Rumors & Events of Baldur's Gate

[PaparaZzi]

Mystery of the selunite priest's disappearance was unveiled tonight, when he emerged out of the Flaming Fist headquarters on his first patrol. He wears a uniform, referring to himself as the City Watch's support unit. He always smiles and favors nocturnal shifts.

[Heretic]

The following parchment if posted at the entrance to the Everwinter Estate and on several bulletin boards throughout Baldur's Gate

[Rhifox]

The following declaration is distributed by Zhentarim diplomats throughout the Heartlands and abroad.

Let it be known that the dukes of Baldur's Gate have broken contracts made and oaths sworn. They have demonstrated by voiding standing arrangements with the Zhentarim Company that their word is hollow, and so revealed a serious lack of honor, integrity, and reliability. This follows their initial agreements with the Zhentarim Company in 1353 against the approval of their allies the Lords Alliance. If they sought to "honor their righteous alliance", as they now claim, it is in 1353 that that alliance should have been honored. Instead, Baldur's Gate broke faith with the Lords Alliance, and now, seeking to once again kiss the feet of that alliance, it has again broken faith, this time with the Zhentarim Company. Let all nations and mercantile powers know that doing business with Baldur's Gate cannot be trusted, as they will betray their commitments at arbitrary whim.

The violated treaties between Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim Company include:

- The Baldur's Gate-Zhentarim Open Relations and Trade Treaty of 1353, in which it was said that the treaty would "permanently" establish diplomatic and trade relations between the City of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim, and which stipulates in article 3 that Baldur's Gate agreed on Darkhold's right to right to self-defense if attacked by other members of the Lords Alliance. In "honoring their righteous alliance" with the Lords Alliance, Baldur's Gate has betrayed their commitment to permanent relations and broken article 3.

- The Baldur's Gate-Darkhold Information Sharing Treaty of 1358, in which information on secret trade routes to the city was revealed, in exchange for a collateral of 15% of Zhentarim profits from Baldur's Gate trade in the 1357 year, for the purpose of protecting continued trade between Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim. These trade routes can no longer be considered protected in light of the severing of all trade with the city.

- The Baldur's Gate-Darkhold Famine Relief Treaty of 1358, in which a 50% concession on taxes on Zhentarim luxury goods was promised to the Zhentarim by Baldur's Gate one year after the signing of the deal, made in exchange for the Zhentarim reducing prices on wheat and other foodstuffs by 90% for the period of the famine of the 1357-1358 winter. Baldur's Gate is refusing to uphold its end of the bargain by voiding this contract before paying its dues.

All collateral held by Darkhold according to the terms of the Baldur's Gate-Darkhold Information Treaty of 1358 is now considered the full property of Darkhold and the Zhentarim. The dukes of Baldur's Gate are called to immediately confer to Darkhold an amount of gold equal to 50% concession on taxes on the import and sale of all Zhentarim luxury items for a period of six months of the year of 1358 in accordance with the demands laid out by the Baldur's Gate-Darkhold Trade Treaty of 1358, in which this amount would have been expected one year following the signing of the document.

[Avanos]

Serai would approach the guard at the gate to report an incident at the outer gate area.
Two female elves garbed in black, one of the girls was scantily clad, with silver white hair and glasses.
The other was fully clothed in what seemed to be black leathers, wielded a bow and was masked.
They were caught with a summoned monstrous creature, which they promptly dismissed as Serai approached them.
They left the area quickly after denying that it belonged to them.

[Winterborne]

A copy of Entar's announcement as well as the Zhentarim's response are collected. They are neatly placed side by side in an elegant frame and hung in the Steward's office.

Throughout the day, the blonde man is active and busy, spending time at the Ilmatari temple before attending a private meeting at the Merchant's League. Afterwards, he is seen to be reading in town, relaxed on a bench outside a particular house. Oddly he lingers there most of the evening and then overnight in plain sight.

In the morning he is seen outside the Orphanage with a delivery of cinnamon rolls, and then soon after he can be seen distributing colorful flyers that mention a birthday party for someone called Daisy Lynn.

Dark circles under his eyes, his demeanor is reserved and tired but friendly. He goes about the rest of his morning without sleep before disappearing into the Estate for a time, presumably to rest.

[Izsu]

A tiefling clad in heavily blood-splattered black leather armor stumbles along, looking pale and utterly exhausted, on the road from the bridge at River Chionthar towards the Gate. She is flanked by the steward of House Darius as she makes her way through the city streets, earning no small amount of odd and uneasy looks from passersby as she makes her way into the House's estate in which she remains for the remainder of the night.

[wangxiuming]

Soon after a sojourn to Triel to meet with the Hellriders of Elturel, Osric makes his way to the embassy offices of the Lord's Alliance in the Harbor District of Baldur's Gate. There, he speaks with the receptionist Jonathan to request a meeting with a representative of the Lord's Alliance.

[sweetlikesplenda]

After a meeting is held among various groups and individuals in Triel, the soldiers of the Radiant heart stationed along the River Chionthar, begin to pack up much of their camp. Most of the soldiers relocating to supply lines heading north. Their new assignment to protect goods and lumber heading north, supplied by House Darius and House Vale.

[Almarea90]

*A tiefling in blue robes bearing the symbols of Candlekeep can be seen attaching the following page in the noticeboards of Candlekeep, Baldur's Gate, Soubar, Beregost, Nashkel and Greenest*

Coastal Chronicles - Tharsakh 1358 DR Year of the Shadow


Tarsakh


1st Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - Thorak (banditry), Matthew (necromancy), Ethis Samos (murder), Lynn Valma (poisoning and murder) are due to be executed in the upcoming tenday.

2nd Tarsakh, Fortress Westmarch - The Lord's Alliance marches in forces and easily takes the fortress, they then continue forward towards Darkhold.

2nd Tarsakh, Winding Way - Increased activity of the Whitewood Vanguard is witnessed on the Winding Way and in the lands north of Baldur's Gate.

2nd Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - A child disappears from his house during the night. Before his disappearance, the child laments several times the presence of a creature with flaming eyes and antlers.

3rd Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - The Breaking, a local celebration of the day the last ice breaks, takes place at the Harbor. The dukes attend with offers for the population, thanking those organization that provided vital support during the crisis of this winter. This year, the celebration also marks the end of the food shortage in the city.

4th Tarsakh, Along the Chiontar - The beginning of the works to build the bridge across the Chiontar East of Baldur's Gate is officially marked by the establishment of a worker camp with supplies and a meeting between the involved parties.

8th Tarsakh, Boareskyr Bridge - An altercation takes place between the Zhentarim skymages and likely a Black dragon, judging from the acidic breath wyverns and skymages were drenched in. Most of the bridge still stands.

10th Tarsakh, Northern Lands - The Hellriders and Red Shields cross the River Reaching, although the bulk of the army comes from Asbrvan is still travelling towards Hluthvar. A group of 500 orcs from Uruk Lurra attacks an outpost of Elturel and Scornubel but are quickly overwhelmed.

11th Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - The Grand Knight of the Order of the Radiant Heart is seen at the head of his men heading towards Fort Triel. Rumors circulate of a deal between House Sashenstar and the Chiontar Charter & Seaward Supply. After the mysterious disappearance of two more children, the patrols of the City Watch are increased.

11th Tarsakh, Tradeway - Many signs are knocked down by something with hooves. Even though many suspect the local wildlife, traces of a partially smoked cigar point at a humanoid vandal.

18th Tarsakh, Tradeway - The perpetrator of the vandalism acts towards the signs on the Tradeway is identified as an awakened deer, known for its consumption of alcohol and cigars.

15th Tarsakh, Greenest - The Windride, Shaundakun holy day, takes place.

16th Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - A work of art belonging to House Anjinson is stolen, however the thief is apprehended by a group of adventurers.

18th Tarsakh, Friendly Arm Inn - The tomb of Ser Billy is desecrated by an unknown perpetrator.

19th Tarsakh, Nashkel - The elves Antares and Elquendi save a family of the Western Heartlands from the Zhentarim occupied territory and bring them to safety in Nashkel.

20th Tarsakh, Friendly Arm Inn - The tomb of Ser Billy is reconsecrated by members of various churches. Ilmateri and selunites among them. Guards at the Friendly Arms are now taking shifts on the walls to watch over the tomb.

22nd Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - A trade agreement is signed between House Divine and the Whitemask Theater that names the former their sole provider of textiles.

22nd Tarsakh, North of Baldur's Gate - A Zhentarim scout camp is attacked by the Whitewood Vanguard, who departs with a prisoner of war.

23rd Tarsakh, River Chiontar - Fourty soldiers of the Order of the Radiant Heart are now stationed at the construction site of the bridge to fend off any orcish attack.

23rd Tarsakh, Lion's Way - The druidic grove is desecrated by an unknown cultist accompanied by a giant snake. The cultist apparently lured two travelers and spilled their blood during an unholy ritual.

23rd Tarsakh, Corm Orp - The Hellriders and Red Shields occupy the village.

23rd Tarsakh, Reaching Woods - A black dragon attacks the lumberers of the Lord's Alliance with a spry of acid killing most of them and severely damaging the surrounding forested area.

24rth Tarsakh, Lion's Way - The druidic grove is soon reconsecrated by the Archdruid of the Green Enclave.

25th Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - The dukes announce that the treaty with the Zhentarim is broken and that they will stand with the Lord's Alliance. The Black's Network replies accusing Baldur's Gate of breaking their commitments and requires they payment of 50% concession on taxes on the import and sale of all Zhentarim luxury items for a period of six months of the year of 1358.

25th Tarsakh, River Chiontar - A group of renegade orcs guided by a troll necromancer raids a caravan near the bridge construction site, but is defeated by the Order of the Radiant Heart. An ancient elven dagger and a recipe book are recovered.

26th Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - John Smythe of the Chionthar Charter & Seaward Supply Co. is offered a contract by House Sashenstar but he, according to the rumors, refuses. The company however, appears now busy between Elturel and Iriaebor.

26th Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - A giant crab is summoned in the Eastern Farmlands. The identity of the summoner is yet unknown.

28th Tarsakh, Baldur's Gate - A trade agreement is signed by House Sashenstar and a House from Elturel that will, according to the rumors, boost the influx of food in the city. House Sashenstar is also aiming to fit the newly developed ice breakers in their fleet.

28th Tarsakh, Cloakwood - A blighted Treant is defeated by a group of three people who allegedly came out of a rabbit hole.

Author's note: if anything is incorrect or missing, do not hesitate to contact me.

In faith,
Scribe Edelgarde Spades

((OOC Disclaimer: If you would like something added in future works feel free to send me a PM or poke me on discord. In order for me to avoid involuntarily metagaming I kindly ask that the request is delivered as follows:

- Either IC (missive or in game if you prefer)
- Or OOC with a link to the relevant rumor post in the forum
))

[Heretic]

Netanya would spy a notice appended on the fence in front of the Everwinter Estate. She would carefully read it, consider it, then promptly discard it before entering the Estate to tend to her affairs.

[Izsu]

A grey-skinned tiefling woman wearing black clothing and a red scarf is seen sauntering through the streets in the early hours of the morning. She would appear exhausted, but relieved - a faint smile constantly on her lips. She stops for a time outside the Orphanage, her eyes wandering over the building and the houses nearby before she returns to the northern parts of the district, humming a rashemi lullaby as she goes.

[Kitunenotsume]

A second rare recipe credited to Hill Ramsi was uncovered somewhere on the coast recently however rumour has it this was promptly lost in an ambush in the Serpent Hills. A later search among the hills suggested some adventurers may have removed it.

For some days now, after having personally received the first rumor from her colleague Blunt the Blacksmith, the transient tavernkeep Sayushi Furuki has been searching for further news on the recipies. Plying both her patrons to the Lucky Coin as well as acquaintances across the Sword Coast, she is apparently offering a complementary meal for useful information, and her personal culinary experience in the final preparation should anyone some forth with the recipie itself.

Should either offer be insufficient, she is quick to remind that negotiations are always welcomed.

[Kitunenotsume]

Apparently having turned up sufficiently little news, a formal flyer is posted in Baldur's Gate, and a few other areas:

To those whom it may be of interest:

Let it be known that the Breadflower Bakery is currently seeking a series of recipes, purportedly authored by one 'Hill Ramsi'. Rumors suggest that the documents have been located and traded in recent days, with one passingly referred to as a 'Devil's Recipe'. Any information that leads to their identification would be appreciated and duly compensated.

Furthermore, should any such recipe be be delivered to the establishment, the Breadflower Bakery shall make all available effort to host a stall for a minimum of one full week at the location and menu-theme of the delivering party's choice; or upon the Tradeway outside Baldur's Gate if there is no other preference.

Should any news or contact be sought, please address correspondence to:
Sayushi Furuki, Breadflower Bakery
The Lucky Coin, Hammer Hall, Greenest.

Or leave message in the care of Mr. Brennan of Rocky Creek

This notice posted on the Fifth of Mirtul of the year 1358. ((May 8th, 2022))

[Eliasz_Kowalski]

Adventures of a dwarvish skald

Recently, a peculiar incident happened at Sorcerous Sundries. A rowdy dwarf with a look of crazed agitation in his green eyes stormed into the magic shop and demanded "Some bloody magics to give me em imaginations!" From his confusing explanation, the owner of the shop managed only to discern that the unexpected and unwanted visitor was looking for inspiration to finish one particular song he was working on. Bewildered by such a peculiar request from the first dwarvish bard he'd ever encountered, nonetheless, Halbazzer Drin offered the dwarf a powerful magic item, Signet Ring, known for its ability to enhance the wearer's eloquence. To the mage's utter surprise, the "wandering skald" as he called himself parted with a hefty sum of money for the ring without a second thought. However, he also demanded a place for him to finish his "touching ballad". Content with a good deal, Halbazzer Drin reluctantly let that oddball of a dwarf into his sanctum sanctorum provided that he wouldn't break anything. Later the strange visitor claimed that "Em magic voices up there worked bloody marvels, lad", likely indicating that his artistic endeavour was a big success.

Later that day, the dwarf in question was seen performing in front of the most noble of audiences by the fire near Baldur's Gate where the most prominent heroes of the Sword Coast are known to gather to discuss the events and troubles of the realm. The wandering dwarvish skald performed two of his best ballads so far, "Why no lassie will polish me axe", dedicated to a brave warrior named Raujax, and "Riding em unicorns", written for one particularly cheerful gnomish cleric the whole of the Sword Coast had grown to admire. According to the dwarf, "Em noble folks were so stunned by me performance, em fancy buggers had no words, alright". Yet, the reluctant accounts of the audience themselves... beg to differ.

Yet, this story doesn't end here. The restless and adventurous dwarvish skald was seen travelling to the Friendly Arm Inn. There, he performed his merry tunes to anyone willing and unwilling to listen, got praised by a lovely lady serving drinks outside of the Inn, and threatened everyone insulting his poetry and intellectual facilities to "CRACK YE BLOODY SKULL", including the guards. And he did sound quite convincing! Then the rowdy dwarf almost got into a fight with an earth genasi he somehow mistook for an orc, got dead drunk on a seemingly endless jug of ale and, utterly pleased with himself, fell asleep in the pigpen with a thoughtful and kind halfling, insulted by the short-tempered dwarf just minutes ago, getting a blanket and tucking the extraordinary poet in. At the end of the day, our dubious dwarvish hero who claims to be "The greatest skald of all the Sword Coast" was seen sleeping with the pigs, hugging the fattest of them tightly and murmuring something that went like "Come at me, lad, ye come at me, Raujax, ye cheeky bastard" as the light was fading away at the end of that busy day.

From the accounts of eyewitnesses and stories circulating around the Coast, written down by a humble unnamed traveller.

[wangxiuming]

Osric visits reputable mercantile houses and artisan guilds in search of skilled craftsmen and supplies for an upcoming remodel of the Vale Estate. He makes known that the plans for the remodel have been drawn up and he is simply waiting for the requisite carpenters and sculptors to see his vision to execution.