A stonesinger from more northern lands arrives in Nashkel. Rumors say the Stout was overheard speaking with other Dwarves inside the Belching Dragon...:
"Aye kin...ye seem to have ye a Duergar problem brewin'...." as he raised pint to his lips, then dropped a few recently cut samples of armor and jewelry of gray dwarf fashion, before the Stout trio. "The Telormar Gultor shall weave together all Kin to oppose their rise...just as they ne'er were granted the Thunder Blessing."
It is said that a knight-errant was barely with Life as he crossed through the northern gates of Nashkel, arriving gravely wounded from the foothills, barely conscious but powered by what can be assumed as Faith to find shelter and care for eventual recovery.
To many citizens of the town, this would likely not be an unseen, unknown sight—for who could count the numerous times adventures or merchants or crusaders were beat back by the giants, wolves, bears and living magic that laid claim to the roads and wilds that ran south towards Amn. It has always been known as such....and would possible exist like so, for ages to come.
The knight-errant, bearing the symbol of the Just God, Tyr, upon cloak and etched into armors, was openly grateful to whatever assistance by the common folk given to him, as he, in this weak state, begged to be delivered to a Cleric or a house of healing, to cleanse him of the "...grave wounds that I have taken within from such a source of Evil...." With such words, those folk of Nashkel may find curiosity, for the knight-errant was obviously with wounds, but none that did resemble the weapons and ways of the giants nor beasts of the foothills, so often typically seen when such an event, that a man or group of fighters returns from the southern way, seeking shelter.
Tis spoken further that the knight-errant was led to the House of the Guardian, which once delivered there, the knight's eyes lit up with a newfound energy that seemed almost self-healing, as he touched his own breast with a surge of light and energy. Staring at the symbol of Helm positioned above the entry, some say the knight-errant spoke with such words: "...again I am delivered to the Vigilant, or his Faith to me, in aiding my continued crusade...."
Still others pass on an addition to the tale of the wounded knight-errant, that being of the first moments when he arrived within the shelter of the fortified walls of Nashkel. That being what the Faithful of the Just God spoke in confused tones and in abstraction: "...beyond the walking shadow, the walking skeleton, the bulbous demons of summon...there was, as I remember it, a fair-faced man with foulness found in his soul...who wishes to blacken out the sky with a hand held high. Did he leave me to rot upon the grounds, no...the Evil in his heart plays a game with all that is Right...."
As is likely, most common peoples consider demon and undead talk, from a near-death experience, to be simply...hallucinations.
Rumour has it that the Golden Wheel met with one Lord Bernard Duskwater in the old Adventurer's Guild building, with a view towards purchasing the establishment.
Negotiations are ongoing, it seems, as the building has not yet changed hands.
Mel Darenda heads south under the auspices of the Golden Wheel Merchant Company. His task - recruiting a work gang of labourers for some construction work in the town of Soubar. He travels to Crimmor first, where he gets mixed results, hiring two skilled masons and eight amateurs with barely a few moons worth of experience.
Frustrated there, he seeks the half-orc muscle of Purskul for recruits, where things go better. He recruits two skilled masons and ten skilled half-orc workers with long experience in masonry and carpentry. He also recruits eight experienced half-orc lumberjacks as muscle.
The skilled masons are appointed as team heads. Each of the amateur masons and the lumberjacks each form a sub-team with with one of the skilled halforc stone workers, with these teams being allocated to the skilled masons.
Once recruited, these thirty workers travel north with the next Golden Wheel shipment to Baldur's Gate. Some cargo space on one of the wagons is given up for a block of stone and some mason's tools, and one of the skilled masons is paid a bonus to run lessons each evening, when the caravan stops, for the less experienced workers to give them a grounding in the necessary skills. Upon arrival in Baldur's Gate the stone is replaced, so that lessons can continue while the workers are escorted to Soubar with a single wagon.
The wagon and the workers are met on the edge of Baldurian lands by a troop of Ebon Blade mercenaries, so that the dangerous trip to Soubar is undertaken safely. Upon arrival, the workers are turned over to the work the Ebon Blade had in mind for them as promised. The Ebon Blade would find that the amateur masons faired considerably better as a result of the training over the course of thejourney, while the lumberjacks could perform the basics tasks required in stonework.
DM Chant wrote: ↑Sat Apr 13, 2019 9:59 amSounds of an intense scuffle seemed to originate from an inn room in Nashkel last evening, though the staff seemed curiously unfazed by it and posed no intervention to the occurrence. Whatever the brawl, it left the room in some state of shambles and swiftly abandoned.
After the said ruckus, the room quieted down, no noise nor voice coming from within. Some time later, the doors barged open, a one eyed man, clad in lusterless scales and chain, with a bewildered expression strode out. His breaths came heavily, hot red burning marks upon his neck, as if from a rope. Gloved hand released a fistfull of coins and jewels upon the counter as he passed, hurried steps taking him out of the establishment.
Many ten-days of planning and coordination culminated with a simple quiet meeting at a table in the Belching Dragon Tavern of Nashkel. The two traders shared a meal, a handshake and promise of future trade. One left for Southern lands again.
The other, a halfling lady, garbed in purple and maroon travelling finery, escorted by a pair of sell-swords, now with an extra crate in their possession, made their way by wagon and horseback, North to Beregost again.
~Claret - Proprietor of Clarity Cellars.
~Wouveir - Hellstorm Crew
~Adolamin Marblerune - Arcane Engineer and Lorekeeper citizen of the Kingdom of Kraak Helzak. [His Story]
~Harrison Remillard - Morninglord of the Song of the Morning Temple.
Rumors in Nashkel pass by that an orc mage is seeking for trackers, mercenaries, and adventurers to hire for a search of noble efreeti. It is said that he is paying around ten bags for each person in his hunting party. Reasons and motives remain vague. Perhaps for sport? Maybe to obtain parts of an Efreet? Or maybe just a hatred for these cruel and arrogant fire genie. He is said to usually be keeping to himself in the Northern Lights Inn.
((PM me ICly if you are interested. Most likely will be an epic level event.))
Krumarth Sorth: Orc Wizard Audree Behiz: Guardian of the Slumbering Fire Quinn Hijo: The Mind Mage Razzaband Arashem: Dead Mathew Hillock: Dead
Rumour comes north that the Nashkel-based businessman, Mel Darenda of the Golden Wheel Company, has been arrested in Eshpurta in Eastern Amn. The charges are said to be historic allegations of banditry and slaving.
The merchant has been incarcerated while awaiting trial, given the severity of the offences.
There's been some rumors of many new adventuring groups often moving through the area of late. One particular group has been noted to often visit the Northern Lights Inn, and usually rents a room and is often asking about the local happenings, and has been going up to the Cloud Peaks often and supporting the town with trade in magical goods found there.
They often seem to be rather private, but otherwise friendly to others.
Rumor has it that in recent days, a knight errant entered Nashkel from the foothills further south, with a great beaming smile of pride upon his face.
Later, at the Belching Dragon, the knight was feasting and celebrating within, and speaking loudly to the commoners within the inn.
"Yes, it is true...my path was suddenly barred by a retinue of skeleton undead, surrounding a diminutive woman, or perhaps she was of the Halfling race, though it could be just as possible her association with Evil had shriveled her to an abnormal form. Nonetheless, there I found myself, in Her and Their presence, such foulness that could not be let to pass, else greater Evil may be done in this Land—and enough Evil is walking tall in this day, already!
At first instance, I called out what my eyes did see, the walking Dead, and furthermore I pronounced my commitment to see them destroyed before talking one more foul step, all in the name of the Just God, that I do serve as my Lord and Guide. And what did come from this woman's mouth, but a defense of her companions, and, a threat that I, Henryk of house Urde, need step aside to Her, or that I may find myself close to the grave, thrown down by hands and arms of Evil.
This could not stand! And I declared again my intention, to slay the bones empowered by Death magic without delay, and as I called upon the holy power of Grinjaws to inhabit my sword, she uttered the command, herself to her minions: "Kill him."
It was not contest, her minions of Evil against the Divine Power of Faith that is given to me, in Truth by the Just. Her minions fell, one after another, though she called upon greater and greater numbers of them, to try and overcome my intentions. To her eventual failure.
And when it was that her powers had faded, and she could no longer rely upon the Dead to protect her, I commended to Her that she Yield, and so she did. No longer would she call upon the Dead, in my presence. And, in Just Terms, I gave her the One Chance, to continue to Walk Ahead in Life, no longer calling upon the Dark Powers of Magic as she may have before our encounter. For, I said to her, she may pass from this instance, though, and I as I said in these exact words: 'Shall you walk with Evil at your side again...you will feel the might of the Sword of Tyr, first hand! Your foul powers, your promise put into the walking dead, show your True weakness to me...and has my sword shown the true weakness in your companions, by their demise. Pass as you will...but as I say, whence again I see you walking foul alongside the undead, I will strike at the heart!' One must be given the opportunity to Right the Wrongs of their own Actions...and if they persist willingly in the act of Evil, let a Holy Judgement descent upon them, by My Hand, or another, of whom the Path of Triad is carried in their Spirit!"
The knight errant, mostly finished with his tale, enjoys the hearth and the comfort of the Inn now, though he does give warning to any that are traveling the roads near and outside of Nashkel, to do keep watch against a small woman or Halfling woman of a description that he gives: pale, greenish complexion, and eye-glasses.
An elderly looking man wearing blue robes and a weathered looking hat stops to visit the House of the Guardian, speaking at length with Watchknight Rowan after a series of incursions surrounding Nashkel by hordes of undead...
((PM incoming))
There are no level 30's, only level 20's with benefits...
The Undead Threat South of Nashkal was brought to a Halt as a Group of adventures under the lead of Blackrose of the "Spellsworn", Accompanied by the One known as Kas. They fought together with the Giants dispatching the Undead menace that Plagued the Mountain side. The Battle was long and hard fought as the Fear effects of the Dead sent many fleeing and unable to react. Though through Fire and determination of will the undead were Reduced to ash. A Follower of Gweyn laid Slain.
Amos Thistle
Morgan Nightgale - Retired Vampire Matron of House Nightgale
The wee hours of morning came just like any other in the city of Nashkel this morning, birds chirped, the church bells rang, and within its small rural streets the sound of horse hooves clapped the ground as fellows from near and far traveled onward to there destinations. Though the recent undead attacks outside of town were conserning, many of the common folk took ease to the situation as many victories against the foul creatures had sprung up of late. Undead slain from the mines and the roads south cleared of the abominations, all was well until suddenly it was not, and the people of Nashkel would be reminded of what lurkers in the shadow of night....
The limited amnian military began to scurry the streets this fine morning just before the sun crest the cloud peak mountains, when asked questions by the locals, the reply of simply "there is no cause for alarm, we are simply running drills, fear not" was the response. For anyone known to bad times, often those words meant exactly the opposite, and in this case it was surely true. quickly word began to spread around town that area's around the city that where once overwhelmed with undead were now not, simply barren and void of the creatures, as if they packed up and left. Though many of the peoples saw this as a blessing, it was apparent the amnian military seen things differently.... All guards were called to active duty, knights from the temple assembled, and to even a untrained eye it was easy to see that something was amiss in the small quiet town.
though it is not here our story begins, it is here in which the tale shall start, the tale of brave heros from the north, the tell of undead hunters, trackers, and warriors a many whom would see to it that Nashkel was not alone in the coming few hours. A group on known adventurers arrived at town this fair morning on a task of great importance involving the Dark priestess known as Gweyn. There armors shined, and there robes gleamed with magical energy, A group not to be reckoned with, a group that would do what they must to stop evil, a group led by the most unusual leader, a small hin named Hoppy Toadmeadow. It was not the first time this halfling sorceress had been seen gathering warriors, priests, and wizards of incredible renown to fight against this necromancer of myrkul, and certainly would not be the last. Though there current involvement was gauged on another avenue of approach, they soon found that there current quest into the priestess Gweyn would have to wait, as it twas but moments after there arrival it was made aware that the city may be facing a attack.
Word traveled that a large force of undead creatures approached the outer gates to the south, and so with haste the heros made a showing of there own, and battled the creatures back from the gate until the evening sun went to sleep and its long lost lover the moon rose into the night sky. As steel, and magic met cold rotting flesh, the sounds of town bells rang, and amnian solders called out "They are in the city!" A flanking had occurred, and a fall back was in order as many beat back the undead to close the city gates while retreating back inside. Hearing the battle many others charged to the city in its defense from area's all around.
Within the city the terrors of war came to light as undead had broken through from the west, from the nashkel iron mines. Amnian military scattered across the streets battling the creatures, fighting, killing, and dying. There was no direction in which the undead had not spread, and it was here the battle truly started. Zombies and ghouls, undead duergar and giants raged around the city, killing commoners, killing soldiers, and killing livestock. As if this was not enough, from the skies rained Tainted turned wyverns landing in random parts of the city, and others simply flying down and scooping up the unfortunate to be dropped to there death. The city was in disarray, and the only hope was that these few heros and the remaining soldiers could hold out long enough for the soon to arrive amnian solders to storm the gates. The battle raged as undead continued to flow through the city, but not unhindered.... as soldiers and adventurers stood side by side, they made a stand on the southern bridge, blocking the bulk of the undead from crossing, but fatigue began to press there hearts.... and although few magics and strength remained they held there ground, to do... or to die... for Nashkel they stood strong. As battle raged and hope began to dim the sounds of battle horns echoed from the foothills to the south, and in numbers many marched a amnian military battalion cutting a path as they moved. The group rallied and with the new found help, pushed the remaining creatures from the city. As undead fled, the city was bolstered and the adventurers took to knee's and chairs to rest there weary legs, but it was not over yet.
As soldiers defended reentry into the city, the group of heros had a different idea in mind.... To attack back! warned of the dangers a large group marched on the nashkel foothills in the gloom of night for victory, but even the finest of bravery can be defeated... and there attempt to strike back failed... as many lay dead outside the gates undead hordes closed in around them with few escaping back inside the city, certain death was apparent... surrounded and outnumbered they all understood looking around to one another... this is the end.... and as the creatures encompassed them the moon fell to its slumber blowing a good morning kiss to the one it yearned for the most, the sun. The undead retreated back into the shadowy glooms and pockets of the mountains, leaving the brave few standing alone, no glory, no death, just beaten and thankful the rise of dawn had come and as lathanders light shined upon the lands the battle was over, and a due rest was in order.
That morning birds did not chirp, the church bells did not ring, and the sounds of horse hooves did not quietly move about the city... only the sound of body wagons reached out into the peoples ears.... scretching wheels.... to overloaded by the dead they hauled....
As the bright morning sun rises on nashkel the amnian military begins setting up a remote command post in the nashkel foothills. Barricades are placed and a encampment is formed for the coming night. Many hero's of the land come to engage in the efforts to setup nashkel first line of defense. There this day while the sun was still high many were seen carring braziers, barricades, and barrels of war supplies. As the sun met it's end and nights embrace began to cover the land and undead came just as expected. Through the night battle raged at the mountains base, until finally the encampment lines failed, and undead began to cross into the encampment. A order was issued to use the last resort barrels of holy water to stem back the tide of undead, yet when launched the weapon was ineffective, and the defenders were forced to retreat back into the city. Though all evidence was trampled, rumor has it the holy water stocks were sabatoged from the inside, and all resources are now under armed amnian guard. The city walls held until the morning lights came and the battles were over and nashkel remains intact for yet another day.
A knight introducing himself as Zaelphion Devress approaches the soldiers defending Nashkel from the undead to offer his sword and shield as a volunteer to defend the town. He claims to be an Helmite but he bears no divine powers, he will stay in Nashkel to assist the soldiers with any further undead attack.
