DM Rumors of the Sword Coast
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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
A new grove of druids has formed around the thriving north rivrer bank near the Boerskyr bridge poisoning and continues to enhance the good work of the Enclave of druids last year. This has attracted wildlife and rural woodland communities.
In the Greenlands there is said to exist an organised and well hidden assassin group. Their grip on the rural communities a complex mix of benevolent guardians and iron grip punishments, This coupled with the odd sighting of a blue dragon has made the area troublesome for travellers though farming continues apace.
Baldur's Gate deep in the throws of drugs wars pushes out another rumour about thieves from Amn within the city perhaps drawn the lure of drugs profits but also asking questions about a magical treasure chest hidden somewhere in the city.
Necromancer cultists acting in the name of the destroyed lich Polvich have recently driven from various hideouts along the coast by various adventurers and may have retreated into the troll claws where undead were summoned during the devil wars.
There is a rumour a Djinni is offering good gold to recover the mace of the Planes held somewhere in Amn.
The House of cards trading cartel reports Snow leopard skins are still of value in the fashion market once again in limited numbers and they offer fair pricing. They add a new commodity to consider star sapphires are selling well to the far south ahd the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 5-10 bags a gem. This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for blue diamonds due to an excess number suddenly on the market.
An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered by arrangement with dm)
recently a second cryptic flyer joined the first.
Information finders sought though here things are mixed up and - is a ccoop run
These flyers are rumoured to have been designed to attract spy masters and other information gatherers where lucrative contracts are held for the right skillset.
The lost ship of the long dead pirate Torvil the tide has perhaps been located. Rumour has it a wreck was explored in Moonshae shores by adventurers who then scoured nearby rocks and caves locating long lost wealth.
ooc
Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)
Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.
(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)
Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.
ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.
In the Greenlands there is said to exist an organised and well hidden assassin group. Their grip on the rural communities a complex mix of benevolent guardians and iron grip punishments, This coupled with the odd sighting of a blue dragon has made the area troublesome for travellers though farming continues apace.
Baldur's Gate deep in the throws of drugs wars pushes out another rumour about thieves from Amn within the city perhaps drawn the lure of drugs profits but also asking questions about a magical treasure chest hidden somewhere in the city.
Necromancer cultists acting in the name of the destroyed lich Polvich have recently driven from various hideouts along the coast by various adventurers and may have retreated into the troll claws where undead were summoned during the devil wars.
There is a rumour a Djinni is offering good gold to recover the mace of the Planes held somewhere in Amn.
The House of cards trading cartel reports Snow leopard skins are still of value in the fashion market once again in limited numbers and they offer fair pricing. They add a new commodity to consider star sapphires are selling well to the far south ahd the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 5-10 bags a gem. This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for blue diamonds due to an excess number suddenly on the market.
An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered by arrangement with dm)
recently a second cryptic flyer joined the first.
Information finders sought though here things are mixed up and - is a ccoop run
These flyers are rumoured to have been designed to attract spy masters and other information gatherers where lucrative contracts are held for the right skillset.
The lost ship of the long dead pirate Torvil the tide has perhaps been located. Rumour has it a wreck was explored in Moonshae shores by adventurers who then scoured nearby rocks and caves locating long lost wealth.
ooc
Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)
Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.
(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)
Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.
ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.
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- Posts: 2437
- Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2016 5:08 pm
Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
A new grove of druids continues to grow and help the north bank near the poisoned Boerskyr bridge. This help has been offset somewhat by the mighty Yew long jammed in the river drifting away - changing the flow and encouraging poison to the north bank once again.
In the Greenlands a fabled group of assassins are reputed to sometimes offer contracts to freelancers. They can be found if at all deeper into the Uldoon.
Baldur's Gate deep in the throws of drugs wars pushes out another rumour about thieves from Amn within the city perhaps drawn the lure of drugs profits but also asking questions about a magical treasure chest hidden somewhere in the city.
A small group of adventurers seeking treasure in the Troll Claw Hills were nearly overcome by a large group of Undead that descended upon them while camped at night.
The House of cards trading cartel reports Snow leopard skins are no longer a premium trade item and this trade has dropped off now.
. They add a new commodity to consider as a result of shortages due to a castle crash in the Uldoon and trade shipped to Amn to aid the troubles there :
wheat, pear, apples, balsam, lily, woundwort, and poppy all command 25 gold
star sapphires are selling well to the far south ahd the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 5-10 bags a gem.
This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for blue diamonds due to an excess number suddenly on the market.
Deck of cards, the sea trading arm is seeking investor groups for the spring season. (this is an opportunity to invest (throw your gold away) on speculating on DoC success at sea and to influence that by group/guild support if desired as events.)
An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered by arrangement with dm)
recently a second cryptic flyer joined the first.
Information finders sought though here things are mixed up and - is a ccoop run
These flyers are rumoured to have been designed to attract spy masters and other information gatherers where lucrative contracts are held for the right skillset.
ooc
If player activity is perhaps divided into intrigue, patrols, trade and social I have dropped 'no dm required' quest opportunities into play on a regular basis to tackle these issues. Often these have dropped background plot clues within them to hopefully further drive player rp. I should say if anyone wishes these quests dropped in at a particular time with any of the above themes (or indeed another) for a specific group then please let me know and I will try and help,
Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)
Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.
(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)
Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.
ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.
In the Greenlands a fabled group of assassins are reputed to sometimes offer contracts to freelancers. They can be found if at all deeper into the Uldoon.
Baldur's Gate deep in the throws of drugs wars pushes out another rumour about thieves from Amn within the city perhaps drawn the lure of drugs profits but also asking questions about a magical treasure chest hidden somewhere in the city.
A small group of adventurers seeking treasure in the Troll Claw Hills were nearly overcome by a large group of Undead that descended upon them while camped at night.
The House of cards trading cartel reports Snow leopard skins are no longer a premium trade item and this trade has dropped off now.
. They add a new commodity to consider as a result of shortages due to a castle crash in the Uldoon and trade shipped to Amn to aid the troubles there :
wheat, pear, apples, balsam, lily, woundwort, and poppy all command 25 gold
star sapphires are selling well to the far south ahd the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 5-10 bags a gem.
This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for blue diamonds due to an excess number suddenly on the market.
Deck of cards, the sea trading arm is seeking investor groups for the spring season. (this is an opportunity to invest (throw your gold away) on speculating on DoC success at sea and to influence that by group/guild support if desired as events.)
An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered by arrangement with dm)
recently a second cryptic flyer joined the first.
Information finders sought though here things are mixed up and - is a ccoop run
These flyers are rumoured to have been designed to attract spy masters and other information gatherers where lucrative contracts are held for the right skillset.
ooc
If player activity is perhaps divided into intrigue, patrols, trade and social I have dropped 'no dm required' quest opportunities into play on a regular basis to tackle these issues. Often these have dropped background plot clues within them to hopefully further drive player rp. I should say if anyone wishes these quests dropped in at a particular time with any of the above themes (or indeed another) for a specific group then please let me know and I will try and help,
Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)
Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.
(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)
Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.
ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.
- DM Wisp
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Thunder and Lightning

Thunder and Lightning, A Storm Cometh.
From the shores of the Swords Coast at night, an active thunderstorm is seen Westward in the distance, rolling over the waves. Tall clouds and repeated flash of thunder. For now, it seems yet to hit the coastline.
A fury of a storm rages over the ocean front that saw little sign of easing, from the night into the morning and well into the next day. Already ships have been diverting course to avoid passing through it. There are portents discussed among Seers, that this storm is awaiting some appeasement. The opinions are divided.
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The Storm has come

Thunder and Lightning, the Storm has come.
The tournament within Baldurs Gate came to an interruption, when a contestant, a man bringing word of Talos within the arena, warning of the cities refusal to bring proper homage to the Stormlord. A red bolt of lightning came from the clouds above striking into the city, which could have been seen for miles out. In the arena, it was observed to have hit this same contestant, with no apparent ill effect. This man was slain soon after by other men and woman eager to face this contestant.

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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
By the Grace of tel'Seldarine!
Rumours spread now that there are barely any more orcs left in the woods, the last remainders scattered and almost catatonic from the onslaught of the sacred light of their greatest enemy.
Moon elves in otherwise human cities speak of the splendour of Glimmerwood, and whisper hopes of the return of ancient Askavar. Perhaps the fair folk shall see the glory of their past returned in the blessed forest.
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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
In the days after Castus' encounter at Greenest, rumors spread of a small group of former Inquisitors, Amnian deserters, and ragtag mercenaries traveling northward out of Amn and into the Greenfields. Calling themselves the Fellowship of Unravellers, this cult-like operation purports to believe Castus is their savior and proselytizes that magic is the greatest source of woe in the Realms. Led by former Inquisitor Micaela Navar, these "Unravellers" spread anti-magic propaganda, leveraging fear and anger toward spellcasters to grow their numbers daily.
Sister Navar points to the Sword Coast's many recent calamities to prove her point.
In Amn, High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar is quick to disavow his former protege:
Sister Navar points to the Sword Coast's many recent calamities to prove her point.
Runners soon report that the Unravellers have seized Fort Abraxus in the Greenfields for their own. There have been no indications that Castus has joined them but it seems only inevitable that the half-celestial will want to meet with these vocal supporters.Tyrelius and the Arcane Liberation Front. The Blood Moon that saw the Beastlord hunt the innocent. The storms that even now drown the coast, brought about by the wrath of the Furies. I say to you, good people of the Western Heartlands, these threats to our lives would not be possible without the existence of magic. Do you think the Devil War could have happened if there were no magical portals to bring the fiends into our realm? Do you think the Undead War could have happened if necromancy did not exist? No. There is a common root to all of these dangers, and magic is the seed from which it sprouts!
Who can save us from these threats? Who can protect us from the wild and wanton use of magic, both arcane and divine?
Not the magi, I assure you. Look to the witch Aela! See what destruction she has wrought! Neither the priests nor their warriors of faith. How many loyal soldiers did the Everwatch lead to their deaths atop the Cloud Peaks? No! They are all of them, misguided! It is these supposed heroes and their ever-escalating search for power that make the threats to good, decent, and hard-working people grow only more dangerous.
So who is left for the people to turn to? I abandoned the Inquisition when it became clear that even they were powerless to fight this threat of magic in the face of a Amnian bureaucracy. The Mage Hunters were defeated by coin and corruption.
There is only one man who can truly defend us: Castus. Castus the Zealous. Some call him Castus the Fallen, but the Fellowship of Unravellers do not see him as such. He is ascendant. He is a beacon of hope, a light in the darkness! Only he, who renders all magic to dust, can save us from magical annihilation! Only he, who brooks no spell in his presence, can protect us from all who seek magic as their means of oppression, enslavement, and domination.
The Fellowship fights for Castus! We fight for a better future! Join us, and let the gray-winged angel show us the way!
In Amn, High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar is quick to disavow his former protege:
The Amnian Inquisition remains a stalwart force in the fight against arcane tyranny. This "Fellowship of Unravellers" is nothing more than a fallen paladin's cult of personality. Make no mistake, while the Inquisition remains vigilant against the ever-present threat of unregulated arcane magic, we shall defend with our lives the lawful use of faith-based magic within Amn. All shall be judged before the Inquisition, even these cultists, should they dare step foot within Amnian borders again.
Credit: Volmi Games
- DM Wisp
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Tenday of Clouds

Tenday of Clouds
Just passing a tenday, the storm that beset upon the coastline has shown its fury upon the irreverant.
Its initial indiscriminate presence, became one attentive to events. Talos, The Stormlord, utteredly directly or indirectly
were many names upon the Coasts' denizens lips, describing to whom this phenomena would be claimed to.
Red lightning, an omen that speaks of the Fury's direct intent was seen on several places throughout the overcasting storm.
The barrage of large hail that the storm opened up with, had lessened to a more natural fervor, waxing and waning over the length of the coast.
Or is it the attention of a god.
The stormclouds escaping the furious central nexus, head further inland to disperse into an overcast sky leaving much of the storm qualities to a propensity of rain. The wiser captains keep ships anchored or those in a voyage seek to dock at these shores only when necessary.
The peoples on the coast see more reason to start repairs of roof shingles and other material damages as long they draw no ire, though farmers are expressing concern over the delicate new crops affected by hail and poolings of water. Talos' name escape peoples lips more often now however.
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The Storm has lifted

The Storm Recedes
The storm has finally lifted, with last night for the clouds to recede to a weather more welcome of the spring. Some claim divine omens were seen, but what is clear the rain, hail and lightning have gone, and the people's along the coast were greeted with a warm sunrise finally drying the environs. What had been interrupted by the period of furious weather, steadily starts to find its course back as also the lasting damage is being assessed.

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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
Those following the movements of Castus might note that the half-celestial's antimagic field has begun making its way northward out of the Greenfields. The Fellowship of Unravellers, similarly, have abandoned their position at Fort Abraxus. They follow in Castus' wake, walking in pilgrimage, gaining followers by the day. Those who have suffered and endured the reckless abuse of magic by adventurers, mages, and priests alike find solace and solidarity among the fellowship. Micaela Navar boldly leads their charge, joined by an unlikely companion.
As their journey takes them past Berdusk, Elturel, and Fort Prominence, it seems their likely destination can only be one place: Boarskyre Bridge. Whatever Castus and his followers intend to do there, it seems certain that those who oppose him should confront him before the half-celestial reaches it. Who can say what will happen when his antimagic field crosses into the dead magic zone?
Perhaps only the gods.
As their journey takes them past Berdusk, Elturel, and Fort Prominence, it seems their likely destination can only be one place: Boarskyre Bridge. Whatever Castus and his followers intend to do there, it seems certain that those who oppose him should confront him before the half-celestial reaches it. Who can say what will happen when his antimagic field crosses into the dead magic zone?
Perhaps only the gods.
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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
Forces converge all around Castus and the Fellowship of Unravelers as they make their way toward Boareskyr Bridge. Amassing more and more souls to his cause, Castus' pilgrimage to a pivotal battlefield of the Gods' Crisis continues unabated. From the north, scout reports suggest that another group of Castus' acolytes have journeyed their way from Waterdeep in order to join his cause. But just as it seems Castus is only a day's march from the bridge, his procession halts. Drenched in storm waters, neither the Unravelers that traveled with him nor Castus himself take a single step further toward the bridge.
Meanwhile, various forces array themselves in opposition to the half-celestial's goals. An unruly collection of adventurers, do-gooders, mercenaries, and others aligned with the Lady of Mysteries begin preparations to move against Castus and the Unravelers, sure in their conviction that the fallen paladin must be stopped. They have ingenuity, tactics, and experience on their side but how will they fare against zealous devotion?
In the shadows, the Lady of Loss and her agents are poised to strike, their plans months in the making. The Sharrans have suffered Castus' intrusion upon their demesne for too long and they will not be satisfied until their toll is levied.
From Soubar and Uruk Lurra, Zhentarim soldiers march forth to cut off all paths of retreat for the Unravelers. Their steel is tempered with discipline, training, and ruthlessness, certain to make quick work of their opponents. But the Unravelers meet this threat head long, leaving only the elite former Inquisitors to defend Castus' immediate vicinity. Those who rush headlong to their deaths do so willingly, certain that their sacrifice will buy their savior the precious time that is needed for him to achieve his purpose.
Against this backdrop of death and chaos, the Unravelers cry out with indignation, as if to ask: The realms' greatest evil has come to stop our savior ... look at whose side you have chosen and consider what it is you are really fighting for.
Paying no heed to any of these concerns, Castus merely lifts himself into the skies, turning to face the Dead Magic Zone created by the Gods' War. With eyes shining in brilliant viridian, he raises his hands high into the air, as if pleading -- no, as if willing something to happen ...
Meanwhile, various forces array themselves in opposition to the half-celestial's goals. An unruly collection of adventurers, do-gooders, mercenaries, and others aligned with the Lady of Mysteries begin preparations to move against Castus and the Unravelers, sure in their conviction that the fallen paladin must be stopped. They have ingenuity, tactics, and experience on their side but how will they fare against zealous devotion?
In the shadows, the Lady of Loss and her agents are poised to strike, their plans months in the making. The Sharrans have suffered Castus' intrusion upon their demesne for too long and they will not be satisfied until their toll is levied.
From Soubar and Uruk Lurra, Zhentarim soldiers march forth to cut off all paths of retreat for the Unravelers. Their steel is tempered with discipline, training, and ruthlessness, certain to make quick work of their opponents. But the Unravelers meet this threat head long, leaving only the elite former Inquisitors to defend Castus' immediate vicinity. Those who rush headlong to their deaths do so willingly, certain that their sacrifice will buy their savior the precious time that is needed for him to achieve his purpose.
Against this backdrop of death and chaos, the Unravelers cry out with indignation, as if to ask: The realms' greatest evil has come to stop our savior ... look at whose side you have chosen and consider what it is you are really fighting for.
Paying no heed to any of these concerns, Castus merely lifts himself into the skies, turning to face the Dead Magic Zone created by the Gods' War. With eyes shining in brilliant viridian, he raises his hands high into the air, as if pleading -- no, as if willing something to happen ...
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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast

The Reckoning of Cyric the Mad
In the years that followed Cyric's ascension to Godhood, the growing mass of his faithful has been spreading the word of the Dark Sun to many settlements surrounding Zhentil Keep and even as far as the Western Heartlands.
In the former seat of Bane's power, the Banedeath was declared. Months have passed in which a Cyricist Inquisition led by Xeno Mirrormane had been purging the former worshippers and priests of the Tyrant Lord. Presented with two choices: To submit to the Dark Sun or personally explain to Cyric why he is unworthy of worship (the latter of which meant being killed in order to do so), which most commonly resulted in the worshippers of Bane "finding the Dark Sun's light". It culminated with Xeno Mirrormane taking over the leadership of the Circle of Darkness, utter destruction of the Dark Shrine- the seat of the ultra-orthodox faith of Bane- and creation of the Black Altar of Cyric. A new, glorious temple of the Dark Sun. In Zhentil Keep, Teshwave, Yulash and Darkhold, Cyric's Undisputed Rule was declared by the Dark Sun's priesthood.
But that was not enough.
Following the staggering success, a special creation of Gond the Wonderbringer and his faithful was unleashed in the cities controlled by Cyric's faith. Metal constructs with orders to strike down any who would besmirch Cyric's name and worship with even a single word. Thus the control of the land in Cyric's name seemed absolute.
And yet. Everything started to crumble, slowly yet decisively. Lord Chess disappeared from Zhentil Keep and was found dead on top of the Blackstaff Tower. For some reason, all scribes living in the dark city have been killed by Cyric. The Black Network had been found to have relocated entirely to the Citadel of the Raven- Manshoon having separated his entire life's work from the fanatic followers of the Black Sun. In the recent tenday, the Automaton Inquisitors of Cyric had suddenly rebelled and started to fight the followers of the Dark Prince.
Finally, it struck.
During an organised ceremony at the Black Altar of Cyric, words of blasphemy were spoken. The faith in Cyric had shaken and discord was sewn in the Zhentil Keep. But a few moments later, divine fire descended from the heavens onto the Cathedral and immolated the building to its very foundations- including all that were inside at the time.
The High Priest Xeno Mirrormane is no more. Zhentil Keep stands besieged by Frost Giants, gnolls, orcs and many other monstrous humanoids. The defenders have faltered. Cyric had abandoned his chosen people. What came of the siege is yet to reach the Sword Coast and Western Heartlands...
~All Their Days are Numbered~
Server Rules
Better read this, so I don't harvest your soul... too soon
Dungeon Master Rulings
To avoid confusement and becoming a soulless husk
Better read this, so I don't harvest your soul... too soon
Dungeon Master Rulings
To avoid confusement and becoming a soulless husk
~Campaign Coordinator for 1353DR, 1354DR and 1355DR Metaplot~
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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast

The Ascension of Velsharoon the Arch-Necromancer
A new Power rises to prominence in a wholly unexpected turn of events. Known to many from the far eastern Plains of Purple Dust to as far as Moonshae Isles, Velsharoon the Vaunted, the Archmage of Necromancy, the greatest rival of Szass Tam of Thay, Halder of Delzimmer, the archmage that personally duelled Omm Hlandrar of Halruaa into a draw, and a wholly evil mastermind who's machinations have been directly opposed by even the Simbul of Aglarond and Elminster of Shadowdale, had, at last, found ultimate power.
However little is certain regarding how exactly it happened, Velsharoon has ascended to the status of Godhood. Many former faithful of Myrkul who primarily revered him as a god of necromancy have been given visions in which they had seen the Lich-Lord's skeletal visage, speaking of his power and promise of patronage to all necromancers seeking Lichdom, creation of vile undead and those researching ever more terrible Evil and Death spells. To emphasize the truth of his words, he offered divine powers to any who accepts his unholy words as their Truth: Life and death are the twin faces of external existence. To surrender to either one is to resign oneself to obscurity. True power lies in the twilight zone between life and death. By seeking to explore and extend the mortal condition and form - even mortal life itself- knowledge of the world, all of its infinite complexity, is extended. Lesser beings cannot understand the importance of the exploration of life, death, and undeath, and the philosophical implications of this complex medley. Let no one interfere with the pursuit of such research, for the end result will more than justify the necessary sacrifices along the path. Knowledge is power and knowledge of life and death brings power over all beings, living and unliving; power than can lift the faithful of Velsharoon to dizzying heights.
Though it is early to speak anything definitive, many prognosticators, sages and theologians who have heard of this Unholy event assume that Velsharoon shall be soon destroyed for his arrogance. Time will tell, however, whether or not the former Renegade Red Wizard of Thay-turned-God will prove them right in their predictions.
~All Their Days are Numbered~
Server Rules
Better read this, so I don't harvest your soul... too soon
Dungeon Master Rulings
To avoid confusement and becoming a soulless husk
Better read this, so I don't harvest your soul... too soon
Dungeon Master Rulings
To avoid confusement and becoming a soulless husk
~Campaign Coordinator for 1353DR, 1354DR and 1355DR Metaplot~
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Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast

The End of the Road
With the decision of the courts, the three convicted of treason will be reaching the gallows shortly. Tentatively, they have been sentenced to hang officially in two days time. Upon this afternoon the group was offered their last meals. Each of them were given parchment to write down what they wanted. Rumor has it while one of them asked for a blueberry pie, the other two wrote something different.
It is said David Morlen wrote: "The Upper Class". Some speculate the words of Fredrick Andos. Rumors amongst the Fist recall the words as: "No thank you, I am already full from eating all of the bull shite they fed us for the last ten years."
The gallows have been set in the east gate prepared for the occasion.
///May 31st 24GMT
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“Kindly let me help you or you will drown,” said the monkey putting the fish safely up a tree.
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- Joined: Fri Oct 20, 2017 1:25 pm
Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
With a storm thundering overhead, a Zhentarim host slaughtering his Unravelers, Mystrans and their allies preparing to shoot him out of the sky, and mercenaries of dubious motives lying in wait, Castus never expected that the first blow to strike him would come not from these opposing forces, but from a player that had hidden their hand all this time: the Church of Shar. The Lady of Loss. Even Castus' magnanimous antimagic field could not defend against a smiting from the gods themselves. Mystra had done it once before. Now, Shar's will could not be denied.
And so it was that the Sharrans invoked a most ancient and terrible power - a curse from the Nightsinger's legendary artifact known as the Heart of Oblivion to erase from all minds the memory of a single person ... and in so doing, they removed from Castus a significant piece of the motivation that drove him to his extreme path. With the source of his rage quelled, Castus lost the profound emotion that drew the spirit of empathy Rahenna to him. Empowered by residual divine essence gained during the Godswar, Rahenna had been feeding off Castus' hatred of magic all this time, and was in fact the true source of the fallen half-celestial's antimagic field, and indeed, all of his extraordinary abilities. Thus, without Castus' emotion to drive his crusade against magic, Rahenna had nothing to latch onto and the antimagic field collapsed instantly.
With the field neutralized, heroes on all sides of the conflict moved to strike down Castus: spells, arrows, and attacks of all sorts came at him from all sides. Elven ingenuity even saw a spectacular net-thrower created to capture Castus alive. These efforts may have eventually taken down the half-celestial but in a shocking moment of clarity, a lost soul mustered all her powers of persuasion to appeal to Castus in the skies. The half-elf who had betrayed her quest to redeem Castus by joining him now saw that to save her adoptive brother, she would have to see him back to Mystra's fold. Her words somehow struck a chord in the scattered maelstrom that was Castus' mind. He listened ... and thus surrendered himself to the Mystrans.
But the battle was not yet over. Rahenna, while no longer feeding on Castus' hatred of magic, nevertheless remained consumed by loathing, contempt, and hatred. Manifesting herself as echoes of the emotions she had been absorbing for months, the spirit attacked everything in reach with reckless abandon, absent any direction for its hate. It was not until a spirit seeker aligned with the Mystrans moved to match Rahenna's wrath with a bounty of hope that the spirit's emotion was subdued.
In that critical moment, the Witch of Darkhold made a devious move to seize the spirit and all its power for herself, attempting to Trap the Soul of Rahenna. Her plot was foiled but not without a great expenditure of magical energy on the part of the Mystrans to counter her magic. By now, the Zhentarim host had slaughtered the Unraveler forces and scattered the Harpers and other mercenaries aligned with Mystra. Furious, Darkhold's mistress gave the order to leave none alive; a frantic melee broke out then. The Zhentarim were momentarily repelled by champions from the Temple of Mystra, the Bladestone Foundation, the Myradon Vindicators, and more. Further, a swarm of elementals arose to delay the advancing Zhentarim host.
While the elemental swarm was successful in that stalling tactic, ultimately the Zhentarim host overcame these obstacles and forced a full retreat by Mystra's servants and their allies. Nevertheless, with Castus in custody and the spirit calmed and joined to a seeress, some would note that Mystra did not leave the conflict empty-handed. Others would remember - or perhaps would work hard to forget - that almost two hundred Unravelers gave their lives for Castus' quest, none of whom could be saved.
With Castus' defeat and the death of hundreds of their compatriots, the remaining Unravelers stranded across Boareskyr Bridge scattered in despair. The Zhentarim captured many of them, while blood golems collected the corpses of the Unravelers who perished for some unknown, nefarious purpose. These were men, women, and children who by fate and fortune had come to believe in Castus' gospel, that magic was the root of all woe upon the realms. Many looked upon the carnage of the day and wondered if they did not have a point after all?
Of note, Micaela Navar, the former Inquisitor who had abandoned the Inquisition in favor of becoming Castus' apostle was nowhere to be found.
On the political stage, while the Zhentarim had momentarily seized control of the area of Thundar's Ride south of Boareskyr Bridge, their movements so far from their holdings did not go unnoticed by the Elturel or their neighbors. As Darkhold's forces withdrew from the battlefield, the Hellriders doubled their patrols in response to the first military maneuver by the Zhentarim since the most recent treaty between Darkhold and the Lords' Alliance.
And what became of the Brothers Eerie? Theirs were fates most tragic.
And so it was that the Sharrans invoked a most ancient and terrible power - a curse from the Nightsinger's legendary artifact known as the Heart of Oblivion to erase from all minds the memory of a single person ... and in so doing, they removed from Castus a significant piece of the motivation that drove him to his extreme path. With the source of his rage quelled, Castus lost the profound emotion that drew the spirit of empathy Rahenna to him. Empowered by residual divine essence gained during the Godswar, Rahenna had been feeding off Castus' hatred of magic all this time, and was in fact the true source of the fallen half-celestial's antimagic field, and indeed, all of his extraordinary abilities. Thus, without Castus' emotion to drive his crusade against magic, Rahenna had nothing to latch onto and the antimagic field collapsed instantly.
With the field neutralized, heroes on all sides of the conflict moved to strike down Castus: spells, arrows, and attacks of all sorts came at him from all sides. Elven ingenuity even saw a spectacular net-thrower created to capture Castus alive. These efforts may have eventually taken down the half-celestial but in a shocking moment of clarity, a lost soul mustered all her powers of persuasion to appeal to Castus in the skies. The half-elf who had betrayed her quest to redeem Castus by joining him now saw that to save her adoptive brother, she would have to see him back to Mystra's fold. Her words somehow struck a chord in the scattered maelstrom that was Castus' mind. He listened ... and thus surrendered himself to the Mystrans.
Credit: Unknown
In that critical moment, the Witch of Darkhold made a devious move to seize the spirit and all its power for herself, attempting to Trap the Soul of Rahenna. Her plot was foiled but not without a great expenditure of magical energy on the part of the Mystrans to counter her magic. By now, the Zhentarim host had slaughtered the Unraveler forces and scattered the Harpers and other mercenaries aligned with Mystra. Furious, Darkhold's mistress gave the order to leave none alive; a frantic melee broke out then. The Zhentarim were momentarily repelled by champions from the Temple of Mystra, the Bladestone Foundation, the Myradon Vindicators, and more. Further, a swarm of elementals arose to delay the advancing Zhentarim host.
While the elemental swarm was successful in that stalling tactic, ultimately the Zhentarim host overcame these obstacles and forced a full retreat by Mystra's servants and their allies. Nevertheless, with Castus in custody and the spirit calmed and joined to a seeress, some would note that Mystra did not leave the conflict empty-handed. Others would remember - or perhaps would work hard to forget - that almost two hundred Unravelers gave their lives for Castus' quest, none of whom could be saved.
Of note, Micaela Navar, the former Inquisitor who had abandoned the Inquisition in favor of becoming Castus' apostle was nowhere to be found.
On the political stage, while the Zhentarim had momentarily seized control of the area of Thundar's Ride south of Boareskyr Bridge, their movements so far from their holdings did not go unnoticed by the Elturel or their neighbors. As Darkhold's forces withdrew from the battlefield, the Hellriders doubled their patrols in response to the first military maneuver by the Zhentarim since the most recent treaty between Darkhold and the Lords' Alliance.
And what became of the Brothers Eerie? Theirs were fates most tragic.
- Darion the Dreamer gave his heart to a Sharran spy, and lost his soul in the process.
- Arlath the Mad gave his mind in search of for a cure for his brother Darion. He wandered the Sword Coast in that madness and was eventually slain by his own brother. In return, he delivered the spirit of Rahenna to his killer.
- The one once known as the All-Seeing is now and forevermore the Forgotten One, having been erased from all memory by the Heart of Oblivion.
- Castus the Fallen, formerly Castus the Zealous - upon learning of the fate of the one who had saved him - lost all reason and struck out against his custodians, forcing the Temple of Mystra in Baldur's Gate to use spells of binding to contain him. He now awaits transport to the House of Wonders in Waterdeep, where Magister Meleghost Starseer intends to hold a holy inquest before a Mystran tribunal to judge him for his actions against the Weave.
- Enoch the Endless has been placed in custody for chasing an alleged intruder who teleported into his family home out into the streets of the Sea Ward district and Disintegrating him. Enoch attests that the alleged intruder must have been a Sharran infiltrator but nothing remains of the corpse to confirm that suspicion. Meanwhile, the House of Wonder suspects elsewise, as none but the most powerful of magic could have broken through the Eerie Estate's wards. Thus, they are certain that the victim must have been someone who had authorized access to the estate. Waterdhavien authorities are investigating the matter but it is likely Enoch will be charged with murder.
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- Posts: 2437
- Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2016 5:08 pm
Re: DM Rumours of the Sword Coast
A procession of Talos led druids along the north bank near the poisoned Boerskyr bridge. This group were said to be searching for the source of well being there, the oasis against the poison of the river. Their very presence slowly drawing the faithful.
In the Greenlands a fabled group of assassins are reputed to sometimes offer contracts to freelancers. They can be found if at all deeper into the Uldoon. Pay is said to be above average prompted by a terrible efficiency born of organisation and caution.
Baldur's Gate deep in a hidden battle for the power of the people is home to repeated rumours that the noble classes hide what may be a relic of wealth. This has drawn thieves from afar who now quietly roam the city.
A spirit shaman half mad with his life and a journey through The fields of the Dead proclaimed the army was forming there and once again threatened the trade routes around the edges. A strong patrol of adventurous individuals swept the paths to no avail.
A rumour emerged that three hunters of vengeance, three clerics, slain at Nashkel long since and revenged started a chain of events that led to the destruction of the cauldron of life and an end to the twin terors.
The House of cards trading cartel reports fish are a premium item and specifically 5 bags is offered for marlin and Sturgeon.
star sapphires are selling well to the far south ahd the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 5-10 bags a gem.
This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for blue diamonds due to an excess number suddenly on the market.
Rumour has it a reward at Beregost is offered for information concerning the activities and whereabouts of Yhogovolish the devil
The newest of the five high captains of Roaringshore is said to have come under pressure to justify his role and authority brought into question with poor smuggling efforts against the back drop of local ships gone missing.
A band of warriors from the so called horde operating to the far east have said to be scouting the coast and have set their sights on the lost dagger of unravelling.
Perhaps separate to the scouting of this large horde there are rumours of recruitment south of the greenfields for a large band of bandits. Unconfirmed reports suggest this growing band has a target in Amn in mind for the heist of the decade. The truth of it is marred by several conflicting rumours.
A group of would be assassins are said to have wiped out a small treasure hunting party in the Greenfields and absconded with a recently discovered book of ancient music.
in the north east in the aftermath of the great drow raid there continues to be reports of tracks or distant sightings of drow spies and there continues to be a high state of alert and an increased presence of reassurance patrols.
ooc
If player activity is perhaps divided into intrigue, patrols, trade and social I have dropped 'no dm required' quest opportunities into play on a regular basis to tackle these issues. Often these have dropped background plot clues within them to hopefully further drive player rp. I should say if anyone wishes these quests dropped in at a particular time with any of the above themes (or indeed another) for a specific group then please let me know and I will try and help,
Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)
Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.
(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)
Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.
ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.
In the Greenlands a fabled group of assassins are reputed to sometimes offer contracts to freelancers. They can be found if at all deeper into the Uldoon. Pay is said to be above average prompted by a terrible efficiency born of organisation and caution.
Baldur's Gate deep in a hidden battle for the power of the people is home to repeated rumours that the noble classes hide what may be a relic of wealth. This has drawn thieves from afar who now quietly roam the city.
A spirit shaman half mad with his life and a journey through The fields of the Dead proclaimed the army was forming there and once again threatened the trade routes around the edges. A strong patrol of adventurous individuals swept the paths to no avail.
A rumour emerged that three hunters of vengeance, three clerics, slain at Nashkel long since and revenged started a chain of events that led to the destruction of the cauldron of life and an end to the twin terors.
The House of cards trading cartel reports fish are a premium item and specifically 5 bags is offered for marlin and Sturgeon.
star sapphires are selling well to the far south ahd the house is purchasing limited numbers at competitive prices between 5-10 bags a gem.
This is at odds with the reduction in pricing for blue diamonds due to an excess number suddenly on the market.
Rumour has it a reward at Beregost is offered for information concerning the activities and whereabouts of Yhogovolish the devil
The newest of the five high captains of Roaringshore is said to have come under pressure to justify his role and authority brought into question with poor smuggling efforts against the back drop of local ships gone missing.
A band of warriors from the so called horde operating to the far east have said to be scouting the coast and have set their sights on the lost dagger of unravelling.
Perhaps separate to the scouting of this large horde there are rumours of recruitment south of the greenfields for a large band of bandits. Unconfirmed reports suggest this growing band has a target in Amn in mind for the heist of the decade. The truth of it is marred by several conflicting rumours.
A group of would be assassins are said to have wiped out a small treasure hunting party in the Greenfields and absconded with a recently discovered book of ancient music.
in the north east in the aftermath of the great drow raid there continues to be reports of tracks or distant sightings of drow spies and there continues to be a high state of alert and an increased presence of reassurance patrols.
ooc
If player activity is perhaps divided into intrigue, patrols, trade and social I have dropped 'no dm required' quest opportunities into play on a regular basis to tackle these issues. Often these have dropped background plot clues within them to hopefully further drive player rp. I should say if anyone wishes these quests dropped in at a particular time with any of the above themes (or indeed another) for a specific group then please let me know and I will try and help,
Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)
Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.
(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)
Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.
ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.