Rumors of the Southern Sword Coast

[JustAnotherGuy]

The Cloakwood was abuzz with activity later in the evening of 19 Alturiak. After flowers began to sprout near the Friendly Arms Inn, the one known as the Guardian of the Cloakwoods and another feykin make their way into the Cloakwoods. After a while, other adventurers enter the forest, and are quickly rebuffed by the forest itself.

Upon the pair's return to the Friendly Arms inn, there's rumors of orcs trying to kidnap tieflings, orcs who were killed but were human, goblins who were actually children, and a resurrection attempt. Everyone had questions, and the Guardian did his best to answer all the questions, but he didn't quite have all the answers himself.

To any who would listen, he would say, "The forest is deeper now, and angry. It is dangerous to enter" and "Beware if you see blue flowers."

[JustAnotherGirl]

On the 20th of Alturiak, the High Ranger could be seen entering the walls of the Friendly Arms Inn. While this isn't an uncommon sight, the length of time she spent there and the fact that she spent much of it in the temple was unusual.

[Fire Wolf]

On the coast south of Candlekeep, two figures can be seen cleaning up an area damaged by fire, molten rock, and explosions, and working as long as it takes to restore the land to the best of their abilities.
One is the fire druid Teris, working to set things right and nearly breaking under a guilty conscience.
The other is Ashling of the Green Enclave, kindly volunteering her assistance in repairing the damage and reminding Teris that he doesn't need to continue apologizing for whatever happened here.

[Moonsong]

*An elf in blue robes of a Reader, bearing the symbols of Candlekeep can be seen attaching the following page in the noticeboards*

2nd Althuriak, Baldur's Gate - Recruitment for the Order goes out through the area of the city. The fallen in recent conflicts such as the ToT and the battle for Doron Amar, have recovered and with the renewal of faith in the Gods, even more approach to join the Order. (Player led)

6th Althuriak, Baldurs's Gate - A group of adventureres defeated a huge Golem in the arena (DM Ink)

6th Althuriak, Bas's Gate - A challenge and Tornament of two knights could be witnessed in the arena (DM Ink)

7th Alturiak, Western Heartlands - House of Cards report a useful winter season investing around the expanding docks of Baldur gate. Elsewhere fashion has gained traction in the form of a new market around Neverwinter. The traders hope to gain from locally sourced snow tiger skins and the expanding demand from Neverwinters fashion market for snow tiger skins and fully made garments from this currently fashionable material. (DM Spartacus)

7th Alturiak, Western Heartlands- Further south trade near Beregost fell foul of a vampire attack along the trade routes. Local militias made sweeps to drive away this latest threat to trade. (DM Spartacus)

7th Alturiak Western Heartlands - Triel produced a raft of tax laws favouring local development and contractors building on long established support of this region by charity and adventurers over the years. Local traders expect that this will provide a state revenue that will be ploughed back into the communities in a manner likely to support law abiding organisations across the region. (DM Spartacus)

7th Alturiak, Roaringshore - Rumours of work to be had at Roaringshore surfaced. Perhaps pay was raised in the aftermath of recent troubles there but for whatever reason word that gems were sought for top prices, and rare original books of the Ramsi series and the Younger series were mentioned. Information it seems was at a premium too with mouth-watering fees offered for information about the location of Gifts of the Gods relics, and the lair known as Yondalla's coastal hideout. Even the docks were busy and one trader there was offering top prices for green sunfish, small octopus, sturgeon, Marlin, fleshwort and stoneroot with a bonus for a complete collection. (DM Spartacus)

7th Alturiak, Gullykin – A White Dragon passed over Gullykin (DM lead)

7th Alturiak, Western Heartlands - A blue dragon was spotted near to Greenest sweeping far and and wide before retiring into the Greenfields further east. (DM Spartacus)

7th Alturiak, Baldur's Gate - Sister Ashenie, of the Shrine of the Suffering, is willing to undertake the cause of gathering testmonies of Faith, deeds and misdeeds, tales of shame and honor, scars and smiles left behind, concerning the proceeding involving Daemon Trillus and his upcoming judgment. (DM Ink)

10th Althuriak, Roaringshore - Roaringshore has recently seen an influx of people. Every now and then a new group- each a mix of humans, halflings and half-orcs- arrives, looking for a shelter and a place to work at.

All of them appear to be people that, for one reason or another, had nowhere else to go. (DM Soulcatcher)

13th Alturiak, Friendly Arm Inn - Two fallen travellers were laid to rest by the staff of the Friendly Arms. Attention to the pair had been drawn by passing woodlanders, wizards and other assorted adventuring groups. These events inspired some exploration of the forest by variously motivated groups. Changes to the forest were noted and dangerous paths explored. Nothing was learned of the fallen duo and their fate lies in the hands of another. (DM Spartracus)

18th Alturiak, Baldur's Gate – Another Open Stage Night n the White Mask Theatre, with songs of love and beauty, and a proposal for marriage. In the contest, the Bardesses Rose Wintertale and Lylan'Synor shared the first place. Second was the well known wizard Sirion! (Player led)

19th Alturiak, Friendly Arm Inn - Strange things started to happen around Friendly Arm Inn. Storm clouds filled the sky and time started to slow. Word got around quickly about an arctic troll making an appearance outside the Friendly Arm Inn. He claimed to be a messenger on behalf of Agnosh, master of storms. People are to prepare for hardship. A woman in white tried to pry the troll for more information about this Agnosh, but the troll remained steadfast in the delivery of his message. Suddenly the troll charged the woman in white and started to attack. The woman, and other adventurers surrounding her immediately sprung into action, casting spells and throwing fire and acid at the creature. Within seconds, the troll turned into slush. The immediate threat was gone, but the threat of oncoming hardships lingered in the air, possibly a warning of what was to come. (DM Cleric)



19th and 20th Althuriak - Several sightings of the so called Lady of Roses were reported, in questionable actions. She often appears with a Lantern or was seen taking the form of other beings, also luring people out of safe places and into the Cloak wood. Many individuals and organizations are involved. Also worries, that the peace between nature folks and City population may be endangered.
(DM Ink, Part I) (Part II) (Part III)

20th Alturiak, Warrior's Rest – A brawl Room Blitz event was held by the Bladestone Foundation. The first place went to Callo. The second was taken by Adrian Baker. Third was the towering half-orc Grobb. (Player led)


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

In faith,
Reader Tiawyn Aleaneldeth

((OOC Disclaimer: Thank you for reading. If you would like something added in future works feel free to a PM or message on discord. In order for us 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!

And a tip:

Announcing your events in the Rumors or respectively player events threads makes them more visible. Adding actual times and dates (and if possible, who the DM is) makes it easier to follow for us. Also taking your events into locations, that are rather central helps to get them in, as we can only post events that can be seen by many people.

Also a nod to all the events, still player events as well as DM events are work alike!))

[Antimeta]

Deep within a hidden location, dark figures met,
Plots and plans, were carefully set.

How much crime can one commit without leaving trails nor getting caught,
Would be the standard of gaining interest where opportunity is brought.

[JustAnotherGirl]

Though rarely allowing herself to be spotted in the woods lately, the High Ranger could recently be seen investigating some strange golden orbs in the Cloakwoods. She began following them deeper into the forest.



Sometime later, her unconcious form was dragged away from the deeper woods and to a place of safety. She then had a quiet conversation with the wolf that had dragged her there. She looked to be in mourning, crying with the wolf's head in her lap.



As they sat there in quiet "conversation", blue flowers began to sprout all around them. The wolf stood to leave; walking toward the deeper woods with a limp. The High Ranger took a few moments to heal him, and then stood with tears streaking her cheeks as she watched him leave.



She might have been heard mumbling something about getting the awful taste of swamp out of her mouth as she quickly left the forest to who knows where.

(( Thanks DM Ink! ))

[Hullack]

Over the past days a young halfling, House Vale's master of the watch, begins scouting the Cloakwood and Glimmerwood following rumors of newly emerging yellow lights. Taking the form of a raven and flying above the tree-line at night his efforts soon bear fruit. Among the Glimmerwood dozens of faint orbs of gold and yellow are seen moving about the forest floor -- spreading like a disease from the nearby Cloakwood.



Scouting the Cloakwood proper reveals more and brighter orbs congealing deep within its borders at the foot of a massive Ent-like tree clutching the remains of a broken lantern. The chants of fey magic rises from the Cloakwood curses upon curses laid upon the names of mortal men. The massive tree laughs madly while creatures are slaughtered before it by joyous Unseelie. With a shaking hand the halfling writes of his discoveries sending letters to Candlekeep, Doron Amar, The Green Enclave, En Dharasha Everae, and The Halls of Inner Light:

To Hopeful Allies and Those Who Would Set Right to Wrongs,

These past nights I have scouted the Sharpteeth and Cloakwood in the form of a raven and bring you woeful tidings. The creature I have spoken of in my prior missives, the Laughing Tree, has broken the Lantern and taken its power. The Laughing Tree commands a host of unseelie which slaughter the creatures of the Cloakwood, mortal and goodly fey alike, in offering. Through the power of the lantern, the Laughing Tree is using the lives given to it to animate an army of dead flesh and living vines. The Tree's evil spreads now from the Cloakwood to the Glimmerwood. Should you believe the words of my mother, a lady in service to Queen Titania, the lantern has near-enough power enough to rival Robin Goodfellow. A great evil grows at our doorstep. I know at present the Tree's location, but for how long it will remain there I am uncertain. I plead now allies to join me in ending this evil.

With hope,

Jak Dimburrow,
Master of the Watch, House Vale

[JustAnotherGuy]

A group of people noted strange beings entering the Cloakwoods from near the Friendly Arms Inn. A tall, green haired druid and his mate followed them in. Shortly, from deep in the forest came the sounds of thunderclaps, the sizzling of lightning, the sound of heavy rain, and the roaring of at least two dragons.

The outcome was difficult for most to determine, as none of those that entered the forest came out that night.

[artemitavik]

As the fey situation gets worse in the Cloakwood and surrounding area, the Bladestone Foundation thins their patrols in the Costal Plains a bit and increases their patrols along the Way of the Lion and the Tradeway. The specific goal is to make sure that anyone fleeing the carnage is escorted to safety or medical attention as needed as well as to be able to report on movements outside the forests if necessary.

To make up for the lack of normal presence in the no-man's land of the Costal Plains and the villages therin, Headmaster Ranloss instructs his senior staff to enter into rotations of patrols through both areas as able.

[artemitavik]

In concordance with his own instructions to his staff, guards, and officers, Derik Ranloss is seen taking extra rotations on the patrols of the Bladestone guards.

This time on the Lion's Way up to the entrance of the Cloakwood from that direction. However, other than several gaggles of bugs and a couple gnolls looking for a light snack, he didn't encounter anything noteworthy.

((I had screenies to go with this... but they got mucked up, so ... sorry ))

[mixafix]

Deep in a secluded part of the forest far from Jak's recent encounters a more mundane gathering was occurring. Admorin the Druid had prepared a place of safety for orphans and other displaced Fey and those animals that could be encouraged into a dispersed sanctuary. Over a widespread area of natural shelters and in order to separate different groups involved. This has kept Admorin and his allies very busy and often he might be seen resorting to flight and other strange modes of speedier transport to better attend to his charges. Moving occasionally further afield to gather news of the terrible events unfolding and to gather in more displaced creatures. Reports of thunderclaps and lightning did nothing to reassure him regards the safety of his position and that of the orphans but nonetheless he persisted hardly finding any time at all to plant saplings as was his norm.

He paused late at night watching over his charges wondering the best way forward, considering the possibility of thinking about more direct action or delaying such thoughts till the danger had passed.

[artemitavik]

As the issue in the Cloakwood with the fey and rampaging animals and plants comes to a conclusion, Bladestone patrols on the Lion's Way and the Costal Plains normalize.

There is also a bustle of activity near the lighthouse now that spring is arrived and the weather has turned. Finalizations of construction of the trade dock/harbor on the beach by the Lighthouse renews.

[artemitavik]

Hope's Landing is Now Open!

The Bladestone Foundation would like to announce the opening of Hope's Landing, a small dock and harbor by the lighthouse south of Candlekeep.

This has been a project and labor of love by the Foundation since prior to the Time of Troubles and we are proud to announce it is now fully functional.

The Lighthouse has been restored to full functionality and will be operated by the Foundation for the foreseeable future to keep passing and approaching ships safe. The trade station itself consists of a ware house and single pier for docking of smaller trade boats and barges that are able to navigate the shallow natural harbor. Also, it will provide a more stable location to flag down passing ferries for personal transport.

It is our hope, thus the name, that this facility will help with direct trade of the peoples, farms, and villages of the Coastal Plains and No-Man's Land with markets previously unable to connect directly to them.

Services Provided:
Guarded Warehouse for short-term storage of goods to be picked up by boat or goods having just been dropped off
Lighthouse
Patrol Guard post
Guarded trade transactions
FISHING! (At the end of the pier)

The Foundation would like to acknowledge:
Michael Dunn, Sirion Tedwa, "Miz" for assistance in securing the location.
Tiaywn Aleaneldeth for assistance in brokering purchase of materials and labor.
Sane Fenson and Teris for environmental consultations.
Lylan'Synor for supervision of lighthouse repairs and overall construction.
Niy'ressa Dawncrow for review of accounts and negotiations with local residents.
Adrian Baker for design and concept.
Vrok Drek for security supervision.
Grand Duke Belt for Court support.

Come now all and partake!

-Derik Ranloss, Headmaster

OOC:
Thank you DMs for the adventures and RP for the prepping of this!
MASSIVE SHOUT OUT to Planeshopper for building!
If I missed someone in the IC acknowledgements, let me know so I can update.

[artemitavik]

Hope's Landing is Now Open!

The Bladestone Foundation would like to announce the opening of Hope's Landing, a small dock and harbor by the lighthouse south of Candlekeep.

This has been a project and labor of love by the Foundation since prior to the Time of Troubles and we are proud to announce it is now fully functional.

The Lighthouse has been restored to full functionality and will be operated by the Foundation for the foreseeable future to keep passing and approaching ships safe. The trade station itself consists of a ware house and single pier for docking of smaller trade boats and barges that are able to navigate the shallow natural harbor. Also, it will provide a more stable location to flag down passing ferries for personal transport.

It is our hope, thus the name, that this facility will help with direct trade of the peoples, farms, and villages of the Coastal Plains and No-Man's Land with markets previously unable to connect directly to them.

Services Provided:
Guarded Warehouse for short-term storage of goods to be picked up by boat or goods having just been dropped off
Lighthouse
Patrol Guard post
Guarded trade transactions
FISHING! (At the end of the pier)

The Foundation would like to acknowledge:
Michael Dunn, Sirion Tedwa, "Miz" for assistance in securing the location.
Tiaywn Aleaneldeth for assistance in brokering purchase of materials and labor.
Sane Fenson and Teris for environmental consultations.
Lylan'Synor for supervision of lighthouse repairs and overall construction.
Niy'ressa Dawncrow for review of accounts and negotiations with local residents.
Adrian Baker for design and concept.
Vrok Drek for security supervision.
Grand Duke Belt for Court support.

Come now all and partake!

-Derik Ranloss, Headmaster

OOC:
Thank you DMs for the adventures and RP for the prepping of this!
MASSIVE SHOUT OUT to Lambe for building!
If I missed someone in the IC acknowledgements, let me know so I can update.

[predrag]

*Sane Fensen would be seen around the area of the new dock south of Candlekeep , evaluating the populations of animals and the state of nature in general in the area . He does not seem too happy about the construction though still gives congratulations on the work to the Bladestone Foundation , if encountering any of it's members*