Rumors of Amn

[Mausman]

First, a fiend stepped forth, dark kin to save,
Thwarting the blow, so cunning and grave.
Then a Hoarite corrupt, against his own creed,
Stood to obstruct, as the fiend did lead.

*A Hoarite Hound. Friend to the local populace, was found laughing rather loud to this poem*

“Oh dear me…this one is even more blind than a man with but singular eyed gaze and deaf to boot! How adorable…a man makes him feel thusly inadequate he has the need to slander. Oh sweet and childish soul…
Oh woe is him and alas. For a man intervened when a Celestial attempted escape, not while swinging axe. For reasons his childish brain sadly can not fathom. Woe and alas… ”

*A recital on the spot, along with a silly dance to mock a Malarite Bard did follow*

“Whenn alll the world has gone to sleep…me! An attention craving and thirsting Malarite Bard! Through forest I creep…my lusty speaaar ohhh it can not wait. The next innocent soul, to penetrate!
From out the wildhood, comes the call; in art of flyting, this Malarite Bard shall fall!”

[calvinus]

In recent days, Wai Li could be seen attending various public and private proceedings in Nashkel. Involved in the efforts to capture blood magus Kazaiev Dovrik, it is said that she witnessed his execution by the Inquisition after trial. Though openly disappointed in the tortuous means chosen to execute him, it is rumored that she still prayed publicly that his afterlife would be better than the evil and wicked life he had lived, torturing and magically mutilating, then murdering, various young Amnian women for pleasure. After Dovrik's execution and later that day after Tyrelius' trial, Wai might have been seen paying homage to the graves of his victims in Nashkel and saying a prayer to the Watcher in vigil for their resting in peace. It is also said that Wai hears some foreigners mourning Dovrik's death, later speaking ironically to a friend that "Yet more kobold northern foreigners come here for a day once every few months, at most, to watch an execution or a trial in a place they do not even live or care for, throw out some word bombs, then flee north to the Gate or Soubar. As is often the case the past year, Nashkel and Amn for these foreign rabble is a novelty to dabble in every so often for their own selfish aims, whereas we actually live here and have to deal with consequences."

Further it is said that after Castus escaped Amnian custody at the end of Tyrelius' trial, Wai might be seen looking about Nashkel for any sign of him or his whereabouts. Lacking sight of Castus, she might be seeing praying to Helm regarding his whereabouts later on in the Temple of the Guardian: "Castus, I pray that the legacy you choose for your family in the end is vigil for good and not for a repeat of the Folly of Karsus' as we spoke of. I wish I had thwarted you fleeing to Helm knows where after the surprise of the Rhonmark's was revealed and you not as surprisingly sought out Hoarite style justice. I fear without even my influence over your quest, it will fall to even more reckless, arrogant, and sinister means and ends. May we run into one another soon, I will vigil all that I can to temper whatever corrupts you in path to literally attempt to end all magic and even the gods. Helm Protect the good still in you and the paladin still in you, Castus."

It might also be said that Wai prays for the protection of Helm and his vigil over Nashkel as the recent Spring cold and winter storm subsides. She might also be seen going about the town taking stock of agricultural needs and food supply yet again as in the past year is a frequent occurrence, as well as attempting to protect local Chaunteans and Amnian farmers in general in their rites and efforts to pray for and produce a bountiful growing season.

[calvinus]

In recent days, Watcher Wai Li might be seeing training heavily in martial combat in a one on one style, perhaps more than her usual routine over the years, in the martial room of the Temple of the Guardian. Between trainings, she would attempt to go on patrol in the area around Nashkel, including the Cloud Peaks and foothills.

[calvinus]

*In the past tenday, Wai Li may be been practicing her sword play with vigil in the sparring room of the Temple of the Guardian and also maintaining her fitness for strength and endurance with her typical workouts over the years and pushes into the mountains on patrol. She may also be seen spending her rest time in devout prayer to Helm...

Further, she may be seen saying goodbyes to those that she has known over the years in Nashkel and Amn as well as issues what may be final orders to the Everwatch if her watch soon will end in vigil...*

[calvinus]

It is said that in the tendays since her trial by combat, Watcher Wai Li prays often in gratefulness to Helm for the Great Guardian's guidance and even direct divine intervention in her trial by combat in recent months. She might seem more at peace now that her path ahead in Amn and in the faith of Helm gains some clarity of outcome some say. She also is said to carefully prepares some initiatives for the months ahead pertaining to Nashkel and Amn...


((Credit to LegendL0RE))

Perhaps given the great meaning of Helm's vigil to Wai in recent days regarding her fate and faith, Wai, it is rumored, has taken to permanent memory her final prayer to Helm before her trial by combat:

Helm,
Prayers were said before this day and tenday,
I now humbly give one more of gratitude.
I submit to the dogma this day and forever.
If my shield falls or rises at the end of combat today.
There has been no greater honor than to serve in vigil.
Thank you for being the protector of the many,
but also of me over the years, though we have never truly met,
thank you for being my friend in moments of doubt.
Thank you for your love of the imperfect vigilant.
To battle now.

*Watcher Wai Li it is rumored also attempts to circulate a historical record from Candlekeep regarding her trial by combat on the 11th of Mirtul among the Church of Helm and the Amnian public given the possible significance of Helm himself taking an interest in the trial and its repercussions for Amn as a country.*

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Trial to Wai Li
Nashkel, 11th Mirtul 1360 DR
Recounted by Watcher Wai Li
Edited by Guide Edelgarde


In the year 1360 by Dale Reckoning, Amn sees an increasing distrust in the Arcane and the institution of an Inquisition in charge of finding and eradicating Arcane practitioner that did not swear fealty to Amn.
In the same year, Watcher Wai Li of the Everwatch Knights is accused by the Council of Six of conducting an unsanctioned investigation against the Inquisition and of withholding information from the Council of Six. After her refusal to renew her oaths to them and put them above those to her god, they formally press the following charges:

1) Conducting unauthorised investigations about the Inquisition;
2) Withheld important information about sources in the conflict against Tyrelius;
3) Interfering in the capture of Brownyn the Scorned by the Inquisition;
4) Insolence towards the Council of Six

This is the recount of the events that took place in the Trial by Combat of Watcher Wai Li a few months later, on the 11th of Mirtul 1360 DR. This recount has been provided to Candlekeep by Watcher Wai Li herself. The choice of opting for a Trial by Combat was encouraged by Lord Aaron Lyonaler, as after the outcome of Tyrelius' trial it was judged less likely to be rigged.

As the Trial approached, Watcher Wai Li said her goodbyes to her friends that were present on that day and discussed the need of stopping Castus, then proceeded to the courtyard of the Temple of Helm in Nashkel after the final preparations. Wai Li prayed to Helm perhaps one of the last times. She thanked him for saving her from a life of evil decades earlier and for the honor of serving his dogma. She thanked him: "for the opportunity to vigil one last time at her post, for Amn and for the dogma and for the honor of such regardless of the outcome. She thanked Him for the meaning and purpose he had given her life. She thanked Helm as, although her vigil had always been imperfect, she really believed in the principles He stands for and hoped to try and vigil in their name until the last of her moments. Praise Helm."

After her prayer concluded, she was summoned by Judge Ariltabar to the public Trial, accompanied by the sounds of the drums of judgement. After a short march, the group was led to an arena specifically built for the trial.
The arrive of the defendant saw the audience divided between those who called her a traitor and others who showed their support.

After being invited by the Judge, Wai Li formally requested the Trial by Combat: "Magistrate of Amn, I stand before you to formally request trial by combat to adjudicate the claims before your court. I make this request as someone that has served Amn and its interests longer than the Council of Six has even been Amn's government and as an utter patriot to this country and to the Helmite values that I believe can and still empower it with vigil. As well as to glory and prosperity of its commerce."

Emissary Velna confirmed on behalf of the Council of Six that they agreed to Wai Li's request and confirmed that their champion was ready: a massive man wearing a crude armor and wielding a great axe. His very presence emanated a foul aura.
Prompted by the judge, Wai Li declared that she surrendered her case to the outcome of the fight and that she understood there would be no possible appeal, though she requested to hear the rules of the duel before submitting to them.
The judge agreed and listed the following rules:

1. The duel would take place in the prepared arena and any champion stepping out of it before the fight was over would be considered traitor and executed.
2. No Arcane Magic would be allowed.
3. Any exterior intervention would be considered treason and the aided party executed.
4. No poison would be allowed.
5. No summoning would be allowed.
6. A defeated champion would be allowed to appeal for mercy to the judge.

While the Amnian champion grew increasingly restless, some of those present argued about whether the use of divine potions should or should not be allowed in the duel. After Wai Li's potions were reviewed and deemed appropriate, she informed the judge of her intention to fight the duel herself: "I, Wai Li, 51 years of age, servant to Amn since 1330 before the Council of Six even government of this country, utter patriot of Amn, Watcher of the Helmite church, and Paladin of Helm in his name stand as champion for self this day."
After that, the Emissary of the Council of Six announced that Valar Thorncrek had volunteered to represent them, just as the massive warrior stepped into the arena. Wai Li greeted her opponent, who did not reciprocate as he "would not greet corpses".
Before the beginning of the fight, prompted by the judge, the two champions swore to observe the rules of the trial.
The judge allowed ten minutes for preparation, which Wai Li decided to take as a religious matter as careful planning is a key tenet of the Helmite faith as Wai expressed to the magistrate. The opponent however claimed to be ready and mocked Wai Li telling her that she would get very far in ten minutes and suggested her to run away.
During her preparation, Wai Li was approached by High Watchpriest Jaumet Ubina, who encouraged Wai Li to trust the shield of Helm and described her opponent as a known warrior often hired by Amn, albeit one with a fiery temper, prone to rage. In light of this he also advised careful preparation.

Helm,
Prayers were said before this day and tenday,
I now humbly give one more of gratitude.
I submit to the dogma this day and forever.
If my shield falls or rises at the end of combat today.
There has been no greater honor than to serve in vigil.
Thank you for being the protector of the many,
but also of me over the years, though we have never truly met,
thank you for being my friend in moments of doubt.
Thank you for your love of the imperfect vigilant.
To battle now.

After her last prayer was said, the representative called her in for the battle. That's when Valar Thorncrek spoke, proposing a new rule for the tournament: "They declare the fight started. I will wait until you have spoken all your blessings. Call for your God, call for all the blessings you know. They wont serve you." Then added: "So we can show the crowd how useless your efforts are. The Reaver cares none for your mission of protection."
When Watcher Wai Li questioned the reason of this concession, her opponent recklessly declared: "I offer because I want to see it in your face. The moment when you realise you served a God that can do nothing but watch you die."
Hearing such mockery towards her god, Wai Li accepted the offer as a matter of honor.

Judge Ariltabar announced the beginning of the combat and Wai Li spoke channeled the Guardian's blessings, despite the mocking comments of Champion Thorncrek, then charged ahead at the cry of "Praise Helm!" and "For the Glory of Amn!". The fight was over in moments: a rarely seen show of divine power heralded a single, powerful blow empowered by The Watcher Himself and smote Champion Thorncrek, leaving no trace of him. Even part of the wooden arena was damaged by the fury of the blow.

As the crowd stared in awe, or in some cases in disappointment for their lost bets, Watcher Wai Li kneeled and proclaimed: "Helm, I vigil in your name, for Amn." Then finally Judge Ariltabar declared Wai Li victor of the duel and the charges of sedition and treason dropped.
"Understood, magistrate." Replied Wai Li. "Then, humbly, I intend to remain in Amn to serve our country and its beings, imperfectly in the name of the dogma of Helm. For the Glory of Amn! With the court's permission, I will return to Nashkel."
But the judge had further instructions from the Council of Six. Although they allowed her to remain in Amn as citizen, they also released her from all her oaths of service to the Council, unwilling to hear another oath from her. The judge also had care to make it clear that the monetary gain of the defeated champion would go to her after taxes.

After expressing her gratitude over the fair administration of justice and wishing her deceased opponent peace in the afterlife, she received the congratulations of her allies while leaving the arena. The belongings of the Warlord were donated to the Church of Helm.

Watcher Wai Li would later on describe the power of Helm flowing through her like never before as an almost mindblowing experience. A sign of Helm's renewed trust for her and a chance to start anew, as her vigil continues on.

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[Hrothgar]

It is said that as of late, Natalia Fernanda would actively be attempting to claim a majority and controlling stake in the Golden Wheel company, with an Amnian based holding company under her and possible other business associates' control.

Natalia Fernanda it is rumored would give a formal notice to the Board of Directors of the Golden Wheel at their former business addresses in Baldur's Gate, Crimmor, and Nashkel that if none reply by the date of the 15th of the next month that she will move to assume control and ownership of the company with a holding company after five years of the company stagnating without leadership.

It is said that Natalia would say that all Directors and employees still actively interested in the business affairs and running of the company as well as those involved in the new tender holding company offer for control and ownership of the company, should meet on the 16th of next month in Nashkel to determine the path to business going forward.

((19:00 GMT June 16 guild meeting! Mixafix and others have mentioned interest in revitalizing the guild, as has another at least, excited to RP!))

[mixafix]

It is said that as of late, Brualot the trader, director of The Golden Wheel and self proclaimed 'last of the Golden Wheel' will be actively trying to block the aforementioned Natalia Fernanda who is attempting to claim a majority and controlling stake in the Golden Wheel company, with an Amnian based holding company under her and possible other business associates' control.

Specifically he displays copies of documents proclaiming him a majority shareholder in the company his shares only equalled by his former co founder and believed jail occupant.

At a hastily convened Directors meeting the hostile take over bid was voted down, and documents forwarded to the court to support this action.

Brualot the trader gathers in documents and a list of witnesses to contest the assertation made and to describe the obvious that the company exists and has never stopped trading as suggested by the pursuant

Stagnation indeed he is heard to roar and a blustering tirade follows reminiscent of the old days follows, rumour has it.

[calvinus]

It is said that in recent days the Everwatch, after returning from the battle with Castus, attempted to engage in patrols in the Greenfields around the ruins of Tyrelius' tower, in the Cloud Peaks around the ruins of the Icedawn temple, and in the Frost Keep of the frost giant tribe of the Cloud Peaks in vigil. The Everwatch it is said attempted to consecrate the ruins of the Icedawn temple and said a prayer to the vigilant fallen in combat against them. But for some reason this time in this patrol at least it is rumored...did not attempt to destroy every other Aurilite shrine they may have run into in the Cloud Peaks. Perhaps it was an attempt to display vigil, but carefully plan for a means to de-escalate the seemingly endless conflict between Helmites and the Aurilites in Amn? It is hard to say, only time will tell.

[Deragnost]

Webs of the Queen

Adventurers exploring the remote and treacherous Cloud Peaks have reported an unexpected and harrowing encounter. Deep within the snowy mountains, they stumbled upon a patrol of drow, the dark elves known for their cunning and danger. After a fierce battle, the adventurers managed to overcome the drow, but their purpose in the Cloud Peaks remains a mystery shrouded by the relentless blizzard.

What were these elusive creatures searching for in such an inhospitable place?
Some claim they were seeking for a powerful weapon, others about people, and some claimed they were looking for an orcish horde instead, to create a powerful army to conquer the whole surface.

Whatever they sought, the answer is lost to the swirling snow, leaving only questions and a sense of foreboding; the corpses of the dead jaluken and spiders were left in the white mantle, to be eventually covered in ice and be forgotten.

-DM Spartacus-

[Hrothgar]

Within the past tenday, the Golden Wheel Company stakeholders meet in the Northern Lights Inn conference room in the Amnian town of Nashkel. After prayers by one of the stakeholders to the Golden Lady herself, it is said that the Golden Wheel recapitalized with a new Board of Directors and ownership structure, maintaining otherwise its incorporation in the Amnian domicile of Nashkel. It is also rumored that various business initiatives were voted upon out of the meeting... What decisions were made, only the Directors may know first hand or those that speak with them... Though the names and positions of the new Directors are announced to the public as the standard course of business. The Waukeenar cleric Natalia Fernanda after the Board proceedings could be heard walking about Nashkel speaking of the holy act of profitable enterprise, the words of "Profit" tossed about like coins at Waukeen's Promenade.

Natalia Fernanda
Chair of the Board of Directors -- Term Expiring after 9/30/60
Director

Brualot
Director

Alba Sarasso
Director

Kiroth Takaan
Director

[Hrothgar]

The Festival of Sorynyn

The Festival of Sorynyn is upon the realms (Flamerule 3rd to the 5th). This Waukeenar festival marks a time for planning, the making of treaties and agreements, and the receiving of envoys from unknown lands and traditional foes. Prior to the Time of Troubles, Sorynyn was met with much celebratory wine and enthusiasm in the spirit of strengthening of diplomacy (and in turn, trade routes).

With Waukeen still missing, and her clergy receiving nothing but silence from their prayers to her, the mood amongst the Waukeenar is considerably sombre. While some abandoned her faith since the Time of Troubles, the remaining Waukeenar of Baldur’s Gate and other city-states and countries do their best to keep her ceremonies alive.

Despite the increasingly fractured faith, Sorynyn marks an important cultural and political tradition for city officials, a time when “my enemy is like a brother to me” and the conditions of vital diplomatic protocols can be strengthened. If there is any time in the calendar to make deals with your enemies, the time is now. Other faiths play a key part in the festival: the Deneirrath faithfully record the details of contracts, the Red Fellowship consider the strategic value of new military ties, from the shadows (or unknowingly in plain sight) the Maskarran unscrupulously manipulate arrangements, and for the Joybringers, almost any event is an excuse for revelry.

Although Sorynyn persists, the Merchant Friend’s promise of a Golden Age lacks the resplendent appeal it had once held. This year, the signatures and seals promising secure trade routes and prosperity for The Sword Coast feel perfunctory, and the wine tastes dull and flat. Even some of the most devout Waukeenar are beginning to contemplate: “What good is tradition without Waukeen’s blessings?”

*Devout cleric of Golden Lady, Natalia Fernanda, would be rumored to say eager prayers on Sorynyn around Nashkel and on her travels on trade for Golden Wheel business in the north. Her belief in the glory of gold and commerce has never been in doubt, despite Waukeen’s absence. She makes an extra effort to protect company trade routes with Baldur’s Gate, an old foe of her country Amn, in honor of the Lady of Wealth, missing or not.*

[calvinus]

In recent tendays, the Everwatch are rumored to be vigilant in their conduct of the Ceremony of Honor to Helm on Shieldmeet in Nashkel as well as patrolling about Nashkel and the Trade Way. Some might say that they seem to be taking a lower political profile as of late in the wake of Watcher Wai Li's trial by combat, but time will tell if this remains the case or not.

[Hrothgar]

It is said that the wheels of commerce turn at the Golden Wheel company. The Directors of the Golden Wheel Company are rumored to have organized numerous trade convoys north and south along the Trade Way as well as actively selling wares in the markets of the Western Heartlands. Hostiles of the barbarian north to commerce are said to have tried, but failed, to overcome the flow of the Wheel's golden profits. It is rumored that the Wheel even now plots a business scheme in Nashkel with the metallic taste of gold emanating from its potential. For Gold and Glory! Praise Waukeen!

[selhan]

Unfinished Business Part 2

*In the town of Neshkal, locals would see a man heading towards the Prison outpost with a woman slummed lifeless over his shoulder as blood slowly poured from her mouth , leaving a trail of the crimson fluid that lead to the front entrance*

Amnian Mage-Inquisitor: "Yes? What do you want?" *The Inquisitor stares at Sel from behind his mask.*

*As the man neared the Amnian Mage-Inquisitor with a dead woman over his shoulder, he dropped the woman coldly onto the ground with little to no remorse shown on his face before the nearest Inquisition soldier*

Sel Darkmore: "Bounty turn in, I got the Witch Bronwyn the Scorn, Inquisitions been waiting for this one"

Amnian Mage-Inquisitor: "Bronwyn the Scorned! We've been after her for many moons now! That's her?" *His head tilts to examine the corpse*

Sel Darkmore: "Aye, been awhile, but just because Lockheart and them returned to Amn, didnt mean I'd stop..For the Glory of the Inquisition.

Amnian Mage-Inquisitor: *You can almost feel the smile from behind his mask, He motioned the mage hunter over and the pair inspect the body for nearly ten minutes before the Inquisitor is satisfied.* "This Bronwyn has long been on our wanted lists. Your service for the Inquisition and Amn is duly recognized, Saer ... ?"

Sel Darkmore: "Amn can rest knowing shes no longer a fugitive but a corpse....Sel..Sel Darkmore."

Amnian Mage-Inquisitor: "Ah! I have heard of you, Sel Darkmore. You had some dealings with Secretary Headmistress Lockheart, yes?"

Sel Darkmore: "Mhm..poor woman, hope shes in better health..I believe in her cause.."

Amnian Mage-Inquisitor: "It seems her faith in you was not misplaced. I shall let both she and the High Inquisitor know of your service." *He hands Sel a large bag of gold.

Sel Darkmore: "My thanks, you have a good day Sir, all Hail the Inquisition..."

[Zorn]