Efforts lead by a local "eccentric" Gondsmen seem to be paid off as the amber haired man can be seen handing out recent plans and drafts to shipwrights. The builders get to work right away facilitating the plans into finite structures of lumber and iron. Lumber arrives from a long caravan marked with the banner of House Burninghem. Other shipments of specialized parts arrive from House Alora known for their elegance and craftsmenship, while the iron and siege specialists of House Ylordia arrive in the evening working on the vessels modifications through the candle lit night. The first few of the acclaimed ice walking vessels are rumored to be completed in the next tenday.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
By order of your Grace Grand Duke Belt with cooperation of the Church of Gond, expert handed Gondsmen have been asked to come to the docks to offer what assistance they may to the current project underway. With the backing of ships in port and the frozen paths, those who may be able to tend to, fix, and build these massive projects will be necessary for ensuring trade throughout Baldur's Gate. Additionally Gondsmen have been asked to direct any additional plans or prints to Merigold Isengale the Secretary to Grand Duke Belt.
(feel free to contact me directly for the project)
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
After the conclusion of the meeting with Grand Duke Belt, three techsmith's of Gond were seen walking out of the Duchal palace with their tasks along with a tall half orc man. The three gondites could be described as a shirtless man with shimmery spikey auburn hair, a hooded lady wearing red, and a fire genasi of impeccable fashion.
The next morning that followed involved the movement of good from all around the city to the temple of Gond. Iron, lumber, and various crates were lifted and brought outside of the temple to be collected and utilized. All through the night the sounds of tinkering can be heard from the building as they work through the night with Master Peter Pike. The sounds of steam can be heard through the district.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Dozens of workers, laborers, and recently displaced Baldurians were seen this evening making their way to the Halls of Inner Light. Lines stretched out the door and down the cobble stone roads as many of the citizens held fliers between their hands. The confident looks of some of the more refined specialists were deeply contrasted by the looks of desperation written on some of the lower members of the city. Throughout the day the citizens flowed in and out of the Halls of Inner Light to sign on for opportunities for the proposed expansion. Many of the citizens praised Alyssia Leonhart for her generosity in these trying times.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Upon completion of the Temple of Gonds mechanized steam engines, Nalissa Colds and Shaeth Galeas finished their work. They completed additional sources of power for the ice bound boats known by their creator as "Spanky-boats". The days following the completion of their work included long hours and rough nights fitting several of the vessels with the additional devices. When all of the vessels modifications were finished, the workers stood proudly at the docks edge as the ships were carefully moved into the rough ice waters.
Off the docks and into the water! The Baldur's Gate citizens stood outside watching as the steam engines pumped plumes of hot steam into the air. The crushing paddles broke the ice around it. The workers and citizens cheered together as the Gondite's "Spanky-boats" crawled above the ice, making their way down the rivers and trade routes carrying essential cargo to neighboring villages. Other modified vessels of the same design smashed and broke the ice into open pathways for boats and vessels to continue trade.
After days of running these Gondite creations, the docks themselves gave way to the vessels who had crushed the ice to a manageable size. Grand Duke Belt put out a statement thanking the Civil Council for their contribution to Baldurian Trade. In the words of the Grand Duke,
"This demonstration is only one of many contributions of our brilliant people, proving once again the resilience and tenacity of Baldur's Gate. The city thanks: Rhaeg for the advocacy of our hard working shipwrights, the Temple of Gond for its tireless dedication, House Alora, Ylordia, and Burninghem for their resources, finally House Darius for their organization and execution. It Gives us great pride to see so many heros amongst our citizens."
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Once again, a sizeable retinue of Flaming Fist soldiers escort a wagon out of the city towards the north. Those witnessing the departure, say they saw only the Grand Dukes Entar Silvershield and Liia Jannath within the wagon. They pass out into the Fields of the Dead, travelling the Coast Way towards Waterdeep.
A list of names is posted outside of Baldur's Gate listing off the names of the upcoming individuals sentenced to death this upcoming Tenday:
Those Committed of Crimes to be Punished by Death:
Thorak - Full Orc - Crimes of Banditry and Murder
Matthew - Surname Unknown - Crimes of Necromancy
Ethis Samos - Crimes of Murder
Lynn Valma - Crimes of Poisoning and Murder
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
The morning Tarsakh the third is greeted by the sounds of a grieving family who arrive to the Flaming Fist compound to report their missing child. The mother and father report nightmares of the child. Their son allegedly woke them up several times in the night to report a strange man in a dark brown coat with tall bark-like antlers. This strange hooded visage would watch the child from across the room with fiery burning eyes. The parents went to the child's room to check, and each time nobody was there. Upon the third night of the two slept well through the night without being awoken by the young boy. When they went to check on him in the morning he had vanished without a trace. The Flaming Fist has asked that anyone matching this description to be approached with caution and reported immediately.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
As it happens every year, today is the day of the Breaking! The City-wide celebration that is traditionally held on the day the last ice thaws and breaks from the harbour and thus opening the season of naval commerce back again.
Grand Duchess Liia and Belt had made an appearance in the Harbour, giving praise and a free gift of cinnamon buns and mead to the citizen of Baldur's Gate, for their durability and strength in overcoming the recent crisis of food scarcity. Amidst those praises, Grand Duke Belt had named several factions and organisations which deserved special praise: The Commons, The Triadic Collective, The Halls of Inner Light, House Darius, House Divine, Order of the Radiant Heart, The Merchant's League, Rocky Creek, High Hall of Wonders- Gond's Faithful and The Sanctuary of Ilmater!
For their tireless work in alleviating hunger, suffering and ensuring that in the future no such threats will ever come back- Grand Duchess Liia has announced that they will receive "Noteworthy gifts". Belt, known as the People's Dukes, has been seen being the first person to hand goods to a dock worker to deliver to the market. He also had done several rounds of baby-kissing, high-fiving with workers and, usual for him, joyous exultations!
The food problems of the Gate are, officially, over.
Lanterns glow in the night hours of Baldur's Gate as the many members of the city watch patrol in greater numbers. Rumor has it there could be something nefarious lurking in the shadows of the East Gate District after another report of two additional missing children reach the lips of the town crier. Flaming Fist soldiers appear tight lipped on a potential cause, but have referred any frightened families or children to reach the Ilmater shrine in light of their offer to assist in these times.
A report from the tradeway indicates signs that have been kicked or broken. It appears to be the work of something with hoof prints. Several travelers suspect it the work of the local wildlife. Few clues or evidence point either way. One partially smoked cigar was found next to a flask, which could lead one to believe the recent vandalism may be the work of bandits. No casualties or injuries have been reported. Only confused wagons wasting time going down the wrong routes.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Something stirs in the harbour, rumours talk of a meeting.
Dabron Sashenstar, renowned adventurer, explorer and heir to House Sashenstar was seen visiting the office of the Merchant's League.
It is said that plans have been made between House Sashenstar, the League and the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply but the details are not known to the public. The League's office stirs with activity and positivity for the future to come.
Later in the afternoon, citizens of Baldur's Gate lock their doors reporting a strange man with black hair and fine clothes dancing and singing in tongues. The man is reported as wearing furs and light armor. While reported as harmless, local watch suspect a drunk may have come across somebody's equipment.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree. -Alan Watts
Reports of an art theft at House Anjinson of the House of Cards trading cartel were quickly followed by reports adventurers had tracked the thief down before he was later apprehended by agents of the house and returned to Baldur's Gate. It is said he is willing to cooperate with authorities apparently seeking a better outcome.
There were no artists on hand to capture the moment of his return but it is said treasure hunters were among the crowd.
Elsewhere around the docklands rumours lore had been recently uncovered about a cult searching for relics on the coast, this for many brought back memories of recent encounters with Hags, Fey, Devils and Dragons such was fear in the underbelly of the city. Of course there was a rumour of undead in the underbelly too but that is another story. Whatever clues have been uncovered no one is currently talking.
On the next day, fliers bearing an official Ducal seal are pinned in various places of the city. Town criers can be heard speaking them aloud to the masses who are unable to read or, simply, don't want to.
The harbour is lively, the mercantile fleet of House Sashenstar prepares to set sail.
According to the rumours, a valuable deal has been signed between the renowned Balduran House and another House in Elturel.
This, right after a meeting at the Merchants' League between Lord Aldeth Sashenstar, Jon Smythe of the Chiontar Charter & Seaward Supply and Nathan Goldenmane of House Darius.
The mariners of House Sashenstar talk of a trade deal that will bring much food to Baldur's Gate. On top of that, rumours of negotiations to fit the mercantile fleet with a new technology developed by the Temple of Gond and House Darius.
