Rumors & Events of Soubar

[TheBorderPrince]

"You hear me, Lo’Zeng? Freeloading’s over! If you want your business to be safe here, you better pay up. Else Nine Hells know what could happen to your merchandise – or even yourself."

With the sudden swell in numbers of the Crimson Watch, the organisation started to act more aggressively. Whether due to feeling more secure with the newfound footing; under influence of dual leadership shared between Zerros, now much darker than ever before, and ever-hawkish Illyon; or as a reaction to the failure in the Castus affair, Watches’ grunts now roam the streets of the tent-town, mercilessly extorting protection rackets from the itinerant populace. While richer, better connected and more powerful merchants such as Harmony or Priya are left alone – at least for now, the lesser traders as well as common squatters are given offers and presented with dire consequences of refusal. The prices demanded are not exorbitant, could be could be considered modest, even – but the message is clear. The Crimson Watch is asserting its turf.

[DM Ink]

Tremors though the Region

All around the northern reaches, the ground shook. There past Soubar, Fort Prominence could be seen lighting up the night sky as it was bombarded with fire that nearly rained from above. Spells and meteors set the walls ablaze, and the Fort was nearly taken in a quick showcase of undeath. The undead magus and mummies killed most of the remaining forces before reinforcements arrived. The orcish arrivals took nearly an hour to restore their hold on the keep. When the battle concluded, several unmarked soldiers arrived and stood outside with the orcs. The keep was again under orcish rule, for the time being.

[MissClick]

It has been several days since an incident occurred at the Shrine of Malar in Soubar and fragmented pieces of emergent information have gained enough traction to circulate as rumor among the common populace. A small group of 2-3 figures are said to have teleported into the tented township carrying a lifeless body with haste toward the Malarite priest - not a rare occurrence, by any means. Local gossip, however, notes that the revival was quite strange and came with a great deal more screaming than most; permeated with babbled utterances of "flesh" and the "grind of teeth".

Some particularly speculative individuals have attempted to draw correlations between the affair and the presence of a particularly well-dressed drow hovering about the area on occasion thereafter, but little has substantiated the fact beyond coincidence.

(( DM Verjigorm ))

[TheBorderPrince]

One of the evenings, in Soubar, Herald of the Black Dawn, standing on the Balcony of the Ebon Keep, issued the following declaration to all who would listen - but primarily, fellow followers of the Black Sun:

I have a message for you, one of cosmological importance. One coming from beyond the mortal realm. The Dark Prince hath revealed it to me in a vision – and my role now is to share it with you.

There was a war amongst the gods. Little of it manifested in our realm of existence, since this time it happened all beyond it, unlike the Avatar Crisis – but it happened, on a scale most massive, nevertheless.

The false divines recognised the threat our Lord is to them. They saw in Him what he is – a Divine Nemesis, destined to bring them down and unify their essence within oneself. So, in their fear, they banded together in haphazard alliance and relentlessly assaulted the ascendant Black Sun.

But He is the One, and He cannot be cheated from His destiny! And so, He prevailed. He stood, alone against so many, and still outplayed and outmaneuvered them! Not just survived the plot aimed at His demise, but consolidated His standing!

In the process of the battle He hath nearly slain the pathetic little godling, known as Mask, but for whom a more apt moniker should be used – a Shadowflea. If that little wretch wouldn’t cravenly flee and hide, he’d be the third divine to fall under our Lord’s blade.

Still, he was severely wounded, and the Dark Prince had taken much of what was once his domain for Himself. And his escape is only a small delay – soon he will give both his life and essence to the One.

I say – the third, because it has now come the time to reveal what the Fourth Crown was. A year ago, the Black Sun had slain one known as Leira, and consumed her divine essence – and this is how he became the Prince of Lies.

You had known Him by that name already – but now you are finally allowed to know how it came to be.

Yes – it is true what some say – he abandoned the Bone Castle, where the enemy focused their strikes. But he predicted their moves and prepared a new fastness to relocate to beforehand.

A fortress like no other, the Castle of the Supreme Throne. Wrought from the delirious Chaos of the Pandemonium this new demesne is much more befitting to His greatness. From there, the threads of his dark whispers can spread further and with much greater efficiency!

One where the false god do not look over His shoulder, where He is no longer obliged to pander to the meaningless needs of the infidel souls. One free of these antiquated rules set by the false divines to keep their power. These bounds will be destroyed and abolished, in their due time – but the time hath not yet come.
As such, our Lord was relieved from cumbersome duty and is now free to pursue His grand plan, His ultimate destiny, with undivided focus!

Nevertheless this is still an affront to His Majesty. And as such, the one who was elevated to this post at the great expenditure of divine spark from the false deities is to be considered, along all of his mortal followers, as one of the Black Sun’s principal enemies.

I’ll utter his name only once – Kelemvor- a wretched no-one, who has been given a divine status not through His own power and actions, like our Lord did. But given like an alms to him by the false at a great cost of them. For now, he will be only known as the Usurper.

Heed also not to wretched lies about the spawn of the Old Tyrant. Yes – such a being exists, and yes, it possesses a bit of the divine spark of his late progenitor. But no. He did not manage to steal anything from Our Lord. This is merely a slander produced by agents of the false to undermine Our Lord – a futile attempt.

The Black Sun still commands all what was once in Black Hand’s sphere of influence! This Iyachtu Xvim, as they call him, is no more than a pathetic worm, a little, upstart demipower whose spark will be quenched soon enough. A bug, that will be crushed under Dark Prince’s boot.

The war amongst the gods is over now. And while our Lord Hath suffered certain setbacks, He hath more than evened the score by making gains elsewhere, in areas much more dear to Him. He emerged standing strong from the struggle, retaining his status as the mightiest entity in the pantheon – and now, in His new stronghold, untouchable by the futile schemes of those who would like to thwart his inevitable ascent!

[MissClick]

Rumor mongers, tongue-waggers and those prone to gossip have caught onto a new topic in Soubar, albeit one fleeting: the unusual arrival of a creature some days prior.

Said to have been over six feet tall with the regal head of a jackal, this well-dressed and professionally poised beast made itself known via messenger. Onlookers perceived its presence at the gate, where audible sounds of teleportation had been heard prior. A conversation ensued with a small gathering of requested and invited individuals, after which point the creature left the same way it came.

(( DM Vejigorm))

[Doomed Hunter]

A fairly new fixture to Soubar's assortment of monstrous misfits, sinister ne'er-do-wells and dangerous killers, the half-elven bounty hunter known as Viktor Volkov might be notable for two things when seen around the place.

His large offerings of slaughtered prey to Malar's shrine, the bloodied chunks of carcass given in tandem with quiet, stony faced entreaties before the Beastlord's idol and antlered priest.

Secondly, Viktor would be seen returning from his hunting operations late into the night but his gathered bounties might comprise larger parts, many of them humanoid. Some of have even claimed he has returned to Artin's stall in the dark of night and having offered fully intact limbs and organs in return for coin.

It is whispered in the dark parts of the rugged settlement that Artin and Viktor do business for a third party, a mage desiring to make a flesh golem, with a penchant for sick experiments and skill for transmutation. Viktor would neither agree or disagree if questioned though few would willingly do so.

Coin is coin after all and any bounty hunter worth their salt doesn't discriminate when it comes to what a client wishes.

[leviticus]

*Months later, in various spots of the region and places visited by many, a note was found.*

Banites, do no fail your Brothers and Sisters.

Though their bodies and Bane’s may have died, His and their spirits will return to the Fortress. The world, -our- rightful world, may have been thrown in chaos, and they whisper His power was shattered. But I say it was His ingenious tactical retreat in the shape of sparkles flying in all directions, and making it hard for our enemies to permanently eliminate Him.

Such power like His does not fade easily, nor does it die. Do not walk under the false belief that the greatest force of order and dominion was vanquished forever. Do not think His enemies are safe, that the iron grip of fear was loosened, or that the strong Hand of control had been severed.

Now is the time for you to shatter things in return. Like those illusions that prevent the truth you have long denied. Our Lord has almost returned. Every single one of us, if devouted, will attract a dark sparkle of Him. And together we will make Him rise from the depths of the Abyss. With your conviction, He will be stronger, more resolute in His purpose than ever before.

He will ascend, not just as a god, but as the embodiment of Tyranny, the Force that binds the strong to rule, and the weak and our enemies to serve. His influence has already begun to seep back into -our- world. Don’t you sense the stirrings of unease, the whispers of fear, the tightening grip of power in every corner of the land?

To our enemies and those who diverged from The Path : do not resist this change, for resistance is futile. The chaos you delivered will be quelled under the weight of iron rule. The time has come to swear your allegiance, to bend your knee to the True Master. Or to be crushed under the inexorable tide of His dominion.

Those who follow Him will be granted strength beyond measure, and will receive a place in the new order that has already begun to come. They will receive authority over the weak and over the apostates.

Choose wisely… and choose quick. For Bane’s gaze is upon you, and His judgment is… swift.

[Zeikari]

The unusual sound of laughter and lively conversation broke the usual dreary quiet of Soubar's dwellings in the afternoon of the anniversary of the Godslaying, as large group of black-clad knights was seen passing through the town. The dark company stopped to replenish their supplies at the local stores, and spent some time chatting with the joint Commanders of the Crimson Watch about recent changes in the region, briefly touching on matters military and religious.



Despite the conversation being seemingly cordial, both party appeared to be eager to return to their affairs, and departed shortly after their meeting with opposite destinations. The company of dark knights lingered a little bit longer in the settlement, exploring some of the newer and older buildings, and finally resumed their ride northward. Several of the refugees squatting in the riverside witnessed them arriving to the Boareskyr Bridge on the night of the same day. Not much could be made of their conversation, except for the annoyance of one of their number regarding the lack of lights, magical or otherwise, in the area.



The group crossed the bridge to observe the results of the recent construction efforts of the followers of the Black Sun, but opted to avoid entering the tower and, after a long conversation, finally dispersed southward, half of them opting to seek rest at the inn of Soubar, while the other pair decided to go hunting in the Trielta Hills.

[Dragonslayer]

Rumors spread of drow deep in the Forest of Wyrms. All dressed in insignia reminiscent of a drow noble house, rumors state that a spellcaster, using a crystal orb of some kind, summoned mass quantities of dark elven undead. Ghosts, spirits, skeletons and rotting flesh all rose from a vortex of necromantic energy within the confines of the already dangerous forest. Raised by their necromanic master, and aided by drow hunters of said noble house, they infest the trees and hills with aplomb in their singular mission.



While they are searching for something within the wood, their presence is a chilling reminder that all is not necessarily well south of the Boareskyr Bridge.

[TheBorderPrince]

A strange, hulking specimen of man appeared in Soubar yestereve. Clad in twisted, menacing armour, encompassing his entire person head-to-toe, so nobody couuld say what the being inside looks like, or whether is he a living being at all, the juggernaut approached the Herald of the Black Dawn, and his speech was accompanied by buzzing of myriads of insects that apparently co-habitated the armour with its owner. After a handful sentences were exchanged, the ironclad and the Herald departed, through means magical, to the Spire at Boareskyr Bridge. The armoured one was later seen departing from the temple, but whatever transpired inside, only he and denizens of the dark tower know.

[leviticus]

*In the areas surrounding Soubar semi-hidden messages were found. Remarkably, none were found inside Soubar.*

Some have attempted to shackle or sway us with their lies, their weakness, their pitiful illusions of a stronger world. But we, the Faithful, we know the truth. Chains on us were nonexistent or already broken, and the hour of reckoning is upon us.

I call upon you, true believers, to rise and reclaim what was stolen from us. They have sought to erase His name, to bury His legacy, but one fact remains. No mortal is able to silence the will of a god. Even now, as I leave this message, His arrival is written in the stars and carved in the bones of our foes.

Banites, enough is enough.
I invite you all to gather and join the Legion of Rebirth. The rebirth of our Lord through His descendant. Together we can see to the final phase of a divine plan, a plan set in motion even before this false pretender dared to soil our birthright.

We gather upon roads they foolishly believe are theirs, encircle their illusion of personal victory before tearing it down. I am well aware these others will see this message as well and head there to try and stop us. But do not worry. I will be there standing beside you when they dare to arrive.

[TheBorderPrince]

With the departure of Zerros to assume regency over Darkhold, Illyon, Herald of the Black Dawn, had once again taken the sole command over the Crimson Watch. While the sudden revelation of the former commander's identity as a member of the Black Network, Watches' own allegiances may beg a question. However, as of now, the Soubarian outfit does not acknowledge answering to the Zhentarim - instead, if asked about the nature of the connection, the given answer would be that they are merely allies.

[DM Spartacus]

The so called Black Abbey located within the walls of Soubar was the subject of a fire recently. The premises were badly damaged and may not be viable. Patrons and staff within fled most never to return. It is said a number did not escape the fire.

Foul play was assumed, this is Soubar we are discussing after all. A number of loud mouthed adventurers gathered in the aftermath to ponder the action.

In the days after representatives from Black Abbey deities made their presence known in the town asking questions here and there. They soon left showing little interest in the town for now.

This little corner of the coast is strangely often the subject of power plays and changing dynamics and fluctuating population changes, a proverbial crossroads of life perhaps.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Just another day on the coast.

[TheBorderPrince]

The so called Black Abbey located within the walls of Soubar was the subject of a fire recently. The premises were badly damaged and may not be viable. Patrons and staff within fled most never to return. It is said a number did not escape the fire.

Foul play was assumed, this is Soubar we are discussing after all. A number of loud mouthed adventurers gathered in the aftermath to ponder the action.

In the days after representatives from Black Abbey deities made their presence known in the town asking questions here and there. They soon left showing little interest in the town for now.

This little corner of the coast is strangely often the subject of power plays and changing dynamics and fluctuating population changes, a proverbial crossroads of life perhaps.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Just another day on the coast.

The Herald of the Black Dawn, of course, could not waste such an opportunity. After hearing about the fire, he came to see it for itself, sneering in cruel satisfaction. While probably many would see him as potential culprit, directly or indirectly, he would neither deny or confirm any involvement, instead delivering a simple message to those who would, for whatever reason, mourn the loss of the old temple:

So the old tomb finally falls. Do you need any more proof that your pitiful old gods are dead and cannot protect you? Throw aside the old superstitions, break the irrational attachments to the rotten past. The Old must burn to make the way for the New. The Black Sun is dawning. Come unto Him, and subject to the might of a living god. One stronger than any of those buried below these embers was even when they were still alive! And remember also this - the Dark Prince will look fondly on those who would deliver those who still defy Him in favour of the Dead Three to His altars for slaughter.

[selhan]

Soubar

Volo's Guide :

Soubar - was a small village on the Trade Way, south of the Boareskyr Bridge and Forest of Wyrms, north of Scornubel. It was often used as a way-station for traders traveling along that road. The population was highly variable, shrinking to an armed camp in the winter with the decline of caravan traffic. Soubar had no formal government, which led to a lawless culture full of brigands and ruffians.

What remains of the ruins are home to a mysterious woman known only as Mag, who runs a tavern called the Winding Way in them. The word around the Coast is that Mag was once a priestess. Some say she abandoned her calling, others that she embraced another faith and others say she’s a mind flayer or other horrible creature (a beholder, perhaps, or even a neogi) who’s mastered magic enough to take human form for years at a time.

All that’s certain is that Mag answers no questions, has healed folk from time to time, stores broken instruments of torture in the old abbey loft where she sometimes lets travelers sleep. Whether she used spells or potions for healing is a point of contention. Reports on this are confused. All of this makes many merchants uneasy. They camp west of Soubar, or press on past if the weather’s fair and the night apt to be moonlit, rather than stopping here.

Soubar is a lawless town. Visitors should bring their own swords— and be prepared to swing them.

There are several Coast lands fireside tales about brigands who buried loot here and were slain before they came back for it. Not all such tales are fanciful. The merchant Janthool of Athkatla, a far traveled trader in sundries, dug a latrine pit just west of Soubar a spring or two ago and unearthed an ivory coffer crammed full of matched black pearls—each as large as the pommel nut of a stout broad sword! Be warned, however. Digging in certain spots in Soubar summons helmed horrors to the digger, due to an ancient guardian spell of unknown origin!

Folk not wanted in Triel or Boareskyr Bridge find their way here. This has made Soubar something of a hiring fair for brigands, evil mages, doppelgangers, wererats and other werefolk, mercenaries down on their luck, mind flayers, those bearing curses, and others not tolerated in most communities. Fences for stolen goods are plentiful here. Scurrilous “bounty hunters” who kill, maim, or capture specific beings to order are also plentiful, as are dealers in slaves, information, poisons, chains and cages, sleep venoms, and exotic pets. Kill-trained pets cost twice the usual prices. I’m not (ahem) familiar with any names or details, of course.

((Posted Rumors from Soubar can be made here. I wanted to share the new facelift ! Do have fun and enjoy being evil!))

Sel