Rumors of the Northern Sword Coast

[Bad Omens]

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[Kiran]

A man with a brown cloak and hood, donning a large grey and white plate mail was seen entering the Enclave of Baldurs gate.

He was not seen leaving, however.

[Lighters]

In Soubar..

The man known as Eidolon continues to be a frequent guest of the Winding Way tavern, as well as one found among those jolly drunkards around the communal fire, always quick with a kind jest, a good story, and an eager ear.

His prominent amulet bearing the chalice emblem of Siamorphe is usually in view, and tales of benign noble heroes are a common theme among his stories.



Subject: Rumors & Events of the Sword Coast, North...of Baldur's Gate
Subject: Rumors & Events of the Sword Coast, North...of Baldur's Gate

[Sputnik]

The Ebon Blade fort in Soubar had been undergoing renovations, during which most of the mercenaries stayed near to protect and oversee the workforce. Their task complete, the workers have now been paid and sent home, with the promise of more work in Soubar to come.

As a result, Ebon Blade Mercenaries can once again be seen patrolling the roads and hinterlands around Soubar. The fifteen or so warriors march as far South as the ruins of Triel, to the Boareskyr Bridge in the North and Tempus' Tears to the South-West.

Those that remain in Soubar may be spotted manning the walls or patrolling within the village.
Observant folk familiar with the area would notice tighter security in general.

[aaron22]

Rumors around the Soubar merchants are that an orc and human came to blows in the plaza. While not strange that there was a fight between the two. What was odd was that the orc known as Khar did not look to fight back against the Ebon BLade Captain, Griel. In the last two weeks Khar and Tor'rak had beaten down a couple of combatants and possible members of the Ebon Blades. So to not swing or cast against the leader seems out of character for the combative orcs. The two orcs limped away from Soubar toward Uruk Lurra injured but oddly pleased by this beating.

[TheTwiste11491]

Word spreads around Soubar of a discovery made, All the while the Fortress of the Ebon Blade is busy with activity this increased activity is speculated to be due to this discovery

[MedalOfValor]

Ebon Blade Daily - Preparations

Following the mysterious discovery, the hustle and bustle inside and outside of the Ebon Blade Fort continues. Wagons of food and barrels of liquor can be seen parked outside. Men hurry to unload and carry the goods into the Keep. With the doors open wide, the passersby can notice that the Mercenary Headquarters are undergoing a thorough cleaning regimen.

However, it is the new, clean banners hanging from the walls that draw the most attention. Black cotton with edging in golden silk and the Ebon Blade symbol embroidered upon its face with silver thread.
In the courtyard, the mercenaries run through parade ground drills. New standards, in a similar design to the banners, are given to the standard-bearers who are dispatched to stand atop of the Fort's tower.

The air of preparation and anticipation hangs over the busy Keep. If asked by anyone, mercenaries and workers alike remain tight-lipped, claiming they are under orders to not disclose any information.

There is a change on the horizon. Something is coming.

(((OOC Credits:
Soundtrack: Hans Zimmer, duh.

[Tsidkenu]

Three figures arrived in Soubar recently, two females and one male, dressed in fairly common adventuring garb and brown, nondescript cloaks. They spent most of their time in the Winding Way Tavern where they also lodged.

Rumour has it that one of the women was asking around about the activities of the Ebon Blades and the names of notable or important figures in the town but did not go into much detail as to why or what she wanted with them, simply responding she just needed to know who the authority figures were.

The other two were not seen very much after a disturbance in the inn involving a phantasmal spider in their room.

After two days in the wild frontier town the three of them made their departure at the stroke of dusk, vanishing in a flash of magical light near the eastern gate.

[MedalOfValor]

A tall woman clad in a dusty, traveling garb in the color of ash with a hood hanging low and a mask pulled tight across her face could have been seen walking the steps of the Soubar's Gallows. She leaned against the gibbet's frame looking around before her attention shifted to the Mercenary Headquarters.



She took note of the increased activity around the Fort. With her head canted to the side she watched the new banners fluttering in the wind. The woman bent down to reach for the knife hidden in her boot. She twirled the blade lazily between her gloved fingers looking toward the top of the Keep's Tower. The mask on her face stretched ever so slightly.

A group standing by the merchant stalls pulled the female's attention, her head bobbed. She slipped the knife back into its rightful place just in time for one of them, a man in a metal-colored fullplate, to approach her with a question. They spoke for a brief moment before he moved back to the growing crowd. The woman spent some time watching the group and their leader before departing.

When outside the Soubar's walls, she disappeared in a momentary flash of a bright light.

[MedalOfValor]

Ebon Blade Daily - Riders have been dispatched

The increased activity around the Mercenary Fort does not cease. Workers come and go, bustling about feverishly like ants, hands filled with various tools. A faint scent of smoked boar, coming from the smokehouse placed at the back of the courtyard, persists in the air. Mercs still are being relentlessly run through the parade ground drills routine; there is no room for error.



Shortly after sundown, black armored riders - bearing Ebon Blade banners in black, gold and silver - can be seen galloping in all directions through the gates of Soubar with missives and posters tucked in the leather tubes.
Soon it would be known that at the end of this tenday The Ebon Blade Mercenary Company is hosting another of their Martial Combat Tournaments followed by a Feast to celebrate the recent, mysterious discovery.

The Riders spread their message in Baldur's Gate, hamlets, and villages along the Coast.

(((OOC Credits:
Soundtrack: Metallica, duh.
Please Note: The posters with more details are coming! The date for this event is: Saturday, 19th of August.
Presumably at about 22-24 GMT.

[MedalOfValor]

Ebon Blade Daily - The posters fill notice boards

Since the moment the Riders left Soubar they have managed to reach various locations along the Coast. In each of the designated places, they made sure the nail and secure posters to the local notice boards, inside taverns and on the road signs.



The Riders do not tarry after their work has been done, they mount their steed and head home.

Heed the Horseman's message, the reveal is near.

(((OOC Credits:
Artwork: Kagger
Date and Time: Saturday, 19th of August, at 22-24 GMT
Place: Soubar, The Ebon Blade Fort

[MedalOfValor]

Yestereve in the hours when the day was turning into dusk, the tall woman clad in ashen robes could have been seen at the Soubar's Gallows again. With her gloved fingers slowly running up and down the limp rope she scanned the surroundings. The wind kept yanking the scarf tightly wrapped around her cowled head, but she kept it secured with the other hand. Her eyes lingered at the market area for a while before she shifted her attention to the Horsemen riding through the gates, finally arriving home having served their purpose. Humming quietly, she watched them dismount from the horses until they disappeared inside the busy Keep. The woman then moved away from the center of the gibbet to the side and settled down, resting her back against the wooden structure.



She sat motionless for a while, letting her gaze roam around. The shadows grew longer and more prominent, the sun finally laid itself to rest, retreating behind the horizon. It wasn't long before the softly hummed melody grew more audible and words followed.



fire is burning
casting a shadow
people are watching
waiting for the fall

whispers are creeping
under the gallows
people are talking
you could lose it all

Her voice kept gaining a haunting, thoughtful quality with each note as she sung but it wouldn't carry further than a dozen feet from the Gallows.

tell them something is coming
there's blood in the water
give them a warning
let it all come crashing down
burn the castle to the ground
hang the lies, no disguise
it's your time
let it all come down
down, down

The clear, soprano voice turned slightly soulful and softer with the last verses. A barely noticeable, hollow undertone colored it.

pointing the arrows
fighting for glory
heat in the marrow
you could lose it all

let it all come crashing down
burn the castle to the ground
hang the lies, no disguise
it's your time
let it all come down
burn the castle to the ground
all the cries, alibis
it's your time
let it all come down
down, down

When the last notes died down, the woman simply stood up, fastened her scarf and walked down the gallows. She could have been seen walking towards the Northern Tradeway.

(((OOC Credits:
Soundtrack & Lyrics: Katie Garfield, used with minor alternations

[Sputnik]

Yesterday evening...

Signs were seen all across the coast advertising a tourney and feast in Soubar. Upon arriving in the village, curious folk would have noticed a smattering of large, colorful tents outside of the Ebon Blade fort. The place was buzzing with activity as final preparations were made for the event.

Just about all were welcome, and those who did attend might speak of many things that transpired.
There were bouts in the arena for the entertainment of guests, with a very fine cloak as the grand prize. The champion of the evening's matches was a woman named Esme.
Tales of her prowess soon spread throughout Soubar and the Western Heartlands.

After the fights had concluded, guests were invited into the main feast hall for food, drinks and an announcement. No expense was spared in either the drink selection or food presented.
The attendees filled their bellies and quaffed their thirst as the room echoed with quiet conversation.
Suddenly, Captain Greil stood up alongside the wizard, Zhaven Thruel, and took the center of the room, and the attention.

Zhaven revealed that by ancient writ, land deed and noble title, Greil Nightgale was in fact descended from high nobility of an ancient domain known as the Kingdom of Man.
He then named Greil as Lord Protector and Baron of the Borderlands. The barony had originally laid claim to the lands around Soubar. The mage then assured the crowd that the paperwork was in order, and was willing prove it to any interested.

The Baron then spoke to his honored guests:
"The winds of change are upon us in the North." He looks about the crowd, confident as ever. "The age of a lawless north is OVER! .. I accept this mantle placed upon me, and I will assure all of you gathered that Law and Order have arrived here in the north and I will see them carried out!"

Some cheers rang out, some worried looks were exchanged, and many hushed voices were heard in unison as the bold claim was digested by those present.

Before things quieted down, Baron Nightgale called his Lieutenant, Everett Blackwolf to the center of the room. After the warrior made his way there, he was asked to kneel...
Greil lay his sword upon the kneeling man's shoulder and bade him rise, as Sir Everett Blackwolf, Knight of the Borderlands.

It was an eventful night in dusty Soubar, and tales spread like wildfire...

[Israe]

A gold and black armored woman, with skin as dark as night could be seen near Soubar. She observes the locals, but keeps eyes on the south seeming to watch traffic in and out. Her armor is once again spotless, and she seems to be up to something with purpose.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

A dark clad hunter hears tell of the woman's passing and is said to be tracking her down, a colorful glass figurine in his possession.