DM Rumors of the Sword Coast

[DM Soulcatcher]

It Arrived Quietly and Peacefully

First was the sense of peace, washing over people as they entered graveyards. Unlike in all ages past, it was a strange sensation of serenity for the first time in the remembered human history. The dead were at rest and few were afraid that they may awake on their own, sowing chaos and death in their wake. Likewise, the dreaded effects of negative energy permeating the land of the cemeteries had abated, ushering the return of vibrant colours of nature.

Then, came the quiet men and women, dressed in grey robes. Some were visibly marred by time and experience, an unfriendly aura cloaking them at all times. Others were young, hopeful and idealistic. It was those who spoke of the coming of a new way of Death and Afterlife. It was those who say that they've been returned to life after they were Judged with Strife and Hatred and not Fairness and Justice. From their lips came the word of a new Power. A new Dogma. A new promise of peace after death.

They call him Kelemvor, The Judge of the Damned. By his decree, there will be no secrets to death, the afterlife and its process. As such, the Bone Castle is no more. It has been replaced by the Crystal Spire, a symbol of the promise of transparency. His ascension in place of Cyric, they say, was because he had absconded and failed at his duties as a Lord of the Dead- instead focusing on being the God of Strife.


How much truth there is to that- no one can say. Theologians and sages that had come to hear of this God are intrigued by the quiet way Kelemvor's rise had come. Some suggest that it may mean that he truly is a kind, humble and well-meaning power. Most, however, await to be convinced. After all, the Faerunian Pantheon's God of the Dead had always been a vile, evil power that used its position to its wicked ends. They are given to analyse whether or not his ascension had something to do with Velsharoon's. Supposedly, the Master of the Crystal Spire, if to believe his emergent priesthood, had risen on the same day the Zhentil Keep had been besieged.

In the end, the word of Kelemvor begins to spread across Toril. Slowly, but surely.

"Death is but part of life: fear it not, evade it not, and view it not as evil. To fear death delivers you into the hands of those who can bring death down upon you. Die with dignity, neither raging nor seeking to embrace undeath. Do honour to the dead for their strivings in life brought Faerun to where it is now, and to forget them is to forget also where we are now—and why."

[DM Limerence]

The Festival of Sorynyn

The Festival of Sorynyn is upon the realms (Flamerule 3rd to the 5th). This Waukeenar festival marks a time for planning, the making of treaties and agreements, and the receiving of envoys from unknown lands and traditional foes. Prior to the Time of Troubles, Sorynyn was met with much celebratory wine and enthusiasm in the spirit of strengthening of diplomacy (and in turn, trade routes).

With Waukeen still missing, and her clergy receiving nothing but silence from their prayers to her, the mood amongst the Waukeenar is considerably sombre. While some abandoned her faith since the Time of Troubles, the remaining Waukeenar of Baldur’s Gate and other city-states and countries do their best to keep her ceremonies alive.

Despite the increasingly fractured faith, Sorynyn marks an important cultural and political tradition for city officials, a time when “my enemy is like a brother to me” and the conditions of vital diplomatic protocols can be strengthened. If there is any time in the calendar to make deals with your enemies, the time is now. Other faiths play a key part in the festival: the Deneirrath faithfully record the details of contracts, the Red Fellowship consider the strategic value of new military ties, from the shadows (or unknowingly in plain sight) the Maskarran unscrupulously manipulate arrangements, and for the Joybringers, almost any event is an excuse for revelry.

Although Sorynyn persists, the Merchant Friend’s promise of a Golden Age lacks the resplendent appeal it had once held. This year, the signatures and seals promising secure trade routes and prosperity for The Sword Coast feel perfunctory, and the wine tastes dull and flat. Even some of the most devout Waukeenar are beginning to contemplate: “What good is tradition without Waukeen’s blessings?”

[DM Limerence]

Bounties and attacks on Tieflings

Rumours spread amongst the common folk, traders, and travellers, particularly from Beregost and surrounds, of the despicable malevolence of tieflings. It is said that they had a role to play in the undead attack on Beregost. A recent citizen's meeting in Beregost has particularly amplified these rumours, although it is clear that not all in town agree.

Along The Trade Way, there has been talk of bandits stopping travellers to check if they are tieflings, declaring that the horrible fiends will be slaughtered for the good of all. Further, some bodies of tieflings have been found with any horns and tails removed. One group of adventurers came across one such. All in all, it is a dangerous time for tieflings (or anyone who might look like one) along the road.

Notices have begun to periodically appear around Beregost and the Friendly Arm Inn. An example of one such notice:

A piece of parchment, hastily written with ink and poor handwriting.

TIme to end those feend teeflings!

Coin for their horns and seemingly added by another author ALSO TAILS

Half a bago coin for every horn inch

The authors apparently forgot to detail where one might take the horns.

Some tieflings have fought back, and bodies of groups of bandits could be found near the road between the Friendly Arm Inn and Beregost. One site of bodies was found with a bite mark on a man's neck, and an arm cleaved off. The bodies were then buried.

[DM Spartacus]

Talos led druids searching along the north bank near the poisoned Boerskyr bridge appeared to be looking for something undeclared these last weeks. Their very presence slowly drawing the faithful, but also in addition a rare creature has been said to have been spotted fleetingly in the distance, a unicorn.

In the Greenlands a fabled group of assassins are reputed to be offering a reward for information as to the whereabouts of a tormite ranger Eom Dygress


Baldur's Gate deep in a hidden battle for the power of the people is home to repeated rumours that the noble classes hide what may be a relic of wealth. This has drawn thieves from afar who now quietly roam the city.

Thieves continue to pursue a path of tightening a grip on the city wealth in the aftermath of spice. The wealth of a city freed from herbs has been targeted by the usual suspects in a variety of schemes and thefts designed to transfer wealth to the dishonest. So far the Dukes have made reassuring words and called for doubling down on patrol efforts but no major policy changes have been noted.

Agents of the Three Kings, a strange trading cartel, have been rumoured to have recovered a rare relic from troll infested caves. However the whereabouts of this item and the group is less certain.



The House of cards trading cartel reports fish are a premium item and specifically 5 bags is offered for marlin and Sturgeon.

Fire opals are selling well to the far south had the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 2-3 bags a gem.

This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for star sapphirees, no longer the darling of the noble classes.

Rumour has it a reward at Beregost is offered for information concerning the activities and whereabouts of Yhogovolish the devil

The new high Captain of Roaring Shore has been commanded to search out any devils still operating at sea and threatening profits.

A band of warriors from the so called horde operating to the far east have said to be scouting the coast and have set their sights on something drow patrols have also been searching for. This in turn has drawn some interest from treasure seekers.


ooc


If player activity is perhaps divided into intrigue, patrols, trade and social I have dropped 'no dm required' quest opportunities into play on a regular basis to tackle these issues. Often these have dropped background plot clues within them to hopefully further drive player rp. I should say if anyone wishes these quests dropped in at a particular time with any of the above themes (or indeed another) for a specific group then please let me know and I will try and help,

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

[DM Limerence]

Airwalkers Depart

As Midsummer approaches, a few of the enlightened clergy and faithful of Akadi who wander the Western Heartlands and beyond have departed to make their yearly pilgrimage to gather in Shaar, to the far south. It is said that they will gather at the first known shrine to the Lady of Winds in the ruins of Blaskaltar; the most holy site of Akadi's church.

Amidst the warmth of the season, most folk are unlikely to notice the scattered departures of Akadians. Instead, the cities along the coast prepare for the upcoming festivities of Midsummer, made even grander this year by the addition of Shieldmeet. However, with the looming threats to Baldur's Gate and the tensions in Beregost, the morale approaching is more cautious than usual. Is this really a time to celebrate? But tradition is tradition...

[DM Limerence]

Tiefling Hunting and the Bandits

Over the last tenday there has been a noticeable drop in the amount of bandit attacks along The Trade Way, including those who specifically hunt tieflings. The cause of why this has stopped has yet to properly enter the rumor mill. However, the bandit presence have not been completely halted.

Aside from adventurers; travelling tieflings along The Trade Way are no longer spotted - at least those with visible horns and a tail. Enough have been slaughtered, and the ones who survived have fled. Despite the actions of those defending the persecution of these planetouched beings, it is common knowledge that it is dangerous to own horns in these parts.

And some might have even heard of some incidences with tieflings in Baldur's Gate.

[DM Mimic]

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THEY WHO ARE LOST

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Credit:
Radoartcraft

Near Baldur’s Gate, word spreads that the mercenary organization known as the Masquerade Court is preparing to offer its services to the city in its defense against the demons amassed at Ulgoth’s Beard. A scouting party being assembled by the Court is rumored to have disappeared while en route to the ruined village but they were rescued by a ragtag group of adventurers.

In Darkhold, a Zhentarim tiefling soldier by the name of Duncan Aeducan is reported missing. He was last seen in Soubar, where rumors suggested he had an appointment with the Crimson Watch Commander Zerros Ozmir. Tandee, a local Soubar potions merchant, is inconsolable at the news of Aeducan’s disappearance.

In Waterdeep, the inquest into Castus and his crusade against magic concludes with the half-celestial’s trial. Before a panel of Mystran faithful, including Magister Meleghost Starseer from the House of Wonder in Waterdeep and Neela from the Temple of Mystra in Baldur’s Gate, Castus is found guilty of heresy, apostasy, and crimes against the faith. For attempting to destroy the weave, the Church of Mystra can levy only one sentence: death.

Castus offers no resistance, submitting willingly to the judgment. Throughout the inquest, the half-celestial could offer no testimony in his defense; indeed, he himself could not explain why he acted as he did, despite having a full(?) recollection of the events that transpired. When the headsman asks for his last words, Castus can only muster: “Mystra, forgive me.”

Meanwhile, the murder investigation into Enoch the Endless abruptly ends when the mage takes advantage of the pronouncement of Castus’ death to stage his own escape. Waterdhavien authorities have issued outstanding warrants for Enoch’s capture. Enchanter Mythyl from the House of Wonder alerts Neela in the Baldur’s Gate Temple to be on the lookout for any sign of the last of the Brothers Eerie.

[DM Spartacus]

The house of cards apparently responding to dangers at sea and the threat to Baldurs Gate itself has apparently moved some of its shipping trade south denying the gate of some goods. They are moving more goods by wagon however and hiring wagons to do this.

Their summer offer on fire opal prices has ended and they are currently paying top prices on cold iron weapons.

On the road north from Nashkel a group of Helm knights bound for the forthcoming fight at Ulgoth’s were set upon by demons and all but destroyed. Some adventurers who assisted took the survivors north to Beregost.

There is talk at Gullykin that an assassin stalks a group of adventurers there and the community has closed ranks and remains suspicious of all strangers.

[DM Spartacus]

Southwest of the Boerskyr bridge somewhere was the reputed site of a woodland battle nature. A lone unicorn accompanied by dryads and bears clashed with Druid of Talos and their dark wolves in a fey like battle. All were gone by the next day and never seen there since.

The trading cartel the Three Kings are rumoured to be searching for agents they hired to recover some magic and have now gone missing.

[DM Ink]

A Long Road Back

Deep in the steaming depths of the Kossuth temple, the faceless traveler Kassux finished his work on a shining brass instrument. The tired old zealot placed it away in a box, and wrapped it slowly with parchment. When the gift was tied up, he wrote a line across it: "To my dear daughter Lynette". It took him some time to bind the gift in cord, as wooden hand no longer moved as it did years prior. Just as it was finished he took a long moment to look over his table, and then the fiery temple itself.

The Kossuthite placed his wooden mask down on the counter, and with a quick spell the expressionless face he wore for years was reduced to ashes. That day, Kassux approached the priest; one of the few friends he had ever known. Few can recall the words exchanged between the two, they were so quiet even the crackling of the fire could drown them out. Even then, when the Zealot left the priest asked over the roars of the burning flames.

"Where will you go?"

The former Iron Flame answered in short, "To be a father."

For those who knew Kassux, the exchange was brief as it often was, but some could have sworn through his bandaged face and single hollow eye; he smiled.

The long time visitor of the Temple left upon that evening, where few ever knew where he went.

[DM Spartacus]

A patrol from the Everwatch was spotted out and about around Nashkel. Some refugees were encountered near the old mines battered and worn by their experiences on the road they were spoken to by clerics of Helm and subsequently offered hope within that temple. They are said to have left towards a new life embracing helm. But the patrol did not finish there for a group of scouts were said to be following the Helmites and one of their number was spoken to by the patrol. Information was exchanged and an attempt made by a hin to buy magic from the Everwatch. Demons were also spotted in the vicinity. Overall however the town surrounds were declared safe for now.

The Dukes of Baldur Gate were inspired by the temple of Ilmater to fund an initiative to end criminality among the young within the city aiming to drive them from the streets and provide alternative life choices. In this matter they seek help from all responsible citizens. They encouraged the Radiant heart to make their presence known, and for those associated with the common cause to support and encourage both approaches of enforcement and life style choices. Those involved in encouraging youngsters pursuing crime were strongly urged to consider their position.



ooc


If player activity is perhaps divided into intrigue, patrols, trade and social I have dropped 'no dm required' quest opportunities into play on a regular basis to tackle these issues. Often these have dropped background plot clues within them to hopefully further drive player rp. I should say if anyone wishes these quests dropped in at a particular time with any of the above themes (or indeed another) for a specific group then please let me know and I will try and help,

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

[DM Mimic]

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THE WHEEL TURNS

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Credit: Grafit Studio

In Baldur’s Gate, only days after his defeat in the Gauntlet of Champions, Sir Felix Fassaway and an accomplice accost Rhaeg, Speaker of the Commons, during the latter's visit to the home of an influential supporter. With two witnesses to attest to the Speaker's account of events, the people of the city begin to suspect the half-orc's outburst at the Gauntlet was justified after all; those voices in the city backing Rhaeg grow louder.

Fassaway's trial on charges of conspiracy and attempted murder is set for next year. The City Watch, cognizant of the recent tensions between the Watch and the Commons, attempts to outsource the investigation to parties whose relationship with the half-orc Speaker is less fraught. Meanwhile, Lord Hargrove of the Chalice of Siamorphe condemns the attempted murder in the most tone-deaf way possible:

"It is the duty of the nobility of Baldur's Gate to govern the common masses, not to slaughter them. Our divine right is a mandate of leadership. If these allegations are true, Sir Fassaway has disgraced himself by indulging in base desires of petty vengeance unbecoming a knight of the Gate. To stoop so low is incorrigible."

In Roaringshore, a priest of Cyric arrives to proselytize on behalf of his god and the Spire of the Black Dawn, the foremost temple of the Black Sun in the region, superior to any other Cyricist sect. Watchful Skull Roakhan seeks out the most cruel and ruthless of the pirates in the town to present Cyric as a natural choice for them: a god who not only abides but relishes in the actions of those who take without asking, indifferent to their methods. He stresses Cyric's immense power and rejection of any laws, rules, and norms - outside of those regarding the veneration of Cyric himself and fealty to the Spire and its Herald. Those who reject their authority Roakhan condemns as heretics that stray from the One True Way.

In Amn, the ill-liked Baron Enriq Rhonmark dies under mysterious circumstances; few mourn his passing. Stefan Rhonmark stands to inherit his father's land and titles - provided he can quash the dispute put forth by his uncle, Eloy. The elder Rhonmark questions the legitimacy of his nephew's claim to succession based on unsubstantiated rumors that Stefan is the product of an affair by his famously reclusive mother and an unknown suitor. Judicator Sofia Barca has been dispatched to the Rhonmark Barony to resolve the conflict one way or the other.

[DM Mimic]

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TWINING HEARTS, BRANCHING SOULS

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Credit: Anna Podedworna

United by Guardian Emmanuel's ritual, druids from across the Sword Coast assembled at the ruined grove near Candlekeep's shores, where Talos had wreaked havoc and destruction upon nature itself. Druids from the Green Enclave, Doron Amar, and others answered the call for aid, holding Chauntea, Silvanus, Mielikki, Rillifane Rallathil, and others in their prayers. Along with them came many allies and protectors, some from the nearby Bladestone Foundation, others from organizations and faiths a step removed from nature but united in their common aspiration to see the grove renewed.

The ritual proceeded according to plan at first. As the gathered druids placed focus stones in the center of the grove, a manifestation of the grove's heart appeared, charred and wracked by Talos' wrath. The druids arranged themselves in a circle around the stones, and as their guardians arranged themselves in a circle around the druids, the three circles formed a sacred nexus. Guardian Emmanuel led the group in prayer and then in spell, first purifying the earth, then beckoning nature itself to return.

Just as the Guardian prepared to bind himself to the grove, a betrayer revealed himself. The druid Beric Vigge had come with the many other defenders of nature that joined the ritual but he did not reveal the god he worshipped until now: Talos. Seeing the Storm Lord's terrible work about to be undone, Beric called to the heavens for Talos to pour down his dissatisfaction. Lightning coalesced overhead to strike at Emmanuel. Thanks to the druid Runa's quick thinking, the Guardian was preserved by a spell of Energy Immunity. Efforts to strike at Beric failed until at last, Natariel summoned a Crushing Fist that wrenched him away from further harming the Guardian.

Seeing his efforts come to naught, Beric sacrificed himself in a last effort to sabotage the ritual. Devastating bolts of lightning crashed down from the sky, electrocuting dozens of the participants and nearly destroying the manifestation of the grove's heart. Only with the united effort of the entire group was the ritual able to be salvaged. And with the completion of the ritual, the grove was restored at last.

The ritual was not without cost. For in order to ensure the ritual's success, the Guardian has tied his own life to the grove. Should the grove be destroyed again, the Guardian's life will be at stake. Even so, he will not be without allies. A dryad - one who once was saved by Emmanuel's healing spell - has promised her aid in nurturing the grove's regrowth. Meanwhile, the mysterious bear (?) Oso has chosen to remain in the grove as the Guardian's guardian.

For now, peace and rejuvenation have returned to this place. Only time will tell how long it can last.

[DM Smile]

Everything Burns

Baldur's Gate Farms - Fields of the Dead (AI-generated)

With the city being busy on the front to fight against the demons in Ulgoth's Beard, the outer farms were difficult to protect or to look over... and because of that, someone took advantage of such. It happened all of a sudden: drow appeared out of nowhere, and torched some of the outer farms of Baldur's Gate. It would have been far worse, if not for the intervention of three knights: two coming from the north, and one sworn to vengeance. Because of their actions, only two were eventually abducted and brought who knows where. The damage was contained, but worrisome nonetheless.

Is this the beginning of the age of terror announced by Manshoon?
Have the Zhentarim finally attacked Baldur's Gate? Or something else is at work?

People's unease is clear, and many theories begin to form.

[DM Verjigorm]

A Gathering of Air and Darkness



Upon the evening of the 23rd of Nightal, a great wave of frost - of magnitudes far beyond what was normally felt even in arctic environments - set upon the easternmost side of the Fields of the Dead. From there, it spread dangerously close upon the farmsteads towards the west. The source soon became visible to the mortal eye from even far away lands in the following candlemarks. A vast spiral of malignant, otherworldly energies rose in those eastern reaches of the Fields, upon some seldom travelled road only spoken of in recent times in relation to logging expeditions. Animals and people alike froze upon contact when drawn too close to the phenomena.

And yet, despite these most dire portents, what might have seemed to have been another doom and blight upon the Sword Coast ended but half a day later. Distant onlookers of the skies swore that they had seen the striking of three bolts of lightning just before the spiral of dark and frost snuffed out and dispersed into nothingness - it's product of otherworldly cold washed away to leave a winter landscape befitting of the Material.

Perhaps it was a freak occurrence, perhaps it was the work of saviours unknown. After the raids upon the hamlets closer to the Gate, the survivors had breathed out in relief over having not to contend with another ill fate so soon after the last. Some had even managed to take solace in the following dawn, citing what they swore was one of the most beautiful sunrises they had ever seen - the light playing perfectly across untouched plains of snow to produce nigh-magical displays - a sign that despite all the horrors of the world there was still beauty and respite to be found.

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