DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

In-Character News, Laws, Announcements, Rumors, and Stories Relating to the Sword Coast

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DM Honk
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The Duchal Task Force - General Moruene makes her move

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On the dawn of the 27th of Hammer, the gate of the Flaming Fist headquarters opens, after the sound of a marching horn.

A whole platoon of Flaming Fist soldiers heads out towards the Steeps, lead by General Moruene, the assigned leader of the Duchal Task Force against the Crimson Spice. As the General arrives at the docks, the soldiers prepare a podium to use to make an announcement.

"People of Baldur's Gate!

By decree of the Honoured Council of Four, I declare the substance known as the Crimson Spice ILLEGAL! Those who introduce it within the City, produce it, and sell it shall be fined or imprisoned depending on the gravity of their crimes!

More soldiers shall patrol the lower districts of the City, to restore order and fight this spreading plague!

The Grand Dukes have spoken! LONG LIVE BALDUR'S GATE!"


At that, she comes off the podium to organise the troops, to patrol every corner of the lower districts.

The fight against the Spice has officially begun.
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DM Honk
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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Listen to the Harp

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In the bustling streets of Baldur's Gate, cloaked in a deep azure cape that billows behind like the night sky, and concealed beneath the hood that obscures all facial features, this enigmatic minstrel traverses the labyrinthine alleys with a mission that transcends mere melody.

This agent carries a harp of exquisite craftsmanship that resonates with both ethereal beauty and underlying purpose. Draped in the folds of the cloak, the strings of the harp come alive as the harpist weaves enchanting tunes that seem to echo through the very soul of the city. With each pluck and strum, the melodic notes carry a subtle message of unity, hope, and resistance against the shadows that threaten to engulf the realm.

However, the harper's mission extends beyond personal performance. At intervals, the harpist pauses in the shadowed corners of bustling squares, drawn toward the melodies of street minstrels who echo the rhythm of the city. The hooded figure reveals themselves to these wandering minstrels, sharing the intricate composition that resonates with the heart of Baldur's Gate.

With a handful of coins as gratitude, the Agent Harpist imparts the minstrels with not only a song but a purpose – to spread this harmonious message throughout the city. The harpist's identity remains shrouded in mystery, allowing the minstrels to take credit for the enchanting melodies, yet the true force behind the music remains a whispered secret.
The Song
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In the city of crimson spice, where shadows dance at night,
A tale unfolds of hope and pain, a battle we must fight.
crimson haze veils our streets, where dreams and nightmares meet,
A drug so dark, it steals the light, casting souls into the night.



But in the midst of this despair, a melody takes flight,
A song of strength, a song of care, to guide us through the night.

We will rise above the crimson tide,
Break the chains, we won't let them hide,
In face of sorrow, we'll find our way,
For in unity, we'll see a brighter day.



Families torn, hearts entwined, by the grip of crimson's bind,
A symphony of shattered dreams, echoes through the silent screams.
In the alleys where despair lies, a silent plea for changing tides,
But courage grows, like flowers bloom, amid the shadows and the gloom.



And in the heart of this dark plight, a song of hope takes flight,
A ballad of resistance, breaking through the endless night.

We will rise above the crimson tide,
Break the chains, we won't let them hide,
In face of sorrow, we'll find our way,
For in unity, we'll see a brighter day.


Crimson spice, a cruel mirage, a poison that's disguised,
But love will be our guiding star, dispelling darkness from afar.
United we stand, against the tide, reclaiming hearts, nowhere to hide,
For every soul lost in the fight, we'll stand together, strong and bright.



In the wreckage of broken dreams, where the crimson currents stream,
A rallying cry, a call to arms, to break away from drug-induced harms.
Faces scarred, but eyes ablaze, we'll challenge this twisted maze,
With every note, with every chord, we'll fight the battle, we'll wield the sword.



And as the melody takes flight, a beacon in the darkest night,
Together we'll rise, we'll find our way, in the face of hope and pain.

We will rise above the crimson tide,
Break the chains, we won't let them hide,
In face of sorrow, we'll find our way,
For in unity, we'll see a brighter day.


So let the song of strength persist, in the hearts that can't resist,
For love and hope will always be, the antidote to crimson and golden's sea.
And as we stand, hand in hand, against the tide, a united band,
The crimson spice shall lose its sway, defeated by the light of day.
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DM Honk
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The Duchal Task Force - The ban of the Golden Augury

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At noon of the 7th of Alturiak, General Moruene delivers another decree from the Duchal Task Force against the drugs crisis.

Since the Fist has been mobilised, several arrests have been made and the streets of the lower districts have started to go back into a better shape. It seems overall that the task force has been rather successful so far, although the crisis is far from over. Making the Spice illegal brought it away from sunlight but surely the traffic continues in less obvious ways, even if in a lower amount.

To some extent, one could believe that the lower amount of Spice available in streets might make some addicts even more desperate and vulnerable. There is some debate across the city, from the lowest of docks to the highest of noble estates, about what the Fist should do to address the crisis but it always seems like every choice has potential drawbacks.

Every choice has consequences, which ones will the City choose to face?

On this day, the task force has made a new move on the chessboard:

"People of Baldur's Gate!

By decree of the Honoured Council of Four, I declare the substance known as the Golden Augury ILLEGAL! Those who introduce it within the City, produce it, and sell it shall be fined or imprisoned depending on the gravity of their crimes!

After careful consideration of testimonies and alchemical evidence, the Council reached the conclusion that the Golden Augury is just as dangerous as the Crimson Spice, if not more. We invite the population to reach our garrisons if you have any valuable information to offer about either substances.

The Grand Dukes have spoken! LONG LIVE BALDUR'S GATE!"


And so, the Golden Augury is also banned and deemed illegal.
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DM Honk
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The Arms Trade Deal

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Rumours begin to spread in the higher districts of the city.

Saer Terence Haelwing, Overseer of the Iron Throne, managed to sign a deal with Grand Duke Eltan for a new influx of weapons of all kind. People talk of heavy shipments, ready to depart from Suzail as soon as the ice on the Chiontar melts.

While this is a great achievement for the Iron Throne, to be able to secure a deal with the biggest mercenary company of the Sword Coast, people say that the Flaming Fist will be able to take advantage of the best weapons available in the Heartlands. The Fist might become a truly incredibly military force, a force to be reckoned with even in small numbers.

Saer Haelwing is also quick to announce that part of the profits coming from this new deal will be offered to the Task Force attempting to stop the epidemic of drugs in the city. The Overseer appears saddened by the ongoing crisis, with the headquarters of the Iron Throne standing right in the district that was most affected.

Meanwhile, the task force proceeds in its effort to contain the damage and find those behind the drugs trade. People say that many donations have reached the Temple of Ilmater, the Flaming Fist and the Houses helping in the fight against this crisis. Both money and resources that will be spent helping those in need of assistance, under the guidance of the holistic approach proposed by the Temple of Ilmater.

The addicts, their families and loved ones, even those staying in the prisons of the Flaming Fist will be given adequate support.

Time will tell if this will be enough to stop the more and more evident damages caused by this induced decadence.
DM Spartacus
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The House of Huntermoon of Neverwinter called at Baldur's gate after the recent death of on eof their merchant kin Abe Huntermoon in the nearby island off Ulgoth's Beard. They are said to have called on the Dukes to lament law and order while their agents travelled direct to the island to visit a justice on the local population of Sahuagin to good effect temporarily decimating their numbers. The Dukes were at pains to reassure these trading giants that all was well on this stretch of the coast and ripe for trade and the loss of their cousin was merely a sad and unfortunate isolated incident.

It may have been bad timing then to learn of some two dockers found slain at the less well known Dockside Arms. Their deaths were quickly attributed to a dispute over possession of crimson spice. This did not help convey teh right image either of course. However the Huntermoon secured a trade contract with the House of Cards and returned home at peace.
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DM Honk
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The Coming of Spring

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The city of Baldur's Gate begins to stir, with Spring slowly opening its doors.

Despite the coming season, the river Chiontar is still covered with ice, where normally ships would have sailed already. Winter is taking longer than usual to take its leave, but sailors and merchants still prepare for the opening of the trading season. The ice is getting thin, and the docks feel like a barrel of gunpowder ready to explode, with ships ready to sail in all directions.

One of said ships will be bringing Dabron Sashenstar, renowned adventurer and explorer, to Waterdeep. The first stop of his long planned trip to the far away lands of Sossal. Many seem to be worried about such departure, given the trouble stirring in the East, due to the Tuigan Horde. Additionally, what will House Sashenstar do without its heroic and charismatic face?

Meanwhile, the Flaming Fist and those involved with assisting the Duchal Task Force, continue their battle to fight the drugs spreading across the city. It seems that the traffic of drugs has dramatically lowered, not completely gone but definitely toned down. While this might sound as great news, the consequence is that many that grew an addiction to those substances, are now facing the scarcity and price increase. A whole different issue to deal with, less chances for the problem to spread at the cost of existing addicts experiecing even more desperation and severe symptoms of withdrawal.

Last but not least, the Iron Throne prepares to welcome several ships from the east, bringing siege weapons and all sorts of weaponry to the City, as agreed with Duke Eltan. Terence Haelwing continues to spread his influence across the Noble Houses and Guilds, making the Iron Throne more of an important player in the tapestry of city politics.

More uncertain times ahead, for the City of Baldur's Gate. What will the new Trade Season bring?
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Ghost
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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A rider at the break of dawn


A lightly armoured man on horseback arrives galloping as hard as he can through the outer city towards the gate. There, he dismounts, exchanging quick words with the guards at the gate, before running as fast as he can to the Flaming Fist headquarters.

In the evening, about a dozen farmers and a few remaining milita stumble into the outer city. Those that receive them, get told of a tale of terrors in the night come to slay them all. These farmers came from the wealthy hamlet of Sunriver Bend. The hamlet lay on the banks of the Chionthar, between Elturel and Baldur's Gate, but within Balduran jurisdiction, and was governed by a paladin of Chauntea, Sir Nariun Lerren. They say he is likely dead, as are the five visiting Flaming Fist who - rumours say - had escorted the delivery of a minor artifact in the faith of Chauntea, as the drow charged in slaying everyone in their path. Fires and smoke had rose from the central keep as the farmers fled.




Sunriver Bend, the abandoned hamlet
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Anyone coming upon the hamlet in the coming days, will find animals - cows and chickens - wandering aimlessly. There are no humans left to manage them. In the courtyard of the central keep lies the bodies of the visiting flaming fist and the 35 year old paladin of Chauntea, touched by negative energy as if raised to undead, but then later put to rest by someone again. The rumours that things were on fire may have been exaggerated, as while certainly there are things that were burned down, it may appear like someone have put out the fires afterwards.
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DM Soulcatcher
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The Silence of a Forest


In the morning and throughout the day, the locals and travellers of Woods of Sharp Teeth notice that there has been a great reduction in found offerings of Malar of various kinds. Indeed, even the eerie red light seems to have dimmed each night.


The Cloakwood, however, remains at all-time of such sights. Not rare is the tale which involves missing peddlers and explorers, never to be found again. Though there are still several days until the end of the Blood Moon, it would seem that the adventurers managed to fight back the worst of it... For the time being.
~All Their Days are Numbered~
~Campaign Coordinator for 1353DR, 1354DR and 1355DR Metaplot~
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DM Ink
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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A Roaring Presence Among the City

For the past few days, some would notice new faces around the city. Caravans, gladiators, and martialists become common place as the city prepares for an upcoming tournament for thirty thousand gold or a rumored legendary weapon. Scaffolding has been added around the arena along with extra tents for the injured. Stands have been set up outside of the arena taking names and gold to participate. Along with the acquisition of talent, the organizers are looking for healers and those not afraid to sew a foot back to its stump. The rules are posted at the bottom of the flier:

Rules for Battle:
-Martial prowess sought
-Enchanted weapons allowed
-No spells of any kind
-No finishing your opponent








Event time 23 GMT (6pm CST) Thursday 4/18
Sign up will be done in game in character. No need to reserve a spot.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree.
-Alan Watts
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DM Wisp
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Thunder and Lightning

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The lurking storm in the horizon to the west over the ocean has left the city under no uncertain terms tense, for seafaring folk and any businesses with trade over the ocean. Baldurs Gate residents wake with the sight in the distance, a reminder in the day with the horizon blocked with stormclouds, and in the night an everpresent light display of lightning strikes. When the winds turn eastward blowing over the city, its citizens speak as if one could smell the electricity in the air.

Nevertheless, the city is abuzz with the reinforcing and securing of houses and assets (if one could afford it), in preparation of the eventuality of the storm passing right over Baldurs Gate.

The House of the SeaQueen, Church of Umberlee has been asking for offerings. The Umberlants have taken to bringing the offerings into the Chiontar, which is customary.



Subject: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
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Ghost
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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An Aasimon Returned

In Baldur's Gate, one night, a solar - carrying another solar! - is seen landing near the Sanctuary of Ilmater. Rumours say the solar carrying transformed into an elf as it landed and with the help of the ilmatari brought the true solar into the chapel. Whatever happened there, is left to speculation.
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DM Honk
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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The Fall of Black Rook

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The morning sun rises on Baldur's Gate, as General Moruene walks out of the Flaming Fist's Keep with her escort.

A podium in the middle of The Wide is prepared, for her to speak another announcement from the Duchal Task Force.
Citizens of Baldur's Gate!

It is with great pleasure that I announce you the following: the man behind the rising drugs traffic within the City has been brought to justice!

Working under the false identity of Black Rook, this man has brought nothing but plague and suffering to our Fair City. The punishment for his actions will be decided in a Court of Law, using his true name, Rogier Exeltis.

With this, the traffic has come to an end, but our work is far from over. The consequences of addiction will likely affect this City for years to come, and we will work with the victims to bring healing to every wound.

I declare the Duchal Task Force dissolved, offering the Grand Dukes' gratitude to all that have been helping our efforts!

LONG LIVE BALDUR'S GATE!
With that said, the General retired to the Keep.

Rumours began to flow in the City. It is said that the criminal was brought to justice by members of the Thieves Guild, seeking to free the City from "the poison". No one is really able to confirm such claims but such a rumour seems to make its way across the city consistently, and the Fist seems not to deny it.

Additionally, with a member of the nobility being declared responsible for the traffic of drugs, the hate and tension towards the nobles grows within Baldur's Gate. A city that previously showed its distaste towards the upper classes, with this new hit, the streets seem to grow even more hateful towards them.

With the traffic being stopped, many will have to face the struggles and after effects of the addiction, many families were broken and the damage caused by this crisis will take an indefinite amount of time to be fully recovered.

Another crisis and another resolution. Another scar marking the City of Baldur's Gate.
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DM Ink
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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Plans Restored by a Local Noble

As the storms come to an end, the arena slowly dries and the city folk alike bail the remaining flooded chambers out with buckets. Two Flaming Fist soldiers can be seen climbing up a ladder to hang a banner announcing the continuation of the tournament in the upcoming tenday. The tournament lists the names of those continuing on to the tournament for the final prize of 30,000 gold or their choice of an ancient blade. Those who wish to compete may join in, but will not be eligible for the final award.

Proceeding Victors:
Rhaeg of Luskan
Gorlock of Parts Unknown
Faevan of Hardbuckler
Reorx of Bonebreaker
Lilly Summerheart of The Bladestone foundation
Vichard Domivyk of Damara


Rules for Battle:
-Martial prowess sought
-Enchanted weapons allowed
-No spells of any kind
(Those that can be seen casting with somatic components. NPCs may not notice otherwise.)
-No finishing your opponent





Event time 23 GMT (6pm CST) Thursday 5/2
Players that are listed may secure a spot for the final prize.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree.
-Alan Watts
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DM Ink
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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Commotion around the Flaming Fist Headquarters

There in the district surrounding the Flaming Fist prison there are the shouting voices of three individuals who were being carried away in shackles. Rumor has it the three men have been convicted of an organized attempt at the lives of the Council of Four. The bald man of the three could be heard shouting as he was pushed and prodded into his cell. "Rhaeg won't stand for this! He will save us! All you have will belong to the people you stole it from!" The three have been put away in the Flaming Fist Prison and have been scheduled to be executed next tenday at a non-disclosed time.
DM Ink
“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree.
-Alan Watts
DM Spartacus
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Re: DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

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Noble watchers noted the presence at court of a small delegation from the House of Cards traders. It seems they were there to see the Dukes and said as much. However gossip has it the Dukes were apparently unavailable but court officials took note of a complaint regarding rumours and specific examples of increased city corruption and undue influence by disruptive agents of Cyric. These two matters were being considered a threat to trading operations.

There was no immediate reaction from the City.
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