DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

[DM Mimic]

THE EXONERATION OF MELYSE BLACKHALL

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Credit: Crusader Kings III

All charges were dropped against Melyse Blackhall, a surprising turn of events in the dramatic trial that began with an accusation by Lord Eugene Denton against the recently-widowed Lady Blackhall. Dame Catherine of Tyr issues a formal statement in response to queries concerning the matter, saying:

"There was no justice to be found in further trying Melyse Blackhall for a crime where the exigent circumstances release her of any culpability. The introduction of new evidence, as brought to light and attested by Warden Alexander Marshall of Triel, along with the recanting of the accused's initial confession, was sufficient to convince the prosecution that Lady Blackhall was not responsible for the death of her husband.

The Church of Tyr has officially recommended that the Flaming Fist and City Watch of Baldur's Gate issue arrest warrants for one Esme Brightheart, whom we now believe to be the actual culprit behind this murder."

Meanwhile, rumors spread that Lord Denton only made the accusation as part of a plot to distract and delay Lady Blackhall's filing of a protest to contest the sale of her estate to Lord Denton. Much to Lady Blackhall's chagrin, the deadline for that protest has now passed and Lord Denton has seized full control of the estate. Some whisper that Lady Blackhall - while preparing to move to Triel - left Lord Denton a most maliciously compliant gift in return.

Lastly, the Masquerade Court's renown further grows in the city of Baldur's Gate as it is soon revealed that Lady Blackhall's advocate, Rafe Landers, is a member of the prolific organization. Landers' performance at the trial demonstrated the Masquerade Court's talents extend well beyond simple adventuring.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Wayward Ship Returned

After many days missing, a familiar ship that was waited for by a few merchants was sighted on the horizon, accompanied by a much sleeker one. In the end, a Privateer Ship was hired to find it and so it did...

...However, as the ship enters the harbour, it becomes apparent what had transpired.

The main mast was gone. There are many scorch marks and several large holes in the hull. Once it docks in the Harbour, and guards along with the merchants board the ship, they are met with only remnants of the original crew. By their word, they were intercepted by a black ship flying a pirate flag. Their captain refused to give up everything they've got, so a fight ensued during which most of the crew were slaughtered. Those who surrendered were left to die on the ship- having no means to travel without the mast and sails.

When asked who did this, all they can say is "It was this man... Dun or Doon? A terrible man..."

[DM Mimic]

MURDER IN THE LORD'S ESTATE

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Credit: tithendar

The recent murder of one Fergus Routh, Captain of the Intrepid - a galleon-class seafaring vessel currently docked in the Gate's harbor - was reported to the City Watch by none other than Lord Eugene Denton, a known business partner of the deceased. By the lord's testimony, he came across the captain's decapitated body after returning to his estate from an evening stroll. Much to the City Watch's surprise, Lord Denton also delivered to them the self-confessed murderer: Willam Whiteshore, a guard in the lord's employ.

Whiteshore admitted to having loathed the Captain for many reasons. Accounts from other guards on duty also revealed that Whiteshore had gotten drunk on the job the evening of Routh's death. The Watch's prevailing theory: Whiteshore confronted Routh while intoxicated and killed the captain in an ensuing conflict. Unfortunately, this theory would not have the opportunity to be tested before the accused hung himself in his holding cell.

Rumors suggest the murder was particularly gruesome. A Watch Officer was overheard saying he had never seen a bloodier crime scene:

[Whiteshore] took the man's head, but it wasn't quick. There was so much blood. It wasn't a clean cut, that's for sure - it was more like he was trying to saw the man's neck with a butterknife.

With no evidence to support an alternate theory, the Watch had no choice but to close the investigation. Additional patrols were ordered around the nobleman's estate, something which the lord seemed to appreciate.

Those paying attention to such things might note that the Intrepid's registration papers at the harbormaster's office were amended shortly after the incident to reflect Lord Eugene Denton as the official owner of the vessel.

[DM Soulcatcher]

The Moon-Cursed Murderer Caught

Responsible for murdering faithful of Selune in the premise of the city, the man (supposedly) which was surmised to be some sort of a worshipper of Shar was found, his house near the Wide stormed at dawn by a contingent of the Flaming Fist, including at least four battlemages.

Because of the man's supposed power, it was decided that he is be killed on sight and not brought to a fair trial. The raid was a success and the murderer was slain. The Flaming Fist do not share what happened to his body or where it may have been buried, if at all, for security reasons.

Likewise, they do not share what truly happened with the victims of both murder and kidnapping. Whatever it may have been is said to have been "stopped forever."

[DM Mimic]

THE EXCORIATION OF EUGENE DENTON

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Credit: Robby Johnson

In a shocking turnabout, what was supposed to be the trial of the Bardess Maevyn Arkalis for the charge of conspiracy swiftly became an indictment of her accuser, Lord Eugene Denton. Compelling testimony produced by an array of witnesses, and the bardess' own impassioned speech to the court effectively demonstrated the ludicrousness of the charges and redirected suspicion to the Lord's own involvement in the supposed crimes. When Denton fled the courtroom, the outcome of the trial was sealed. Maevyn Arkalis was found not guilty on all charges. The presiding Magistrate further ordered an official inquest into Lord Denton's potential involvement in the case, to be handled by the Church of Tyr.

Before that inquest could ever take place, however, other events converged as if in a great calamity on the House of Denton. The Denton Estate in Manorborn district was set ablaze, consumed in a raging fire that took the Watch nearly a full day to fully quell. Neither bodies nor evidence were found from the ashes; Lord Denton himself was nowhere to be found. Some suspect the fire was the lords' own doing but others question whether Denton would have made such a move when he had already fallen under such great scrutiny.

In the absence of the confirmation of the lord's death, the City Watch and the Flaming Fist are on the lookout for any sign of Lord Denton's whereabouts. Meanwhile, House Denton and its many assets within the city fall into the custody of one Emilia Denton, a bastard daughter to the aged lord who was only recently legitimized as his heir.

The nobility, gentry, and peasantry of Baldur's Gate take a collective sigh of relief, their hopeful prayers offered to all the gods above that Lord Denton's absence from the city might become a permanent one.

[DM Glittergold]

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Whispers spread like wildfire from the east, speaking of a devastating event to the east of the Wyrm's Crossing. Powerful magic, cataclysmic in nature, has turned the once lush forest east of the wyrm's crossing, into scorched land. The road that once guided travelers is now a ghostly echo amidst the smoky aftermath, leaving the land in awe.

Not long ago a woman wearing a fashionable hat was also spotted delivering a report to the city watch, seemingly warning the local authorities of the fire that was spreading.

"It was the tieflings, i saw it!"

[DM Honk]

Who sits on the Iron Throne

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Words spread around fast in the city of Baldur's Gate and its surroundings. A galleon bearing the symbol of the Iron Throne has docked by the lower city.

Large crates of weapons and arms of many kind have been unloaded from the ship, the biggest shipment from the Iron Throne in a very long time, it is yet unclear who the buyers may be. Local shops, a noble house, or perhaps the Flaming Fist itself?

Although it is not the shipment that makes the population speak, an aristocrat from Cormyr arrived. People speak of a handsome man wearing refined clothes as well as the unmistakable badge of the Iron Throne. His name Terence Haelwing, and he seems to be here to claim a role as the new leader of the Iron Throne's local cell.

This is no simple shipment, the mercantile organization is likely planning something more.

[DM Honk]

Time for Renovation

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A few days have passed since the new Overseer of the Iron Throne, Terence Haelwing, is said to have taken control of the Balduran cell of the business.

Those walking by the docks in The Steeps could see the galleon he came with, buzzing with workers, unloading crates containing all sorts of expensive items. Paintings, statues, carpets, it seems that Saer Haelwing is particularly fond of the arts. All of these items, rumours say, are to decorate the headquarters and his own private chambers.

It is time of renovation in the Iron Throne.

Saer Haelwing is seen spending his free time supervising the process, always followed by a tall armor-clad half orc, and a short, slender blonde woman assisting him and taking note of his requests and needs. The half orc likely to be his personal bodyguard, the woman expected to be his maid.

[DM Honk]

A new Courtier

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Saer Terence Haelwing, Overseer of the Iron Throne, makes his first appearance among the Courtiers of Baldur's Gate, accompanied by his dutiful maid servant Victoria.

Saer Haelwing impresses most of the local court with his confidence, refined manners and grace. His flamboyant demeanour tempered by his maid's humbleness, sweetness and simplicity. Some whispers grow among noble women. The long standing families seem to observe his first appearance with polite distance. It seems that part of the noble class is waiting to learn more about him.

It seems to be Saer Haelwing's intention, to foster fruitful trade relationships and make the Iron Throne more prominent into the local scenery. Rumours say that most of the courtiers took this arrival with great excitement, although one House seemed to be particularly cold and distrusting, House Sashenstar. Some say this day may lead to growing attrition between Saer Haelwing and Lord Dabron Sashenstar himself, but for now the situation remains calm. House Caldwell, seen as a long standing guardian of morality, seem to reserve its judgment for now.

Saer Haelwing requests a meeting with Grand Duke Eltan, likely to discuss potential agreements about the trade of weaponry for the city.

Before leaving the castle, the Overseer announces that he will be hosting a Gran Ball in the near future, to further consolidate his wish to support the city of Baldur's Gate.

The following message will be found across the notice boards in the city and around it.

OOC: This event will be hosted by myself on the 26th of November, starting at 17:00 GMT+0

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Grand Ball
Hosted by the Iron Throne

The Iron Throne will be hosting a Grand Ball
in the near future.

In order to find the best artists to entertain our
guests we will be hosting auditions in our
headquarters, on the 26th of Uktar.

If you believe you have what it takes, please
come show us your talent.

My most sincere regards,

Iron Throne Overseer
Ser Terence Haelwing

[DM Glittergold]

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Whispers spread like wildfire from the east, speaking of a devastating event to the east of the Wyrm's Crossing. Powerful magic, cataclysmic in nature, has turned the once lush forest east of the wyrm's crossing, into scorched land. The road that once guided travelers is now a ghostly echo amidst the smoky aftermath, leaving the land in awe.

Not long ago a woman wearing a fashionable hat was also spotted delivering a report to the city watch, seemingly warning the local authorities of the fire that was spreading.

"It was the tieflings, i saw it!"

They say a chilling frost has embraced the once-charred forest, a frost summoned by figures adorned in the vestments of Auril, bringing forth an ice storm that countered any seed of fire threating to spread, leaving parts of the charred landscape veiled in frost-covered remnants.

Tales of troops mobilized from the Bridge Fort and the Order of the Radiant Heart Keep, converging upon the devastated region. Soldiers labor tirelessly, ferrying water from the River Chionthar to douse the charred terrain. Meanwhile, clerics call upon Earth Elementals, tirelessly working to extinguish any possible lingering embers and prevent the resurgence of the flames. Their concerted efforts aim to snuff out the remnants of the conflagration. Eye witness would also see figures from the city watch engaging in conversation with the soldiers, to what end, only them could know.

Amongst the scorched remnants, a lone figure, a fire genasi, labors tirelessly to heal the wounds inflicted upon the land. His valiant efforts to tend to the burned forest, a trully generous act to overwhelming task before him, as the druid mend the devastated landscape east of Wyrm's Crossing.

[DM Honk]

Gruesome Murders - The City Watch Investigates

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OOC Disclaimer:

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The following rumour is made to address the consequences of two player driven murders. This is not the work of a DM, we are simply reacting to it. I invite the player behind these murders to reach out to the Team if there is an intention to continue with this story.

More guards of the City Watch can be seen patrolling around The Wide and Heapside, asking questions to the population about two gruesome murders that happened at the very beginning of this month. People speak of two bodies, brutally mutilated, left in the streets in a pool of blood. Some people say the murderer is a mad follower of Cyric or Bhaal, or both.

Whatever happened, it seems that the guards wont let another murder like this happen without the appropriate response. The authorities have been alerted.

Additionally, Mother Juna of the Temple of Ilmater announces that one of those bodies has been brought to the Ossuary below the Temple of the Broken God. She calls for anyone potentially familiar with the victim, to come forward and try to identify the body as any attempt to speak with the deceased or resurrect him has failed. The clergy of the Temple will offer what they can, to alleviate the suffering of those who mourne for the terrible passing of the two victims.

[DM Honk]

The Winter Ball

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OOC Disclaimer:

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Date and Time: 01/07/2024 19:00

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WINTER BALL

Overseer Terence Haelwing is happy to announce
a Grand Ball, to be held in the Iron Throne’s Headquarters.
The date is set on the seventh of Hammer, seven hours after
mid day. The chosen theme set for dress code is the winter
season, please join us to celebrate the end of this Trade Year.

Fortune and Prosperity to Baldur’s Gate

[DM Honk]

The Crimson Spice

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Some rumours begin to spread in the dark alleys of the lower districts of the city, even further down the Undercellar and sewers.

A fairly cheap substance some begin to call the "Crimson Spice" has started to spread among the many workers and labourers working in Baldur's Gate and its immediate surroundings. It is said that this drug makes the workers perform better, even through tiring and exhausting days, keeping their focus and coordination.

It seems that those making use of it do not show any worrying side effects, aside from being relatively eager to acquire more, given how helpful it can be to some.

The rumours do not mention anything about the cirumstances of how this has begun to spread and who has been introducing it to the city.

Most talking about it do not really seem to be concerned, some even describe it as a medicine, something beneficial. Surely, something helping the good and tireless workers of Baldur's Gate can't be that bad?

[DM Honk]

Growing Decadence

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Those accustomed to the lower districts of Baldur's Gate would notice an increase in the number of vagrants and homeless in the more secluded and dark alleys of the city. Those who are not able to retreat into the bowels of the City are often taken away by the men and women of the City Watch and Flaming Fist.

Many of them seem to be men and women, brought to the streets by their pursuit to consume more and more of the so called "Crimson Spice". It is slowly growing more and more evident that the addiction to this product is beginning to affect the most vulnerable parts of the city where some began to even assault others, in order to get some coins to spend on it.

Due to the increase in violent crimes in the lower districts, the City Watch has increased patrols with a warning for the population to avoid these districts at night, especially if unaccompanied.

Two noble houses are said to be helping the efforts against the Spice, House Caldwell and Sashenstar, providing more funds to the law enforcement and publicly announcing to avoid consuming the drug.

Among the organisations helping the needy and those affected by the spreading of drug, the Temple of Ilmater, led by Revered Mother Juna is certainly the most prominent. The Ilmatari have begun providing shelter, and all manners of support to the addicts and their families, to the best of their abilities.

What is certain is that the Crimson Spice has triggered an effect of growing decadence within the City, will it be stopped? And if so, how much damage will it cause?

[DM Honk]

The Golden Augury

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OOC Disclaimer:
The following rumour would be accessible to those who frequent the manorborn districts and the high society of Baldur's Gate. Please try to react accordingly, based on your own character.

As the chosen day for the upcoming Ducal Court approaches, the high society and upper class of Baldur's Gate stirs.

The nobles, the rich, the influential, those meeting in the high halls and mansions.

A new topic seems to find its way in the talks of the aristocrats, a substance that can be boiled to evaporate into a golden mist. Some say that this mist grants beautiful visions, relaxing the body and mind. While most believe these visions to be pure hallucinations, some others say that it might not be entirely true.

The expensive golden substance causes mixed reactions among the aristocracy of Baldur's Gate, some back away, especially after the spreading of the Crimson Spice, others seem intrigued by the idea of indulging into its effects. What seems to be clear is that a second substance has been introduced into the City, and it seems way more expensive than the Spice.

Nothing more transpires about the "Golden Augury" at this point in time.