Rumors of the Northern Sword Coast

[Moridin]

Several Drow were sighted in the troll claws in the Kraak Helzak camp. The Drow had apparently agreed to be bound and gagged and in turn were allowed to go through the 500 strong camp. The Dwarves had not disarmed them. A Triadic paladin had argued on their behalf it seems, and led the Drow to the underdark while the Dwarves spat curses at the Drow.

[Dolorof]

After a year or so away from the coast, the gnome known as Ezrel or simply High Gnome could be seen wandering the coast once again.
His curiosity about everything and everyone will most likely keep him busy for the foreseeable future.

[Rhifox]

The dwarven host outside of the Trollclaws entrance to the Upperdark would find reports that the Zhentarim army had struck its camp and vanished, moving back down through the tunnels into parts unknown.

Some days later, word begins to spread of a dark host setting out from the north. They fly the flags of Darkhold, Sshamath, Uruk Lurra, and others. The Zhentarim army has reached the surface.

[? ? ?]

Unknown detractors have trapped the road between Soubar and Blackrose Fort, causing sporadic erruptions of metal wires, nets and spikes at the foot level. The traps are numerous and well concealed, endangering merchants and simple travelers alike.

[DM Honk]

Unknown detractors have trapped the road between Soubar and Blackrose Fort, causing sporadic erruptions of metal wires, nets and spikes at the foot level. The traps are numerous and well concealed, endangering merchants and simple travelers alike.

---

Traps on the Northern Tradeway

An indipendent trade caravan is stopped by the sudden eruption of traps on the road between Fort Prominence and Soubar. One of the caravan's hired guards is killed and the horses are injured.

As soon as they notice trouble on the road, two Blackrose Rangers approach the caravan asking the travellers to stay away as they call help to set a perimeter around the area and disarm the traps.

Two of the Blackrose men are injured as they clear the field and they are brought back to the Fort for healing, after an hour the whole road is clear again. The perimeter is removed and the travellers can continue their journey.

Orders can be heard, to keep the area under higher security.

[mastajabba]

Concealed in an observation post deep in the Troll Claws, A small detachment of Radiant Heart Scouts lead by the Warden Nigel Blaquehawke. stood watch over the many fingers and canyons that make up the landscape. The Scouts noting any movements and using contact medallions to replay any urgent matter back to the Charter House. At their side a teleport scroll in a scroll case a gift of their Vigilant Captain Vanira in case the outpost was compromised.

Up on his perch overlooking the area of operations Nigel grumbled to himself. It had been over a week since he had ale or enjoyed his long pipe. That and the strick, specific orders to only engage in self defense made for a long lulls in activity.

[mastajabba]

By Dawn the observation post has been dismantled and the Ranger Scouts of the Baldur’s Gate Order of the Radiant Heart Vigilant Company took to their new assignment. Lead by Warden Nigel Blaquehawke and expecting to meet up with Squire Valduil or Captain Boots herself as they headed back towards Triel to set up a new patrol base to aid the efforts of the Radiant Heart’s Paladins and Clerics attached to the Hell Riders camp.

Before evening fall they arrived at the Hell Riders camp for some hot food and baths and switch of clothing. Before departing again before the sun rose.

[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 - Mirtul 1358 DR Year of the Shadow


Trade flourishes for the House of Cards, who focuses its efforts in the south and avoids the northern and eastern routes threatened by the war. Coastal and river trade increases, albeit amidst the fear this might draw the attention of pirates and raiders.
The Wyvern Hills are plagued by undead and some claim to have seen a dracolich.
Local laws are passed in Triel in order to limit hostile infiltration.
The war between the Lords Alliance and Darkhold starts to show its consequences further away from the walls of Darkhold Vale. While the joined forces of Elturel, Berdusk and Iriaebor lay siege against Darkhold, sparks of conflict start close to their homelands. Drow raiding parties have are spotted attacking the farmlands around Triel and Elturel as well.

Greengrass, Hilltop Ruins - A group of adventurers encounters a fiend in the Hilltop Ruins. The creature orders them to offer their blood, but the group refuses and is attacked by the creature. The group prevails, but a masked figure, clearly the master of the fiend, thanks them for the sacrifice.

Greengrass, Triel - A meeting about the war is held in Triel. Shortly after, the soldiers of the Radiant Heart stationed along the Chiontar relocate to protect the supply lines up north.

Greengrass, Candlekeep - For the first time in ten years, the library fortress opens its doors to a drow visitor. The aforementioned visitor is Aunrae, an oathkeeper to the Seldarine.

1st Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - The leader of the Night Hag Coven responsible for the murders of four children in Ducal Land is killed by a group led by the tiefling Szarilana.

1st Mirtul, Lion's Way - The drow raider Urfindir, who had been executed in Fort Prominence in the months prior, is found tied and eye-less near Candlekeep. The drow is killed by the elf Kethelis and buried in an unnamed grave. The identity of the one who left him there is still unknown, although according to Micar'myzzrym Iliathor it is an half drow woman, against whom the raider allegedly lost on purpose. The Whitewood Vanguard lieutenant also believes that Urfindir was part of a larger scouting force.

2nd Mirtul, Troll Claws - An army of between 500 and 600 dwarves have marched out of Kraak Helzak to take up defensive positions, bottlenecking a small cave.

2nd Mirtul, Darkhold Vale - Propaganda fliers with the symbols of the Zhentarim are dropped on the sieging camp of the Lords Alliance and consequently burned at the order of Lord Dhelt.

2nd Mirtul, Serpent Hills - A long lost recipe of the chef Hill Ramsi is uncovered on the Coast. This is apparently the second of the lot. The previous one was found by Squire Valduil in the remains of an ambushed caravan.

3rd Mirtul, Hluthvar - Many in the settlement and the Lords Alliance camps fall victims of vampires attack. Their lair is stormed by holy warriors, although the vampires are found to be lesser spawns.

4th Mirtul, Fort Prominence - The fort bolsters its defenses.

6th Mirtul, Bridgefort - The Whitewood Vanguard attacks and sacks Bridgefort.

8th Mirtul, Wyvern Hills - A group of adventurers cleans the area from undead and defeats a dracolich.

8th Mirtul, Nashkel - Goods are stolen by some mysterious tricksters, whose tracks are lost in the hills despite the efforts of a group of adventurers. In the nearby mines, a group of people attempted to track a mage who allegedly stole a treasure from a passing wagon.

8th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - Disk Leen, a City Guard, is arrested for plotting against the Guards with an unknown third party, although the charges are dismissed after a hearing. The accuser's identity is still unknown and only referred to as F.

9th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - A True Resurrection ritual is performed by Sister Ashenie on the children that were slain by the Night Hags, after their soul were freed. According to Sister Ashenie, two are back to their families while the rest ascended to Cronia, in Mount Celestia.

11th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - The Captain of the Whitewood Vanguard, Michael Dunn, turns himself in to the Flaming Fist and is charged with violence against his wife. Eyewitnesses claim that he entered the premises without any of his possessions, except for a pillow and a blanket.

12th Mirtul, Cloakwoods - A mysterious corruption spreads across the Cloakwoods and the bodies of water that cross it, causing the animals to raise as undead and those who get in contact with it to become violent.

13th Mirtul, Northern Tradeway - Few days after the Zhentarim retreat from the tunnels near the Trollclaws, forces flying the flags of Darkhold, Sshamat and Uruk Lurra are seen on the surface in the north.

13th Mirtul, Troll Claws - After the Zhentarim forces appear on the surface, the army from Kraak Helzak returns to their city.

13th Mirtul, Rockrun - The last battle between the Company of the Blue Lantern, aided by the forces of Kraak Helzak, and the mindflayers of Mindlord Scpexatl takes place in Rockrun. The forces of General Morex prevail, albeit at a great cost.

14th Mirtul, River Reaching - The bridge west of Hill's Edge is attacked and destroyed by the black dragon Vuthai. The area is filled with a strange black and green mist and those still within it are all left as fragile statues.

15th Mirtul, Cloakwoods - The Blighter, a creature responsible of the corruption spreading in the Cloakwoods, is defeated by Guardian Emmanuel Venandi. This causes the blight to recede, allowing the woods to heal.

15th Mirtul, Northern Tradeway - Between Fort Prominence and Soubar, a trade caravan falls victim of traps set on the road by unknown third parties. A guard is killed and the horses injured. The Blackrose men disarm the trap but two are wounded in the attempt.

15th Mirtul, Bridgefort - The Blackrose forces retake the fort, meeting no resistance. The bodies of Sir Amos Thistle's daughter and son are found among the dead.

15th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - Leaflets signed by Gerhard Van Faust are placed in the Eastern District. Those claim that Carah Evenwood is accused by Solaris Cult of being a practitioner of Eldritch magic and that the temple of Helm raised an inquiry on this. Replies were quickly issued, labeling the claim as false.

18th Mirtul, Lion's Way - The air around the lighthouse is briefly disturbed by a burst of magic, after five people from the Bladestone Foundation accessed it. The five are seen leaving the lighthouse some time after, in bad condition. A perimeter is established immediately after by the guards of the Bladestone Foundation and everyone is advised to stay away from the premises.

20th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - The stolen painting is recovered by House Divine and returned to House Anjinson. The theft is attributed to a consortium of merchant guilds. A trade agreement for the purchase of House Anjinson's silk by House Divine is currently being discussed.

20th Mirtul, Western Heartlands - A number of raids is perpetrated by the forces of the Black Network between Berdusk and Iriaebor. At the same time, a powerful ritual causes a storm of acid and thorns. Miles of farmlands become a corrupted mire of vicious vegetation, while undead and maddened villagers cause further destruction.

21st Mirtul, Lion's Way - All members of the Black Abbey and House Blackrose are banished from Warrior's Rest.

21st Mirtul, Near Triel - A small group of highly specialised Drow attacks the farms around Triel, destroys the farms and a supply caravan, and manages to escape before a real response from the Lords Alliance arrives.

22nd Mirtul, Gullykin - Three bodies are strung on a hollow tree south of Gullykin - a human, an elf, and an air genasi. The human was stitched together, as if she was sliced apart before.

23rd Mirtul, Gullykin - A dark skinned man claims of having seen the murderer and describes her as follows: a woman, young sounding. Relatively short and fit, though wearing clothes that covered her well. Her face covered by a sack, and by her side, a heavy duty crossbow capable of splitting a body in two.

25th Mirtul, near Gullykin - After a communication from a mysterious woman in red, the three deceased people are taken off the tree by Scribe Edelgarde of Candlekeep and Arcanist Sirion Te'dwa and brought to the nearby temple to be raised.

25th Mirtul, Western Heartlands - After the recent attacks against the Lord's Alliance, reputable adventuring groups are being hired in all the cities and towns of the Western Heartlands. Particularly vocal are the Churchs of Chauntea and Tempus.

26th Mirtul, Lion's Way - Necromantic activity is witnessed on the bridge, where a man identified as Sel is hit by a finger of death by two figures who teleport away. Shortly after, a patrol of the Whitewood Vanguard and the Bladestone Foundation witnesses a figure surrounded by animated skeletons who teleports away immediately.

26th Mirtul, Near Beregost - An elven dragonblood of metallic heritage starts nestling in the area.

26th Mirtul, Western Heartlands - Aunrae passes her last trial as oathkeeper and, by the grace of the Seldarine, the ancient curse of her race is removed from her, effectively making her the first known dark elf in thousand of years.

27th Mirtul, Western Heartlands - The Order of the Radiant Heart issues a call to arms against the Zhentarim and their allies from the Underdark. Those who heed it are invited to gather in Triel.

27th Mirtul, Western Heartlands - The Church of Lathander announces the passing of Dawnknight Tobias Goldenshield, Paladin Knight of the Order of the Aster, and his companions. The group fell in the attempt of stopping a Zhentarim attack on the caravans moving between Berdusk and Asbravn.

28th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - A ghost-like figure is seen floating above the city. Shortly after, numerous leaflets signed by Vigilator Barristan Schultze fall from the sky. Their content is an accusation towards the Lord's Alliance, claiming that they started a war of aggression against the Zhentarim and that they are entirely at fault for the casualties of the war.

29th Mirtul, Baldur's Gate - The temple of Ilmater declares its project of building a charity kitchen and welcomes any effort to help in the endeavor.

29th Mirtul, Amn - The Whitewood Vanguard renews its recruiting efforts in Amn.

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
))

[artemitavik]

A large man in chain with a tower shield and flaming sword was seen cutting his way through the Reaching Woods earlier today. However, his goal did not seem to be culling the myriad patrols of gnolls, but rather arriving at the Eldath shrine there.

Chasing a number of gnolls and flinds from its immediate location, he spent some time clearing debris from the pool and the rocks, then departed the way he came.

[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 - Kythorn 1358 DR Year of the Shadow


Adventurers sweep the Nashkel area looking for dragons and undead. It is rumored that some old lore has been found in one of these expedition. Another one has swarmed the lair of some cultists.
A troop of volunteers led by Captain Enfoose reaches Triel to provide support to the Hellriders.
Some seem to be searching for the mysterious Yondalla Yarns.

1st Kythorn, Western Heartlands - A small group of elves ventures in what was once the farming community of Tirlis, site of the unholy ritual that corrupted miles of farmlands between Iriaebor and Berdusk. Druids and clerics of nature begin their tireless work to heal the land.

2nd Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - Lord Vale delivers a speech addressing the recent message of Vigilator Barristan Schultze, deeming it a threat.

2nd Kythorn, Western Heartlands - A mysterious trio known as "Hark Hark Apples Doan" sets a bandit camp ablaze and is praised by the local farmers.

5th Kythorn, Western Heartlands - The Children of Silver are entirely decimated, somewhere near the Reaching Woods and only the half elven sorceress Meyra Greenstar survived, albeit severely injured. It is rumored they were hunting the black dragon who has been plaguing the area.

6th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - The members of the Zhentarim, Black Abbey and the Order of the Blackrose are banished from Ducal Lands.

7th Kythorn, Ulgoth's Beard - The Whitewood Vanguard bids its final farewell to their fallen comrade Olesya.

8th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - A swarm of frogs takes over the Thayan Enclave. All that can be seen from the outside is a green mist accompanied by a weird smell.

10th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - The Whitewood Vanguard is banished from the Halls of Inner Light.

11th Kythorn, Western Heartlands - Men and women of the Bladestone Foundation escort the wagons of the refugees from the war zone to the southern parts of the Western Heartlands.

11th Kythorn, Lion's Way - A group of adventurers is lured inside the abandoned quarry by a traveler coerced by a necromancer, after said traveler saved them from a fiend. The necromancer raises the fallen comrade as an undead and commands it to kill the rest of them. Only the traveler who lured them there escapes with his life.

11th Kythorn, Soubar - A black dragon, after transforming into his humanoid form, meets with Mag. Upon leaving her tavern, he transforms back to his dragon form trampling and killing about a dozen of the local residents before taking to the sky.

12th Kythorn, Undercity - After regular purification rituals have been conducted on the shrine of Bhaal for well over a year by Sister Ashenie and the temple of Ilmater, the evil taint in the area is finally lifted and the souls of the innocent victims sacrificed there are finally able to find rest.

12th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - Captain Michael Dunn declares that the banishment of the Whitewood Vanguard from the Halls of Inner Light is unjustified, as this was done even if the Vanguard did not violate the terms agreed with them and Doron Amar, and that he was falsely accused by the Halls.

16th Kythorn, Soubar - The Blackrose Annual Commerce Gala is cancelled for this year.

16th Kythorn, Wood of Sharpteeth - A gold dragon is seen flying over the area several times.

17th Kythorn, Western Heartlands - The Rocky Creek Company starts a massive recruitment of workers to aid in the construction of new caravans.

18th Kythorn, Along the Chiontar - A huge silver dragon is seen near the bridge construction site. After briefly taking the shape of a woman, she speaks with a group gathered there and then, after turning back to her original form, she takes to the skies again.

21st Kythorn, Beach South of Candlekeep - The celebration of Mielikki's Second Feast, organized by the Green Enclave, takes place.

22nd Kythorn, Reaching Woods - A contingent from the Underdark is seen scouting along the river that borders the woods.

25th Kythorn, Kraak Helzak - Lord Khelbern "Blackstaff" visits Kraak Helzak and attends a meeting with King Dovkin Battlehammer, Lord Aaron Lyonaler and Lord Osric Vale.

26th Kythorn, Western Heartlands - Squire Valduil Feralen starts an initiative to gather funds and help for the refugees of war.

27th Kythorn, Kraak Helzak - King Dovkin Battlehammer departs with most of his Guard towards Waterdeep. It is rumored he will sign an agreement with Lord Piergeiron Paladinson.

27th Kythorn, Way of the Lion - The Bladestone Foundation expands its classes to include magically enhanced combat. Captain Michael Dunn relinquishes his partial ownership of the compound and moves south with the Whitewood Vanguard.

27th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - The Whitewood Vanguard and a group of Triadic Knights delivers an artifact of the faith to the temple of Ilmater.

27th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - After being completed and refurbished, Baldur's Bibliotheca, River Steel's public library, is now ready for the grand opening scheduled for the 2nd of Flamerule. Its purpose will be to teach letters for free to all those who require it.

29th Kythorn, Along the Chiontar - A group of adventurers tracks a disappeared wagon to a city occupied by pirates. The cargo is recovered and some of the pirates arrested, although the Captain flees. A stag smoking a cigar is spotted in the area.

30th Kythorn, Baldur's Gate - Simor Hinus (preaching of Banite dogma), Seven pirates of Captain Butterbeard (murder, robbery), Peter Gibu (aiding an orc in murder and treason), Amra Engar (holding a pact with a fiend) are sentenced to death.

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

In faith,
Scribe Edelgarde Spades

((OOC Disclaimer: Technically I am half a day early, but since ToT may happen overnight, I really don't want Edelgarde to wake up on the first day of ToT and smugly go attaching flyers.

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
))

[Bobthehero]

The skies above Bridgefort lit up with the passing of the meteors, stirring the fort's commander, Bob Thairo, awake. Troops clad in Blackrose colors ran to their posts, having long been assigned positions to take in the event of what everyone assumed was an attack. A loud noise, that of an armored fist banging on the door of his room, announced that one soldier had decided to reach out for Dreadknight.

''Come in, report!'' He replied

The situation was simple enough, really, someone had decided to blanket the area in meteors, one watchtower had been smashed to splinters already, the men already in the care of the clerics, who had themselves reported a difficulty in channeling their divine magics.

With the soldier dimissed, Bob brought his locket of Sending to his lips, however, the thing almost burned his hand as he tried to use it, the pain causing him to swear as he focused on putting on his armor, before he wrote a quick message.

With that done, Bob headed out, finding the first Helmed Horror he could

''Head to the Abbey, hand this message to the templars present'' The message was simple, the fort was under attack, sending spells were blocked in some way and he needed someone from the Abbey to ride out to warn his wife, Marietta, of the events going on at the Boareskyr Bridge.

With that done, Bob went out, to witness the damage the fort itself, as well as the troops within, after a moment to take everything in, he looked for a Blackrose soldier

''Take a horse, ride to Fort Proeminence, inform your Lord and Marshall of our situation''

The hours passed, the sun rose fully and then went back down, the meteor shower ceased, the expected attack never materialised, and everyone was ordered to stand down. The rider from the Abbey returned on the dawn of the next day, a dour expression on his face

''There was no house, Dreadknight, a meteor smashed right into it. I couldn't find any corpses, human, or otherwise''

Bob's expression fell at the news, the relief that whatever had happened wasn't targetted specifically at the garrison he was given command over washed away by grief. The messenger was dismissed with a tone filled with sadness. The Dreadknight fought to maintain his composure, tears threatening to break through as he returned to the tower, to consider his next course of action.

More time passed in that dreadful day, the Blackguard spent most of it in isolation, leaving the healers deal with the injured soldiers, and the garrison to deal with the guardin of the fort. He could see far down the road, occasionally stealing glances there in the vain hope of... something.

That something materialised in the shape of a familar white horse, followed by a less familar covered wagon, something he knew full well he didn't own. Still, if only to confirm whose horse it was, he quickly reached for his bulky helmet, fastening it on before exiting the fortified tower to stand at the southern end of the bridge, waiting with trepidation for answers.

[Izsu]

Agony.

With a desperate gasp for air, the world comes rushing back into view once more for Isenduil, his sharp intake of breath is followed by a series of muffled coughs, causing him immense, sudden pain. He manages to slowly push himself out from underneath a fallen, acidbitten tree bit by bit. He remembers - the fleeing wildlife, the sudden shadow blotting out the sun. His gaze rising up to meet the black dragon, barely managing to take cover from a breath that surely would have melted him on the spot had it met him directly. Everything blurred after that moment.

Whether the forest of the Reaching Woods screams around him or he simply imagines it in his dazed, half-delirious state, it motivates him all the same as he slowly but surely drags himself up, his hand reaching up to his chest as he takes a moment to carefully feel at the side of his partially sunken in ribcage, quickly taking pained note of each of the many broken ribs therein.

After a few failed attempts at casting, he stops abruptly, falling silent as a small wandering host of undead pass by in the distance. Outrage slowly boils up within as he watches them disappear over a hill, the telltale sounds of battle with what seems to be the sounds of dying gnolls ringing out in the otherwise deathly silent forest. Deciding to make use of the distraction given by the fighting between the undead and the living defilers, he gets himself moving on unsteady feet. Taking great care to avoid making too much noise, the wounded masked elven man, though hampered by his injuries, makes his way out of the forest in (arguably) one piece as he eventually emerges onto the Uldoon Trail, where he finally makes it to Greenest before his adrenaline gives out, causing him to collapse at the gates. He is taken away to the Chauntean temple by the guards, wherein he remains in the coming few days.

[Almarea90]

*Several couriers are sent out to attach the below note to any noticeboard they come across*

To all the faithful of the First Scribe,

The Lord of All Glyphs and Images graced Candlekeep with His presence and issued a call for all His faithful to join His side and lend Him their assistance. If you are able to, make your way to the Library-fortress at your earliest convenience or send us a missive so that a solution can be arranged.

May the First Scribe preserve you all,

Scribe Edelgarde

((OOC note: If you play a deneirrath and would like to be present, please let me know via PM so we can schedule a meeting))

[YourMoveHolyMan]

A few travellers met and talked at a shrine along the roadside. The man with the hat (though not worn in proximity of the shrine) left an offering for the next traveller, tidied up the shrine, before resting for several marks. He somehow made it back south again the next day, likely taking a risk in the process.

[ZStreeter]

A man hooded in singed white robes walks southward along less used routes.