Rumors of the Southern Sword Coast

[zhevrun]

A golden-scaled dragon has been sighted flying over the Woods of Sharp Teeth, though notably not straying entirely too close to the Dolon Amar encampment. It was sighted landing near watering holes, impressive trees, and large natural formations and leaving signs of it's passing. Those that visit such locations might even find scratched messages in Draconic on rock or tree bark. The messages read as follows:

"Dragonblood seeks dragon insight. I shelter near Beregost. -Isendel"

Aside from leaving signs of it's own presence, it seems to be searching for signs of dragons that nest in specific regions. Some of the locations have books left near the writings, perhaps as an offering?

[JustAnotherGirl]

A brunette ranger could be seen spending her entire morning preparing a large feast. The aroma of roasting meat began wafting along the beach south of Candlekeep just after noon. Dressed in a yellow tabard trimmed in red, she fussed and fretted to get everything just right for the feast. She seemed more relaxed when the Archdruid approached and she moved to his side. Together they greeted their guests and met strangers who happened by. What started as a small celebration for the Green Enclave and their close friends turned into a large gathering. There was food and drink enough for all, and then some. For hours they visited, ate, sang, and danced.



An odd black panther showed up and spoke quietly with the couple at one point. The High Ranger seemed especially enamored with the large cat.



When asked what was being celebrated, the answer was always Mielikke's Second Feast. Hours after the festivities began, the Mielikkian couple left for the woods after thanking everyone again for coming and joining them in the feast.

[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
))

[JustAnotherGuy]

With the strange calamity hitting all over the forest, the Guardian of the Cloakwoods and the High Ranger of the Green Enclave can be seen moving swiftly through the forest, assisting the forest dwellers as best they could using what non-magical means they could. Barely stopping to assess the situation, their focus was on injured people, animals, and plantlife, along with putting out any fires that broke out in the forest.

Once the worst seemed to be over, the two weary wardens of nature stopped and took time to assess what was going on, and resolved to try and find what answers they could from the sages and loremasters. A visit to Candlekeep was likely in their near future.

[AsuraKing]

Following a courier making rounds about the Gate, another makes their way to the various villages and towns to the south of the gate bringing the same notice to as many temples and shrines as possible, including those smaller shrines along the roadsides.

Fellow clergy of all faiths,

As you well aware, the gods have fallen silent, why this is remains unknown. Whatever may be happening is greater than us mortals, and may very well be greater than the gods themselves. I am calling a moot of all clergy of all faiths to be held in Candlekeep on the 9th of Flamerule to discuss this calamity. Put aside your mortal squabbles for if we do not figure out what has happened to the gods, we are all doomed.

Vigilator Schulltze

((This is an open invitation for July 9th (Saturday) at 3pm EST (7pm GMT) to all clergy/divine characters as I know not all PCs are officially part of a temple or anything.))

[JustAnotherGirl]

The High Ranger could be seen spending hours at the Shrine of Mielikki. She tended the plants, spent much time in prayer, and sat in quiet meditation. Before leaving the shrine, she folded a piece of parchment neatly and tucked it away in a place safe from the elements.

[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 day and an eve are spent watching the crossroads of the Lion's Way. At signs of the local orc trouble he'd avoid and relocate, his quarry was bound by hoof and by wagon wheel.

[JustAnotherGirl]

Deep, deep in the Cloakwoods the sounds of a lute can be heard occasionally. Sometimes the notes are played by expert hands and the sound is melodious and soothing. . .other times, not so much.

[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))

[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. ))

[JustAnotherGuy]

The green-haired Archdruid, accompanied by a brunette ranger are easily seen in the area of Beregost, moving from farmstead to settlement. They watch, they scout. When possible, they head to the leaders of the places they visit, asking them of their situation, and what would be needed in order for them to survive through the coming winter, and into the next plantable spring.

The Archdruid carries a parchment and a map. He makes note on the map where the locations of the various farms and settlements are, and notates on the parchment their answers as to what aid would be needed for their survival.

[artemitavik]

With some of the guards from the Refugee Caravans returning, the Bladestone Foundation patrols can be seen returning to normal through the wilderness adjacent to Beregost, the Lion's Way, and the like.

[blazerules]

Cloakwood Spiders

Hedge Knight Yuri stumbled upon a mysterious cavern within Cloakwood, clearing it out to the best of his abilities. According to him it was filled with Giant spiders, Clockwork Spider, Cave Spiders, Clockroachs and Giant Scorpion yet the great spider of rumours was not encountered in his three struggles through the cavern.

The man even returned with a party of four including Sane, Nicho and Natariel yet no more information was gleamed. Perhaps the spider simply sensed that the group was far too dangerous to try and ambush. Or it spent its time observing. At best they may have reduced the numbers somewhat.

[artemitavik]

Several members of the Bladestone Foundation are seen going into the lighthouse south of Candlekeep today. They emerge several hours later apparently covered in some sort of wet sludge and smelling like absolute drek. However, the seem in good spirits.

After they return to the Way of the Lion and the Foundation compound, word goes out that they need some workmen, some materials... and a bilge pump.