Rumors & Events of Baldur's Gate

[Ashenie]

From the wet streets of Baldur's Gate, the homeless and vulnerable population finds shelter from the pouring rain. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the injured are given top priority, with care offered to all in equal measure. The soldiers and squires of the Radiant Heart are commended for their help and guidance provided to those in need, and they are offered warm meals among their tasks. When they encounter Sister Ashenie, their focus is directed towards repairing roofs and ceilings damaged in recent years or by the storm, aiming to prevent rain from causing further damages inside houses.

Special attention is given to those lost in the sewers and those afflicted by the Crimson Spice and Golden Augury, as their weakened condition leaves them vulnerable to various harms and illnesses during the rain.

The Shrine of the Suffering makes it known that they provide shelter to anyone seeking refuge from the storm's worst manifestations. Prayers of hope and endurance resound from the chapel, echoes of perseverance and healing until the light returns.

[Wyatt]

A small, malnourished halfling teen dressed in cobbled-together overside clothes and tricorn hat could be seen conversing with a pair of recently married halfling ladies in The Wide. Some few know him simply as Rory. He seems quite distraught over the situation in the city and what will happen to him and his mum with his da being cared for at the temple for ailments related to recent drug epidemic. The lad seems none to eager for his father to return home. The ladies spend the afternoon enticing the lad to relocate to Corm Orp, a place of which he has quite obviously never heard. He protests that he cannot leave his mum but the Tosscobble ladies assure him that she would be welcome as well. With little to lose he agrees and shortly thereafter vanishes from the city with the pair.

[Kevin_Smith]

Ryke Lighthouse, a local man and a follower of Valkur, attempted a complex ritual in order to resurrect a rather important pig. He gathered quite a crowd of onlookers, many were curious whether a miracle was going to happen.

But it didn't ...

Ryke and Piir had to bury the pig with honor. They called him Sven, put an apple on his grave and consecrated the ground, so Sven doesn't turn into a pig zombie, and that may his haven be calm...

[Ashenie]

In the wet streets of Baldur's Gate, as the sun has returned, two figures can be walking the streets, distributing planks of woods. The man, a Knight in armor, is seen proposing help in manual labor to the citizen struck by the merciless weather, aiming to repair roofs and houses that have been damaged recently in and around the city.

The Sister is seen proposing remedies to those still afflicted by the Crimson Spice and experiencing withdrawal. She is seen cheering solidarity and help while distributing planks of wood. To the most afflicted, and most notably children, she offers balms against seasonal cold and a few lavender plushies mysteriously "made by a local druid". The echo of their words linger, as none should endure alone or be left in pain.

While the city takes time to recover from the numerous calamities it had to face, endeavors to care for the most vulnerable continue, ceaselessly.

[sweetlikesplenda]

Lord Lyonaler was seen in the Palace more often then normal over the last few days. A letter addressed to the Council of Four is handed to Quincy. After some conversation between the two, mention of "retirement" could be overheard. Similar conversation and overheard words were held between Aaron and other members of Court. These conversations seem to lean toward his handing a mantel over that others will soon take up.

[Zeikari]

On the evening of 6 Mirtul 1360, a group of travelers were suddenly transported at the outskirts of the city by arcane teleportation, and made their way to the docks. One of them being the shipwreck survivor Lyka, who had recently been fished at the docks of Baldur's Gate, and the others being the Candlekeeper Isabella Villame, the amnesiac elven wizard Haldir, and the traveling adventurer Cassidy.
Of the four, the silver-hair and the Candlekeeper spoke Common, while the elven mage and the scruffy black-haired woman were conversing in a strange and exotic tongue. Their chat was rather light and pleasant up until they actually reached the docks, at which point the black-haired woman shifted into a far shakier demeanor. After staring at the ships and the waves for a while, muttering something in her tongue, the woman backed away from the sea, curling up under the shade of nearby bushes.



A few attempts to discern the cause of her distress were seemingly made, and the responses whispered Lyka appeared to cause some concern in the Candlekeeper. The probing eventually caused the woman to panic, screaming and pointing at the sea before running off.
The rest of the group ran after her, and found the woman not too far, laying unconscious and seizing in a dark alley.
After some discussion and failed attempts to wake her up, the three picked her up and teleported away.

[Zeikari]

On the late evening of 8 Mirtul 1360, the courteous atmosphere of the Manorborn district was disrupted by the appearance of a raggedy woman of unknown origin, escorted by the Knight of Selune Lunaethar, and the traveling mage Cassidy.

The woman, who some in the Heapside district may recognize as the shipwreck amnesiac Lykah, was seemingly being led to the Everwinter Estate to get a much-needed change in wardrobe... although some of the inhabitant of the district who had the displeasure to lay eyes or be within proximity of her might argue that no amount of silk could make up for the woman's clear lack of manners and decorum.




Perhaps due to the late hour, the estate was mostly deserted, which allowed the three women to take their time picking and changing outfits, as well as providing some much needed leeway and space to make up for the amnesiac's awkwardness and lack of experience with laces and similar trappings.




The atmosphere was light and the women seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the night. A few outfits were selected and paid for by Likah's silver-haired companions, and the three were just about to leave, when the mood suddenly took a dive. Following a few moments of confusion, Likah appeared to become suddenly sick. Thanks to the timely reaction of the Selunite, the Estate's furniture was preserved from being stained by the contents of the genasi's stomach, but, even then, neither regular nor magical help was seemingly enough to help her.



Following some brief shouting and clanking coming from the inside of the Estate, passerbys would notice a flash of magic, before finally peace and quiet was restored in the neighborhood.

[Eien]

Hidden: show

A Threefold Visit

---

The new Chancellor of the Radiant Heart's Chapterhouse, Athros Ravenmoor of Torm, can be seen visiting the Temples of the Holy Triad in the City.

A prayer to the Temple of Torm, Tyr, and Ilmater.

The Paladin Knight renews his Oaths as a Triadic Knight and makes a new one: to honour and serve the Most Noble Order, to help making it a bastion of hope, righteousness, justice, and mercy. So it shall be until Death comes to claim him.

Ser Ravenmoor also takes some time to offer guidance, training and education to potential squires and aspirants that the Temples might find, so they can be sent to the Chapterhouse in the Outer City.

Overall, despite his dignified and professional demeanour, the Knight suggests a sense of melancholy, coldness, perhaps even detachment. A feeling that might leave some people wondering. Wondering about the sensation of contrast between his words and general attitude.

[Zeikari]

On the eve of 13 Mirtul 1360, a group of women was seen going through a lengthy conversation near the Shrine of Ilmater.
As the chat proceeded, it appeared to grow more heated and cause some distress to a member of the group.
Given that the half of the people involved were speaking in a foreign tongue, it was rather difficult for passer-byes to understand what the subject discussed was, although, from the ones in the group talking in Common, it could be speculated that it was religious in nature.



Eventually, the woman in distress seemed too overwhelmed to keep going and ran off from the rest, disappearing in the Heapside District after several instances of shouting the words: "Rrso'se ha FFUTH!"

[Zeikari]

The evening of 19 Mirtul 1360 saw much commotion take place in the Temple of Tyr of Baldur's Gate.



All started when the Abbot put out a bounty against a band of murderous highwaymen led by one Tolbav the White. The call was answered by two devoted of Tyr, Vhaan de Luca and Halvard Stonevik, and the Hoarite Hound Wulfrik, as well as a group of disparate adventurers recently returned to the city by ship, which included the shipwreck survivor Lykah, the Helmite champion Nathaniel, the wandering traveler Cassidy, the Selunite knight Lunaethar, and the alleged Malarite bard Sylvanor.
The mission was off to a rocky start as accusations were levied against Sylvanor, regarding his worship and an alleged attempt to strike a deal with a powerful succubus. The latter claim was denied, and the bard claimed to be seeking redemption for past misdeeds, which led the Abbot to impose a test upon him for the duration of the mission in order to determine the sincerity of Sylvanor's words. The test in question being that the bard would promise not to kill anyone, man or beast, for the entirety of the bounty.
The Abbot also instructed the other adventurers that, should it be possible, they should also do their utmost to capture the brigands alive.

The mission led the group to a plain outside the Gate, and word has it that they came to face both humans and gnolls in the pursuit of their bounty. They returned to the temple as the sun went down, with a carriage loaded with prisoners, corpses, and a lot of stolen goods recovered from the bandit camp.

Despite having suffered no casualties, having accomplished their mission, and the bard having seemingly kept to his word, the mood was a bit sour at their return, as the paladin Halvard insisted that the water genasi had taken advantage of the commotion of the battle and her wand of invisibility to stole some coin from the recovered goods.

The issue was brought up to the Abbot, who offered to prove the veracity of the accusation by submitting Lykah to the Scales of Justice. Given the hostility of the genasi following what she claimed was a baseless accusation, others in her group decided to come forth and submit themselves ahead of her, to show her that there was nothing for her to fear, as the Maimed God would not punish her unjustly.



The Abbot placed the feather of a deva on the scales, and called forth Cassidy to submit one of her belongings and be tested. The half-elf traveler placed her pin on the other side, and the scales nearly evened out. The priest, who interpreted the divine signs, claimed that her life was disorderly, but her heart was good and free of sin.

Then came the turn of Sylvanor, who provided a strand of his own hair, and witnessed the plate dip far deeper in his disfavor, almost as low as to touch the altar upon which the scales was held upon. The Abbot claimed that the bard's actions led to great evil and destruction, yet he seemed to take as genuine the bard's desire to mend his ways.



Finally, came the turn of Lykah, who appeared still reticent to submit herself to the scales. After some additional arguments were exchanged, she agreed only on condition that, regardless of the outcome, the one who accused her first, the paladin Halvard, would agree to be judged by her god in turn, after this trial was over. Some bickering ensued, especially as both Luna and Cassidy appeared to be somewhat unsettled by the request, yet the paladin eventually agreed to Lykah's terms.



The woman placed her choker upon the empty plate, and, to the shock of all who witnessed, it plummeted to the ground. The scales began to shake, the feather burned bright, and the priest was caught by a great ill that wracked his body and mind with pain, and nearly caused him to faint on the spot. While the paladins and priests present at the scene rushed to his aid, the feather burst into flames, and an Archon of Justice appeared before the altar, wielding a flaming sword.



Terrified and fearing for her life, Lykah rushed out of the temple, disappearing in the dark streets of the city without leaving a trace.



Those who know of her and her nature, might catch notice in their investigations that, not long after her disappearance, some drunken sailors heard the wailing and panting of an unseen woman, and then a great and sudden splash by the northernmost wharf of the docks.

[Ashenie]

Poisoned Fish

The Temple of the Broken God wishes to warn about potential poisoned fish affected by a strange affliction. Washed up fishes should be avoided and any who feel headache, or strange symptoms after eating fish is invited to find help within the Shrine of the Suffering without delay. The poison is deemed deathly, quick and potent.
It is yet only known to have affected fishes, but other contamination are not excluded.

The Temple of the Broken God welcomes any help to discover the source of the poison. Volunteers could find Merenia Aujiraesthyr, or Sister Ashenie if she is unvailable.

So none have to endure torments and pains,

Sister Ashenie,
Caretaker in Mercy's Orphanage,
Sisterhood of Saint Jasper of the Rocks,
Ilmatari Church

[Obvious_Illusion]

Sword of Tyr, Vhaan de Luca, a blonde priest in knightly plate with lavender accents, can be spotted in different districts of Baldur's Gate and in the Outer City, speaking to the common folk about the Triad. He speaks with charm and authority, with conviction and sincerity, and with a stoic countenance. If asked by guards to move along (perhaps because a growing crowd might block a path), he does so without hesitation. Detractors might test his patience, and the accusation of 'Tyrant' elicits a visible twitch on his face. But he remains calm. He also provides magical healing to those who are injured, and directs those who need further aid and support to the Shrine of Suffering and other shelters.

He proselytises on each day. One such example of his sermon:

Hark! In the name of Tyr I speaketh, as His Sword, Vhaan de Luca. The Justice Archon Terragona, The Flame of the Just, hath visited upon the citizens of Baldur’s Gate on behalf of the Just God. Her pureness radiates, and I offer thou a humble proclamation of the Triad in her light.

The Loyal Fury offers His loyalty to you, and asks that you act with honour and give dutiful service to faith, to family, to authority, and to all good fellow beings. The Tormites and the Tormtar shall protect you from the vile evils of our realm. Though their brethren hath committed sins during the Godswar, theirs is a Penance of Duty, and they inspire a path of Redemption.

The Broken God offers His succor to you, so that you may not suffer in solitude and shall find Mercy. Today is the first day in what is left of your life, so live it well! His faithful feed and shelter the downtrodden and aid all in need. They shoulder your burdens, and in return you shall provide onto others these comforts.

And the Even-Handed God humbly offers His Justice to you, so that we may be bound together under the order of Baldur’s Gate and live in peace. He offers His absolute will – and all face His judgement fairly, be they rich or poor, Lord or peasant. Confess your sins, so that Justice may endure. Punishment upholds that which is Good, and deters the Wicked. Bring word to us of contradictory laws, and we shall seek perfection in His name.

It is the Triad that brings us peace and order. Eras ago, it is said that Old Grimjaws appeared upon Toril with a burst of light, with hundreds of archons in tow, and a proclamation that “our realms shall be cleansed of Wickedness and Anarchy.” And thusly He acted. He exterminated Foul beings of chaos, and gifted onto us a vision of Absolute Order. The Darknesses of our realms seek to undo His vision at every step, and they shall enjoy no footing in Baldur’s Gate.

The Triad offers you salvation against that which may threaten us. Thou have suffered during the Godswar, under numerous calamities and discord. In unity, we are Strong! Give to the Temples of Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater. Treat thou fellow folk kindly. Live in obedience and temperance. And seek to right the wrongs you have committed.

Duty bind, Mercy bless, Justice prevail!

[Obvious_Illusion]

Sword of Tyr, Vhaan de Luca continues his proselytising across the city, but his sermons have taken on a slightly different turn. He remains pious, charming, and stoic, but the contents of his sermon heed some vague warning. Vhaan directs those interested in the Triadic faiths to the respective temples, and he aims to console any who appear distressed with his calming demeanour.

One such example of a recent sermon:

Hark! In the name of Tyr the Even-Handed I speaketh, as His Sword, Vhaan de Luca. I offer a simple proclamation: The Triad shall be your salvation in the darkness. Follow the light of Tyr, Torm, and Ilmater, and bring good and order to all.

The faithful of the Triad shall protect you from the wicked, shoulder your burdens, and vanquish the evil that threatens this realm. Heed the warnings of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart – foul crab-like creatures and undead have been sighted along the seashore, and poisoned fish may pose a danger to you. But have no fear – with faith we shall endure!

Humble Baldurians and travellers, now more than ever you must look to those around you as your family and offer them comfort and devotion. Protect the innocent and the vulnerable. Live virtuous and ordered lives. And have courage in the face of adversity. In unity we have strength.

Danger lurks, but I know the people of this fine city have faced worse. Have faith in justice, for we of the Triad pray for you all, and we serve you with obedience. The Justice Archon Lady Terragona the Flame of the Just remains with us as a guiding light at the Hall of Justice. And Ser Halvard Stonevik, Paladin of Tyr and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, sacrificed his life against the darkness. Honour the righteous with your devotion; his spirit shall inspire us all to live virtuous lives of determination!

Duty bind, Mercy bless, Justice endure!

[Lethze]

Rumour in the most dark and foul corners of Baldur's Gate has that a horned figure of pale shadow appeared in the city's sewer system, brought with it packages of food, medicines, clothes, even some books and magical potions, dispensed to the people who made residence in the sewers, no matter their hostility to the shadowy figure. The figure did not coward away from any attempt to harm it by the local residents, and insisted its aid for those whose fates have been deemed inconsequential by the Leviathan of the city above, along with an offer: a portal framed with golden light, to be transported away for a change of habitancy, in escape of the potential darkness to come, and that has already lurked from the beginning.

Those who accepted the offer went through the portals briefly opened by the figure, it is unknown to the rumour where they have been led to. But according to the words told of the conjurer, they will arrive at somewhere a bit east.

[Obvious_Illusion]

Sword of Tyr, Vhaan de Luca continues his proselytising across the city, and his sermons vary; some are inspirational in heralding the light of the Triad, while others are much more stern. He continues to avail himself of priestly services to common folk; healing, advice, directions.

One such example of a recent stern sermon:

Hark! In the name of Tyr the Even-Handed I speaketh, as His Sword, Vhaan de Luca. I offer these words in the name of His Justice: The Truth shall free you from the chains of deceit, and the guilty shall be Punished.

Over mine humble years of service I have heard time and time again all sorts of talk of redemption, and most ludicrously, redemption offered unconditionally following the execution of the gravest and darkest sins.

In contrast, I seldom hear talk of responsibility, duty, and penance. Verily, it is a blessing to take on the mantle of atonement, but it is not a blessing that can be meaningfully offered until one has faced the true weight of their sins.

In Tyr's name I declare: the guilty must be punished for their sins. There is no redemption without punishment; it is hollow, and it amounts to saying, “You do not need to face the Truth of your sins, and you do not owe your fellow folk and victims anything for the harms you have committed.” There is no integrity to such a sentiment. That which is Wrong must be made Right. Injustices shall not be absolved with nothingness.

Many err from the path of virtue, and when that occurs, they shall be punished in accordance with the law, in a manner which is fair and tempered by mercy. That is the Justice of Tyr! Having faced the weight of one’s guilt, thou shall learn and grow and treat your fellow citizens and travellers with kindness. After facing the weight of one’s own Truth, it is then, and only then, that one can seek redemption with fidelity.

Justice endures in this sacred responsibility. Order is preserved when the guilty are punished. And through this, we are bound together in unity – folk protecting other folk from the wickedness of the realms.

May Tyr watch over you!