DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

[DM SummerBreeze]

The talk of the town was a farmers wife being found dead in the corn field in the eastern Farmlands. Apparently drained entirely of their blood. Several of the city watch that were first sent to investigate also seem to have never returned. Further investigators sent from the Fist and a couple of local adventurers did find the body of the woman, but the bodies of the missing city watch were nowhere to be seen, they are missing and presumed dead.

Rumours of a Lord travelling on his way north whom had passed through the various taverns at the Gate shortly before the incident raise questions and concerns among some of the population.

[DM Spartacus]

Over the last two days 4 ships of Deck of Cards fleet returned ahead of winter. Two larger ships and two of medium size. They dropped anchor in the harbour and have not yet unloaded. A small patrol of Flaming Fist was observed to call aboard. A reception committee of traders and some representatives from the combined houses of Baldur's Gate known as the House of Cards gathered gleefully to mark the arrival. Some of their Guards also boarded the ships. Rumour has it both luxury foods and winter staples are stored aboard the ships. There seemed no desire to bring the goods ashore and it was thought there is likely negotiations underway within the City.

The presence of goods was perhaps confirmed by the various individual houses within the Cards framework announcing winter party dates. It was noted the Dukes had taken a personal interest in the return of the fleet.

One other ship of this company reputedly carrying luxury goods has not yet arrived and there is some concern as to it's fate. Delayed it may not make the harbour before winter close.

[DM Ink]

Notice from the Temple of Gond

The Temple of Gond has asked assistance from those capable to put their hands to work. With upcoming shortages the temple is looking to expand efforts into creating materials in house. They've sent notice to local taverns. Those citizens and journeymen willing to offer aid are asked to reach out to the local temple and fellow gondsmiths.

[Yugo]

Nalissa would volunteer of course seeing such an opportunity as a blessing from her god. The Techsmith smiles rejoyced.

[DM Ink]

Marcus Alatia

A tiefling by the name of Marcus Alatia was spotted in the Baldur's Gate palace district dressed like a jester with a crown. The tiefling wore a big fake mustache and proclaimed to be the one and only Duke Smelton. Hopping around laughing he had a bib-like cape with a crudely drawn Flaming Fist emblem on his back. He proclaimed to be the one and only Grand Smelly Duke. His act went for the morning hours until he was chased down by several watch guards. The tiefling's feet were not fast enough, and now his act can be seen in the stocks of the East Gate District.

[DM Winter]

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A Most Cold Morning - Nightal 15th, 1357

Sun rises in the troubled city of Baldur’s Gate, and with it, the signs of winter truly show their face. Snowfall paints the city white, the air like needles on any inch of unprotected skin, and people rush in the streets holding tight to any warmth, afraid to lose it to the harsh environment.

A moment many expected but dreaded comes as well, as ice floes dot white the Sea of Swords to the west and the River Chiontar by the shores of Baldur’s Gate, the latter growing thick with ice and frost by the hour. Those who make their livelihoods from the waters put their tools down as the people rush to buy the last batch of fresh fish.

The city of Baldur’s Gate faces yet another harsh winter. The people have done their best to prepare, stockpiled and rationed as much as they could. The kindness of many in the Gate surely enough to help those in most dire need, but if it will prove enough to last a winter, one can not know.

[DM Ink]

Three Carts Arrive to the City

The quiet of the winter morning is broken by the creaking and cracking of three old carts pulled by a monstrous man. Trailing behind him are carts full of dead rats, mice, lizards, squirrels, and an assortment of other critters that appear to have been run over by a wagon wheel or two. The cart makes it halfway to the gates of the massive city before they are halted by armed Flaming Fist soldiers demanding an answer for the awful display. The hulking man screeches out "Bring FOOD, Pale man! Gib back... Yellow metal now." During the questioning a kobold hops out from under one of the piles of dead rats screaming before disappearing into the forests. Several Fist soldiers go in pursuit, but never recover the kobold.

The three carts are pushed off into an open field and lit on fire in the best interest of the city. Reports indicate there were two bags of usable grain in the mix recovered. The strange man has been placed in Fist custody.

[DM Soulcatcher]

The winter had finally set in.

The harbour's ice thickness is gradually rising and snowfall becomes a common occurrence. Usually bustling with much activity- now the docks remain mostly silent as there are no wares going in and out of the city through any ships.

Dockworkers are either counting their earnings, hoping for the best, or looking to find short-term jobs in order to make sure they can feed their families and themselves.

Notable, however, is that the Merchant's League appears to be enjoying some sort of a more lively movement than before. The onlookers and workers eagerly say that Lord Sashenstar had held off the selling of his business's holdings due to the Merchant's League securing more contracts and deals with the cities of the Western Heartlands. A lot of credit is given to Jon Smythe of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Company, but also to some other smaller merchants who's cooperation in the difficult period was invaluable. With the harbour frozen, the Merchant's League returns with re-doubled effort to their primary goal: Safe and secure overland trade. More, better trained guards are hired for each caravan- better supplied with weapons and armour than before.

It is a promise. Perhaps not to go back to the previous state of great wealth, but that of ensured survival of the House Sashenstar business.

For now.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Over the course of the last two tendays, a few notable things have happened.

Several caravans have arrived at Baldur's Gate, filled to the brim with preserved food rations of various kinds. Some from Waterdeep at the behest of a group of nobles known as "Chalice of Siamorphe", a few from Amn- proclaimed to be a relief effort organised by the Order of the Radiant Heart from their Headquarters in South. Yet others come from various towns and cities around the Western Heartlands, such as Beregost from which a substantial delivery was arranged by members of "House Divine", along with several charity venues- donations of which have been given to the Sanctuary of Ilmater.

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Perhaps more importantly, at least to the Merchant's League, was that Dabron Sashenstar, heir to the Sashenstar family, has suddenly returned to the City without much of a fanfare. Onlookers say that he arrived on horseback with several of his companions, triumphantly carrying items coming from distant, fabled "Sossal". It is said House Sashenstar is throwing a celebration in the name of the "Great Explorer and Discoverer of Sossal" and any and all are welcome to partake- with a promise of being given at least one meal upon coming, and one for when the party ends.

There are already numerous talks and rumours as to what it means for the Merchant's League. Tongues are wagging that this is a turning point for the business which may restore its former splendour and take them even further in terms of wealth.

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The situation within the city is less bad than it was. That is a result of deeds of various groups, merchants and temples to aid the common population during this time of trial and tribulation. The Sanctuary of Ilmater is recognised for the tireless work of Sister Ashenie and her guardians- Sword of Torm Alexander Holgard and Nathan Goldmane, commonly called by the ilmatari "Mercy's Blade". Their support of young families and newborn children has given the temple a lot of popularity, especially among the poor.

Temple of Torm has started to see increased attendance as, apparently, it began to offer apprentice military training for those wishing to join the City Guard or even the Flaming Fist. Though the faith of Torm is very small in Baldur's Gate, it nonetheless received some interest in their offer.

The Darius Holding Company, a business owned by House Darius, at the behest of Grand Duchess Liia had increased their fishing operations before the ice set in the harbour. It resulted in a larger stockpile of smoked fish, which is primarily sold to people living in the East Gate District and various Harbour locations.

A group known as "The Commons" have risen up from a group of disgruntled citizens who have been protesting in the City against the Dukes. Organised by a fellow known as Harald, its speakers are said to be a halfling named Jerrin and a half-orc Rhaeg (who is moderately known around for his hard, anti-Flaming Fist stances).

Another group, known as "the Prosperity League", is also reputed to have risen. This one, on the other hand, appears to be mostly speaking through posters and murals, calling the City to re-embrace the worship of Evil Gods, such as Bane, Myrkul and Gods of Fury. It's unknown who's the leader of it nor is known its numbers are, but tongues are wagging that a sizable population of humans in the city seems open to such ideas. So long as worship of these evil deities is forbidden, it is unlikely their leadership will come to light on its own.

[DM Foresight]

A curious event occurred for onlookers on the Outer City. beginning at the south end of the bridge over the River Chionthar, a covered wagon being escorted by a pack of Lizardfolk approached Derik Ranloss, Adrian Baker, and members of the Radiant Heart. Baffled guards sent word up towards the city that they were not a threat and Lord Lyonaler would vouch and be responsible for their time inside civilization. As the group all entered the city limits, Derik spoke to the Tax Collector to explain that he had asked the Lizardfolk of the Tribe Hollowmoon for aid in the food crisis, and Chief Ssixuss had obliged. Enough food for several hundred people were offloaded by near a dozen Lizardfolk. The food was later added to the food supplies in the Radiant Heart still being distributed from the massive supply of food brought in from Asbravn.

While within the farmland, tensions were high with the local farmers being unsure and nervous of the lizardfolk presence, along with a few adventurers, one whom is rumored to have even spoke up against their arrival, preaching to all that would hear, Whats next? ogres? trolls? some commoners agreed, others had different opinions. Despite the masses, their hushed voices, and loud spoken opinions against or for the lizardfolk presence in the moment, one rumor rung out louder than all the others in days to come. Posted by a local town crier up on many of the message boards around the city, is a ruff sketch of a scene within the farmlands on this said day of arrival.

* It depicts a tanned female accepting salted meat by a short statured lizardfolk. The drawing captures the emotion of the exchange, the women appears happy, gracious even, and the lizardfolk stands meerly three feet high offering the food up above its bowing head willingly, the lizardfolk pose strikes a resemblance to that of a offering you would see to a temple shrine, though it is hard to understand the intention behind the lizardfolks facial expression, its body language suggests friendship. *

Below the sketch are written a few words.

Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible, for it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. I believe it's our responsibility to show our communities the value of all people, to celebrate difference, and to take a stand for acceptance and inclusion. These lizardfolk come with offers of peace! they come when bellies are empty, to steal? I think not, but with bounties to feed our children in a hard time. If we are to meet such kindness with hatred and intolerance based on a primitive ideology that many bestow, does that not make us the true monster? after all, the scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls, and you cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

*Signed, Crier Steve of the east commons*

[DM Ink]

An Early Morning Speech

Taking center stage of the balcony looking outside of the Ducal Court, Grand Duke Entar's Herald unfurls a ledger as a crowd of citizens gather. Surrounding the palace is a show of Flaming Fist Soldiers standing aside the herald and outside the palace at the ready. The older gentlemen clears his throat and speaks in a loud but shrill voice.

"Hereby today and thus forward, our Graces would like to proclaim their agreement with Lord Harkonis and the Zhentarim's generous offer of trade goods. This new trade agreement will provide the citizens of Baldur's Gate much relief and allow trade to yet again prosper. Any and all banditry against the Zhentarim's goods should be considered a slight against your Graces and fellow citizens; as they take food from our tables and clothes off our backs."

[DM Ink]

Rotating Assets on the Docks

The morning after the meeting at House Darius with Grand Duke Belt, the Grand Duke kept his word in opening up several of the abandoned warehouses. By the Duke's order many of the unkept, abandoned, or unused warehouses will be temporarily marked with a crown and hammer. These buildings will be dedicated to the Darius Company and the Temple of Gond in their ambitious plans to expedite and open trade. Shipwrights from Baldur's Gate have been hired on to assist with the trade efforts. With the opening and maintaining of these temporary building operations, many of the dock workers of the harbor district have found themselves with job opportunities for the next few months.

[Ghost]

In the early morning of 17th of Alturiak, a contigent of Flaming Fist are seen marching out of the north gate of Baldur's Gate, escorting a fine passenger wagon carrying Dukes Liia and Entar, while Dukes Eltan and Belt both ride their own horses alongside. They march north along the Trade Way, evidently headed for Waterdeep. Murmured and whispered among the upper class, soon spreading to the general population, are rumour that the Grand Dukes have been called to meet with Lord Piergeiron in Waterdeep. Other rumours even suggest there is to be a Lord's Alliance summit in the City of Splendours.

[DM Winter]

Strange Happenings

Whispers on dark alleys start gaining light. Tellings of people having bizarre nightmares the past few days are backed up by claims of weird creatures showing up in the sewers of the city.

The past night, however, those claims became fact.

Buzzing of creatures seemingly made of dark smoke along with an acidic smell permeated the deep sewers of the city, hidden even below the few bandit hideouts. The dangers of those sewers was already known, however now one should be even more careful when close to the vile place.

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((OOC: Trying out spawners a bit more! This is a change to the Sewer Bowels map, and will stick for around 48hrs from this post. Level intended is about 14-17, but be careful! - Lvl 30s please don't clear the area too much ... However, RP posts regarding this and further investigation are totally valid if you wish it, regardless of level))

[Ghost]

The Grand Dukes and their contingent of Flaming Fist escorts returned to Baldur's Gate this day. Eltan looked as serious as ever atop his horse, but Belt riding next to him, was jovial and cheerful, waving to the people of Baldur's Gate as they passed through the farmlands and then into the city. Grand Duke Entar was not seen at all, besides glimpses of him inside the wagon as Liia stepped out of it just as the procession reached the farmlands. She indeed walked through the farmlands and the city towards the Ducal Palace, also greeting people on her way.

If any asked how the trip to Waterdeep went, none of the Grand Dukes would offer any answer. Eltan would grunt and ignore it, whereas Belt and Liia would smile and give a wink - perhaps a "you'll know soon enough" every now and then.