DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

[DM Faith]

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ULGOTHS BEARD: HOLY RITUAL

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At the night of the 15th Utkar, a great host was seen marching towards Ulgoths Beard. Knights in shining armor, priests in their ceremonial garbs, mercenaries, elves and druids alike. The Triad had created a triage area, to help those wounded to recover.
Dark clouds had gathered on the horizon, droplets of sanguine complexity rained on them. Selûne's silver light broke through the clouds, illuminating the corrupted village below.
For a day and a night, the priests prayed, while blades and magic protected them. First animals, corrupted and twisted, rushed into the lands. Then, the manifestations of evil became stronger, calling forth reanimated corpses. Some corpses even came from the Flaming Fist, which was defending the village from the outside, giving all to give the priests the chance to complete their rituals. Not all priests were successful, as their defense was overwhelmed near the end of the ritual, such as the group at the smithy, the entrance of the village and the last anchor.
As the tortured land howled, the Abyss answered. Demons once more poured into the destroyed village through portals, opened from the Abyss side. Witnesses told of a star falling from the skies, which had circled them before in erratic patterns, now fighting between them, clashing with the fiendish forces. The very buildings themselves rose, animated by malign will, striking against the people.
At the end of the ritual, as dust settled, there was only silence.

The wounded Fist made their way back to Baldurs Gate, to request reinforcements to guard the village till it was fully cleansed. As the dukes were notified of the successful ritual, they began to prepare a reward ceremony.

One thing was certain. No one who had witnessed this would ever forget the darkness, which wormed in their memories.

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scenery shots courtesy of missclick

I am most likely going for the 7th December, 18:00 GMT+1, before I disappear for this year!

[DM Limerence]

Source = Adobe Stock

CONTENT WARNING:

Hidden: show

Please note that the below contains mention of suicide in the final paragraph.

The Feast of the Moon

(and a Flaming Fist Tragedy)

As the colder days set in, the Feast of the Moon marks an important day for the varied peoples of the Forgotten Realms - but especially humans, Stout Folk, and Small Folk - who celebrate their ancestors and honor the dead. Tales of heroic individuals, boisterous personalities, and divisive but nonetheless remarkable talents are repeated in company, sang in verse, and contemplated in silence.

Amongst the present faiths of Baldur’s Gate, the Tempurans hold their most important ceremony of the year, converting the arena in the Wide into ceremonial grounds. Like each day, they sing the Song of the Sword at highsun (Feast of Heroes) and sunset (Song for the Fallen), and for the Feast of the Moon their singing is much grander, serving to valiantly honor the dead. Alongside their song, they speak of great tales of battles fought bravely, as worshipers spill drops of their own blood in preparation for conflict to come, and they bless new weapons in the memory of warriors of olde. The arena hosts a large gathering of resident and visiting Illuskans. The Northmen's intoxicating reverence for the Lord of Battles extends well into the night, gradually shifting from solemn honor to gregarious revelry as drink is increasingly imbibed. Many non-Northerners are swept up in their excessive, barbaric mirth and displays of physical prowess, which disperses from the arena into the taverns of the city. The City Watch members unfortunate to be on duty this eve find themselves obliged to intervene in the rowdiness in some instances, although some taverns enjoy record patronage.

The few Kelemvorites of the city are far more sombre in telling the Deeds of the Dead. In this ceremony - clumsy as it is nascent, but earnest nonetheless - they emphasise the importance of remembrance and of seeking wisdom from the past. Other faiths of the shrines and temples tend to their usual rituals and duties, while taking the time to honor the many important figures of their brethren (the Saints of the Broken God; the Just of the Maimed God, the innovators of the Wonderbringer, the most athletic and inspirational of the Morninglord, and so on). And there are many other private cultural and religious rituals that take place behind closed doors, including some of a darker nature (such as a few ever loyal Bhaalists who celebrate and tell tales of impressive slayings, such as of Uthaedeol the Blood-drenched).

While the city is focused upon remembrance, tragedy strikes late at night in the Seatower District. A man clad in Flaming Fist regalia hurls himself from off the top of the Flaming Fist compound, and is found dead. Although quiet, enough passersby - Fist and otherwise - witness this, and the Fist cordon off the area with support from nearby City Watch guards. By the next morn, rumor of a Flaming Fist falling to his death circulate. Perhaps he simply slipped? Or was he pushed? The rumors disagreed. But others insisted that nay, he certainly intended to fall. What would compel a man to do such a thing? Who was this man?

An ominous start to the winter season.

[DM Smile]

The Flaming Fist Rallies around the Temple of Mystra

Temple of Mystra and the Fist (AI-generated)

It happened all of a sudden: during the evening of Hammer 19th, 1362 DR - the Year of the Helm, a contingent of soldiers of the Flaming Fist surrounded the Temple of Mystra, to either protect or keep safely. If asked, the Flaming Fist would not give explainations, but they would check anyone going in and out. Security seemed to be in high alert, and some said it was connected with the great explosion heard in the Steeps.

However, how much of that is true, is yet to be seen...

[DM Mimic]

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THE FAUX AND THE FATELESS

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Credit: Charlie Bowater

Another year, another turn of the wheel.

In Baldur's Gate, Lord Rictor Mountsend makes known his intention to leave the city. Carts transporting expensive furniture, crates of art, and other mementos and valuables are seen leaving his estate on a weekly basis. Some can't help but wonder if this sudden decision has anything to do with the incident that transpired but a few short months ago. With that investigation stalled, the witness Micaela Navar - having previously been kept under Watch custody for questioning - is released. Not only that, it's only a few weeks later that it is announced that she has joined the Flaming Fist on a probationary basis. A surprising move, some might claim, though those familiar with the woman's history might also recognize the value a former Amnian Inquisitor might bring in terms of intelligence and Gate security.

In the Manorborn District, a gala at the Everwinter Estate ends not with a whimper, but with a bang. Already a lively affair (featuring bardic performances, a murder mystery, and theatrics to boot), the scene turns to violence upon its conclusion, as an assassin strides up to Lady Netanya of House Divine and attempts to gut her in full view of the rest of the attendees. If not for the heroics of the warrior Alaric and the ranger Mendel, it's uncertain if the mistress of the Everwinter Estate would have survived the night. More curious is who could have been responsible for hiring the man, for a striking declaration accompanies his blades: "Their Graces send their regards!" But surely the Council of Four would not have their newly-elevated noble assassinated in such a public manner ... right?

Meanwhile, in the Steeps, the Commons prepares for an election. The natural death of an octogenarian Commons representative leaves a vacuum in the group's leadership, where two main candidates now vie for control. The first: Katlyn Steel, widow to a blacksmith Guildsman and a well-respected member of the Commons. A moderate through and through, she favors diplomacy and compromise in achieving the Commons' goals. Her campaign promises an end to the violent and riotous tactics employed in the past. The second: Robb Strong. Returned to the city after the tragedy of his family's deaths, he now campaigns with a vengeance. The obliteration of the Commons' Militia gives him little pause; indeed, he has somehow brought with him a contingent of Black Tower mercenaries to protect his candidacy. Hostile, politically extreme, and unafraid of confrontation, his brand of leadership will no doubt pit the Commons against its vast array of political enemies in the city. The choice the Commons now makes could influence its fate in the city for years to come.

[DM Smile]

Into the Fray!

An important moment of the chase (AI-generated)

It is rumored that House Calbrith, surrounded by the Flaming Fist, was visited by a normal group of adventurers, led by Lord Vale, followed by the Guardian of Ilmater and Sister Ashenie. They seemed to share a few words with the Flaming Fist, before they entered the mansion. The place started to shake some time after, with evil laughters, and blue flames were visible - although they didn't seem to burn the wood or the stone.

A guard was spotted running off from the mansion on the roofs, and not long after some of the adventurers were seen chasing the guard, leaving the Flaming Fist below confused, only to see an eldritch blast to end it. And not long after, the guards and the populace remained even more stunned in seeing a cleric of... Tyr? Torm? Who knows?... and a paladin jumping from the roof and faceplanting on the streets, with the Guardian just sidestepping and watching them crashing, with a planetar flying around the group.

However, the tale has a good ending: the dead were brought back to life, eventually, and what had to be done seemed to be done, as the Flaming Fist - a day after, left the mansion unattended. Probably whatever had to be done inside, was indeed done, and the heroes of Baldur's Gate saved the day once more.

[DM Mimic]

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LAW AND FAITH

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Credit: Ilker Serdar Yildiz
Source

From the High Hall, Temples District

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As rumors circulate of Black Sun zealots undertaking brazen operations to assail, kidnap, and forcibly convert persons of prominence within the city, the Grand Dukes are left with no choice but to take action. In the Year of 1362 and on the 8th of Alturiak, The Grand Narlhelm, Herald of Baldur's Gate, issues forth a proclamation:

BY DECREE OF THE COUNCIL OF FOUR, THE GRAND DUKES OF BALDUR'S GATE:

Let it henceforth be known that the public preaching of dogma, performance of rituals, or display of symbols of Cyric, the Black Sun, is hereby banned within Baldur's Gate and its environs. Violations are punishable by up to banishment or death, as determined by judicial ruling.

Any citizen with information on a cult of the Black Sun known as the Swords of Cyric should immediately contact their local City Watchman or Flaming Fist Officer.

Some days later, from parts uncertain ...

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"Sister. The city has moved against us. Now is the time to take action. We cannot let their arrogant defiance of the One and the All stand. How do you intend that we should respond?"

Magdalena Decanther looked to the Sword of Cyric speaking to her. The Church of the One True Way in Athkatla had only recently assigned him to her command and already she found him quite the lackwit. He was tall, even for a Sword, reaching nearly seven feet in height before any Enlarge Person spells. She wondered if that was part of the reason she found him distasteful. He had not quite mastered the art of proper deference to a superior that did not match his stature. A mistake she would quickly rectify.

What she would likely have more trouble with was his dearth of imagination. But that could be said for so many of the Swords. They were all of them bloodthirsty warmongers, too eager to take to the battlefield when more artful hands were still left to be played.

"Why should we respond when we can let the people respond for us?" she asked. "The Dukes cannot ban the faith of the Almighty if all of their subjects worship Him above all others. Don't you see? When our task is complete, there will be no one left to protest our preaching, our dogma, our rituals."

A smile spread across her lips as she spoke the next: "When we are finished, there will be no one left who would not welcome our glorious displays of veneration to the Black Sun."

At last, the Sword understood.

Credit: Lorenzo Mastroianni

[DM Mimic]

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BATTERED BUT NOT BROKEN

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Credit: Grafit Studio

Let it not be said that the city of Baldur's Gate had no care for its Commons, for the upcoming election drew a surprising amount of interest from various interested parties across the political spectrum. These factions operated both before and behind the scenes, attempting to influence the campaign's outcome toward their own ends; perhaps surprisingly, it soon became evident that they had united against Robb Strong.

In the Lower City, taverns, markets, and alleyways filled with whispers of Robb Strong's instability, how bad for business he was, how his reckless and confrontational approach would bring bloodshed and ruin back to the city. Meanwhile, business owners in the Lower City received subtle visits from concerned debtholders applying pressure to sway their vote against Strong's candidacy. Elsewhere at a meeting of the Dockers' Guild, the renowned shipwright Aidan Thatcher made an impassioned appeal, delivering a rousing speech against Robb Strong's militancy. The Dockers' Guild soon fell in for Katlyn Steel.

At the Charity Kitchen, the Tailors' Guild, the Masons' Guild and the Guild of Blacksmiths were similarly swayed toward the Steel campaign by the Wintertals. Guild after guild, business after business, all fell in line. None had any appetite for Robb Strong's brand of truculent advocacy. To outsiders, it appeared that the collective Commons had already made its choice; Strong counted only the Mercenaries' Guild and a few merchant houses amongst his supporters while Katlyn commanded the votes of a dozen trades guilds and more.

The Strong campaign's desperate position was painted all the more woeful at a recent debate in the Wide, where the crowd was almost unanimous in its cheers for Katlyn Steel and thunderous in its heckling for Robb Strong. The public event ended as Robb Strong broke into a tirade against Rhaeg. Promising to call for a vote of no confidence against the half-orc Speaker upon election, Robb Strong was met only by jeers - and rotting vegetables - from the crowd.

With the election only two weeks away, the outcome seemed all but certain ...

Meanwhile, as the High Hall continues to receive reports of Cyricist activity within the city, Flaming Fist soldiers begin making more frequent patrols around the city.

[DM Smile]

Evil Rises!

A sudden attack (AI-generated)

A simple tiefling seemed to walk through the Wide, not too far from the Thayan Enclave. Nothing would have seemed suspicious, if not... that a guard recognized her: Zerynthia Kalvashar. The guard of the Watch approached her and tried to arrest her by taking her , but the guardsman became cinder. The merchants were scared when they noticed the tiefling slowly turning into a massive black dragon, with fire burning underneath the scales. In a mighty roar, it flew through the skies. The archers tried to hit the creature, but it was already too far high, and impossible to reach.

Scouts claimed that the dragon flew toward Dragonspear or Triel. What for? Nobody knows.

Separately, it seems that Baldur's Gate has seen such a dire day: a woman, an adventurer that is part of the Temple of Mystra, was assaulted in the square in the Eastern District right in front of the Flaming Fist eyes, claiming vengeance, retribution and death to the followers of the Lady of Mysteries and the Moonmaiden. While at the death's doors, she was saved by local adventurers that happened to be there by chance. She was teleported away to safety, by non other than a Red Wizard. Speculations about their association begin to be rumored: is the Temple of Mystra truly that innocent?

In the meanwhile, the masked figure disappeared into the night.
The Flaming Fist now begins the investigations, ordering a curfew for the common folks until new order, and an increase of patrols among the streets of the City Watch is now more noticeable, to avoid further tragedies.

During the day, other events happened... like darkness falling upon the City. Some claimed it was the work of the Lady of Loss, but who knows what really happened?

[DM Mimic]

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THE BLACK SUN SETS

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Credit: Nemanja Stankovic

The Swords of Cyric's operations in Baldur's Gate suffered a significant setback on 22 Alturiak, 1362.

First, the Flaming Fist arrested Lord Rictor Mountsend on charges of conspiracy, sedition, and treason; evidence discovered in his manor soon revealed his incontrovertible involvement with the cult of the Black Sun. A thorough search of Lord Mountsend's holdings by the Flaming Fist also confirmed the lord to be the puppeteer behind Felix Fassaway's attempted murder of the Speaker of the Commons one year prior. The subsequent framing of the Scion of Siamorphe, Lord Vincent Hargrove, was also orchestrated by him.

Lord Heldrun Tosketh personally oversaw the arrest; those familiar with such things might note how unusual it was for this particular lord to make such an appearance. If not for his participation, however, some suspected that Lord Mountsend might not have gone as quietly as he did. As things were, Lord Mountsend was dragged to the Seatower in shackles to await trial.

But that was not the only defeat the Cyricists met that day. An independent investigation organized by the Church of Tyr uncovered how Mountsend had abetted the Swords of Cyric and the depth of his connection with them. Within one of the lord's many warehouses, the investigation team discovered a secret portal funneling the cult's agents in and out of the Gate. And within the portal chamber, the investigation team faced the Sister of Strife, Magdalena Decanther herself, in deadly combat.

Even as her compatriots fell, the Sister of Strife remained undaunted, fighting Nathan Goldenmane, Oth Neren, Gaven Arkalis, Micar'mizzrym Illiathor, and Fierlith Silverglade to a stalemate, dealing grievous wounds upon her opponents. She only surrendered upon the arrival of Flaming Fist reinforcements. Even then, she did so with a confident smile; it faltered only when the defenders of Baldur's Gate revealed that the Cyricist plant she had snuck into the Flaming Fist had already been unveiled; the former Inquisitor Micaela Navar would not be able to help Decanther escape. Seeming to accept her fate, the Sister of Strife allowed herself to be led away.

If there was any silver lining for the Cyricists, it was that their Sworn sacrifice - the woman whose repeated deaths were responsible for the affliction of the insidious Divine Conversion - had escaped. Still, with both the Cyricists' leader and chief collaborator in Fist custody, many felt they could finally loose a breath. Taverns filled with Fist soldiers and Gate champions alike, celebrating the defeat of such a nefarious foe. Behind closed curtains, the friends of good music shared quiet congratulations with their many allies who had contributed to the cause.

All that remained on the horizon was the Commons election. But with the head of the Cyricist snake thwarted and the outcome of the election all but determined, only the cautious and the paranoid remained vigilant. After all ... surely a Black Sun once set could not rise again?

Credit: Ilya Dykov

[DM Mimic]

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EXODUS OF THE UNSEEN

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Credit: Nemanja Stankovic

In the end, despite the sudden appearance of fanatical terrorists, the Commons' Election concluded with Katlyn Steel named as councilwoman-elect. The Swords of Cyric might have succeeded in enacting their mad god's dark will, if not for the speedy reactions of multiple heroes and organizations with vested interest in the outcome of the election. A second attack at the Seatower fortress of the Flaming Fist, apparently meant to free the Sisters of Strife held prisoner there, also failed due to the prior uncovering of Micaela Navar as a Cyricist plant. As it was, the only lives that were lost that day were those of the Swords.

In the aftermath, Robb Strong declared to all that he was done with the city. Indeed, despite seeming to genuinely consider a conciliatory offer by Katlyn Steel to have him join her staff as liaison to the City Watch, Robb Strong left that same day, accompanied by a large portion of his supporters amongst the Commons. Some wondered whether he had long since seen the writing on the wall, for the procession that departed the city with him was not a small one. The supplies and arrangements needed to make such a journey could not have been assembled within hours of the election; it seemed clear he had been preparing this for weeks.

Meanwhile, in Seatower, rumors spread that the Kelemvorite Korwin Vhoss single-handedly slew three Swords of Cyric who had come for his ward Nathalie, former Mortarch of Kelemvor turned imprisoned Cyricist convert. He sustained serious injuries but was soon stabilized and now recovers under the care of the Flaming Fist.

In the Eastway District, the Steel house's celebration of their victory was muted. For uncertain reasons, Hoster Steel disavowed association with Rhaeg, his former hero and idol.

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Magdalena Decanther sat calmly in her Seatower prison cell, shackled and stripped of her armaments and holy symbol.

Relying on the Lackwit to free her was always a long shot. But even she never thought the fool would lose them one of the Sworn in the process. The idiot. He truly had no imagination, could do nothing that he had not seen before, could compose no plan that thought even a single move ahead. He should have assembled his brothers and attacked the Flaming Fist in full force; the obliteration of the Swords of Cyric would have been a small price to pay in comparison.

Still, the loss was not irrecoverable. Magdalena was a patient woman. She would wait for her other contingencies to fall into place, whether it took weeks, months, or years. And once they did, all of the Gate would know His irrefutable truth.

After all, there had been hundreds of attempts to create that most unholy tome demanded by the One and the All. If Magdalena had found such strife by leveraging this one failed scribing ...

... there was no limit to what she could accomplish with the others her Sisters had uncovered.

Credit: Lorenzo Mastroianni

[DM Smile]

To the Hells With You

The Hellfire Wyrm being dragged to the Nine Hells (AI-generated, offered by Riddance)

This is what is known.

A group of heroes, after hearing and witnessing the attack of the Hellfire Wyrm on Baldur's Gate, chased the creature where the land was Hallowed, in Ulgoth's Beard. The Hellfire Wyrm fought tremendously against a silver dragon and a bronze dragon, up in the skies, where a fierce battle took place - so much power capable to shake the skies of Ulgoth's Beard, but in the end - thanks to the faith of the heroes of Baldur's Gate, who stood against the darkness, allowed their light to shine bright: every single Hero of the Sword Coast, from Baldur's Gate, from the Bladestone Foundation, from Triel, from the followers of the Red Knight, from Doron Amar, from En Darasha Everae, even from Roaringshore, and from every place that the writer might have forgotten, but where a spark of actual good could be found... joined together and fought against the darkness before them, pushing it aside and making sure a new dawn would come.

The Hellfire Wyrm was banished in the Nine Hells, with such a divine power that made such a powerful creature to tremble and curse, claiming the destruction of Winding Water for itself. Curious, as it was led by drow, but maybe there was indeed more than the reports were meant to tell. Sometimes knowledge remains a secret, and perhaps to some it is for the best, while for others it is just another mystery that still has to find an answer.

The heroes were victorious, but at what cost?

Ornathar, the silver dragon, was now with Bahamut. His existence, long more than a millenia, was now over - offered in sacrifice to save the younger bronze Vurthariax, taking a blast of hellfire breath straight to it. There was nothing it could be done, and the soul was at peace... if not for a simple regret: not being able to finish a chess game with his friend, Elminster Aumar. But as a whole, Ornathar gave probably what mortals truly need: hope, courage and a sense of self-sacrifice when the stakes are high. That for sure hit Vurthariax deeply, with a recognition and wisdom of the old silver dragon loyal to the Ptarian Code... and now, more than ever, it was drumming fiercely into his heart. Where he would have gone? Only he knows, but he knew for sure that his life was changed forever.

But that wasn't the only victory.

It seems the Blood Magus, working with the Hellfire Wyrm was eventually found - put under trial swiftly, and hanged. That was the end for the last of the Agents of the Hellfire Wyrm. It is rumored that a few Houses, following the Hellfire Wyrm defeat, also fell from the graces of the Dukes or anyone who could give support - and House Calbrith, alongisde House Delvorn, House Maraveth and House Cranthael... they all fell. Some for working with the Wyrm, others for simply working with the Nine Hells for greed.

It was finally over.

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The Hellfire Wyrm tank (AI-generated)

And what about the unknown?

Well, it is unknown that somewhere secret, the Hellfire created a clone. If he was vanquished, he would have been reborn... and that time, it would have been much more careful, and the threat would have taken root where otherwise wouldn't have been possible to eradicate. With the banishment of the Hellfire Wyrm, so did the Clone followed, without the heroes knowing, leaving nothing but cinder behind, and an empty vat... and a magical ring.

And as we know, what is not known, perhaps is not forgotten, but merely lost.

The Agents of Loss perhaps did not achieve everything they wanted... but it was enough. Perhaps, one day, what was lost will be found and remembered again... Or perhaps it will remain forgotten into Darkness, embracing the loss of a past never born, and forging something new. In the end, one must never follow hope or promises of success, instead one should act when the darkness is upon everyone. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new chapter... or perhaps, it is just "something".

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Elminster, thinking (AI-generated)

Somewhere else, what nobody knows...


The old man closed the book after reading the book, giving a few nods to Her, before he spoke to himself.
"Well, after Her approval, I guess it is time."
The old man weaved the Weave artistically, and opened a portal toward who-knows-where, and he travelled through it. He knew he had but one hour in that place, but that was plenty for having a chat, doing what he had to do, and come back.
"It is good to see you are still yourself, even here in this place."
From the other side, there was another man, with gray hair and silver eyes: he was wearing a fashionable clothing, and he was fidgeting in his usual way - a millenia was past, but in his form, he still felt uncomfortable... even after all that transpired. He looked at the other old man with red robes, and he chuckled.
"Tell me you didn't die, already."

"I fear Mystra has too many things in store for me to yet perform, but to celebrate, with the Lady and the Justicemaker's approval..."
The old man approached him: austere eyes were now a bit warmer than usual, while with one hand held firmly her own pipe, smoking whatever there was to smoke. When he was close enough, he took the pipe off his mouth and gave a genuine smile.
"How about we finish that chess game?"
The other old man, with eyes silver as dragon scales, chuckled.
"I wouldn't ask for anything else, my old friend."

//With this, I mark the ending of the Hellfire Wyrm Campaign. Thank you everyone for playing! I apologize in advance if I forgot someone in this final post, but know that you were all great. Thank you for following this plot!//

[DM Mimic]

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FAITH AND LAW

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Credit: Rostyslav Zagornov

In the aftermath of the Cyricist affair, the Flaming Fist holds two military tribunals. The first sees Lord Rictor Mountsend prosecuted for sedition and treason against the Grand Dukes and the city of Baldur's Gate: among the charges are the lord's impending defection to Amn, collaboration with the Swords of Cyric, and plotting the murder of Rhaeg. The trial is held in the Temple of Tyr; the public sees when Lord Rictor is pronounced guilty in the eyes of the law. For his crimes, the lord is sentenced to death by hanging; his body is left on display outside the former Mountsend Estate for a full day, where it serves to warn the rest of the city of the fate of those who would betray the Gate.

The second tribunal is carried out in secret: Magdalena Decanther, Sister of Strife and the mastermind behind the Swords of Cyric, is charged with murder, sedition, acts of terrorism, and conspiracy against the people of Baldur's Gate. Those who question why the trial is being held under a shroud of secrecy are told that security issues prevent the Fist from making the proceedings public; after all, the last thing the Dukes want is for whatever remnants of the Swords of Cyric in the Gate to stage another rescue attempt. Shortly after, word spreads of Decanther's execution by pyre; it is said the Fist allowed her to wear her helm while she burned. Her ashes are cast into the Chionthar.

All eyes now turn to the fate of the Cyricist known as the Sworn, of whom rumor soon spreads as among those responsible for the creation of the unholy curse, Divine Conversion. Although some claim that she repented and turned from the Black Sun before the Swords of Cyric were stopped, few are certain of her sincerity. For similar reasons as to why Decanther's trial is not held in public, neither is the Sworn's. No judgment comes swiftly for her, and leaks from the Seatower soon suggest that the Tribunal is somehow deadlocked. Some suggest that could only happen if one of the judges has yet to render a verdict - those with political savvy might discern an opportunity to influence the outcome ...

Meanwhile, the sole surviving heir of House Mountsend - Rictor's sister Mireen - finds shelter and care as a ward under the Lady Rue Hessia's guardianship, better known as the "Duchess of Vipers." The poor girl, whom the "Duchess" asserts is blameless in her brother's crimes, seems all too glad to be spared her brother's fate.