Level of Tyranny

[vetinari]

Question about the current status of things. I try to follow the "DM Rumors" threads, but it is hard to piece things together to form a coherent picture. Is it possible to get an overall status of the land we live in? Obviously, there would be separate answers depending on which city or area you are talking about, but in general:

• What is the level of Taxation? ( 1-5; 1= Very High Taxes, 5 = Very Low Taxes)
• Is the Flaming Fist viewed more as bullies or protectors? (1-5; 1=Bullies, 5=Protectors)
• Are the Dukes viewed as Tyrants or benevolent rulers? (1-5; you get the idea)
• What is the level of hunger?
• How is the economy?
• What is the level of poverty?

I have been told by a couple of people that taxes are burdensome, but I haven't seen any DM posts about that. I did a search on "Tax", and could not find anything recent that looked official.

I think for people to be immersed in the world, these things are important for RP. I hear some people IC railing against the Dukes (including me!), but I have no idea if any of it is true. Are taxes outrageous? Are a few of the Dukes friend's amassing wealth while everyone else starves? Are farmers having all of their crops taken? Are dissidents disappearing from the streets?

I am thinking if the DM group could come up with a small number of "status measurements" like the ones above, and post it once a month, it would be very useful for both opponents and supporters of the Dukes (or Amn if you want to do them too).

[Valefort]

1348 DR - Year of the Spur

- Baldur's Gate suffers economically after the conclusion of the Amn-Gate war. This is compounded by a terrible drought. The Duke's freeze grain prices and ramp up taxation. The people suffer and many are relegated to taking up residence in the city's sewers while the Duke's focus on merchant matters and the restoration of trade.

From this http://bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=18957

And it was not rescinded, yet.

[Hitman Hard]

And what is the current mood of the citizentry. . . leaning towards unrest or still willing to serve?

[DMogorgon]

////

The overall mood of the citizenry of BG has improved since 1348.


- The economic hardships have abated a bit and while its not 'let the good times roll' its better than it was shortly after the war. Players solved the drought issue, there were several philanthropic initiatives, there have been mixed results on land trade (along the NE trade route), and some success at improving sea trade (roaringshore raid).

- The Duke's have had several successful publicity stunts over the last year, supporting several religious festivals, hanging a self-professed Zhent, and conducting a rather successful raid on roaringshore recently.

- Most of the troubles of the region have been OUTSIDE of Baldur's Gate... whether Triel, the drow, the blackorcs (although they clashed with the Fist, it did not effect the citizenry) the problems in Beregost and Nashkel... the city of BG itself has largely managed to keep its nose clean.



-- As for negatives,

- there were the shadowy cultist activities which did effect the area.

- there were some rather distant rumors of a devilworshiper in the duke's court (from like 1 yr ago).

- there are some current attempts to sow descent.