Urgent Flu Gazette volume II
News spreading like plague.
Volume 2
A project by Janette Skein
Emergency correction!
“Guides of the Underdark” have contacted our office, stating that two bags of gold was a price offered specifically for Janette, while every client has their own personal tariff. ‘Urgent Flu!’ apologizes for this confusion!
PATRIOTS SEND REGARDS!
After the previous gazette volume, Janette Skein has received a threatening letter from an anonymous sender. The text it contained was worriesome, and ‘Urgent Flu!’ is eagerly sharing it with our readers:
“This is the only warning that will be given to you. Silence your mouth and stop prying for information. Continue and not even that form of the Fake Spider will save you. There is enough coins to put a contract out on your head. And we are sure there is others more than willing to remove your head.”
Despite holding no signature and the sender being unknown, it is most evident that the letter was sent by either the Thieves themselves or someone willing to frame them and wrack commotion. We will attempt to reach the patriots for their commentaries on the matter!
In the meantime around us...
Carnage at Soubar!
A scene of unspeakable violence took place at notorious Soubar, straight infront of the Winding Way Tavern’s door. Harvard the son of Sigurd and the group of the barbarians he gathered under his banners were caught standing over a beheaded male corpse. The northerners have proudly admitted that the person was murdered over a blood feud. While holding the severed head in his hand, Harvard shared some mind-shattering details about the incident.
The murdered man was none other than Sigurd. Before one could wonder why did son kill his own parent in cold blood, the berserker confessed that his true name is Wulfrik Icewalker who was disguising as Harvard. The imposter claimed that the *real* Harvard killed Wulfrik's father, and in order to avenge, Wulfrik traveled to the Coast, assuming false identity to lure Sigurd out and kill him. At which, as evident, he succeded…
Such mind games are rarely expected from the honorable tribespeople of the North! All the northerners have witnessed Wulfrik’s deceit, and the true question of this story is… would they still follow his ruthless lead?
Vampires Among Us
Regarding the vampire attack news from the previous volume, ‘Urgent Flu!’ reached out to the participants for commentaries. Sir Amos Thistle, the Lord Regent of the House Blackrose, has given us an eerie input about the bloodsucking threat he faced. According to Sir Thistle’s words, the vampires possess a horrifying ability to turn the humanoid mortals into lesser vampires. They’ve attempted to mesmerize Amos himself and convert him, but the living allies were quick on the scene, and united forces of House Blackrose, House Darius and the druids banished the creatures away.
The same day, Janette Skein found a large group of heavily armed and warded persons, consisting of House Darius members and their allies. The participants claimed that they have found and dispatched vampire infiltrators in the sewers. It seems these monsters have crawled truly close to the civilization, and, with Sir Thistle’s perspective in mind, the picture is worrisome… the turned vampire puppets could be among us! Nathan Goldenmane of House Darius looked sick and reclusive after the patrol. One could only speculate about reasons…
Message From the Undercity
By a pure coincidence, Janette Skein encountered an imposing person who introduced herself as Morgan, the current leader of the Temple of the All-Seing Eyes. In attempt to learn more about this suspicious organization, Janette made a bold move… She suggested the Temple leader to show her the temple itself. After some consideration, Morgan agreed.
Through the teleportation spell used by Morgan, Janette found herself in a truly hideous place. A legion of skeletons and a gargantuan horned demon were the first things the author was shocked by. The abhorrent creatures, however, did not attack. They were obeying Morgan’s will. In order to figure out what is going on under Baldur’s Gate and why nobody comes to eradicate this nightmarish lair, Janette asked Morgan a few questions, and these are the answers she received:
Janette: This is unbelievable, Morgan. The fact that such powerful undead and fiends live under the city... so close to the main streets. Do the citizens know this place exists?
Morgan: This is just one corner of the Undercity. It is vast, with many passages and labyrinths There are many powers within the city. Most make what we have here look insignificant.
Janette: And Temple of All-seing Eyes is only one of them?
Morgan: We are only a recent power that has emerged within the last year. Think of the Undercity as a mini Underdark.
Janette: Earlier this day... I met a group of adventurers and Baldur's Gate residents who were... hunting down vampires, deep in the sewers, close to this depth. Are the vampires somehow related to your Temple, Morgan?
Morgan: No, but I know the factions they speak of. An old and ancient feud between two elder vampires, Layla and Namissa.
Janette: Interesting... From what I have heard from the same adventurers, they visited the Undercity in search for vampires and returned unharmed. It seems they... know the way to this place. One could think if adventurers and Baldur's Gate forces united, they could overwhelm this place... but it doesn't happen. The Undercity stands untouched. Why?
Morgan: The Dukes know the truth and the vastness of the Undercity. The city doesn't have enough men to subjugate the entirety of the Undercity. And if they marched down here... Those that would come would be used to launch an attack back at a defenseless city. Sometimes you shouldn't poke what lurks in the dark.
Janette: Lastly... is there any message you'd like to make for our readers?
Morgan: Undead guard the way. If people cut them down, more will replace them… This temple is for those shunned and banned from society. People should be free to practice whatever beliefs they want.
Just after the interview was finished, the temple has fallen under a sudden ambush! Morgan’s undead were attacked by other undead, controlled by the powers unknown. As the Temple leader explained, there are various undead clans down here, all fighting each other for control and influence. All these troublesome details make you wonder how much else Baldur’s Gate citizens don’t know about the horrors living underneath their streets…
Drow Ambush
Traveling through one of the Troll Claws passages, Janette Skein was attacked by a drow assassin! The author tried to escape and was chased throughout miles to the bizarre town of Rockrun. Unable to start a fight on the heavily patrolled streets, the assassin agreed to speak.
The drow introduced herself as Ssinyrr and made many interesting claims, such as her being betrayed by Duke Eltan himself after helping his forces or the Thayan Enclave needing to be demolished due to something horrible hidden beneath the tower. As for the reasons behind the ambush, Ssinyrr declared that some unknown persons have heavily trapped the Ogre Caves, leaving a message saying "Go home, drow".
After a lengthy conversation, Ssinyrr agreed to part ways in peace. ‘Urgent Flu!’ warns our dear readers to be careful traveling through the Troll Claws and tunnels beneath it in these troublesome times!
Well-well, what's on the message board?
- White Mask Theater invites you to visit the scariest Open Stage night you've seen! The theme of the show is ghosts, undead, phantasms and other blood-freezing things. Dress code: Spooky costumes and scary masks. Marpenoth 17, contact Rose of the White Mask for more information!
- Vilmar Dall urgently needs dragon acid for a project of grand import! The researcher is eager to pay solid coin for any samples found. Vilmar can often be found by the Farmlands campsite.
-SUDDEN GUEST!-
'Urgent Flu!’ introduces you an exclusive rubric where we interview famous, influent and simply interesting personalities of the region. This time, our guest is lady Netanya d’Abdelledion’d'y’Quellium, a dutiful person with outstanding sense of style, councilor of the Phoenix Company and proprietor of the House Divine. Her actual mission on the Coast, the bitter truth behind the scandalous picnic on the frontlines and who mysterious Orlando really is… This and much more in the following interview!
What's in fashion these days?
Janette: Thank you for having me tonight, lady Netanya.
Netanya: The pleasure is all mine, madam Janette.
Janette: I will begin with a professional question... what colors are in fashion this season on the Sword Coast?
Netanya: Oh, darhling, that's such a challenging question because everyone tends to select colors that best compliment them. However, I must say my most recent customers to my custom clothiers service, House Divine, seem to favor a blend of lavender and green. Both colors are ideal for the summer season and I admire their selection.
What is House Divine?
Janette: I am more than convinced many our readers haven't heard about House Divine, though. Please tell me more about it.
Netanya: As I mentioned, House Divine is my custom clothier service. Myself and my personal stylist, Orlando, are the official proprietors. We assist our clients in improving aesthetic appearing of their wardrobe, whether it be standard clothing or armor. Myself and Orlando consider each piece of attire we craft for our customers an individual priceless work of art.
Janette: If I had to guess, the House Divine office is not in these parts of the Coast?
Netanya: Oh, no, we have no official office. I primarily use the Lodge here as our unofficial location for clients that wish to reach us. In time, as we expand our enterprise, perhaps we will purchase our own official shop.
Janette: I'm looking forward to it, lady Netanya. The dress I've purchased was truly incredible.
Netanya: Oh, we're quite pleased you were satisfied with the craftsmanship.
Netanya's noble origins
Janette: Sometimes I wonder what is the secret of your refined taste and style. Is this the society you've grown up in, a natural talent, breathless hard work... or a lot of these elements at once?
Netanya: Oh, darhling, I'm simply a product of my environment. Born into nobility in Suzail, we are instilled proper with mannerisms and decorum. We are taught how to properly eat, how to properly dress on any given occasion, how to address your fellow colleagues and such. Moreover, we are also taught how to dance. Notably, ballroom dancing. It helps to reinforce poise and posture while ensuring we still remain agile. And also we are exposed to the most exquisite cuisines and wines as well as high culture, and from this exposure yields refinement.
Janette: Balls do not seem to be popular in this region. You probably miss them, lady Netanya.
Netanya: Well, on occasion a Guild will often host a formal ball or some manner of soirée, but no, they're not as frequent here as they were in Suzail where balls were almost a weekly pastime amoung the nobility class. Though it is my intention to host a ball come winter here, in the Gate. It will be a Winter Solstice Gala. I hosted such a ball before some years ago and it was a most extravagant affair.
Her true mission
Janette: I am looking forward to attend this event. However, I wonder... A cormyrean noble moving to the Coast and joining the Phoenix Company from the scratch, later becoming one of the Council. What is the story behind such a life twist?
Netanya: Oh, I did not necessarily come here my choice. I was rather assigned here. My family in Suzail are wealthy silk merchants and they wished to expand their customer base, so they assigned each of my siblings a city to reside in for the purpose of on-boarding new clients from the nobility class. I, myself, was obviously assigned to come to Baldur's Gate. My three older siblings had the privilage of getting assigned to either Silverymoon, which would have been my personal choice, Neverwinter and Waterdeep, respectively. And my youngest sibling, the poor sod, was assigned to… wait for it, darhling… Luskan. But nonetheless, each of us was given a healthy stipend so that we can afford the basic luxuries such as our personal estate and serving staff.
Janette: I wonder what one has to do to promote a silken business in that land.
Netanya: Oh, I care not to think about it. That's certainly his problem, but I trust he's doing fine in Luskan. As far as what brought me to Pheonix Company? Well, I suppose that stems from the friendship I struck up with Madam Terri Xon who is the Company Administrator. She invited me to join the Company and eventually promoted me to Councilor. I've since helped her manage the affairs of the Company and when she has to embark on a prolonged sabbatical as she's currently doing, I'm left with managing the affairs of the Company in her absence. Tis a very affable Company, we're mostly an Adventuring Guild, we undertake various exploratory missions designed to search for rare treasures, artifacts and knowledge, and when called upon we particiapte in the defense of the Gate and do our part to help perserve the way of life here along the Sword Coast.
Janette: Yet, as I see it, your family assignment still continues, lady Netanya. If you are called back... would there be a conflict between this and your key role at the company? And what would you choose if you had to?
Netanya: Eventually, I'll be called back, but that won't likely be until some time and many human generations. Would I return? Likely yes, I do miss Suzail and all the trappings of nobility it afforded me, but at the same time, it will be difficult to part with the many friendly acquaintances I've made here on the Sword Coast during my tenure. But nothing is forever and we all have to eventually accept the changes life thrusts upon us.
Her secret powers
Janette: While seen unarmed and in luxurious attires most of the time, it is rumored that you're having outstanding archery skills. It makes me wonder what other unique powers and skills you possess.
Netanya: Archery is my primary martial talent, I rely on none other. Back in Suzail, archery is taught to us at a young age and reinforced as we age, though it was more of a sport than a means of self-defense. However, it didn't stop me and my closest colleagues from venturing into the King's Forest, just north of Suzail, to hunt orcs and other threats just as many adventurers here in the Gate are wanted to do. It was considered risky for nobles such as ourselves to make such ventures, but we had masterfully honed our trade. After some time, we were more of a threat to the orcs than the orcs to us.
Janette: Such ventures certainly forge character. You've come to the Coast prepared to face its dangers... including the fabled Devil War where you and the Company were taking part. While reasons for joining the warfare are out of question, I would like to ask a more... bizarre question.
Netanya: Certainly.
Scandal on the frontlines
Janette: You are known for your love for picnics, lady Netanya. And as I was told, the war wasn't an exception and some... warriors were unhappy with your leisure time. Please tell me more about this.
Netanya: Oh, you were told this? Hmm. I see I still live rent free on someone's head. But yes, I don't do anything I regret, but it helps if you have context. First, let's set the scene. There was a skirmish at Winding Waters which used to be a front for the Devil War. I, as well as many adventurers, would occasionally venture there to help maintain the bulwark. So one day I ventured there with the intention of lending my bow as I've done before... and yes, I found some of my colleagues there, but I also happened upon Griel Nightgale who was also present, barking orders to anyone who happened to show up that day. Not just Griel, but also his cadre of henchmen from the Ebon Blades. Are you familiar with the Ebon Blade by chance, madam Janette?
Janette: I can not say I am, unfortunately...
Netanya: Well, let me inform you. The Ebon Blades are or were a Mercenary Guild of Banites loosely affiliated with the Zhentarium. In either case, perhaps a year or two prior the "picnic incident”, the Ebon Blades issued a bounty for the assassination of madam Terri Xon and her betrothed mr. Vendor Xon. Their minions also targeted members of Phoenix Company for assassination. I, myself, was explicitly targeted by a Guy Masterson, one of their minions. He had attacked our guards you passed entering the Lodge and openly attempted to assassinate me. Fortunately, he didn't succeed. Also, it should be added that during this period the Ebon Blades attempted to set our Lodge ablaze. Well, they actually did, but the damage was minimal.
Janette: What happened when you met again, at the Winding Water?
Netanya: That was the context... now let's return to the "picnic incident”. As I mentioned, when I arrived at the bulwark to lend my bow, there was Griel. Yes, the same Griel who unapologetically sent his henchmen after me and my Company colleagues the year prior. I decided at that day I wasn't going to fight alongside the same faction that attempted to assassinate me, so yes, I coldly stepped away from the frontline to set up my picnic, complete with wine and candles, and watched the Ebon Blades and Devils slaughter each other. Could I have simply left? Yes. Could I have fought alongside them with the others individuals who were there that were not affiliated with the Ebon Blades? Yes. But I had already decided I wasn't going to fight shoulder to shoulder with a faction who wanted me dead. If others wished to do so, well, that's was their prerogative. Do I regret it? No. Do I care that others who have no impact on my affairs who still whine and stomp their feet over it and tell anyone who's willing to listen how cold I was that day? No.
Janette: So you were sending a message rather than enjoying a picnic in a spare time, or this was both?
Netanya: I openly admit it was both. I enjoyed watching the Devils and the Ebon Blades attack each other. Neither one was my ally so I elected to not pick sides that day. So not only was I unwilling to fight alongside these murderers, I was definitely not inclined to take orders from them. And that is the unwashed and raw truth. I have no desire to suger coat my sentiment that day.
The truth about Orlando
Janette: One last question I'd like to ask is... about the legendary Orlando. Tell me more about him.
Netanya: Who is the man, the myth, the legend that is Orlando, you ask? Orlando is not only my personal stylist who is responsible the specimen you see before you, but he also an AHR-tist. Not to be confused with a standard "artist". No... no... he pours his very soul and essence into his work. He attempts to infuse his work with life and character. Everything he crafts, whether it be my hair, or wardrobe, or a piece of armor, is considered a priceless work of art to him.
Janette: You made an interesting point here, lady Netanya... It seems nobody has ever seen mister Orlando. Is it due to his value for privacy?
Netanya: Oh no, darhling, there lies the rub. You do not see Orlando. Orlando sees you. He's extremely particular as one would expect from an AHR-tist. He his work is his livelihood, it's the medium which he resides. For him to step outside his medium the matter must be of eminent importance. Now could I grant you an interview with Orlando? Certainly, but it requires me to almost literally pull his teeth.
Janette: That would've been a sensational material.
Netanya: Perhaps next time, darhling. But if you really desire, I can have a few words with him. I cannot promise you the sky. He may make demands that may appear unreasonable.
Janette: Not necessary... I would be ashamed to drag the artist out of his workshop for a mere conversation.
Netanya: AHR-tist... he makes it a point to draw the distinction.
Janette: It is apparent that a person with such... modest publicity incites various gossips. That Orlando could be a myth, or even an alias of Netanya herself. How would you comment any rumors of this kind?
Netanya: Well, we're almost practically the same person with the exception being that we're physically not. But we share the same taste. If others wish to believe him to be a myth, that's their prerogative. It doesn't hurt his brand.
Cheers, my dear readers
Janette: In the conclusion... could you recommend your three favorite sorts of wine to our readers?
Netanya: But of course... A 1329 Calimshan Red, aged in a ancient oak barrels which rounds out the flavor while infusing the wine with boldness. Winter Wine, I adore its dry crispness. And Thayan Wine, I enjoy the infusion of herbs and spices.
Janette: It was a pleasure to have a conversation with you, lady Netanya.
Netanya: It was certainly my pleasure to grant you an audience, darhling.
Urgent Flu!' gazette, volume 2, 1st of Marpenoth, 1356.
Investigated and written by Janette Skein.
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