Rumors & Events of Baldur's Gate

[Tantive]

It happened without much announcement at first, but once the moment arrived, what was seen from the shores of Ulgoths was a gargantuan whirlpool. The streets of Baldur's Gate started with minor panic and riots in the city, much of that to have been spurned by Doomsayers claiming the world's ending. The crowds were placated and doomsayers hauled off in their arrests.

A certain Scion of Siamorphe was seen running in the city with a sprint to House Vale and the eastern district.

For some people, the dawning news of what lays beyond the whirlpool, had people leaving the city to watch at Ulgoths Beard where the sizable detachment of Fist soldiers have been deployed for tendays now.

[Deragnost]

The End of Times

It was a day like many others. People was walking through the streets, thinking about commerce, thinking about how to pass yet another day. Maybe some were fighting because their neighbour kicked their favorite flowers, maybe they were kissing their first love, or maybe they were having a date or simply enjoying a good drink in a tavern or enjoying good music. A day like many others indeed, where people were thinking and considering what to do next. A day like many others... until it was not, anymore.

It happened all of a sudden, with people panicking through the several districts. Cries and screams of terror and desperation, while a few were standing on crates, calling for impending doom with a giant whirlpool extending up to the skies, as tall as the city itself - some would say.

Some people would recall of a figure with a feathered hat, running between the sea districts, trying to calm the people and dodging some random punches directly to the face and, sometimes, returning them in kind. Some would recall of that figure shaking those people calling for impending doom and probably tossing them away or kicking where the light doesn't dare, trying to calm people down, remembering their Baldurian's pride.

Eventually the chaos was prevented, but as she was sought out, trying to identify this person with a feathered hat, it was gone and nowhere to be seen.

[xEmeraldx]

*A figure clad in black from head to toe moves throughout the streets from shadows to shadows in the Lower city, making his way to inform all those under his charge. And all of those employed by the local Thieve's Guild where given notice of a dangerous threat. The figure walked the darken streets casually in a very calm manner. Maybe some commoners and maybe even the City Watch or Fist patrols might had caught a glimpse of him before the figure stepped into the many shadows only to disappear like a ghost.*

"All assets must be protected at any cost...
Do nothing, let the hero's of the city be the frontline...
and for once lets hope they do not fail this city."

[Tantive]

The rumoured party that set out for the ocean from Ulgoth's beard amidst the chaos surrounding the whirlpool, seemed to have made a return near the Vale estate. The group slowly dispersed, some more worse for wear then others.

[DaloLorn]

Among the dispersing adventurers, one man - a half-elven transmuter by the name of Vilmar Dall - could be seen accompanying Sister Ashenie into the Shrine of Suffering, and finding a place to sleep somewhere within the temple.

Between an open invitation by a member of House Vale, and his own funds, finding a more comfortable bed should not have presented much challenge. Interested parties might infer that there might have been a different purpose to his stay with the Ilmatari, and indeed, the Shrine's regular occupants could confirm that his sleep was not entirely restful that night, despite efforts to settle him down.

Physically, the young transmuter's wounds are all healed, and by the time he's gone to sleep, his robes no longer show any sign of the mortal wound he had sustained during the battle. But there are others, it seems, that may linger awhile longer...

[mixafix]

The Golden Wheel Trading Company responded in dynamic fashion to the latest blight to hit the coast at Ulgoth's Beard. Learning that many heroic business partners were converging there to do mighty battle the Golden Wheel rapidly put to market various relevant potions scrolls and wands to help keep heroes heroic.

This timely intervention most certainly saved lives a director claimed, while driving the team to greater effort to deal with any aftermath even before it happened. The Guild took it's responsibilities seriously and continued working through the night to gather more trade goods to take to the survivors wherever they were to be found.

The Guild remains in a forward facing posture ready to facilitate requests in real time as they come in. A fund raising scroll plan was urgently being considered.

Remember rupturing rifts and destroying demons all start with Golden Wheel Heals

[Deragnost]

The Maw of the Abyss

"I could not help feeling that they were evil things—mountains of madness whose farther slopes looked out over some accursed ultimate abyss."

"The end is near. I hear a noise at the door, as of some immense slippery body lumbering against it. It shall not find me. God, that hand! The window! The window!"

- H.P. Lovecraft

"The walls are shaking!

Why are you flying?

Hey look at your face,

you're

so

big

and

upside

down!

Oh no! NO!"

Nothing written, nothing said, will ever be able to describe what has been witnessed by those who descended there, into what it was the closest place to the Abyss on the Material Plane. It is rumored that when the strike team decided to move into the portal created by Yabell, Apprentice of Elminster, they disappeared into a black smoke. Aside what was told by those who returned, some with a mind more scarred by others, no one can truly say what was witnessed or seen into the depths. Some claimed it was like staring into horror itself, others that it was like seeing their thoughts flying into the aether, while others witnessed probably the most normal things.

One thing was for certain. The Rift was closed, and that meant no more reinforcements. Whatever happened down there, it'll save countless lives. However, the battle was far from over, and everything had barely just begun...

[Obvious_Illusion]

Amidst the chaos brought on by the whirlpool, Sword of Tyr, Vhaan de Luca aids in maintaining the routines of the Temple of Tyr. He helps those who visit, and focuses on training and supporting the recent templars of the temple. Although appearing drained and wearied - like some edge to his composure has been lost - he otherwise maintains a stubbornly pious resolve.

He sticks to the temples district, and continues his sermons with charismatic zeal:

Hark! In the name of Tyr I speaketh, as His Sword, Vhaan de Luca. The Vile Darkness has emerged from the sea to threaten all of that which is good and pure and beautiful and Just. And it was poised to cast a long shadow over our realm, and to fester rot and decay. A grand evil that feeds upon the deceptions called forth in the dark of night and which sleight through the fingers of the truly wicked. A grand evil empowered by the criminals and oathbreakers and sinners. And a grand evil that delights in the putrid hearts of the grim monstrosities we dare not imagine.

But, in the hour of darkness the champions of the Righteous stood brave. They were like a flicker of a candle against an unrelenting gust. And they persevered, and were victorious. Praised be the guardians of the Just, protectors of Baldur's Gate! Yet we still bear witness to the wicked taint that is left. A despicable evil that haunts. The silence of broken seaside homes. Fractured trust. And verily, deep uncertainty of what shall come.

To this, I say, in the Grace of His Hammer. Turn to the Triad, turn to the Just God. Guidance. Succor. Protection. Virtue. Purity of mind and soul shall cleanse the wickedness of this land. Anarchy shall have no quarter here. We, the people of the realm of the Sword Coast, of the Western Heartlands, of Baldur's Gate, are together strong. Listen to the wisdom of our Dukes. Trust in one another, and above all, trust in the Just, the Merciful, the Dutiful. Through our unity, we shall endure, and we shall cast aside the wickedness that threatens!

[Ashenie]

Litanies of prayer and lullabies in the darkness of moondark's heart compose the daily endeavor of the Ilmatari. It is said that sanctified prayers and consecrations are renewed with each dawn within the Shrine of the Suffering, to ward and dispell the whispers of the Abyss. Around the doors of the shelters, of the shrine and the Orphanage, Sister Ashenie is seen to renew blessings involving silver dust. Strange celestial markings adorn the vaults of the doors. It is said that the Ossuary is also maked, along its walls, entrances, shelves and around every corner, so the dead cannot be distrubed, and so the Abyss cannot take hold.

The doors of the Shrine are open and the Ilmatari welcome all who feel under the pressure of the Abysss, all those who have lost someone dear and who fear for their lives, or the lives of their loved ones. Despite the darkness and magnitude of the threat, the Ilmatari are said to be calm and composed, likely used to see so much suffering.

It is said that during day and night, some of the Ilmatari, helped by volunteers, reach for the most vulnerable. It is also said that they try to help the wounded and afflicted Flaming Fist soldiers, so to honor the word of their doctrine : "Help all who hurt, no matter who they are."

[selhan]

Rumors in the Gate

Residence in the Grey Harbor would spread the rumors of how they seen the City Watch knocking on every door and they did mean "Every" door, to inspect and search for suspicious people, people fitting the description of possible murder suspects. It was said that even in the darkest hours in the night, they had woken up to a banging on the door and stern voices yelling out...

"Open up! Its the City Watch on official business!
By authorization of General Moruene,
we are here to search and inspect your homes,
your business, your temples!
If you refuse to do so...

You will be arrested and charged for
Disruption of official business,
And Disobedience towards Authority!"

Many residence likely didn't take kind to the City Watch late night search and inspections. But they had a job to do. And these Officials surely had something to prove. If anything else could have been said about the door to door searches, it was that , they started in the East District and was working their way towards the rest of the Lower City. Even shaking up beggars.

[InTheFlesh]

In an unlocked docks warehouse, around two dozen Baldurians congregate to levy complaints at their Speaker before the Duchal Courts. He finds that practically all of them have the same recent complaint: The City Watch has been all-but-forcing themselves into their homes late at night, threatening arrest for non-compliance in allowing them to thoroughly search their dwellings. These two dozen are affiliated with The Commons of Baldur's Gate, and the recent excesses committed by the City Watch have clearly left a sour taste in their mouths.



Their Speaker, Rhaeg, offers them a promise: "I'll get answers for you, from th'Watch or Moruene. By whatever means it takes." As he turns to depart them, he cracks his knuckles through his gauntlets.

[selhan]

The Search Continues!!

Regardless if some of the residence of the Lower City seemed displeased or angered by the City Watches searches, it would be rumored that the Watch diligently continues their door to door searches and inspections. If any of the commons attempted to voice their displeasures to the Guards at their doors, the standard dialog given to each and every home, establishment in the East District thus far will be repeated sternly.

"Open up! Its the City Watch on official business!
By authorization of General Moruene,
we are here to search and inspect your homes,
your business, your temples!
If you refuse to do so...

You will be arrested and charged for
Disruption of official business,
And Disobedience towards Authority!"

However in addition to those upset or displeased, the City Watch namely Norin Brows while shining a lantern's illuminating light to see the home and business owners face clearly, would add in with a stern tone..

"We are looking for the culprits of seven murder cases. It is in our duty to seek out these culprits and bring them to justice in accordance to the law's of Baldur's Gate. Now then, if you have nothing to hide, please open the door and the sooner we get this done, the sooner we will leave."

[Dragonslayer]

Rumor has it that Morgan Rhywm, magus of House Vale, has been seen in and about the Temple of Mystra on a regular basis since the fall of Ulgoth's Beard. Simultaneously, notes have appeared on various message boards within the Gate and posted in areas both common and noble.

Practitioners of the Weave in Baldur's Gate,

I am Morgan Rhywm, Arcanist of House Vale. Tides have turned against the people of Baldur's Gate, and demons threaten the lives and livelihood of the people of this city. I represent Lord Osric Vale, a devotee of Siamorphe, and a man who looks to do his utmost for the people of the Gate, common or not. To that end, I am offering what knowledge I am able in the Temple of Mystra in the art of arcane battle. Either through lecture, or through battle itself, I will seek to teach any arcanist, first circle or ninth, what techniques and spells are key to dueling forces Abyssal in nature.

-Magus Rhywm

Those who spot the magus see him enter the temple daily after lunch, and remain until the streets turn dark and the flow of people fades away. Frequently, he is the final figure on the streets of that portion of the Gate, the click of his boots echoing in his solitary walk towards his quarters in House Vale.

((If anyone wishes to RP further, please send a PM!))

[InTheFlesh]

In that same repurposed warehouse, more than twice the number of spectators and onlookers as last meeting are crowding both within and just outside the warehouse's open doors, bustling and nudging to better hear Rhaeg issue an emphatic diatribe.


“I promised you answers and some measure’ve accountability. I can only fairly claim I have some’ve th’former to offer you all today.” Rhaeg’s road-pavingly gravelly voice is nonetheless – And this time only – infused with a pyroclastic fieryness and passion as he harangues the crowd.
“There’s a murderer on th’loose, likely in allegiance to Cyric. They’ve not told me of a single suspect but as you can no doubt infer from last night’s mass arrests of dozens of commonfolk demanding accountability and an outlet of anger and grief from the break-ins you’ve all withstood every night – We are all of us suspects in Baldur’s Gate.”

“I thoroughly questioned a 'Norin Brows' Watchman, th’latest model of golem they’ve rolled out from the Temple of Gond. He had nothin’ to say except that he’s merely 'following orders' – Seven or eight times – as he breaks-and-enters again and again under his threats of arrest for non-compliance.”

Rhaeg stares out at the crowd with a withering glare that might be difficult for some to confidently meet. “ ‘Whose orders’, you may ask? A 'Captain A.B. Barns' and, above him, General Moruene. As I warned four months ago, the higher-ups of the city – Those answerin’ directly to the Dukes – See you as criminals yet-to-be-charged. This can’t merely be evidence of a 'few bad apples'. The 'bunch' would have put out a public explanation, some weasel-words exoneratin’ themselves; anythin’ if they felt you were anything but somethin’ t’use and abuse as a permanent underclass.”

“With your blessin’...” His fire abates, just a tad. “...I’ll demand an audience with Moruene to find out why th’Watch is given free reign t’be as cold and unfeeling as their hearts desire.” Rhaeg pauses, a moment. “And if she says she’s “just followin’ orders”, I’ll demand an audience with th’Dukes themselves."

“Until then, we clearly can’t merely rely on the Watch or Fist to protect the commonfolk of th’city – And I’m only one man.” The Speaker wets his lips. “T’that end, I propose a Commons Militia be formed, trained, and partially mobilized to patrol for this killer or killers, as well as to give us a fighting chance should the Ulgoth’s demons push further up th’river. I can promise personal trainin’ from yours truly with clubs, spears, daggers, and crossbows – All simple weapons t’use and train with – And shod or forged in cold iron, a metal that burns demonflesh like acid. Myself and a Tormtar named Simon also pledge coin, training sessions, and education in militant discipline so that we together can make th’city safe from any that might prey upon us.”

Rhaeg looks out upon the teeming crowd, attempting to contort his permanent scowl into something arguably more heartstruck. “Thank you. For believin’ in me, for believin’ in yourselves, for understandin’ that 'just because things could be worse' doesn’t mean they couldn’t be a whole lot piking better, too. Th’next meetin’ is t’be held later this week.

He adds, belatedly, as the crowd begins to part for the massive man’s exit. “Refreshment’ll be provided.”

[Ashenie]

While relentless power struggles, political strifes, and murders cloud the city, it is said that Ilmatari endeavor in the quiet darkness of the night, and under clear daylight, to reach the most vulnerable.

The grim realities of the Lower, Outer, and Upper City are tragically familiar, silently weaving themselves into the fabric of daily life while the most vocal of the population focus on the reported failures of their own watch. Children found in the streets find comfort, while pregnant women are offered shelter and support, shielded from the city's unrest to prevent premature distress. The downtrodden are gently led to safety, whether to shelters or the shrine, away from the brewing conflicts.

Sister Ashenie is said to take great care in reaching out to the city's street children. Although the Ilmatari respect the chosen paths of others, they are resolute in shielding children from the harms of political and social ideologies - no matter the cause or origin - until they are mature enough to make their own decisions with full understanding. Her duty seems to extend beyond the children, touching the lives of soldiers' families and common folk alike, ensuring that none are left to face their suffering in solitude. A few times, she is also reported to approach the soldiers of the Radiant Heart to offer quiet explanation, a warm cup of infusion, and solace.

It is said that the doors of the Shrine are open for all. It is also said that no wounded soul, no fallen body, no child, nor victim is left unattended if they come within the reach of the Ilmatari. While no preaching seems to come from the Temple, their endeavors are renewed, their silent perseverance unshaken, always respectful of others.

The trauma of the Crimson Spice still considered, the darkness of the Abyss still mended in the light of Faith, it seems that none of the past and present wounds are forgotten, nor left to fester.