 gold.
  Anonymous donates 66 gold.
  Aston donates 500 gold.
  Anonymous donates 25 gold.
  Varlock donates 500 gold.
  Balthis Gonthar donates 10,000 gold.
  Scota O'Conner donates 1,000 gold

[maseoo]

Yasia hears the rumours of the relief fund, and feels guilty and embarrassed for not trusting Mr. White's pure intentions. Had she not been swayed by the distrust shown to Mr. White by a dwarf standing nearby, she would have donated more.
As a druid somewhat familiar with the lands, she offers her services in any way that might be needed.

[Lampir]

/// Yasif please post on that other board to help with the farming stuff, thanks! James is of course delighted when he hears Friend of the Bears is helping out! ///


Update
Relief Funds to Date: 530,671 gold

Spoke with Hytaar the hat maker. He has agreed to help drive the caravans as needed.

Jhasso, representing Grand Duke Entar Silvershield, invited James and his right hand man, Pate, to a meeting with Elad of the Merchant League. The League has agreed to send two convoys north to be escorted by the City Relief Effort. If all goes well, more may follow. James will be commissioning at least two wagons in each convoy to use in shipping food and other needed goods (mostly food) into the city on their return trips. This will come out of the funds.

James has asked Pate to be his right-hand-man on the City Relief Effort for his dedication and over all hard work. His first job will to begin heading operations for caravan patrol, protection and coordination. /// Expect a post on here soon when we get a firm date/time from Darkshard. We'll want anyone interested in doing escort work including creative ideas for evading all those bandits! ///



James sells an item and donates 2,000 gold
Hytaar Stuffins donates 12 gold