DM Rumors of the Sword Coast

[DM Spartacus]

Deck of cards reported sea trading supported by one or two much sought after Helmite clerics was good so far and a lack of prayer and magic balanced.

Triel reported a new trespass law had been widely supported and made farming a little bit safer Sadly single trader from Triel was ambushed along the Uldoon trail bringing their recent record of absolute safe travel to an end.

In Cloakwood there was a report of displaced wolves and a spider attack. However the forest is at an all time high having recently been declared as wild as it ever was.

Land caravans around Beregost continue to be troubled and travellers vanishing at night is blamed on the recent troubles.

The Winding way was considered a riskier passage for river trade unless with expert guides by Deck of Catfs who took the opportunity to praise the recent performance at the White Mask.

Rabbie Rivets delivered a number of impromptu predictions and story telling at Roaring Shores home to many hiding out these troubled times.

A prominent farmer near Ulgoth’s Beard and the subject of recent threats over his aggressive land buy policy was recently found poisoned.

Elsewhere rumour has it an assassin had been sought at Roaring Shore for a job.

[DM Spartacus]

A Gondsman of Baldur's Gate was seen hurriedly packing up his meagre belongings to set off on 'a trip of a lifetime' and promising to pay off his debts upon return. Peter was there to offer advice and paperwork as he set off.

Another local was away in less hopeful circumstances. Grabbing a box of gold and goods the beleaguered director of the One Gold Shop was said to have departed as fast as her legs would carry her and vanished along the coast with debtors and assassins in pursuit.

Further north the Winterwind of Neverwinter, a smaller trading ship, was lost at sea with a mixed cargo of foodstuff. Rumour has it pirates were at play. Such are the risks at sea in these troubled times.

Rabbie Rivers the seer of Roaring shores with many a thing to say about many things remained silent on these recent developments.

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.



(if npc sparty is outside BG then clues to finding extra treasures are in play)

[DM Spartacus]

In these terrible times when even the gods are not safe other news appears more mundane and yet is still what makes the coast what it is and should not be underestimated.

At Triel a delegation arrived with donations to the garrison there. The ORH a powerful source of revenue for good causes delivered 2,200,000 in gold and more in services promised by other guilds. This collection was drawn from the cities finest and their surrounding guilds. After a discussion it was decided to put this to use supporting Militia defences in the hamlets and villages around Triel to enhance the already efficient defences. Walls, communication, and magic backed up by a round of new laws and rules put together a pretty impressive ongoing package of measures to secure the area. Within days there was a visible uptake in settlers applying to move in.

At Baldur's Gate Eon Eyzt the third son of House Eyzt, a trading house and part of the Deck of Cards shipping concern, offered a reward for the return of a valuable recipe book, and a short sword, stolen from the family in unknown circumstances. 5 bags is offered for information leading to the return of these items. It is said officials of the company are actively seeking the items around the city.

Within Cloakwood a giant spider has been spotted in recent times. Some hunters fell as casualties and one or two explorers have had narrow escapes. Large numbers of the goblin races have also been found probably slain by this odd beast.

Negotiations continue around the Friendly Arms hamlets regards working practices in the forest trades in the hopes of better harmony and a wider respect for the wild woodlands of the area. Nonetheless there have been one or violent outbursts as the age old argument over the need to work versus concerns about the old ways.

[DM Soulcatcher]

In many towns of the Sword Coast, suddenly, various people dropped dead in the middle of conversations, their usual work schedules or spending time with their friends and comrades. Panic set in members of noble families simply passed away for no apparent reason, and fathers and mothers dropped dead in the arms of their partners.

In Baldur's Gate itself, over 57 persons, mostly humans and halflings, simply ceased to live. Nobody quite knows why or what happened, but speculations already arise that it must have something to do with the Godswar.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Undying Chaos

It is common knowledge that one part of the Fields of the Dead had seen a tremendous malignant force taken home, where it built a tower of bones and a crypt- a sanctuary- to unlife. The Vault of the Dead has been a centre of several outbreaks of disease and ancient, undying soldiers plaguing other regions in the Fields of the Dead.

Every time, to all who dedicated their lives fighting against it, they had seen that there was always a pattern, logic, to the movement of the undead. There were clearly masters and minions. Plans and agendas.

But that is no more.

Since the beginning of the Time of Troubles, the magic taking hold of undead had been in steady decline. The puppeteers lose control of their puppets, and those give in to the darkest depths of their existence with nothing to hold them back.

Such has been the case with the Vault of the Dead's area. The restless dead have lost their connection to whichever power had control over them and now spread across the region- making it their unholy quest to extinguish all life that they meet and see. Undead attacks have increased their frequency in northern lands that Baldur's Gate claims as its own. In response to this, Grand Duke Eltan has mobilised several companies and sent them out in the field to fight and contain this menace until appropriate tools are found to exterminate these creatures.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Art by Neal Hanson

Faerûn Celebrates the End of Tyranny!

As the death of Bane becomes more common and proven knowledge, over 27 nations in Faerun declare wide-scale festivals and celebrations to commemorate the death of the Lord of Darkness. Baldur's Gate is no exception- even now there are preparations undergoing to make it the largest and most successful city-wide party to date. Word is that even Grand Duke Entar Silvershield is throwing a lavish ball at his manor, inviting any and all to partake in the festivities. Many contrived and common-day restrictions are rumoured to be lifted for the duration of the celebrations as to allow everyone to enjoy the "New Dawn of Freedom" to its fullest, though the common laws known to all will still apply.

Some, however, particularly wizards and sages, say that celebrations might be too hasty. The Weave continues to distort and reports of ever-growing examples of wild magic and destruction keep coming. These words, however, quickly drown in the myriad masses of celebrants.

[DM Spartacus]

Trading conditions remain mixed according to House of Cards, a trading group at Baldur's Gate. They report opportunities still exist in these troubling times. Specialist knowledge provided by their association with House Divine and Blackrose have opened up new opportunities.


A bounty of 20 bags remains in place for wanted BG shop owner Beth Baywater. This fee was put up by traders from Neverwinter. Reports suggest she is still on the sword Coast somewhere.

Triel consolidated the power of Guild donations recently with a raft of new laws supporting local militias financed by the guilds and previously presented by the ORH at Triel. This has increased the validity and strength of the donations resulting in a powerful law and order mandate for the area. A side effect of these comprehensive policies for good or ill is the reduction in more colourful outspoken free spirit loners who have begun to move on to more open pastures.

Rabbie Rivers the seer of Roaring shores with many a thing to say about many things remained silent on these recent developments.

Cloakwood west is home to a recent settlement of shadow druids apparently inspired by the recent Druid efforts to suppress nearby building efforts. Further east a small hamlet has grown citing improved security provided by an active Druid community which supports their no anger manifesto.

A number of caves harbouring drow and spiders have been cleared out by various adventuring parties deep in the cloakwood giving credence to the sightings of a giant spider there.

An unlucky necromancer launched an attack on a passing wagon south of Beregost unleashing a gathering of ghouls only to find the wagon was a trap for those hunting mages set by Beregost merchants, and his ghouls were quickly destroyed. He thereafter unleashed some spells only to have them spectacularly fail and he was caught and killed by the mercenaries. They returned to Beregost in fine spirits.

Gullykin was the scene of a devil attack. Following some sighting in the vicinity over a few days a force of devils pounced on the Temple of Yondalla and rumour has it they may have been in search of missing gods. However the temple and the town responded and took up defences. The temple was ransacked with many obvious and less obvious goods been stripped from the temple. Passing adventurers arrived in time to drive off some devils and rescue the defenders. No sooner were they gone and the temple survivors rallied from hiding places and began to tidy up promising a service later that day for the faithful in a strong act of defiance.

At Nashkel the House of the Guardian was said to have hosted a Helmite patrol from the south and other coastal interests to discuss security matters.

A rumour persists if you want to get your hands on anything valuable at the keenest of prices seek out 'the big Dwarf' at Baldur's Gate.

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.



(if npc sparty is outside BG then clues to finding extra treasures are in play)

[DM Soulcatcher]

The Battle of Darkhold Vale
Art: Nick Harran

Word had finally spread of a battle that took place in front of the Perimeter Wall leading into the Darkhold Vale. Though the exact details are often missing, it's evident that the Lord's Alliance had faced a crushing blow in the aftermath. Supposedly, the besieging army had been caught in between by two forces of Zhentarim- both inferior in number. That, however, did not stop the forces of Darkhold from taking a major risk and unleashing some sort of powerful magic, which turned the bones of anyone within its range into a jelly-like consistency.

Though the magic did not discriminate on its target, and the flanking army suffered some casualties due to it, the assaulting army from the Perimeter Wall's side had broken through the sudden drop in Lord's Alliance defences, spreading slaughter and mayhem to their opponents.

There are various reports, ranging from rampaging undead to fire giants and ending on drow that took part in attacking the sieging army's position.

In the end, reinforcements stationed by Corm Orp and Hluthvar have arrived and pushed the, now joined, Zhentarim army back behind the Perimeter wall. Some say it was a victory, although very bitter, for the Lord's Alliance. Others, more knowledgable in war and strategy, can't help but say that the Zhentarim came with the upper hand, despite the border of war not moving. The combined forces of the Lord's Alliance have lost over one thousand soldiers- either to death, desertion or severe wounding. With the previously attacked supply lines and Zhentarim sabotage attacks inside the territory of Elturel, Hluthvar and Hill's Edge, the prospect of continuing the siege looks even grimmer than before.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Artist: Daible

Scornubel on Fire

In broad daylight, the harbour of Scornubel is set on flames by, what is rumoured, a shipment of wood-turned-sabotage. The blame is, quite unsurprisingly, put on Zhentarim very eagerly. Though the city is made chiefly of caravans and has few standing buildings, the harbour is notably part of that "standing buildings" association- quite an important one.

Thankfully for the inhabitants, the citizen of Scornubel get the fire under control with some effort. Still, the enormous combustion of the wood transport, and by extension, the piers, have forced the fire watch to control the damage rather than save the river trade infrastructure.

There's an equal mixture of hatred and worry levied upon Zhentarim for this.

[DM Spartacus]

House of Cards, a trading group at Baldur's Gate noted a changing of the guard at the docks. Due to recent losses, and movements among dockers ship turnover times were in recent times a little chaotic. New workers arriving from further afield and sailors seeking less risky work at the city has gradually improved turnaround times.

A bounty of 20 bags remains in place for wanted BG shop owner Beth Baywater. This fee was put up by traders from Neverwinter. Reports suggest she is still on the sword Coast somewhere. One or two sighting this month did not lead to a capture.

Triel was recently visited by Everwatch representatives, and an upscaling of security shortly followed around the fort. Recent empowering laws resulted in the uncovering of a discrepancy in trading accounts that led to two traders and suspected spies being detained.

Rabbie Rivers the seer of Roaring shores confirmed an earthlier sighting, he overheard a merchant discussing Neverwinter shipping successes in the far of south.

Cloakwood west is home to a recent settlement of shadow druids apparently inspired by the recent Druid efforts to suppress nearby building efforts. Further east a small hamlet has grown citing improved security provided by an active Druid community which supports their no anger manifesto. They have recently secured a strong contract for stone with the intention to begin building a solid infrastructure and surrounding walls. New arrivals to this community broker the possibility of a new town growing in the forest.

A small gathering of Fey reported in recent months since the time of the troubles began things have bene ill at ease what with spiders, angry shadow Druids and peaceful but committed settlers' things were drifting from the natural norm and the Fey seemed concerned about magic at play.

A green dragon seen recently near the mouth of the Winding Waters it turns out had been amassing a large horde of treasure there. However, a group of adventurers are reported to have discovered the lair and sneaked in and cleaned the dragon out. The angry dragon flew off seeking out more secure accomodation.


ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.



(if npc sparty is outside BG then clues to finding extra treasures are in play)

[DM Spartacus]

House of Cards, a trading group at Baldur's Gate took a view at a recent gathering of the city outside the gates where a carnival was in progress to reaffirm their support of various patrons and Guilds of Baldur's gate and the good works they try to do behind the scenes.

It is rumoured the wanted figure Beth Baywater has left the coast for good.

Triel was recently conducted a series of pre-planned training exercises called for in law to test the response of local militias to join with the Hell Riders in the field. Initial reports suggest this was a resounding success.




Cloakwood troubled by spider and drow infestation in dark caves deep in the forest reports these sightings have been robustly rejected by various adventuring groups. It is believed only the continued existence of a corrupted spider draws the drow to another wise very hostile environment.

The Everwatch have been seen bent against the rain and the red covering a lot of ground in search of answers all along the coast. The detail of which remains with their number.

Beregost authorities report that acting on a tip off they raided a house on the outskirts of town. There they uncovered an assassin known as the poisoner who has long troubled the coast. A mixed party of militia and adventurers cleared the house declaring it safe and the poisoner no more. The Militia reported they continue to stand ready to respond to threats in a proper and timeous manner.


ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

[Ghost]

These open letters are sent to churches of Mystra and Azuth, mage guilds, magic shops and other places where mages gather all across the Western Heartlands and the Sword Coast:

What is it to be a mage - to wield the Art? It is exploration of the deepest mysteries known to mortals, and to become familiar with, and find a love for Magic, a living thing that inspires the greatest creativity. Be humble and respectful of the Gift of Magic, and revel in the wonders it allows. Don't let tyrants tell you with a straight face that your practice will be free under their iron rule.

The Witch of Darkhold calls humility a chain, but pride comes before a fall, and so it is with the Art. Look to history and where pride has lead mages. The fall of Netheril, caused by one of the greatest acts of arrogance in history. The fall of Imaskar, whose ruling mages - utterly sure of their power - were overthrown by their slaves. Look to Thay now, where the Red Wizards scheme against one another, killing one another to rise in the hierarchy. Where there are no friendships, only temporary alliances to be broken in the most brutal ways once opportunity strikes. It is the same with the Zhentarim, Witch of Darkhold, and soon enough a 'friend' will take the opportunity to seize your throne as well.

I can assure you that she and her peers, not to mention her master, will discourage magic as well. Even forbid it in many cases, for much magic would threaten their rule and their ways. No, it is not humility and wisdom that is a chain: The shackles are those of megalomania, fear and recklessness. The prison of always having to look over your shoulder for daggers in the back and to guard your tongue lest you offend the tyrant who rules over you. The chains of power and the fear of losing it.

- Khelben Arunsun

[DM Soulcatcher]

The Era of Upheaval

In the evening hours of the 25nd of Marpenoth, the world comes to a sudden halt. The bustling of the cities quietens, and what animals remain fall silent. Even the rains and winds cease their cacophony of sounds all over Toril. When every mortal ceased their daily works- A voice, deep and resonant, echoes through every corner of the world. A voice of a man, neither young nor old, speaks with commanding authority.

"I have created the gods for a purpose. Today, this purpose is reminded to them. Your true power depends upon the faithful you serve, not your rule over them. The Tablets of Fate lie destroyed by my own hands, for they held not any power to be stolen in hubris. Now, let the gods return to the heavens and earn their mortal worship anew!"


And thus, as by the word the Time of Troubles has started, so by the word it has ended. The Gods of all Pantheons return to their divine realms, leaving the mortals that served as their avatars behind. All Temples of Mystra alight anew with bursts of magical lights. Nine blue-white stars surround the altars of the Lady of Mysteries, signifying the choosing of a new Keeper of the Weave. The priests of Bane, Bhaal and Myrkul receive visions with promises of greatness from a new malignant power- the name of which is Cyric.

Torm has been returned to existence by Ao's hand. Now called "The True" by his very young followers, collectively known as Martyr's Progeny, Torm rises to prominence amongst Faerun at large. With it, come a great many reforms to his church. From Waterdeep, rumours quickly spread of declarations made by high priests of Selune and new Mystra. They speak of an insidious, corrupting tool of magic which had been recently discovered to have been created by Shar. The Shadow Weave. Already there is talk of establishing holy orders and mages dedicating themselves to studying and eradicating this new threat created by the Dark Goddess of Night.

Clerics, druids, paladins, rangers and all other followers of the Divine find their connection to their Patrons restored in full. With their blessings returned, so came back the word of their gods spoken to them. Most herald changes, large or small, within their faith. Others assure the continuity of old traditions.


The Weave itself is brought back to peace. Though it remains damaged and the signs of its wild fluctuations of power have forever scarred the world, its use is no longer an ever-present threat everywhere. With the Weave's restoration, many strange happenstances and events are reversed. Damaged forests regrow anew overnight, missing mountains appear back where they once stood tall and proud, and animals return in abundance to the wildlands. The magical items and wards return to their former glory, once again protecting their owners with full strength.


The Monks of Candlekeep write upon the pages of history and call the past months by a variety of names. The Time of Troubles, The Godswar, The Fall of the Gods and the Time of the Avatars are but a few of such by which the events will now be known, now.

As for the upcoming time, all agree that the Age of Humanity had drawn to an end. Now begins a new Era.

The Era of Upheaval.

[DM Spartacus]

House of Cards report a minor theft in distant Nashkel but they declared a suspicion that the house was being targeted and promised measures would be taken. Other business remains buoyant and prepared for a winter market enjoying the current wealth seen in and around Baldur's Gate on the back of the common courtesy. Rumours that rogues, charlatans and local thieves have had their share of excess gold persist.

Questions were being asked around the docks about missing ships and cargo.


At Amberfield, near Triel 4 salmon poachers working the Amberfield stream without a permit were quickly uncovered and the target of the local militia. Equipped and empowered by strong legislation and charity funded arms the militia quickly had their poachers. Supplementary byelaws saw the confiscation of a wagon and contents. The Militia leader took time out from the end of week fish party to explain the villagers would not be hungry this week and the villains of the piece were gainfully employed in a field redemption project.

Rabbie Rivers the seer of Roaring shores declared his troubles over and now with the effort of upheaval he gathered his belongings waved farewells to the regulars and wound his merry way inland.

The Cloakwood west shadow druids that had in troubled times drew an iron hand of control there moved east to hunt down those responsible for slaying two trees in the east. However, their mission went badly when they disturbed some spiders displaced recently and after a fierce fight they were undone. Those that survived dispersed beyond the forest bringing to an end one troubled aspect of extreme behaviour in the wood.

Further east a small hamlet has grown citing improved security provided by an active Druid community which supports their no anger manifesto. They have recently secured a strong contract for stone with the intention to begin building a solid infrastructure and surrounding walls. New arrivals to this community broker the possibility of a new town growing in the forest. For now, they are content to have established some farms.

Elsewhere a necromancer emerged from deepest depths of the wyvern infested hills north of Nashkel chose a bad moment to lead his gathering of skeletons on a raid unaware of the return to magic. He met a passing patrol from Beregost and he and his entourage were destroyed in quick order.

Some Winding Way riverbank fishers, no permit required, were treated to a sea chase, one coastal boat pursuing another in some rage over trade competition. The lead boat dropped a cargo overboard to gain distance, shortly followed by the pursuer dropping cargo. Both then raced back out to sea. The fishers watched the cargo bob on the river before rushing to put their own smaller boats into the turbulent waters to recover cargo. Before long however they foundered, and their arms and armour were quickly discarded as they fled to the shore again. The ships were never seen again.


ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.



(if npc sparty is outside BG then clues to finding extra treasures are in play)

[Ghost]

Throughout the cities and towns of the Western Heartlands and Sword Coast, on bulletin boards, a proclamation is hung up for all to see:

I, Lord High Rider Dhelt of Elturel, declare the castle Triel and its surrounding hills and grasslands to be a vassal barony under Elturel. At the same time, I hereby pronounce Captain Julia Vanders of the Hellriders to be the be its ruler, henceforth to be addressed as Lady Julia Vanders, Baroness of Trielta. May she rule with Helm's watchful guidance!