House Vale - Rumors & Roleplay

[wangxiuming]

Word might spread within the palace district that House Vale has seen a flurry of activity in recent days. Guests and potential recruits from diverse backgrounds visit the estate with regularity. The House recently invited those present to share in repast; the featured meal was a hearty soup made by the House's own quartermaster, Teris Ynarno; it appeared to have been received quite well by even the most stoic of participants.

[Ashenie]

A quiet woman in rags approaches House Vale, and leaves a letter to the attention of Saer Osric Vale. The veiled woman is quiet and keeps her head low before anyone. She departs without entering, offering a kind smile before returning to other endeavors. The letter she left is miserable, its poor aspect looking like overused pieces of parchment.

[wangxiuming]

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House Vale receives a gift in the form of a Redbud tree, whose blossoms turn to elegant pink flowers in the spring and whose heart-shaped leaves turn white as the autumn approaches. Osric instructs the House Butler, Chelsea Byrne to ensure the tree is well-tended and cared for, and requests the assistance of the house's quartermaster, Teris Ynarno, in ensuring the tree will bloom, healthy, vital and strong.

[wangxiuming]

Palace district rumors might speak of House Vale hosting several honored guests of late:

[wangxiuming]

On Tarskah 28, 1358, in light of all the recent developments along the coast, House Vale once more gathered to discuss future plans, preparations and initiatives.

[wangxiuming]

Osric of House Vale Addresses the People:

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Upon his return from Neverwinter and upon reading the latest Zhentarim-aligned propaganda, the Lord of House Vale would take to the podium to address the people of Baldur's Gate:

Good people of Baldur’s Gate! I ask you, hear me!

You have doubtless seen the feckless writings of the Zhentarim and their allies, perhaps splayed about as vapid stationery, or even rained from the firmament like so much waste from the harbor gulls.

They write to cast blame. They have emptied all the inkwells in Darkhold to conjure grievances to put to vellum. They think because it is the Lord’s Alliance that marches upon them, they can condemn this great city. They posit that they now have justification for the atrocities they intend to commit.

Do not be fooled.

Behind all their clever words is a single, resounding message: Because the Zhentarim are not getting their way, they mean to kill us all.

Think on what has actually transpired. The Lords’ Alliance marches upon Darkhold, its host comprised of soldiers from other free cities. Baldur’s Gate withdraws from its treaty with Darkhold. The Gate sends no Fist mercenaries to the front. Any of this city who goes to aid the front does so of their own volition, not on behalf of the Gate. The Dukes send not a single soldier to combat!

And what do the Zhentarim do in response? They could have sent their letters straight to the Dukes. They could have sent their scribings to the Lords' Alliance. Instead, they threaten you, with parchment from the sky.

I ask you - is that fair? Is that just? No, of course not. But what would the Zhentarim and their allies know of justice?

The Zhentarim want you to think that because a treaty is dissolved, the only outcome is war. I say to you: that is a lie! That is the narrative they want you to buy into. But who has really chosen a war with you, the free people of Baldur's Gate, here? Certainly not the good people of this city, not the Dukes, not the Gate! War is their choice, not that of the free descendants of Balduran! War is their choice because Baldurian coin will no longer flow into their coffers. War is their choice because their corrupt whispers will no longer hold sway at court!

For these reasons, they train their eyes upon the good people of this city. And they have made clear that they care not for the masses, the innocents, the good people of this city who have not had any say in the matter. They will lay waste to us all. Their vows of peace and prosperity are shown for what they are - worth less than the wind upon which those empty promises were spoken.

You need only look to their own fetid words to know I speak truth:

[...] will continue to result in Bhaal’s embrace coming for the masses, both innocent and guilty as their souls get sent to Myrkul.

You reap what you sow, and the Lord’s Alliance and those that support them have crafted a terrible tapestry of death and destruction with the Coast as their canvas.

Vigilator Baron Barristan Schulltze

These are the words they have sent to the good people of this city because a trade treaty was severed. These are the threats they have levied at you, the innocent people of Baldur’s Gate, because we no longer submit ourselves to their terms! These words are not directed at the Lord’s Alliance, not at the Dukes, not even those who march upon their precious stronghold in the Sunset Mountains. This 'Vigilator' has the temerity to address his intimidation to all citizens of the coast.

Why?

They mean to unnerve you, to intimidate you, to cow you into submission. That is who they are. They think because they themselves are slaves to even more sinister masters, that you will follow suit. They think because their words are careful and calculated, that you will not be able to see through their deception.

Do not be fooled. Do not submit. Do not waver.

In the face of mad tyrants who have abandoned reason for wanton violence, in the face of war criminals who consort with drow and send dragons to scorch the earth, in the face of murderers who mean to take from you all that you hold dear, we cannot - we shall not - falter!

Let us steel our resolve! Let us stand together with our fellow patriots of this free and fair city and defend our home! Let us make it known to the Zhentarim that we are not afraid of their threats, that we will not kowtow to their whims, and that we will not back down from a fight!

Glory to Baldur’s Gate! Glory to Her People!

After delivering his speech, Osric would direct any who wished to join the war effort to Fort Triel to join Lord Lyonaler and the Radiant Heart. He quietly instructs the House Vale guard complement to scour the city and set to flames any Zhentarim declarations, but to leave their threats for all to see.

[wangxiuming]

In early 1358, the Vale Estate sees an influx of artisans and laborers who begin remodeling the interior.

[renshouj]

The doors to House Vale opened as the unconscious body of a druid was taken inside. Scratches and cuts all over her body, but the most severe of injuries was on her right leg, now gone. Much blood was lost, but the druidess remained. Care was given and she lives, at least for now, resting in a room in the Estate.

It would be a couple hours until she woke up, her mind flustered, uncertain. Her voice weak and eyes wide as she came to understand what happened.

[wangxiuming]

Osric throws up parchment onto the bulletin by the Elfsong Tavern:

House Vale is recruiting loyal retainers. In these troubling times, it is more important than ever that those who are able to stand resolute do so on behalf of those who are not. For those souls who wish to make a difference for the city of Baldur's Gate and its people, or if you are interested in investigating the recent spate of calamities, consider joining the ranks of House Vale. We work for the betterment of all people. Right now, understanding what is happening to magic and the gods is paramount above all else.

House Vale is seeking to fill the following positions:

• Man-At-Arms: A Man-At-Arms serves as the House's last line of defense and holds authority over the House Guard. Shielded warriors are preferred, but any whose focus is defense will be considered. A Man-At-Arms can eventually ascend to the rank of Master of the Guard. Note that the position is not restricted solely to men.

• Knight-Errant: Knights-Errant act as the adventuring arm of the House and travel the roads to and from Baldur's Gate to keep the House apprised on matters outside the city. In this time of chaos across the coast, it is more important than ever that our eyes and ears stretch to distant places to broaden and coordinate intelligence with allied organizations. Knights-Errant can eventually be elevated to the position of Master of the Watch.

• House Magus: Magi of many stripes are invited to lend their expertise to House Vale. In return, House Vale offers shelter and protection from those who would do spellweavers harm. Pact mages must present evidence of their documented pact papers and be willing and able to describe the terms of their pact in detail. House Magi can eventually be promoted to Masters of the Arcane.

• Seeker: Although the Lord of the House is dedicated to Siamorphe, House Vale welcomes faithful of those good-aligned deities whose goals are compatible with the teachings of the Divine Right. Seekers serve as representatives of their faith within the House and can eventually be elevated to the position of Master of the Faith.

Criminals, faithful to malevolent deities and those already affiliated with other organizations need not apply. Leave word at the Vale Estate to setup an interview if interested. (//PM me! )

[wangxiuming]

After speaking with Sir Althalous Fenwick of the Church of Mystra, Osric would make it known that those of the Temple displaced by the recent calamities are welcome to find shelter and refuge in the Vale Estate as well. As the guest rooms fill, the new ballroom is converted into a temporary shelter to house those in need.

[zenling]

A half-elven woman in turquoise garb would have been seen in and out of the Vale Estate over the past month. Within the estate she could often have been seen visiting the recovering druidess, Runa Helvig, bringing fresh flowers and taking out the old. She was present to aid with the arrival of the Mystrans, helping with the lighter mundane work of setting up the sleeping arrangements, and offering an ear or a moment's conversation to those receptive to it. The next evening, she could be seen carefully penning two letters in one of the estate's open areas, stopping every once in a while to silently mouth a word or scratch her temple with the top of the pen.

[wangxiuming]

In the wake of the pronouncement from the Duchal Office, Osric is quick to spread the word of the "Commons' Courtesy."

Their Graces, in their benevolence, have seen the plight of the people of this great city! The Commons' Courtesy demonstrates that regardless of what happens to our faiths or our magicks, the Council of Four's leadership will remain a strong foundation for support and succor upon which our people can rely. Neither should it be forgotten the part Rhaeg of the Commons played in proposing and bringing about this much-needed welfare in the first place. It is through the united efforts of the people and their leaders that Baldur's Gate is seen to harmonious prosperity!

As a Lord of Baldur's Gate, I offer my sincere gratitude to both the Council of Four and Rhaeg of the Commons.

Glory to Baldur's Gate and its people!

In the days that follow, Osric would discreetly traverse the city to gauge the reaction to the announcement by the Gate's residents.

Hidden: show

An Evening Gathering around the Palace

In the late evening of the summer day, a half elven woman in a red sun dress passes a decree written by the Council of Four to a man with a short regal cap. Those familiar with this secretary would identify her as the secretary of Grand Duke Belt. The two stand at the ledge of the palace district as the regal man with a shrill voice begins to speak to the gathered Audience.

"Hereby today and thus forward for a duration of one year, your graces have decreed a stipend to the most vulnerable citizens of Baldur's Gate. This stipend will be known and proclaimed as "The Common's Courtesy". Its purpose will be to grant financial compensation to those families struggling to make it through these uncertain and chaotic times. The Common's Courtesy will grant monetary relief to citizens stricken by poverty, loss of work, or inability to prosper for the duration of one year. Upon the completion of the year, your grace Duke Entar will evaluate the loss before reinstatement. In these trying times, your graces of the Council of Four have heard your words. Those who have struggled since the collapse of the weave, unanswered prayers, and all of the inequities caused by the two shall be eligible to receive this aid as a citizen of the city."

Quickly added at the end the old herald added. "Adventurers do not apply."

[Steve]

Subject: The Windspell Adventurers' Guild - Forum RP

Between the Past and the Present....Chapter III, Scene II

Starring: Caed Wynter-Rose and Garlic Rana

Special Guests: Jak Dimburrow

The Windspells entered the Vale Estate in the Palace District, having been given in that location by the Wizard Sirion some time earlier in order to locate the one called the "Old Man," who as the wizard expressed, was most likely to know any Priest of the High One. As well, a recent response to another related search also directed the two Windspells to the estate, which was determined by the duo to be an obvious sign of good Winds of Fate, guiding them.

Within the estate they were greeted by a Jak Dimburrow, he that wrote the response to the Windspells. They sat and discussed for a time all that had brought the Windspells there, and it would seem the trio were reaching some conclusion to one thing or another until....when Dimburrow was hastily called away....

The Windspells had not yet located of spoken with the "Old Man." They made sure the butler was informed, and so they sat comfortably and waited upon the couches, idly chatting.

OOC: Hey there House Vale! The Windspells are meeting this Sunday...and we'd like to schedule it with any of you, plus this "Old Man" character from the Temple of Mystra! Let us know by PM. Cheers.

[wangxiuming]

Not long after meeting with the Windspell Adventurers, Osric could be seen asking around town for a Priest of Azuth.

Shortly after that, a giant flesh monster appeared in the Palace District and attacked the Vale Estate. With the aid of many friends and the Flaming Fist, the flesh monster was destroyed, though not before dissolving an unfortunate soldier and leaving a macabre mosaic of gore and blood upon the estate walls and several nearby buildings. Fortunately, the House Vale guard was able to wash most of it away with many buckets of water and a deep, deep scrub.

Rumors are unclear about what actually created this macabre abomination, though some suggest it may have been tied to a mysterious meat thief ...

Screenshot stolen from Iszu! Thank you! <3

[Ashenie]

A ragged and hooded figure comes to offer two letters for Lord Osric Vale. She thanks everyone many times and offers anyone who experience troubles or pain to find her in the Temple of the Broken God, before she departs quietly, a unfading smile upon her lips.