Rumors & Events of Baldur's Gate

[Valefort]

With spring and the end of the storm season in sight Mealir can be seen on the docks these days, looking out for sailors and paying visits to clerics and known followers of Valkur, sometimes sparring nearby the temple to Tempus.

The anchored Whistling Wanderess is showing signs of activity again : the ship is being checked from the hold to the masts, the rigging renewed where needed, there is still work to be done.

[chad878262]

Scrolls are scribed and posted from Soubar all the way to Nashkel directing adventuring companies to seek out Tarent Nefzen at the Friendly Arm Inn. Anyone reading a message board in Soubar, Baldur's Gate, the Friendly Arm, Beregost, Gullykin or Nashkel is likely to see the following notice:

Greetings Adventurer!

Tarent Nefzen, Scribe, Wand Crafter and Master Alchemist has need of your skills!
There are many ingredients needed in order to meet the demand for his Arcane Wonders and stock is running low. So if you seek paying work in acquiring the items he needs, rare or mundane find him at the Friendly Arm!

Adventuring is dangerous work, Tarent Nefzen takes no responsibility for any death, dismemberment, or other deformity or hardship brought on while in his employ to acquire components of any kind. Each man or woman is responsible for themselves and should only undertake quests for which they are qualified. By entering in to agreement with Tarent Nefzen the adventurer waives any right, perceived or actual to recompense for hardship, injury or death.

///OOC Information:

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This is a player initiative to help out any players interested in low-mid level adventuring. Feel free to reply to this post, send me a PM or find me in game if interested. My goal is to give new or old players an in character reason to explore the server. If you don't have a group, that's ok, I will do some of the legwork to group up characters of similar levels and play times. Whenever I get a group of 3 or more characters together I will provide a level appropriate quest for you to go on in order to obtain some ingredient. It might be as simple as bringing me 10 fire beetle carapaces or some other item you can get on the server either by killing monsters or using skills. However, in some cases it may also be sending you out to get me components such as eyestocks of a Gauth, hair from the beards of Frost Giants or any number of things. The idea is to help out any new or old players that are interested in a little help in meeting others, grouping up and exploring the server with an RP purpose. So, even if you aren't interested, maybe you run into someone in game that could benefit! if so please direct them to this post!

In order to make things as smooth as possible, if posting to the forum or sending me a PM, please include the following details:
1. Do you have a group? (if not I will make every attempt to get at least 2 other players to group with you)
2. What arch-type is your character? (you can provide build if you prefer or just the general type)
3. What level is your character? (low-mid levels only please. I may expand to Epics later, though I doubt epics would be interested in anything I can offer!)
4. What days and times do you usually play? (Please either state XXXX-YYYY GMT or advise + or - your timezone is in relation to GMT, for instance, I play in Eastern time so I might say I play Mondays from 12:00 - 4:00 PM, Eastern (GMT -5) )
5. OPTIONAL: What areas have you been to? (This is so that I can send you somewhere new, if possible!)

- Any other details are fine, but these 5 will allow me the best potential to party you up (if you aren't already) and come up with a quest for you.

- Please allow me a day or two as it might take me a little time to come up with a quest that challenges the party without sending you somewhere that you have no chance to survive.

- I will grant in game rewards including gold and low all the way up to greater items, depending on the difficulty, length of time and effort (including how much time the player puts in to the RP, screenshots and story telling)... Don't expect anything earth shattering, but I certainly have some items that are better than what a low-mid level character can buy that I'll be willing to part with!

- This is a player run initiative that I am doing to simply help bring some RP, adventure and assistance to new players. If there are any seasoned veterans out there that would like to get involved as a guide, feel free to PM me with what you can support (ie level ranges, what PC's you have in low to mid level ranges, when you play, etc.) This will be a great way to meet some new players and have the chance to show them around in character.

[TheAuthor]

A certain bard can be seen walking around less fortunate segments of the city, recruiting folks for some seasonal work.

[kleomenes]

In the past few days, Ameris Santraeger is seen doing a tour of his old patients, those he regularly tended to while living permanently in the city (at least those still living and traceable). He conducts a check-up, and takes the time to catch up with the recent events in their lives.

Unlike before, he moves through the streets in armour, a sword at his side - something he apologises for upon each visit. He endeavours not to travel alone, but with another priest or other friendly soul.

[Glowfire]

Over the next 16 days, half a barrel of fish is delivered to the soup kitchen in the docks by the Darius Holding Company. The fish is fresh and has been caught on their fishing vessels. Adelaide spends some time in the soup kitchen, overseeing the distribution of the food cooked with their fish and converses happily with those people in the city who are less well off.

[Approved by the DM team.]

[Kagger911]

Word spreads that Shekels spoke with Ameris on a venture he was to take place. Shekels was seen walking in and out of the White Mask Theater with bottles of blood wine in tow. The most prominent rumor is that Shekels wants an audience with the Sword Coast Commercial Exchange.

[Necromantis]

A Seeker of Candlekeep, Morgalia Verenach, would oft be seen in the shopping streets of Baldur's Gate these days, having a friendly chat with shopkeepers or inspecting things more closely, occasionally buying something. Anyone asking around would quickly hear she's rumored to be doing some sort of research to do with magical items.

[Burgy]

A bulletin is posted to the board in Baldur's Gate:


Craftsman Seeks Work!

"Faithful of Gond seeks freelance employment. I am a skilled craftsmen and engineer specializing in weaponry. However, my talents are also useful for many other trade crafts such as construction, repair, or various other blacksmithing jobs.

Interested parties with work they think may fall under these categories may contact me either through the bulletin board or by leaving your message for me at The High House of Wonders."

The post is signed at the bottom:

-Zac Welm

[VillageGreenWitch]

The merchant more or less well-known as Shea the Redhair can be seen walking through the streets around the East gate as well as amongst the docks and to talk to seemingly randomly chosen people - workers, guards, street vendors, craftsmen, adventurers, beggars . . .
She seems to approach everyone she can get hold of.

Those who stop and listen could realize that she is asking the ever same questions:

"Do you know of any people in your vicinity that recently left the town or plan to leave within the next days?"
"Do you know of anyone that is missing already for a few days?"
"Do you know of any unusual recent movements in your vicinity?"

She is looking over her shoulder once in a while, too.

[DM Lobo]

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The merchant more or less well-known as Shea the Redhair can be seen walking through the streets around the East gate as well as amongst the docks and to talk to seemingly randomly chosen people - workers, guards, street vendors, craftsmen, adventurers, beggars . . .
She seems to approach everyone she can get hold of.

Those who stop and listen could realize that she is asking the ever same questions:

"Do you know of any people in your vicinity that recently left the town or plan to leave within the next days?"
"Do you know of anyone that is missing already for a few days?"
"Do you know of any unusual recent movements in your vicinity?"

She is looking over her shoulder once in a while, too.

After several hours of speaking to random people in the street a man can be seen pulling her to one side. The man appears to be in his mid 20s and wears black, fairly genereric looking; most would assume him to be a commoner of the city. They talk for a few moments before he leaves.

[Burgy]

Restless by nature and determined to keep busy, the cleric Zac Welm wakes before dawn and gets into his traditional garb. He sets out first thing in the morning, the sun only teasing the horizon as he heads out from Baldur's Gate to the local farmlands. The man could be seen spending the day speaking with farmers and offering his services as a repairman and builder, should they be needed. He does his best to assure them that his prices are both fair and negotiable, and that he is also open to bartering.

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He eagerly reminds anyone who takes the time to speak to him to keep him in mind should they ever need a plough, cart, or the like repaired.

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His rounds take him quite some time, returning back to the Gate close to midday. Exhausted, he retires to the Elfsong Tavern patio to enjoy the fresh air as he works on a number of different drawings on numerous papers scattered about haphazardly on the table before him.

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[TheZhentarim]

As the first rays of Lathander's grace began to shine over the docks district, two figures navigated its alleyways with haste and determination. They finally arrived at their destination, striding into the courtyard of the Flaming Fist compound. A one-eyed man clad in obsidian plates and an elven wizard of pale complexion stared down the guards and mercenaries. The warrior stood still, his left hand resting on the pommel of his blade, his expression revealing little. The emotionless veil covering his face seemed as if would crack at any moment. As a contrast, the elven wizard seemed to be fuming, his piercing gaze moving from one mercenary to another.

The one-eyed warrior approached an officer, and silently sized the man up for a few moments, before exchanging a few quiet words. The officer gave the man a solemn nod, and they both disappeared into the fortress.

The Elven Lord remained in the courtyard, his livid stare fixing itself upon any individual that crossed his path, or caught his eye. His normally calm, unflappable demeanor, and even the heavy wardings that enshrouded him, seemed to crackle and seethe with a barely contained fury.

The awkward scene in the courtyard persisted for some time, until the officer and the one-eyed man emerged from the fortress once more. The ebon armored figure held the motionless form of a silver-haired woman gently in his arms. His head remained lowered, with his emerald gaze fixed upon his burden for a time; then lifted to reveal the carefully crafted façade beginning to crumble. No words passed between he and the Elven lord- only a silent, simple nod, then he strode from the compound.

With such a sight before him, the barely constrained anger of the elf cracked, and he swept his baleful glare about the courtyard. With a loud, shouting declaration the elf called out "Those that are responsible for this, I promise you by all the powers above and bellow, shall suffer in ways they cannot possibly imagine!" he paused, composing himself "There will be a reckoning."

The Elf Lord turned and joined his companion; hands already beginning to cast. Then, in a flash of magical energy, they were gone.

[DM Lobo]

Rumors are spreading of a city watch compound being attacked last night, a criminal and suspected demon worshipper was taken. The body was later recovered from the city sewers

[kleomenes]

Ameris Santraeger once more gives a controversial sermon on the streets of the city.

Ameris looks out over those gathered, a welcoming smile. When he speaks, his voice is hoarse. Those who have a good view might see a healing scar wound across his throat. "Thank-you all for coming." The priest's smile fades, and he does not speak, letting silence draw on a little.

He begins to speak, an even tone. "I have spoken much about evil this past month. One particular evil in fact, the Zhentarim." A pause. "There are other evils I could speak of." He looks out across those gathered, his gaze finally pulling towards the Thayan Enclave. "Evils that stand out in the open." A frown growing, an angry frown. Then a sadness. His gaze dips.

His fingers drum on the lectern.

He looks out over the crowd again, with anger once more. "Evils stood among us now. Or crazed cultists following a dark god of dragons, bending their own knee and plotting to bend ours. Or nihilistic servants of pure,unadulterated evil, craving eternal night for the Lady of Loss, numb to others, numb to their own sense of self, seeking to make everything nothing." As he relays these, there is a strange tone to his voice, the anger giving way to pity.

The hoarseness of Ameris' voice does not suit fiery rhetoric, and it wavers.

He takes a deep breath, resting his voice a moment.

He continues, a calmer delivery, the angry edge in his voice quieter. "Or evils lurking in the shadows, slithering like Viper's to coil around the city's wealth and nobility, their Eyes cold with murder. Their lies are now a Song to be sung, far and wide; their own instruments ready to be unstrung."

A pause, another breath. He takes a flask from his belt and wets his throat. Public speaking seems to be testing him.

Ameris offers a sad smile, and he continues on almost as if it is an aside. "These last care nothing for those who serve them, leaving them out as carrion when they fail, when they are sent against such an impossible foe as the slayer of the Angel of Decay, Insen. Such cruelty is a mark of evil. It is goodly to show mercy to any who abandon such a cruel cause. You know where I stand." The last, as if addressing a particular group, its not apparent which.

Ameris leans back, hands on the lectern. "Yes, I could rant with righteous fury about any of those evils, and yet more. I could speak words of fire and warning. For as those of the Watcher say, preparation is half of any battle, and by my words I could prepare the people of this city against coming threats, and threats already here, all the things there are to fear."

He looks about, quietly, his gaze meeting those who look in his direction. "I am not going to do that."

He speaks with reflection. "Two days ago, Wren De Corvi, Herald of Darkhold, was shot and killed here in the city. You will have all heard this. Many of you will have heard how I was arrested for this crime. Some will have heard of the crossbow alleged to have been found within the Temple of Ilmater. I can tell you now that I did not do this."

He shakes his head. "No, the Herald had been marked for death by servants of the Lady of Loss, and it is they who stand as clearest suspects in this wrong. Her last days were lived as her service to Darkhold began, in fear of a monster." He then leans forward on the lectern, and stares at Kahanak in the crowd.

His gaze moves about the crowd, still leaning forward, an intensity in his voice. "That fear was a failure of mine. A failure of all the goodly. All the righteous. Every soul has a right to live free of fear, unless they work to place such chains on others. Every soul needs protection. Every soul has worth. It is time that is understood."

A passion enters his voice. "I know many understand this. I have had the honour of working with many people who believe in the worth of others.I have fought beside them. I have healed beside them. I have distributed alms beside them. We have looked over lost children together, we have helped the lost together, we have stood together, for better things. Noble things. And against worse things. Cruel things."

He nods firmly. "Yes, I know many such people, whose hearts are filled with love and tolerance, wisdom, duty. Who share their time and effort to aid others. Whose hearts burn with compassion for those in need, and righteous fury against those who hurt others."

Ameris smiles, as if relating a glory. "I speak of the paladins of the Radiant Heart and Silver Rose, the knights of the Everwatch and the Lathanderites of Beregost, standing as they do against monsters and undead to fight in defence of the innocent. I speak of the druids and rangers of the Elder Circle, guardians of nature, who fight as fierce against unnatural threats as any paladin."

He continues. "I speak of the faithful of goodly and righteous gods in the city, not just of my own faith but of the Triad, or the Watcher, or of Tymora, or of the many visiting goodly clergy we welcome. I speak of that great project, the Halls of Inner Light, bringing together gods of love and tolerance in unity and understanding, and spreading that message to all."

He continues. "I speak of the likes of the Phoenix Company, the Darius Holding Company, the Order of Lions, and the Sword Coast Commercial Exchange, whose charitable efforts have uplifted many out of want and need, slaying the dragons of hunger and want."

He continues. "I speak of the tireless Hellriders of Elturel, at Lord Dhelt's command keep vigil over the lands knows no rest, who harry monsters and villains, and keep the roads in a modicum of safety beyond Duchal lands. A noble task, one emulated by many this past tenday, as many of the groups I have just spoken of, and many other voluneers, took to the roads and brought safety and peace where there was once cruelty and danger."

He continues. "I speak of all those adventurers and champions not in any of those organisations, that stand ready nevertheless to set themselves against that would harm others, guardians by spell or blade, or by soft and gentle word and charitable endeavour."

He continues. "And I speak of those who would seek to help others to help themselves, like Ashan Wayne and his Bladestone Foundation, teaching any who wish for it how to defend themselves, so they need not fear the predators in the world. Noble work, to remove fear."

Ameris falls silent and looks about the crowd. Slowly, his smile fades, and he grows stern in aspect.

A hardness in his voice. "Yes, yes, I have met them. I know many of them well. I know what those who fight to defend this city can do, when they are roused to act. So did the legions of the Blight so find." His hands grip the lectern.

He leans forward. "I do not speak words of warning now to the people of this city. No. I want them to listen to what comes. It is for them I speak, so they understand they can sleep easily at night. But not to them."

He grips the lectern, a fire in his voice. "I speak instead to those who set aside their empathy and hold themselves above others in selfishness. Those that pursue evil and cruelty, and set aside mercy and kindness. Those that think their own greed makes it fair to deny others freedom, happiness, safety, and life. I speak to all the predators and tyrants and slavers and murders and torturers. I speak to the followers of dark gods who preach of death and ruin; I speak to crazed culists to dragons and fiends; I speak to those who kneel before a hag with a serpent's mark and those who offer up their service to a lich of bones."

That fire is an anger. "I speak to you, who defy the law and use fear blended with lies to bring this city to heel, and make it a thing of profit for you, or a thing to further your divine, insane goals. I speak to those who think that it is unmarked that a woman lived in fear until she was slain on the streets of Baldur's Gate – a woman, who despite being my foe, did not deserve this. I speak to those that think it is acceptable to play out the war between evils with another here, in these walls."

Ameris gestures to the nearby eastern gate. "Right by the eastern gate, that one gate that stood firm against even the Blight, under my Sister Reine Arlynson's command, insulting all who gave their lives to hold the line."

Ameris takes a breath, calming. Some moments pass. His gaze dips. He drums his fingers on the lectern. He looks to his left, then his right, then to the crowd once more.

"I speak in case you think you will teach this lesson of fear and all will look and calmly accept it. I speak to you and say this. You are not unmarked. You are not unknown. You are not unwatched. The shadows do not hide your cruelty as you think they do. The blood red footprints you leave mark your passage, allowing pursuit to close. Those who have slept, awaken. Their compassion and mercy for those who suffer turns to fury at your cruelty. Set it aside now. Now. Choose a better path. I will help you." He presses his hand to his chest. "Many will help you, if you seek to change."

A pause. "But continue in your ways, sinners, and there will a time when you will hear music play. A song of justice. And your deeds will be held to account."

Ameris raises his hand to bless the crowd, his very long winded threat to a large variety of evil organisations done. "In the name of Ilmater the wise, the merciful, the enduring."

[DivinityDelayed]

On a damp evening in Baldur's Gate, word spreads of a vigil for the woman who was murdered near the East Gate. A renowned Bard plays her mandolin solemnly for seemingly hours as many people stop by to light a candle after the Bard's example. Other tokens have joined the half-empty bottle of wine as well, in remembrance of Wren Di'Corvi.

Not all who stopped by claimed to know her well, though a couple were clearly closer to the deceased than others. Mostly those even just passing were respectful with those in mourning, save for one gentleman in a wide-brimmed hat and a red-bordered black cloak.