DM Rumours of Amn

[DM Abyss]

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TRIAL BY COMBAT
Watcher Wai Li of Helm, accused of sedition against Amn

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Credit : Trial by Combat by YunaXD

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Rumors have it that Watcher Wai Li has been confined within the strict borders of Amn for the past months. People speculate that the conflict between the Everwatch Knights and the Inquisition has reached a boiling point, leading to the trial of a highly esteemed member of the Everwatch, Wai Li. While speculation regarding her guilt persists, the most malicious gossip accuses her of treason, sedition, and betrayal of the virtues and honor expected of an Amnian Paladin, particularly in regard to the legitimate authority of the Council of Six. Others suggest that a sense of righteousness and duty led the Helm Paladin to investigate where she should not have, resulting in her entanglement in political matters.

Regardless of the truth, Wai Li has made it known through the Church of Helm that she has requested a Trial by Combat. Although Amn is not known for this tradition and typically favors lengthy and complex legal procedures, the Council of Six has agreed to the request. Rumors circulating in Athkatla suggest that Wai Li will likely face one of the champions of Amnian Justice, Valar Thorncrek, also known as "The Goreblade Warlord." This champion has a reputation for handling particularly challenging cases of justice through combat and is rumored to be merciless in the pursuit of true Amnian Justice.

In recent days, town criers have announced that the trial by combat will take place in Nashkel, with no interference permitted. Charges of treason and sedition will be brought against those who attempt to obstruct the administration of adamant justice.

// The event will take place in May, 12th. The event is public. Starting preparation will begin around 19:00 GMT. The proper begining of the event will be 20:00GMT.

[DM Mimic]

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UNEASY RESPITE

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Credit: Unknown

In the aftermath of Wai Li's Trial by Combat, the Everwatch Captain's victory was cheered by the locals of Nashkel, many of whom felt the charges levied against Wai Li were spurious. Some among the Northern Baronies suggest that the Watcher brought the trial upon herself through her undermining of the Council of Six's authority but these voices are few and far between. Most celebrate the exoneration of the Watcher and the assurance that justice can still be found in Amn.

Wai Li's smiting of her foe in her trial by combat in Helm's name sees the Vigilant One's faithful swell in number in Nashkel. Some note the stark difference in how the Watcher's trial played out in comparison to that of Tyrelius. The astute recognize that surely had the Council of Six wished, the Watcher's trial could have been rigged against her, just as the farce of a show trial that was Tyrelius' sentencing. Whether they stayed their hands in Wai Li's trial or attempted to intervene and failed, no one is certain.

What is certain is that the High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar stormed off upon the pronouncement of Wai Li's innocence. Soon after, the Inquisition announces its intention to withdraw from Nashkel. With the defeat of the Arcane Liberation Front, the execution of Tyrelius, and the resolution of the Castus affair, the High Inquisitor claims total success in the Inquisition's goals. The Inquisition now regroups in Crimmor, where it will be better situated to deploy across Amnian territory.

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In Athkatla, one of the Meisarch's clerks comes across a list on his desk:

• Lady Cold Circle Alva Sigurdsdottir

• Lady Deep Winter Astrid Ragnarsdottir

• Kazaiev Dovrik

• Bronwyn the Scorned

• Tyrelius the Thrice-Judged

• The Arcane Liberation Front

• Castus the Fallen

• The Everwatch

• Watcher Wai Li

After studying it carefully, she slips out from the Meisarch's office, careful not to be seen. Traversing the fortress-like halls of the Council House, it is not long before she reaches her intended destination: the Iltarch's office. As she knocks on the door, her eyes dart down the hallways, careful to make sure she is alone. The Iltarch beckons her to enter and she swings the sturdy oak door open; she finds him lounging on the chaise by the fireplace. Even from behind his mask, she can almost feel the man's cunning smile attaching onto her, like a spider ready to plunge its fangs into its prey.

"So," the Iltarch starts. "... what is our dear Meisarch up to now?"

The clerk shuts the door behind her.

Credit: John Silva

// This concludes this chapter of the Amn plot. Amn has gotten a lot of attention this past year so I will be moving on to other locales after my break. Not to say I will never be in Amn again, but definitely my focus will be shifting elsewhere for a bit. Thank you to everyone who helped bring Amn and the Inquisition plot to life this past year, especially DMs Abyss, Honk, and the players who participated in these events! Without you, there would be no story. Thank you and look forward to further adventures and intrigue on BGTSCC!

[DM Grogu]

In Nashkel, a gathering of the local populace and Helmites celebrated the Shieldmeet by performing the ritual of the Honoring of Helm.

Mayor Berrun Ghastkill offered the interlude.

High Watchpriest Jaumet Ubina then followed up with his words, praising Vigilance.
In turn, then, did Pryat Gilthisanthilas offer a speech about contemplation. Taking a moment to consider on how to move onwards.
Captain Sinoc followed suit then. Offering words on how Helmites stand at the front to keep Nashkel safe from harm.
Watcher Wai Li then proceeded to speak about the why of the celebration, uttering her powerful words; " He is our god, he is with power, because the truths he stands for are unwavering, unyielding. As he stands for all that we love and cherish, all that we seek that is good and lawful to guard in this world."

A recital, in conclusion, on the Helmite creed was then spoken by the High Watchpriest.

"Guard perfectly! attentively, and with forethought!"
"Be ever, vigilant"
"Guard! ...what thou art ordered to guard!"
"Including that on which thou charge dependeth on!"
"PRAISE. BE. HELM!"

And with that, did the gathering slowly disperse. The celebration continued in the Northern Lights Inn after until the early hours...

[DM Mimic]

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MASSACRE AT THE RHONMARK BARONY

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Credit: Valeriy Vegera

The sordid tale of the succession conflict surrounding the fate of the Rhonmark Barony took a shocking turn in 1361 Alturiak as both sides made radical moves against each other. Rumors spread that Eloy Rhonmark - the infamous legal advocate known for his show-trial defense of the terrorist Tyrelius - had somehow swayed the Judicator charged with arbitrating this dispute to his side. Stefan Rhonmark, once thought to be a paragon amongst the Amnian border baronies, then revealed his true colors by plotting to assassinate his uncle Eloy.

As first reported by Director Natalia Fernanda of the Golden Wheel Trading Company, she became aware of a conspiracy by mage-rebels to target Eloy Rhonmark and informed the Inquisition stationed in Nashkel of the potential danger. Convinced by the Director's words, the Inquisition rallied to Eloy's defense and - putting two and two together - arrested Stefan. With Stefan now in Inquisition custody and Eloy having been declared the rightful Baron and head of House Rhonmark, it seemed - if only for a moment - that the elder Rhonmark had achieved total victory.

However, Stefan's plot proceeded undeterred, even despite his incarceration. In a further surprise, the Inquisition soldiers summoned to Eloy's defense proved insufficient against the mage rebels. No witnesses were left alive but it seemed all too clear what had transpired: the raiders slaughtered Eloy Rhonmark, the Judicator Sofia Barca, the Inquisition defenders dispatched to Eloy's defense, and the Rhonmark's guards and staff. The estate was looted and then abandoned, the perpetrators leaving only blood and corpses in their wake.

Without any other plausible suspects, most believe that this horrendous massacre was the work of a bitter and jealous Stefan, unable to accept his uncle's elevation to Baron over him. Now, with Eloy dead and Stefan imprisoned on charges of his uncle's murder, the barony's fate falls to the Council of Six to adjudicate. Neither Eloy nor Stefan have viable heirs and neither were married. Some suspect the Council will use this opportunity to elevate a Baron of their choosing and solidify their influence in Amn's northern Baronies.

In the meantime, the Council of Six has ordered the Inquisition to triple their patrols in Rhonmark territory so long as Stefan's co-conspirators remain at large.

[DM Mimic]

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WHO COVETS THE CROWN

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Credit: Sandra Chlewińska

In the months after the massacre of Eloy Rhonmark and his supporters at his estate, Stefan Rhonmark is convicted and sentenced to death for the crimes of conspiracy and murder. All the while proclaiming his innocence, the young lord - who once was a symbol of hope for new leadership - was hanged at the gallows in Nashkel. His last words, curiously enough, were to curse Director Natalia Fernanda of the Golden Wheel Trading Company. If any were curious as to why he would do such a thing, the opportunity to hear more of Stefan's woes ended as the noose drew tight around his neck.

With the Rhonmark family line decimated, the Council of Six moved quickly to secure the Rhonmark's territory, ostensibly to maintain law and order until a new Baron or Baroness could be appointed. At first, some assumed the Council of Six would install a puppet loyal to the Council as soon as possible. But in the intervening weeks, no proclamation comes.

Those paying attention to these things might hear that there is division within the Council as to whom to appoint. Apparently, the Tessarch (who serves as the Council's primary liaison to Amn's major houses) and the Namarch (whose purview covers imports and trade) disagree on the preferred candidate. Judicator Ario Rey is the Tessarch's nomination for the barony, a loyalist who has proven himself amenable to the Council's wishes. Meanwhile, the Namarch throws his support behind one Federico Garsea, a pompous Trade Inspector with ties across the Sword Coast.

While the Tessarch outranks the Namarch on the Council, only one of the Tessarch's fellow council members back his candidate, while two others favor the Namarch's selection. As the council debates, all eyes fall on the Meisarch, who presides over the entire Council as its de facto leader and tiebreaker. Much to their frustration, the Meisarch seems not at all inclined to make a quick decision on the matter.

The lack of an appointment results in several ambitious upstarts presenting themselves as potential alternate candidates. Their gamble: as the campaign between Judicator Rey and Inspector Garsea unfolds, both might find their reputations tarnished enough such that a dark horse candidate might break through. All of Northern Amn watches with bated breath to see how this political game will unfold.

Meanwhile, as he campaigns for support in Crimmor, Federico Garsea receives an exquisite gift from a Baldurian, of all people. Much to his delight, the Inspector adds to his wardrobe:

... a well-crafted ensemble styled in the traditional Amnain flair befitting that of a noble with its elaborate floral patterned embroidery etched about the doublet, jacket, and cape. The stylist buckle boots are crafted from the leather of snow tiger hide (courtesy of a trusted cobbler) and the garment itself is imbued with masculine hues of cognac and bronze. Proudly etched on the left chest portion of the doublet the Inspector would find the sigil of the Adamantine Nation of Amn.

[DM Mimic]

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MANUEVERS

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Credit: Maxim Kostin

As the day of the gala approaches, Amn sees a flurry of activity. Prominent merchants, lords, and adventurers find their way to Nashkel's Northern Lights Inn, in anticipation of what promises to be the event of the season. Nashkel itself is abuzz with the possibility that the town might soon receive members of the Council of Six for the festivities. Indeed, those who pay attention to such things might note a military detachment at least one-hundred strong marching northward from Crimmor, making their way through the Cloud Peaks. What else besides escorting the Council of Six could be the purpose for such a host?

Meanwhile in Athkatla, rumors spread of the rising influence of the Church of Cyric. Those who follow the One True Way seem to have established themselves in the City of Coin; courtiers note the frequency by which Cyric's faithful achieve prominent position and stations of influence seems to be increasing, oftentimes over the strenuous objections of the Church of Helm and the Radiant Heart. Some suggest the Black Sun's rise in Amn has the backing of the Shadow Thieves, though there is precious little conclusive evidence to corroborate the accusation.

The contest itself between Inspector Federico Garsea and Judicator Ario Rey grows more heated by the day. Supporters for both candidates among the masses extoll their virtues in public while delivering scathing castigations of their opponent at every opportunity, as though an election were about to take place. But the saavy know that it is not the populace at large who shall determine who ascends the Rhonmark Barony. Rather, there are only six opinions that matter in this decision.

[DM Mimic]

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THE SET STAGE

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Credit: Robbie McSweeney

The Council of Six's entourage at last arrives in Nashkel, bringing with them heightened fanfare and scrutiny in equal measure. Under cloak of night, at least two council members appear to have found themselves shelter within the Mayor's mansion. As for their retinue, the initial reports of a host over a hundred-strong appear to have overestimated the actual size of the military force, with only fifty-some soldiers making their way into the town. Still, even at a glance, it can be seen that the soldiers who arrive with the Council of Six are the elite among the elite. Notably, the escort includes a large contingent of loyalist Amnian Magi, their presence a clear sign that the Council members' security is of upmost priority.

As local nobles, ambitious merchants, and foreign dignitaries continue funneling into the town - all of them hoping to get a front-row seat to the naming of the new Baron and perhaps an opportunity to better their own lots - the stage has been set for a most pivotal moment in Amnian politics. All that remains to be seen is who shall be named Baron ... and what intrigue their ascension might entail.

[DM Mimic]

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PIROUETTES AND FEINTS

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Credit: wlop

2 Eleasis, 1361: In what would come to be known in Amn as the Dance of Spies, the ascension of Judicator Ario Rey all but became a footnote in the very celebratory gala that was to announce his stewardship of the Rhonmark Barony. Instead, a flurry of declarations from the Council of Six made clear that the masquerade ball was nothing but an excuse for deception and intrigue. Even an ostentatious magic show, an auction that saw the Regent of Darkhold bid almost a million gold on a single painting, and an apparent attempt on the incoming Baron's life could not top the accusations delivered by the Iltarch for all of Amn to see.

To the surprise of many in the ballroom, Inspector Federico Garsea was nowhere to be found for the majority of the gala. Given that he was the only other major candidate under consideration for the Barony, many noted his absence. His macabre arrival hours into the ball only exacerbated the mystery of his circumstances, made even more disturbing as the man attempted to strangle the Judicator with his bare hands. Shocked onlookers watched as the Inspector declared himself a Cyricist in the midst of trying to squeeze the life out of the Judicator's throat, much to the disbelief of those close to him. It was not until a House Albrongardo retainer incapacitated the Inspector with a knockout punch that the Judicator's life was spared.

As the guests tried to puzzle out the motives of the Inspector, Director Natalia Fernanda made a bid to offer support to the Judicator - an offer that was firmly rebuffed. The Director, whose Golden Wheel Trading Company had just secured mining rights in Nashkel, was noted by some to have spent the majority of the gala ingratiating herself with various guests of note. The next shock then came from the Iltarch himself, who summoned the Director to Athkatla on suspicion of conspiracy and sedition against Amn. No explanation of the charges was given. Without missing a beat, Natalia Fernanda declared her intention to comply, acknowledging her departure from Amn prior to facing the Council of Six's judgment would result in her banishment and the stripping of all of the Golden Wheel's licenses to operate in Amn. In the days following, the leadership of the Golden Wheel would be commanded to join her in Athkatla for questioning as well.

The Iltarch offered no respite to the attendees still reeling from the charge against the Golden Wheel, declaring Netanya d’Abdelledion’dy’Quellium to be a spy and enemy combatant. The Matron of House Divine was in attendance at the gala but had somehow been tipped off to her impending arrest, escaping despite the large security force presence at the ball. House Divine itself was not so lucky; Amnian Security forces raided and seized the House Divine outpost constructed in the Cloud Peaks, now suspected by Amnian Intelligence to be a staging ground for the Matron's espionage operations. It was now clear why the reports on the size of the Council of Six's escort marching northward from Crimmor had seemed exaggerated when the host arrived in Nashkel - the Council had always intended that half their forces would remain in the frigid mountain ranges for this surgical strike. The Council of Six had planned this move from the start.

What secrets and counterintelligence remain to be found in the outpost is anyone's guess. But what cannot be denied is the Council of Six's determination to brook no spies, interlopers, traitors, or seditionists. Woe betide to all who would underestimate the Council and their adamantine grip on Amn.

Credit: Lane Brown

[DM Mimic]

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ANOINTED IN STRIFE

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Credit: Indigo Jenar

Natalia Fernanda: Director of the Golden Wheel. Prolific Amnian Merchant. Faithful of Waukeen. Unrepentant Chaos Agent. Director Fernanda would live up to that last title to her dying breath.

Summoned to appear before the Iltarch of the Council of Six, the leadership of the Golden Wheel Trading Company journeyed to Athkatla. Among them, Lady Narasida Albrongardo-Zakine, Director Tathra Rakhlant, and Director Natalia Fernanda. With her fellow Golden Wheel compatriots, the Baroness Lucrecia Velasco-Rey, and the Sister of Strife Magdalena Decanther serving as witnesses, Director Fernanda submitted to an interrogation by the Iltarch himself.

There, to the surprise of all in the room (including her Golden Wheel allies), Natalia Fernanda confessed to the murder of Baron Eloy Rhonmark. The plot to murder the ascendant Baron was not the work of Eloy's nephew Stefan, after all. A shame, considering Stefan Rhonmark had already been executed months prior for his uncle's assassination. And thus, in one fell swoop, Natalia Fernanda had decimated the Rhonmark family line, left an entire barony in chaos, and opened an opportunity for the Council of Six to elevate a loyalist in Northern Amn.

If any thought the Council would be grateful for the opportunity Director Fernanda created for them, the Iltarch would quickly put to bed such misguided speculation. For her crimes, Natalia Fernanda was sentenced to death. It was said the Sister of Strife, Magdalena Decanther, carried out the deed, and then had Natalia Fernanda's body buried in an unmarked grave outside the City of Coin.

Surprisingly, the rest of the Golden Wheel escaped implication by association. The Lady Albrongardo and Director Rakhlant survived the rest of the inquiry having convinced the Iltarch of the Golden Wheel's repudiation of Natalia Fernanda's actions. Nevertheless, a dire warning was given: if anything should happen to the new Baron, former Judicator Ario Rey, the Golden Wheel would be among the first suspects for foulplay.

The only silver lining? Both the Lady Abrongardo and Director Rakhlant are confident that they and the Golden Wheel left an impression upon the Council of Six's Master of Spies. Whether that will work to their favor? Only time will tell ...

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Some Time Later ...

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She spat in the dirt, gaze resting upon the broken and battered form of a professed Waukeenar. Was this really worth her intervention? Sometimes, she did not understand why the Black Sun did as he did.

Still, she would not question her vision. After all, his way was the One True Way. His commands were divine. Her faith in him, unwavering.

And so, she prayed. She prayed that the One and the All would answer. She prayed that the woman she had slain in the Councilhouse prisons in the City of Coin all those months ago would be raised.

And so it was. The corpse drew new breath. Blood pumped from a healed heart. And when the newly living form asked why she would show mercy, she answered:

"Murder and conspiracy? Political assassinations? These are not the domain of Waukeen. No, not the Lady of Coin. She has not been with you for some time. You have been working for the Black Sun, Sister. It is time you knew it. I have raised you at his behest.

Why the Black Sun wishes you alive, I could not guess ... I suppose we shall have to see what new strife you can inspire."

// Props to Natalia Fernanda and her player for bringing her character's story to an epic conclusion! Natalia has been retired - she will live on to terrorize other unsuspecting victims off server!

Credit: Indigo Jenar

[DM Ink]

Art by: IgorLevchenko

The Storm Building

In the coming evening, the Nashkel Iron Mines are surrounded by soldier's of Amn. While many of them wear the banner of the local Nashkel Militia, a majority of them are fully armed with the sigil of Athkatla. The soldiers are stationed at all times and can be seen moving in and out of the mines, rummaging through everything they can find. Other sites around Nashkel with increased security and activity include the Northern Lights Inn. From the morning to the afternoon, the armed soldiers can be seen taking out ledgers and other documents from the inn for careful review. Captain Bregus Vhar is quoted by those who ask, "The head of the snake has been cut off. The glory of Amn will not cease criminal investigations until each one of these dangerous individuals are vetted. We are aware of their Baldurian ties, and we are awaiting further pending information."

[DM Mimic]

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COLD AND GOLD: REPRISE

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Credit: Ede László

Baroness Lucrecia Velasco-Rey surveyed the Amnian garrison that had coopted House Divine's outpost deep into the Cloud Peak Mountains. Biting winds stung her cheeks, covering her thick fur coat in a layer of hoarfrost. Her breath was visible on the air, puffs of white smoke making plain every ounce of heat that was escaping her body. She shuddered, despite her having warded herself against the cold. It had been a month since she had left the comforts of Athkatla and arrived to this gods-forsaken cold climb and still she was not used to its bitter chill.

It was the soldiers' fault. They were all incompetent, the lot of them. Fools and idiots at every turn. Lucrecia could have been safely home by now if only Amn's military had been able to find any evidence of House Divine's treachery and espionage. But months of searching had revealed nothing, no shred of evidence, no suspicious documents, no improper accounting. The Matron, as she liked to style herself, couldn't have known they were coming. So how had she and her staff absconded with everything of relevance? How had such an obvious spy escaped Amn's adamantine grip?!

Lucrecia knew it to be true. It was an open secret to everyone who had half a wit. Netanya had come to the Council of Six to ply her lies and false promises of non-interference, all the while acting as an agent of the Council of Four. The elf had all but admitted as much when she fled the gala - why else would she do so unless she knew that the Council of Six were onto her game?

And now it was up to Lucrecia to turn something up. To find a hint or clue of what the Matron had been doing here. Lucrecia would find it, even if it meant lambasting the soldiers until they were all deaf. Even if she would have to drive them like slaves with whips. They would find the compromat they were looking for ... or there would be hell to pay.

And just as she was about to make that clear to the soldiers arrayed before her outside of the garrison, just as her mouth opened to speak the opening syllables of her diatribe, just as her planned excoriation coalesced upon her tongue ...

"Soldiers of Amn! You ... oh, HELLS."

The entire mountain shuddered as a massive quake seemed to possess the earth, rocking the ground beneath their feat with terrible tremors. In the distance, the terrifying sound of a cliffside cracking -- and then, the overwhelming torrent of snow that would devour them all. They were all going to be crushed! They were all going to die!

It was all she could do to muster the spell of Greater Teleportation that would carry herself and as many of the soldiers as she could manage with her to safety, all the while cursing Netanya's name.

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On the 27th Day of Eleint, 1361, a massive avalanche deep in the Cloud Peak Mountains destroyed the House Divine outpost that had been seized by Amn. Although the overseer of the Amnian military garrison there was able to teleport herself and some of her forces to safety, the those who were left behind perished. For now, the Amnian government has declared the incident to be the result of a natural disaster, but those who remember the Clash atop the Cloud Peaks in 1359 cannot help but wonder if Auril and her servants may have come for payback ...