DM Rumors of the Sword Coast

[DM Spartacus]

//ooc if anyone found the plot item

recent contract note

recently it may be something you wish to declare.

[DM SummerBreeze]

Various witnesses around the Gate and other public spaces have took note of a strange man with an eye patch seemingly appearing out of nowhere, or out of various garden beds, followed by a purple mist.

This man, friendly in nature has been engaging various people in games of dice before the "winners" disappear for some time, returning with strange items of dubious nature. What do these items do? What are they for? Only those adventurers who possess them truly know anything about them, or this strange encounter with a strange man... some have rumoured it may even be Fae magic, though perhaps that is just the talk of the commonfolk.

[DM Soulcatcher]

~CORMYR DECLARES OPEN WAR ON THE ZHENTARIM~

Following the annexation of Tilverton, King Azoun the IV had declared war upon Zhentil Keep and, by extension, Zhentarim. The Purple Dragon soldiers and knights have efficiently led offensive manoeuvres to intercept all caravans, rout Zhentilar positions in Dalelands and further strengthen their presence in Daggerdale, Shadowdale as well as Teshendale- coming to several significant battles with Zhentilar soldiers.

Rumours spread that the War Wizards and the Purple Dragons of Cormyr are doing whatever they can to find any Zhentarim agents, uncover them and have them executed. At the same time, Cormyr's initiative greatly disrupts the caravans and supply lines leading Westward towards Darkhold- if not causing an outright shut down of the trade roads.

To some, it may come as an unexpected development. To historians and geopolitical onlookers- it was but a matter of time in the long history of hostilities between Cormyr and Zhentil Keep. Questions, however, remain... How will this affect Darkhold and the westward expansion of the Zhentarim?

[DM Dreamer]

Folk of Nashkel talk about a dark cloud that had gathered last night, looming over the old Durlag's tower. Three thunders struck a powerful chord, carrying a roaring echo across Uldoon's Trail. The dark cloud had dispersed shortly after. Those capable of reading such signs would know: a thirst for Vengeance had been sated.

[DM Soulcatcher]

The Onlookers by the Friendly Arms Inn and current residents of it notice the Flaming Fist Camp is nearly completely taken apart and the soldiers have mostly moved on back to the City by now. Those that remain are spotted in presence of various personas, such as Bentley Mirrorshade himself, who seal the mercantile deals with soldiers for the timber left from the army's fortifications.

A group of charcoal burners hired by Bentley are already making preparations to run their business- digging up wells, preparing water supplies and the inevitable mounds.

[CooCooCachoo]

Having maintained vigil at the sight of the fort the masked druid takes note of those looking to purchase the wood already promised to the druids. . . Promised to be returned to the wood.

She stalks as close to their homes and business as she can without conflict and leaves warnings of the druidic lein on that wood. She informs the purchasers, if they will listen, of lives already swallowed by the forest's wrath. It will get worse and it will come to their doorstep if they participate in this breaking of an oath with the forest kin. No one will want to do business with a cursed merchant, knowing that they could be drug into the woods by fey, tortured and planted like one of they trees removed.

The full details of such conversations are yet unknown. For now she continues to urdge those traveling by the site of desecration to make an offering of wood to the ground so they will not be the next person chosen, and drug screaming into the earth.

[DM Winter]

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Storm brews on the ocean off the coast of Candlekeep, bringing with it strong wind and heavy rain, the angry ocean waves often illuminated by lightning. A day to stay inside, many would think. Though those who stay outside their warm and dry home's walls, if they look to the ocean's horizon, can swear they see rapid movement in the waves. Hopefully soon this storm shall pass.

[DM Spartacus]

a further rumour suggests a supply ship went down in the storm

However it appears a few vital barrels of goods were recovered along the shoreline by brave adventurers.

[DM Spartacus]

The caravans winding their way north have been troubled by events in the mountains of Amn. The sea route has been troublesome with recent storms, and the expected icing in of Baldur's Gate. Therefore some caravans have sought alternative routes reaching onto the Uldoon trail. This activity and a generous resupply of militia arms and armour has prompted Greenest to take a more proactive role along the Uldoon, perhaps with one eye on their own limited winter supplies, currently deemed to be adequate.

A cleric of Chauntea from Greenest moved perhaps by this expansion of Greenest activity travelled to Cloakwood on hearing of the many seasonal or otherwise storms in the area driving thousands of migratory birds to divert and pause their journeys in the Cloakwood. While there he prepared crops and plants for the spring as was his way making contact with locals to observe the bird phenomena. Some say the weather is merely seasonal others point to Silvanus and a perceived anger there about followers inaction. Nonetheless this nature watcher declared there was so much bird activity seeds will have been spread across the Cloakwood in an unprecedented manner offering great hope for the forest in the spring.

[Whirlwind]

Following recent troubles near the Friendly Arm Inn with the Flaming Fist and gnoll tribes, a solitary gnome clad in plate armour would become a regular and somewhat perculiar sight around the grounds of the keep.

Seen to be patrolling around outside the keep most days and occasionally standing vigil outside the Temple of Wisdom, the humourless looking gnome warrior would wear a prominent talisman around his neck bearing the embossed symbol of a rune-marked iron band.

[DM Spartacus]

Not so very long after the departure of migratory birds that had unseasonably delayed journeys and stopped in the Cloakwood another strange event occurred. A large procession of Druids from all over led by Druids of the Tall trees and gathering in both small and larger groups, mostly followers of Silvanus, made an appearance at Cloakwood. It seems they were inspired to help promote this much ravaged forest and all left some contribution to the regrowth of nature in this forest before returning to wherever they came from. The forest was almost momentarily overwhelmed by such a healing presence, though to the unwary there may have been little to see overtly as this quiet revolution of nature occurred.

Elsewhere at Baldur's Gate traders continued to slowly release food stocks from moored ships, keeping a hungry population fed and prices high. Careful onlookers could not but notice the ships were now sitting high in the water.

Among the people those most hungry were aided by some charity from the adventuring class, distributing essential foodstuff among their number. Indeed some adventurers were said to have walked the ice on the harbour seeking open seas and lost foods.

Some half filled wagons were sent east at the behest of merchants there seeking more transport capacity, and rumours of a large caravan of food due began to circulate, offering hope and perhaps opportunity.

Other overland routes to the south seemed less optimistic despite some very well protected wagons getting through hopes for a more general expansion of trade were dismissed in rumours of trolls, foul weather, cult wars and undead dangers.

[DM Spartacus]

Rumours that the Fey Robin Goodfellow was back on the coast seem unfounded, for there have been no confirmed reports of any sightings.

Reports of Druids from across the World appearing in many shapes and guises along the many trails and hidden paths of Cloakwood persist. Everywhere they have been is best measured by the many small improvements to the forest growing near daily. This wild forest remains wild but once again more natural, though when a wild bear is chasing a hunter the difference may be lost on her.

Elsewhere at Baldur's Gate traders released more food than the seasonal norm from ships moored ahead of the winter in the harbour, and at lower prices. This was ahead of the very large wagon train of charity goods brought to the city by ORH and others.

It is rumoured these ship borne trade goods intended to sell at higher prices across the winter providing higher profits for the Deck of Cards fleet, have now taken a hit on a wave of well meaning charity. In some quarters it is suggested the parent company The House of Cards is less than impressed.

A side effect of this early release of stock is that food shortages may become more pronounced later in the winter. It may be the trading company The House of Cards is gambling on bringing their own wagons of food to the city!

The charity foods brought to the city by wagon have slowly been released under various schemes. They say now none are starving this winter and the smart gold for traders is moving up a market to the less well fed, and those desiring a little food luxury in their lives before the spring.

However this situation will clearly not last forever. Some predictions suggest the food from this caravan and the other wider efforts to aid the city thus far might save the starving till around mid Alturiak but no more. The date may not be certain but what is clearer is that continued efforts and clever strategies will be needed before the crises is done.

Individual adventurers and small charity outlets and many many Guilds continue to support the city's poor and ensure even distribution.

The sight of two of the Dukes walking the docks a clear sign of some short term and nervous stability and a desire by the Dukes perhaps to be associated with it.

A delegation remained behind at Elturel to discuss a wider peace they say. Information remains scant. But adventurers from many Guilds have made a patrolling presence this winter along the trade routes.

Rumours circulated of rewards being offered for the location of Harry Halftoe of Amn, and Robin Goodfellow the fey.

(if npc sparty is outside BG then clues to finding these 2 individual npc are in play)

[DM Winter]

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Tonight on the coast south of Candlekeep, winter rain like piercing darts assailed the trees, beasts and whatever else dared go out. Strange mist was brought by the ocean wind, along with an uneasy feeling of something to come.

However, as odd bright lights popped up on the beach and forest nearby, it was clear that someone defended the land against whatever tried to assail it. Even amidst rain and mist, rumours spread of a brave elven woman diligently defending the coast. Though whatever she was defending it from, or why they attacked, remains unclear.

[DM Spartacus]

A varied winter climate has brought Cloakwood to early life and nature watchers have been greatly encouraged by the unexpected variety of bugs, plants and smaller animals recently observed within the forest point to a vibrant and welcome return this year in the forest much battered in the past by foul creations.

Elsewhere at Baldur's Gate the food situation remains helpful to those most needy as many sources continue to hand out foodstuffs. Though supplies dwindle and concern this cannot last till spring is a near certainty now. Early hopes that House of Cards would secure another food convoy appear to have faded, and the future still remains dangerously uncertain.

The Dukes have been noticeable by their absence among the docks and surrounding area.

Further south sightings of Vampires around north Nashkel have done little to aid their general travel worries originally blighted by winter and trolls, and now then Undead as well. This has drawn some strange looking individuals to Nashkel, and a small group of cultists too.

Elturel is awash with rumours of measures been taken to make river and overland routes a power for good this year using a number of measures and internal and external resources.

Rumours circulated of rewards being offered for the location of Harry Halftoe of Amn, recently seen along the wagon routes to the Sword Coast and now believed to be in hiding there.

Elsewhere Robin the Bard is rumoured to be delivering a talk on poisoning plots at Greenest soon. (Wednesday 2nd at 10 pm gmt (ish)

Phoenix Guild has been sending mail here and there and holding important meetings relating to the coast. The details though have remained a guarded secret.

ORH patrols have been noted up and down the coast on the serious business of keeping travellers safe.

The Vanguard have remained present throughout but especially in the south.

(if npc sparty is outside BG then clues to finding Harry the npc are in play)

[DM Winter]

They came from the sea!

A rainy night on the coast just below the great library of Candlekeep brings with it scaly creatures, that soon start to take hold of the beach and slightly further inland. They attack any on sight, speaking gibberish in a strange rage.

Mostly contained to that beach, however, they don't seem to present a danger further inland as of yet. Their motives remain unclear, and an unnofficial warning to be careful is spread from person to person.

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((OOC: More spawner shenanigans! This change affects the Coast South of CK map and will be around 48 hrs from this post. Intended CR is about 17-20, but do be careful! - Lvl 30s don't completely decimate them, but feel free to make any RP posts or try to investage it further!))