Rumors & Events of Baldur's Gate

[DaloLorn]

Some rumours spread of a man named in robes, some say their name was Kanett....Kiznett...something? Attempted to steal from a group of homeless people down by the docks and was confronted by the city watch due to how spectacularly poorly this attempted heist went, it was the talk of the local dockyard for some time.

A friendly-looking redheaded girl, not seen doing much of any significance since her disappearance from her favored rooftop in the Steeps, would once again draw attention to herself... this time by seeking out Kanett/Kiznett/something's victims and asking about the attempted robbery.

[Kitunenotsume]

Similar to previous postings, with the surge of the harvest season a new set of brushed flyers is posted to various common boards:

To those whom it may be of interest:

Let it be known that the Breadflower Bakery is currently seeking the services of Hunters, Herbalists, and Agriculturalists in supplying fresh ingredients. Fair market price will be provided for serviceable cuts, foraging, and produce.

Meat and Animal Products	25 Double-Eagles per carcass
Bottled Milk	40 Double-Eagles per pint
Churned Butter	100 Double-Eagles per cup
Wheat Grains	20 Double-Eagles per bushel
Milled Flour	100 Double-Eagles per sack
Fruit and Vegetables	35 Double-Eagles each
Exotic Herbs and Seasonings	As negotiated per bunch
Fish and bulk products per the Rocky Creek Pricing Index.
Any other ingredients and reagents may be negotiated.

Prices subject to change with seasonal demand.

A premium being compensated for the following ingredients, at fair market value as negotiated by supplier.:

• Fleshwort (per bushel)
• Wyvern Eggs (Fresh preferred, chilled also accepted)
• Dragon's blood (per flask)
• Fiendish Ichor
• Onyx Orchid (per leaf)

Culinary services available. Please inquire for a sample or pricing quote.

The Breadflower Bakery is also still seeking a series of recipes, purportedly authored by one 'Hill Ramsi'. Any information that leads to their identification would be appreciated and duly compensated, with additional value bestowed to original documents. Should any such recipe be be delivered to the establishment, the Breadflower Bakery shall make all available effort to host a stall for a minimum of one full week at the location and menu-theme of the delivering party's choice; or upon the Tradeway outside Baldur's Gate if there is no other preference. Alternate negotiations are available at seller's request.

Should any news or contact be sought, please address correspondence and deliveries to:
Sayushi Furuki, Breadflower Bakery
The Undercellar, The Wide, Baldur's Gate.

[Blackhorizon]

Someone might have heard of a small female figure dressed in an armor and dark blue hood pulled over her head asking the guard by the Black Dragon Gate if they had seen anyone suspicious about, a male in particular. She had continued to tell the guard there had been an incident some distance away. This male, at least assumed, had sneaked behind her and pulled a knife on her throat, asking after the fellow she had just met. She had been left unharmed once the questions had been answered in, apparently, satisfactory manner but no glimpse had been seen.

[darkenedflame]

As the next morning rolls over, authorities and curious onlookers discover the dead body of a man in a locked warehouse in the Steeps District;
Close to the man, also the body of a small animal - a cat;

((Thank you DM Ink for the quick event))

[Eliasz_Kowalski]

Fuss and sass at the Elfsong tavern

The Elfsong tavern saw much commotion this fine day. A certain orc-killing, axe-toting, ale-drinking, lute-picking, bloody goodtime Dwarven berserker stormed into the alehouse to do what he does best. Drink ale and sing rowdy ballads. However, this time the dwarf seemed to have met his equal. A naughty Halfling prankster drinking her sorrows away happened to have quite a sharp tongue and wit to match the dwarf's sheer rowdiness. And enough dexterity to her to dodge beer mugs thrown at her as she endlessly mocked and taunted the grumpy dwarf. Curiously enough and much to the other visitors' of the tavern discontent, both the dwarf and the halfling appeared to be bards. Of a sort. Half a dozen of sassiest, rowdiest, dirtiest songs and a couple of kegs of ale later, an unexpected peculiarity transpired, this time, much to everyone's surprise. A sparkle of kinship appeared, and a promise of great adventure was made.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Manor District of the city, a certain Netanya felt a great disturbance in the world as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in annoyance and were suddenly silenced with their weary sighs drowned in merry sounds of two lutes playing in unison. She feared something terrible had happened. And that day, like a blazing star of sassy poetry, a duo was born. A nuisance of a mischievous troupe that was to shake every stage and steal the show at each and every tavern along the Sword Coast. And make our fairest and noblest of Elven maidens sigh and cry out, "Bloody hells, now there is two of them!"

From the accounts of eyewitnesses and stories circulating around the city, written down by a humble unnamed traveller.

[Cat_Queen]

Fuss and sass at the Elfsong tavern

The Elfsong tavern saw much commotion this fine day. A certain orc-killing, axe-toting, ale-drinking, lute-picking, bloody goodtime Dwarven berserker stormed into the alehouse to do what he does best. Drink ale and sing rowdy ballads. However, this time the dwarf seemed to have met his equal. A naughty Halfling prankster drinking her sorrows away happened to have quite a sharp tongue and wit to match the dwarf's sheer rowdiness. And enough dexterity to her to dodge beer mugs thrown at her as she endlessly mocked and taunted the grumpy dwarf. Curiously enough and much to the other visitors' of the tavern discontent, both the dwarf and the halfling appeared to be bards. Of a sort. Half a dozen of sassiest, rowdiest, dirtiest songs and a couple of kegs of ale later, an unexpected peculiarity transpired, this time, much to everyone's surprise. A sparkle of kinship appeared, and a promise of great adventure was made.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Manor District of the city, a certain Netanya felt a great disturbance in the world as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in annoyance and were suddenly silenced with their weary sighs drowned in merry sounds of two lutes playing in unison. She feared something terrible had happened. And that day, like a blazing star of sassy poetry, a duo was born. A nuisance of a mischievous troupe that was to shake every stage and steal the show at each and every tavern along the Sword Coast. And make our fairest and noblest of Elven maidens sigh and cry out, "Bloody hells, now there is two of them!"

From the accounts of eyewitnesses and stories circulating around the city, written down by a humble unnamed traveller.

THE BALDUR'S LUTES ARRIVED!

♪There's music in the air♪
♪Herald's news is in the making♪
♪Music in the air♪
♪Something big is breaking♪

♪Wow, look around at the sight and the sound♪
♪Did we take you by surprise?♪
♪Bet you can't believe your eyes, oh!♪

♪Whoa, well, this is only the beginning♪
♪Only the beginning♪

♪Now, now's the time when our star's on the climb♪
♪Watch us try for the prize♪
♪We're already on the rise!♪

- Iris the Colorful and Einar Madbeard, the rise of the merry duo by me

[FearBeforeTheFlames]

A wagon full of darkened colored chopped wood was delivered to the Merchant Blunt in the Outer City. The wagon itself was escorted by a single rider and a small horse. It appears to have been an order, fulfilled.

[Silence]

The city never sleeps.
Even at night it's bustling with activity, business is done everywhere - from the Wide where the richer citizens try to secure a deal for a fine wine or an elaborate painting all the way down to the docks where the traded wares often are of a much more mundane quality.
But business was done everywhere, day and night.

Although in some cases the businesses are of a different kind, when night sets in...

~~~~~

The blackclothed woman is completely motionless, even her breathing is as shallow as possible. For more than half an hour she's huddled down already at the edge of the rooftop that lays in the shadow of the huge, intimidating tower of the Iron Throne.
With squinted eyes she watches the two men that have in turn been watching the ship.
At first she was just curious, but now she's feeling how her hunting instincts awake.
These two men are clearly about to do something stupid.
They're perhaps about to try and steal some cargo, or perhaps they're rather after the purses (or even the lifes?) of the sailors who have been left aboard on guard duty.

Whatever they are up to - she hasn't seen them before and more importantly: these man most definitely have not gone through the proper procedure.
These men have not asked for permission, they have not paid their visit to the shrine, they not even have made it known that they are here.
And if she had to guess: they will not go and do any of that afterwards, either.
Freelancers, pah.
The woman suppresses a low hiss.

These men clearly ask for a lesson - and there will be a lesson.
A lesson about whose toes they just step on and a lesson about the consequences of doing so.
'The Lord of Shadows may have gone silent - the Family of Shadows however is still here.
The docks are ours, they've always been - and we still do not tolerate uninvited rivals. '

[Eliasz_Kowalski]

Stillness at the Meditation Hall

At a distant, unfrequented spot of the Eastway District lies the Meditation Hall. With its doors open to everyone, a wanderer from faraway lands found his way to this place of silent contemplation. Rare visitors would see it revitalised: floors swept, windows cleaned, new candles placed, and flowers tended to, all done with diligence and care. The floors of the Hall are consecrated, and around the altar magical lights, orange of colour, are often lit as a quiet call and guidance to the ultimate state of perfection. Seekers entering the Hall and townsfolk passing it by would notice a certain sense of calmness that has settled in and around the place. Voices and sounds are muffled, the busy clatter of the city drowned by soothing silence. Even never-ending train of thoughts in minds of laymen hurrying past the Hall seems to cease for a moment or two and give way to tranquillity. Once in a while, two sounds disturb the stillness around the Hall, though with great humility. A quiet melody coming from behind the door, what appears to be sounds of a bamboo flute being played. And a peculiar sound of what seems to be ringing of a hand bell once in a while coming from high up in the sky above the Hall.

On the rare occasion, seekers paying attention would see a monk meditating at a corner of the Hall. Either mute or unwilling to speak, he would meet those who enter the place with his hands put in a gesture of prayer and a respectful bow. Sometimes he would be seen working at the standing desk, writing scrolls with graceful strokes of a quill. And that would be an unusual sight, indeed, as the man's eyes are covered with a blindfold at all times. Then again, those whose minds wander aimlessly, would not notice the monk at all. It is only at the entrance of the Hall they would see the fruits of his labour by the desk. A scroll with strange symbols unlike anything seen at the Sword Coast. Though those few familiar with the Shou language of Kara-Tur would recognise the script which read as follows, "He who holds balance has attained the highest post in the world".

One day, a beggar from the slums tempted by the open door to the Hall would enter it and then rush out with his eyes wide open. He would then be heard muttering incoherently something about an angel of stunning, yet outlandish beauty guarding the place, but his words would be quickly dismissed by the townsfolk as preposterous nonsense. Whatever transpires at the usually empty halls of contemplation these days, one thing remains clear.

The Meditation Hall has found a new keeper.

[DaloLorn]

A redheaded girl could be seen climbing out of the harbor yesterday morning. When or where she fell into the water was unclear, but aside from a bit of drowsiness, she seemed oddly unfazed by the experience. Those more familiar with the magical items favored by adventurers might have recognized the gleaming pebble circling around her head before she stowed it away, and a few keener-eyed observers likely noticed the outlines of chain links under her soaked shirt.

She promptly proceeded into the Blushing Mermaid, and from there, the Undercellar, getting dried off by a cantrip from one of the regulars before getting back to life as normal. Apparently, she claimed to have spent the night down there...

[InGame]

For past tenday Kervel seems to have been absent from his daily chores of farming and faith on the farmlands outside the city walls. Only shortly attending other important matters elsewhere uncharacteristically by means of magic, if necessary. Some might spot him hiking in the western area outside the city, between Baldur's Gate and Ulgoth's Beard, well supplied with camping gear. The older priest stops on a meadow, grassland, grove or other areas to take notes of the geography of it in a leather covered notebook, gather examples of the soil or to study the fauna. He seems to be in no hurry and often staying on his spot for a longer time merely observing, sitting in silence or praying before moving on to another similar place in the area. After tenday had passed in this manner the older priest could be found in his home, Cradle of Growth, again and before long back in his usual daily activity.

[Anrilor]

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..."

Katli, hearing of the poor state of the survivors, tends to their illnesses, sating their need of drink, food, and a warm bed. Paying for all as needed for a week's worth. She offers prayers of comfort and healing as allowed in the name of Selune. She is then seen heading for the Flaming Fist Headquarters and leaves a letter with the mercenary company.

[InGame]

These fliers are put up in numbers in every district of Baldur's Gate as well as the outskirts of the city and farmlands by an old priest.

Good people of Baldur's Gate!

Are you displaced by recent events or Time of Troubles? Are you without a purpose and job? Are you hard-working, responsible, and seek to make a living for your family? Are you done with adventuring and dangers of the trade? Then this might be your chance!

Backed and funded by the Dukes and donations of goodly organizations of this great city, a land of opportunity lies on the fertile soil west of Baldur's Gate for those that wish to come, learn and enjoy its bounty.

Become a farmer and learn to grow and honor the gifts of Chauntea responsibly, so that you might reap its reward for years to come. Work opportunities for those with willing hearts and minds. Come and make sure this city never sees famine again.

All that is needed from you is commitment and the right mindset. Education is provided by faithful of Chauntea and funds distributed by the joint effort of House Vale and faithful of Chauntea. Come and learn more from us, if you are interested!

[wangxiuming]

Credit: Woo Chul Lee

Those with their eyes on the Steeps might recently have seen Osric spending a day there inquiring about the reputations of Captains Burke, Kaylie, and Pale. He visits the Blushing Mermaid to hear from their crews and talks to dockworkers who are familiar with their vessels. It seems he is particularly concerned with the captains' moral leanings.

[Titania_1]

It was a happy day for many people this day, priestess Nadine Ravenwood being one of them. It was the wedding day of Rose Wintertal and Mathilde. Nadine attended the wedding, with only the intention of simply bestowing Sune's blessings on the couple in a small prayer. However, when the wedding's priest unfortunately could not attend, the priestess became the officiator for the wedding ceremony upon the request of the couple. Nadine was humbled and honored to step up and take on the mantle of officiating such a sacred event. Despite her initial nervousness, her heart was filled with joy and gratitude as she led the couple through the ceremony, listening to their synchronized vows, overseeing the exchange of rings, and, finally, proudly announcing the couple's new title of "married" to onlooking friends and family as they sealed their union with a kiss. Love and happiness was overflowing at this event, even in the audience where singles and couples collectively showed their admiration for Sune's princples of love, beauty, and passion. It brought tears to Nadine's eyes. After post-ceremony celebrations at House Divine, Nadine retired to the temple, where she bathed and sang praises to Sune for guiding her through her first officiation, giving thanks for the purpose her goddess had given her residing at the Coast.