Rumors & Events of Baldur's Gate

[Kayle Walker]

A stranger in red walks around the slums of Baldur's Gate. She would introduce herself as a simple adventurer, and would sound somewhat dissatisfied with the state of things as she made small talk with various residents. Whether responded to favorably or otherwise, she keeps her conversations short, and excuses herself afterwards.

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[AgentOrange]

[OOC Date: July 31st, 1800 GMT (2pm US EST)]

[Moonsong]

*A n elf in blue robes bearing the symbols of Candlekeep can be seen attaching the following page in the noticeboards.*

Coastal Chronicles - Flamerule 1358 DR Year of the Shadow


1st of Flamerule, Everywhere - The sky darkens, cattle dies, a dark thick rain that causes rashes and kills plants falls. The earth trembles and meteors fall from the sky causing damage to people and property, although these events eventually cease. Abominations arrived seemingly out of nowhere attack the travelers and the Weave becomes unreliable, causing spells to either fail or generate unpredictable effects. The gods become silent and all clerics are unable to cast any spell above the Third Circle. Helmites still retain their full powers, but Helm remains silent as well. Factions of the Coast immediately mobilize to help the population in this chaos: House Darius, Order of the Radiant Heart, Order of the Silver Rose, House Vale, Everwatch Knights, Bladestone Foundation and other religious orders and adventurers.

1st of Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - Magic items seem to be malfunctioning or to have lost power completely. There are several cases of simple, rudimentary spells turning into fireballs of gigantic proportions, spawning writhing masses of nightmarish creatures, trees growing out of walls and mold growing rapidly in proportions and gaining consciousness. Some of the building are damaged by the meteors, however a particularly large one falls on the Halls of Inner Light. The Hanalite priestess Tia'tae and the dwarven priestess Danya die in the attempt to shield priestess Lily of Sheela Peryroyl, who survives albeit in shock. Keeper Runa Helvig loses a leg and is brought unconscious to Vale Estate. Spellcasting is now outlawed in Ducal Lands.

1st Flamerule, Candlekeep - Books gain a form of sentience, pronouncing random sentences written on them and flying around. All ink turns into a poisonous, cherry scented syrup and the air becomes pastel colored.

1st Flamerule, Beregost - A blizzard of blood hits Beregost.

1st of Flamerule, Nashkel - Every wooden or stone object exposed to direct sunlight causes an electric discharge. As the event only lasts a day the death toll is relatively small. Five peaks disappear overnight from the horizon.

1st of Flamerule, Roaring Shore - Strong winds and furious waves are witnessed, along with a strange pest in the form of watery slugs that have found their way inside people's homes. Word spreads that the High Captain Rensby Caine, known as "The Pious" and a true Favored of Umberlee, went into a thunderous rage and for now has sailed from Roaringshore, even amidst the angry waters.

1st of Flamerule, Reaching Woods - A black dragon spits acid seemingly at random in the forest, and deliberately destroys many Eldath shrines desecrating them and corrupting the land. The forest dwellers who die become undead.

1st of Flamerule, Zhentil Keep - An item falls from the sky and hits the Black Altar.

2nd of Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - River Steel's Bibliotheca officially opens.

4th of Flamerule, Western Heartlands - The war between Alliance and Zhentarim slows down. The Zhentarim's raids are less effective as now the Alliance knows how to move. The unreliability of magic makes both sides hesitant to attack.

5th Flamerule, Cormyr - Mystra is killed by Helm in the Stonefield. Her dying shout is heard everywhere and Her divine casters as well as all arcanists can feel her death.

5th Flamerule, Trade Way - The Everwatch in recent days as well as friends in the Vanguard, Triadic Knights, and Order of the Silver Rose marched from Nashkel in Amn to Baldur's Gate and back along the Trade Way in a March of Vigil.

5th Flamerule, Lion's Way - A group of mage slayers begins killing spellcasters in the area near the Friendly Arm. They have been identified as a group travelling with a wagon and luring spellcasters away with the request of a Remove Curse. The Bladestone Foundation pledges to protect all spellcasters from them.

5th Flamerule, Nashkel - A series of tornados spontaneously appears in the middle of Nashkel. Ser Alexander Marshall, Ser Gaven Arkalis, Maevyn Edgar, Thok, Yuri Lichelina and Jak Dimburrow assist the population.

6th Flamerule, Amn - Amnian trade suffers due to the silence of Waukeen, however Milil's avatar appears in Atkatla among His faithful.

6th Flamerule, High Forest - It is rumored that a god walks in High Forest, where nature is being celebrated.

6th Flamerule, Waterdeep - Selune makes Herself manifest at the House of the Moon.

7th Flamerule, Greenest - The group of mage hunters who has been executing spellcasters after Mystra's death, visits Greenest Inn asking for someone capable of removing curses. Rhaeg of the Commons volunteers presenting himself as a mage. He follows them at an isolated place and is attacked, but manages to defeat the assassins. There the body of a Red Wizard is found, along with sharran pamphlets that hint to the fact that this might not be an isolated cell.

8th Flamerule, Candlekeep - A meeting of all faiths takes place in Candlekeep to discuss the silence of the gods. In the middle of it two mystran acolytes arrive and explain the circumstances of Mystra's death. This happened in the Cormyran Stonefields, where She called her followers to "bring order again". There she was met by Helm who killed Her. Later on, Deneir, the Lord of All Glyphs and Images settles in Candlekeep. He explains that all the gods have been cast out by Lord Ao, the Overgod, because they had become lax towards their faithful and because someone among them stole the Tablets of Fate, that have engraved all the gods portfolios and the order of things. Helm was left to guard the Celestial Staircase with the strict order of not letting anybody through unless they had the Tablets of Fate. This is likely the reason behind Mystra's death. Candlekeep immediately mobilized to spread the truth far and wide.

10th Flamerule, Lion's Way - An altercation takes place between Rhaeg and a Grey Orc. The former is defeated, however the arrival of Ser Alexander Marshall, Ser Gaven Arkalis and Maevyn Edgar forces the orc to flee.

11th Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - The trade company Deck of Cards predicts an increase in their profits due to the great demand for wands and potions.

11th Flamerule, Triel - Alber Fobhalt and Basil Schollar win the annual Triel Trophy for research with their Everwatch Golem.

11th Flamerule, Roaring Shore - The Seer Rabbie Rivers declares his intention to take shelter at the Broken Goblet of Roaring Shores.

11th Flamerule, Nashkel - A group of adventurers defeat a lich, taking advantage of its dependency on magic.

11th Flamerule, Winding Way - A river boat full of luxury foods is lost in the turbulent waters of the winding way. Bandits, adventurers, and local islanders research and recover some of the lost cargo.

13th Flamerule, Amn - An unusually cold weather is registered in the Cloudpeaks. An unusual number of paraelemental of ice have gathered near the temple of Auril.

15th Flamerule, Amn - Magic is outlawed and the Cowled Wizards purged. Mages in amnian territory are punishable with death or exile.

17th Flamerule, Candlekeep - Deneir, the First Scribe, confirmed that the chaos of the Weave will get worse the longer Mystra's seat remains vacant. He also explains that a portfolio, if unclaimed, may vanish.

18th Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - An altercation takes place between Rhaeg of the Commons and a member of Ordo Veritatis, a group of Helmites known to spread the false narrative that the unworthy gods have forsaken their faithful and are being killed the "the only true god" Helm and uses their unrestricted divine magic to corroborate this narrative. Rhaeg has been denounced to the Flaming Fist.

20th Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - An art gallery is opened at Everwinter Estate.

21st Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - Rhaeg turns to the Flaming Fist to be questioned about assaulting a man. The matter is settled with a fine.

22nd Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - Acid rains on Baldur's Gate. A series of portals open near the orphanage and spawn flesh abominations. Thanks to the conjoined efforts of the Flaming Fist, City Watch, Knights of various faiths and adventurers, the manage was defeated. Traces of a summoning ritual are found nearby.

24th Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - Ser Amos Thistle turns himself to the Flaming Fist and is arrested. On the same day, a tiefling known as Lazlo Kern manages to access the Ducal Palace and attempts to the life of Duke Belt. The attempt fails, but everyone now has to uncover their face when entering or leaving the city.

24th Flamerule, Uldoon's Trail - A wanted demon summoner was defeated by a traveler she ambushed.

26th Flamerule, Amn - Rumors spread of a noble who turned his village into a communal settlement where everyone receives a set income provided by the many hands of the village. The small village begins restructuring to provide and accommodate its richest and poorest all the same. It is rumored that the change happened after the noble read Common Cause, a political manifest written by Rhaeg of the Commons. The book is outlawed in the neighboring city.

28th Flamerule, Amn - Many Mystrans relocate from the temple to Vale Estate.

30th Flamerule, Baldur's Gate - The play The Tale of Two Sisters takes place at the Whitemask Theater. Written by Nea and directed by Rose Rivineth, it counts Firenzio Del Ama, Lucretia Chastain, Netanya d'Abdelledion'dy'Quellium and Lily Summerheart among its cast and Sirion Te'dwa as supporting cast.

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

In faith,
Scribe Edelgarde Spades

((OOC Disclaimer: Thank you for reading the ToT special. 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

A huge heartfelt thank you to the community for filling the server with wonderful stories))

[Deragnost]

There's rumors in Baldur's Gate of a woman, red hair, blue eyes, white dress, jade earrings and a curious orange hat with lute in her hands - playing a song, echoing in the streets of Baldur's Gate. According to said rumors, she didn't do any distinctions in the several Quarters of the City. She played her songs for all willing to listen: children and old men, beggars and noblemen. All those saying to be bards, she would have shared with them the song she was playing for free. If asked she would have replied "The Gods are among us and they can't be everywhere. They always helped us when They could, it's our turn to help Them now. Let's sing, and let's make our song reach the ears of the Overgod. Let's make Him hear our love for Them and for our own souls."

Then, after sharing a few songs at the campfire just outside the City, it is said the bardess would have travelled south toward the Friendly Arm Inn where she would have also shared a few songs there before retiring for the night.

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For those not knowing the song above, this is the song I inspired myself to. I changed a few fitting words to the setting and the time the players are living on. Enjoy!
Music starts at 0:21.

[BattleBee47]

A woman in a purple hat with matching dress would approach the people of Baldur's Gate and hand them a folded flyer speaking softly on the potential risk of the hunters showing up at the gathering.

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Hoping to meet up between Nashkel and Beregost around 7pm CST / 12am GMT on 8/7. See ya there!

[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.

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."

[ZabelSword]

An armor-clad wood elf can be seen strolling Baldur's Gate taking notes and scribbling in a book. Later on he can be seen placing copies of a book "Who's Hiring" in various locations around the city.

[Moonsong]

Of Flyers and a Song of Truth

These days an elf in Blue, with robes of Candlekeep and Midnight Blue Hair can be seen. Either she plays one certain song, tp those who are willing to listen and did not hear it yet. It is nor our typical happy-go-lucky somg or a lament directly. It tells the truth, and yet lifts the spirit, and keeps up the morals. An honest, also emotional song.

Or she would hand out flyers if one would give her a moment of time to explain, before going back to their daily work. Of course she has also helpful and friendly words for everyone who takes their time to listen to her and read the flyers.

For those who can not read themselves, the Towncriers would read them.



((OOC Note:

1) This is not meant to be in competition to actions of other players and groups in this way. We started this 9 days ago, just had to send a request and now kindly got the allowance from DM Soulcatcher to use the Towncriers. We wanted to avoid godmodding. But this flyer will sometimes be handed out in game by player characters as well.
2) This is not a meeting or event. It's just meant to be an open invitation for RP. Come to CK for a chat at any time if you want and if you see Tiawyn or Edelgarde or any other Candlekeepers online. If it doesn't work spontaniosly, some of us also will gladly make appointments in order to meet different timezones.
3) I will continue to play the said song in game as i did, if there's any interested players wanting to hear it. ))

[Steve]

Rumor has it that the Windspell Adventurers have been canvasing the streets of Baldur's Gate, as well as certain Temples, for a Priest of the High One, or Azuth, as that Deity is also known.

[Heretic]

On the 31th of Flamerule 1358, the White Mask Theater staged its production of The Tale of Two Sisters: A thought provoking theatrical play about the struggle between punishment and redemption. The audience was in awe of the performance especially the expertly choreographed battle between Lady Rhiannon and Lady Meriesa. Many found themselves emotionally stirred by the passions invoked by the dueling sisters as well as their ultimate fate. It is rumored the Deck of Cards Trading House took the opportunity to openly praise the performance. The play served as a much needed reprieve from the recent troubles that have beset Toril. Rumors are that efforts are underway to stage the play in other influential coastal cities such as Waterdeep and Neverwinter to showcase Baldurian Culture.

Credits

Production:
Nea: Writer
Rose Rivineth: Director

Main Cast:
Rose Rivineth as Narrator
Lucretia Chastain as Lady Rhiannon
Lily Summerheart as Lady Mariesa
Netanya d’Abdelledion’dy’Quellium as the Judge
Firenzio Del-Ama as Finius and Homeless Person

Supporting Cast:
Niyressa Dawncrow as Thug and Spectator
Sirion Te'dwa as Guard

Costume Design:
House Divine

[Leramak]

Two weeks have passed by and Amos remains behind bars taking in his three meals per day and talking to the few visitors that would stop by.
What the future held only the gods know.

[ice_cold535]

Those that pass near the Order of the Radiant Heart Chapter house will have noticed a bustling of activity. Men at Arms gathering supplies
and conversing quietly between themselves. The squeal of Whetstones, the clash of swords and shields, and the 'thunk' of Arrows into targets a regular sound over the past few days.

Those present at the time would see a procession of Men at Arms. Twenty in total in ranks of two file out from the Chapter house
headed East. Their backs are straight, their heads are upright and proud, their Armour, swords and shields gleaming.
The only sound to be heard is the march of boots and the snap of the odd white cloak whipping in the breeze.
The expression of the Men at Arms is a proud one, yet a grim one.
The only voice to be heard as they march away East is the occasional clear cut order from an Elf carrying a large Bow, marching at their head.

[Heretic]

[OOC: Sunday, 21 August at 11am EST (1500 GMT)]

[Kayle Walker]

A wizardess named Elizaveta Umbrae (more known by her moniker 'Red') officially pledges herself to the service of House Divine as its ambassador. A magician of no renown, she had been flitting in and out of circles and groups around Amn and Baldur's Gate for the few months since her arrival, before finally making the decision to commit herself fully to a cause.

[BattleBee47]

A woman in a purple hat and matching dress can be seen hanging flyers around town.
She would also seem quite excited to share news of an upcoming Carnival and masquerade party.

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Come see me IG or send me a DM for more details or if I'm not around and you're interested!