Rumors of the Northern Sword Coast

[Emeralds]

The Devils launch a all out assault coming across "Boaresky Bridge", the "Zhentarim" led by "Knight Commander Thairo" the first responders. The first wave was brutal and soon the defending forces found themselves pulled back to the hill leading to "Soubar". The Road littered with the dead and wounded as "Amelia of House Blackrose" tried to stabilize and tend to the ones she could with her use of divine magic while her trusted "Sergeant at arms Alxian" gave her cover.

All look lost as the devils kept gaining ground, Soon though the it came to a stand still as the "Ebon Blade, Blackrose and Zhental" forces, along with other adventurers from around the coast held the line giving "Amelia" time to get as many as she could back into action. It would be here on that hill she would spend the remainder of the battle.
Finally a counter offensive was made and the defenders gained much ground only to be lost again. Devils who seems to be immune to anything except magic prowled the battle field and with most of the arcane defenders either wounded or unconscious it was the "Lich Queen" with her magic wielding summons and "Kiran" that helped bring them down.
As the battle progressed and the flames grew hotter more people joined the defender pushing the offensive even more until as last only the portal needed to be closed and the it was "Morgan" who slung the spell to bring it down bringing the battle to a close.
Though the battle was won the damage had been done... fires blazed and the bridge itself had sustained heavy damage.

In the aftermath of the battle talks could be heard that "House Blackrose" would be using the latest shipment of stone they received to help repair the bridge.

[Azroth]

A typically angry and strong looking half-elf male would been seen training militia men at the Northern Outpost for what one could guess as daily for every tenday, with only two day rest in between from the grueling exercises and demonstrations.

As first days light shines through his tent he would simply state “Just another training day.” Now fully suited up in his full plate he gets out of his tent, iron from his armor clanking at every step. He looks around at the men and women standing around “Alright, line up!” he would bark loudly at their direction. As they do so, the half-elf would look them over and the equipment they had presented as he walks by each and every one of them before he would stand in front of them.

Now the training would begin once more. . .

[The Butler]

Among Zhentarim commander Thiaro’s first responders was a huge hulking brute, easily the size of an ogre. Wearing no armour, barely any clothing, the beast charged recklessly at the devils. Hacking away at their ranks with a large crude club made of wood and bone, to terrifying effect. On occassion the beast was seen dragging back the corpses of its supposed allies, off the bridge and to relative safety.



As the devils' portals opened up at the far end of the bridge their assault came to a hold. And the savage behemoth was seen being overwhelmed by many smaller devils which started pouring from said portals. Strange doubles of the beast appeared shortly after it fell to the devils, which fought alongside the devils, causing many allied casualties with their onslaught.

[Azroth]

Just the other day a typically angry and strong looking half-elf male would been seen handing out new armor that was delivered to the militia men by caravan to the Northern Outpost. Shortly after he would sighted training them in it getting them accustomed to it.

[Emeralds]

Those in service to "House Blackrose" would gather in "Soubar" for supplies before setting out on there regular patrol.

[Emeralds]

The night was dark and silent as two factions stood watch over "Boareskyr bridge"



"Zhentarim" and "Blackrose" forces would stand guard waiting and watching for the devils to show themselves.

[Sputnik]

(post-dated due to the fickle and unreliable nature of rumours, and not at all due to the author's slacking )

Another caravan for the Blackrose, as Derringer Mercantile delivers yet more building materials to the Northern Outpost. Red clay bricks from Corm Orp, if rumours are to be believed.

Moreover, a heavily guarded cadre of House representatives were seen being received at the gates of mighty Darkhold. What business they had within is anyone's guess..

[Emeralds]

Rumors have it that an "Orc" raiding party launched a surprise attacked on the "Northern Outpost" out on the "Northern Trade way". The Orc were ferocious and unyielding, though in the end the raiders were dispatched by the forces of "House Blackrose". It is said the "Lady Blackrose" was injured during the engagement.



(Thank you for the Event DM Theo)

[Ariexedes]

After the planed meeting The Blackrose Knight Thistle and his Squire Maze headed out toward returning to Soubar. Encountering a small gathering of worg goblin raiders, there were promptly removed. More were spotted and like the others, they were disposed of. Leading the now trio once the Sergeant at arms Mathias joined them finding a freshly opened cave mouth. Sending out a sending to the Lady Blackrose to meet them there, the four of them entered the cavern.



Though it appeared empty short of rats skittering in the halls. House Blackrose quickly encountered creatures that attacked them. They were slain between the knight's efforts. Till a death Knight appeared from the twilight, misfortune halted the house's advance needing to retreat and heal. In agreement, they called upon the Zhent knight commander Bob, as well as another of their house Alxian.



With renewed vigor, the strengthen effort pushed forward through more of the creatures later learned to be Illithid hive. Finding a treasure room, and the finding of a journal by lady black rose among other valuable items. More they pushed deeper into the caves in battle. At the end of the chambers, a rather larger Illithid King stood in their way bombarding the group with mental attacks but was slain with the combined efforts of house black rose and the zhent commander. The hoard left behind was also looted, the caverns checked though once again cleared of remains where they encountered an unnamed halfling ((Zara Coldheart)) encountered the group and followed them along. lady Blackrose content that it was effectively cleared, teleported her group and the Zhent out.

((OOc Thank you Spartacus))

[Emeralds]

Lady "Amelia Blackrose" would look out from the command tent over the "Northern Outpost" and all that had been accomplished in the recent months while the Militia would train and run there drills. Food and warm blankets would be distributed amongst the Refugees as well as medical supplies as usual.

With the defeat of the Devils word would be spread around the camp that it was safe to return home and that "House Blackrose" would give escort to any needing it in order to reach there destination safely. It would also be said around the camp that "House Blackrose" now that the war was over would focus on continuing to rebuild and establish the area and all those that stayed on would have a place to call home as well as a community that would embrace them as friends and family.

Times were changing and how this all would effect the North in general was yet to be seen.

Rumors have it that "House Blackrose" convened for a meeting on the future and Rebuilding and Trade was all that seemed to be on anyone's lips

[AlexBnt]

Anyone that happens to pass by the Blackrose camps would notice that the Blackrose martial forces seem to be readying themselves for some potential combat. The young Sergeant-at-Arms can be found inspecting the troops' equipment and making sure things are replaced or repaired as needed.

[Leramak]

A group of adventurers were seen headed into the thunderride hills Heavily armored and warded to the teeth, a few hours later fire was seen rising into the sky from deep within the lands surrounding. Rumors begin to spread of a battle between two bugbear tribes, but by the time anyone can reach the area all that remains is smoldering dwellings, scorched earth, and a sea of dead bugbears. From the aftermath one can see that there were two opposing bugbear factions, ones wearing crude red leather armors, and the others black, some are scorched and burnt, and others savagely ripped to pieces, but one thing is clear, the red side won the battle. One whom looks upon the grizzly scene would come to know better the sheer ruthlessness and violent nature of these creatures with but a glance around the area. Savagery, brutish, and hatred, these are a few words that come to mind. Though the area is now silent, there is a uncomfortable looming feel in the air that is unpleasant to even veteran warriors.

It is clear that this event has lessened the attacks on travelers and caravans on the thunderride roads, some commoners report they even seen bugbears in crude red leather armors watching them from the hills around as they traveled the roads, a chilling feeling of being stalked.... oddly enough they report no attacks were made by the creatures, and as the days pass it continues as if a odd unspoken truce has been formed with some of the creatures..... but not all, attacks seem to still happen, but far less frequent than before the fires from afar were first spotted.

People chatter and talk in the area's around, and one thing seems to be common in all words surrounding.... its only time before whatever there up to ceases and attacks pick back up.

Over the weeks House Blackrose had been preparing for a offensive to push back the Bugbears that threatened the road in Thundar's ride. Eventually the day came and the Force of the House gathered before setting out.



As the Group entered into Thundars ride it was clear that the Bugbears were ready for them. A short discussion with them and the group was brought to talk to leader of the Raiding party.

Upon meeting with the leader of the raiding party further talks occurred and the group was brought to the Chieftain


After Lady Blackrose talked with the Chieftain for sometimes it was agreed up that if the group helped take out a rival clan of Bugbears that attacks on the Tradeways would stop..... for a time. Out numbered by the bugbears there was no other alternative at present so the group agreed to help them.



The Battle itself prove fierce with the two tribes wages war on each other. Red verse black, Blood splatter everywhere as catapult fire rained from the sky.
House Blackrose fought it tight formation slowly making there way deeper into the enemy encampment.


Finally the group would fight the enemy chieftain after a hard fought battle would slay him.

The tired group would return home with assurances that the Tradeways would be raided less then they were before.... at least for awhile.
Rumors abound that calls for a large force are being made to attack the remaining stronghold of the bug bears.
Just another day in the Northern Tradeways. At least the roads are a little bit safer then before.

((Thank you for the wonderful event DM Foresight and thanks for the screenshots Emeralds and Alexbnt))

[Leramak]

A heavily guarded Caravan could be seen coming through Corm Ops on its way to the Northern Outpost.


Rumors spread that the Caravan contained Stone and Lumber designated to the old ruins reconstruction or alteration.

[Order of Blackrose]

Yet more attacks of undead came to pass, it seems the undead creatures become more dangerous and cunning with each new attack wave. It is still unclear as to where these creatures come from but one thing is sure, the dead are restless.

During a caravan headed to the "Northern outpost" a wave of undead attacked the outpost a few days past.The undead were dispatched and there were no casualties. The undead look like those of the "Wyrm forest" but one thing was certain it was odd they wandered out this far. The "Blackrose Militia" was put on high alert in light of this and the rumors of other undead attacks along the coast.

((Thanks DM Anansi for the little event))

[Order of Blackrose]

Fliers seen posted on the Tradeways all around the north.

"Loyalty Given, Loyalty Received"

Let it be know the House Blackrose is looking to hire on anyone willing to learn how to use a weapon or has some skill in the magical arts.

The Tradeways are the the life blood of economy and we will see them protected.

You will receive training, access to gear, and will be paid a fare wage.

Leave word at either the winding way tavern in Soubar or the Northern outpost east of Soubar.


Amos Thistle - Sergeant in Arms of House Blackrose

((Send us a PM if interested.))