Rumours of the Western Heartlands

[JustAnotherGuy]

In the early morning hours of 04 Eleasis 1360, a large druid with green hair was seen traveling to Candlekeep with a freshly killed boar on his shoulders. He walked right up to the gate and left the fresh kill with the guards there, giving them instructions to take the boar to Winthrope and have him use it for his stews, or however else he'd like to serve it to the occupants of the keep.

Once the boar was taken into the keep, he walked off, seemingly headed back to the Cloakwoods.

[Almarea90]

*The below flyer bears Candlekeep's symbols and is posted in Candlekeep, Baldur's Gate, Greenest and Beregost, but would likely find its way to the other settlements in time.*

Coastal Chronicles - Eleasis 1360 DR Year of the Turret


Baldur's Gate - Crime in the Docks area is on the rise and the involvement of the Thieves Guild is also rumored. Meanwhile, stray coals from a hot chestnut stall belonging to the House of Cards set on fire the attic of the Oomarsonns mansion. The House of Cards would have promptly financed the replacement of the attic. [DM Spartacus]

Gullykin - Following alleged unprovoked attacks perpetrated by followers of Kossuth, Flamesister Na'Karia makes a public statement declaring that the temple in Gullykin is not affiliated with those actions. [Unknown]

Greenest - A cleric of Chauntea hires mercenaries to remove spiders arrived from the Underdark. [DM Spartacus]

Baldur's Gate - Months of work in adding beds, shelter, and supplies in the Ilmatari temple are completed at the hands of House Darius, so that more people can find shelter from the lingering threat of the Abyssal rift. [Player Led]

9th Eleasis, Island off Ulgoth's Beard Shore - An expedition of the Phoenix Company finds the place invaded by flesh abomination, now known as creations of the demon Valyxia. One of them retains the personality of a little girl looking for her grandfather and, upon learning about her fate, she allegedly self destroys. Her remains are brought to the Temple of the Broken God. [DM Verjigorm]

11th Eleasis, Woods of Sharpteeth - The Yuan-ti House Extaminos attacks the area with an alchemically enhanced hydra, at the purpose of testing its prowess. The creature is rumored to have been defeated by the combined forces of Doron Amar and local adventurers. [DM Verjigorm]

The Tradeway - The Directors of the Golden Wheel Company organize numerous trade convoys north and south along the Trade Way as well as actively selling wares in the markets of the Western Heartlands, despite some hostility. [Player Led]

14th Eleasis, Baldur's Gate - The Abyssal rift that was prepared by dagonite cultists opens, creating a tall whirpool visible from the city. This caused various disorders in the city. [DM Soulcatcher]

17th Eleasis, Ulgoth's Beard - Various factions unite to close the Abyssal rift that recently opened off Ulgoth's Beard shore. While the bulk of the forces remain in Ulgoth's Beard to defend the settlement, a smaller group ventures in the depths, aided by a giant air bubble magically conjured by Yabell the Dark, Elminster's apprentice. The rift is sealed, but the defenders are overwhelmed in Ulgoth's Beard and have to retreat to Baldur's Gate, while the settlement is overran by demons. [DM Soulcatcher]

Baldur's Gate - The mercenary organization known as the Masquerade Court is preparing to offer its services to the city in its defense against the demons amassed at Ulgoth’s Beard. A scouting party being assembled by the Court is rumored to have disappeared while en route to the ruined village but they were rescued by a ragtag group of adventurers. [DM Mimic]

Darkhold - A Zhentarim tiefling soldier by the name of Duncan Aeducan is reported missing. He was last seen in Soubar, where rumors suggested he had an appointment with the Crimson Watch Commander Zerros Ozmir. [DM Mimic]

Waterdeep - The trial to Castus takes place. He is found guilty of heresy, apostasy, and crimes against the faith and sentenced to death. Castus offers no resistance, submitting willingly to the judgment. When the headsman asks for his last words, Castus can only muster: “Mystra, forgive me.” Meanwhile, the murder investigation into Enoch the Endless abruptly ends when the mage takes advantage of the pronouncement of Castus’ death to stage his own escape. [DM Mimic]

22nd Eleasis, Corm Orp - The village is invaded by an unnatural amount of flies and spiders. [DM Ink]

Trielta Hills - An army of undead assembles on the hills. [DM Ink]

The Boareskyr Bridge - A tower dedicated to the Cyricist cult is built over the ruins of Bridgefort. Although the zone of dead magic should hinder the clergy rituals, it is rumored that this might not be the case. [Player Led]

24th Eleasis, Baldur's Gate - More people join the Commons in response to the City Watch late-night searches. [DM Soulcatcher]

26th Eleasis, Baldur's Gate - Another murder, attributed to cultists of Cyric-Bhaal, takes place in the Lower City. Meanwhile the population continues to protest against the City Watch due to them breaking in some houses as part of the investigation. [DM Smile]

27th Eleasis, Baldur's Gate - The Captain of the City Watch, Aran Monlieu, holds a public speech apologising for the recent incursions in certain houses as part of an investigation. [DM Smile]

29th Eleasis, Nashkel - A man is observed heading towards the prison outpost with a woman slummed lifeless over his shoulder as blood slowly pours from her mouth. [DM Mimic]

Soubar - Notes preaching about Bane's imminent return are found throughout the settlement. [Player Led]

Author's note: if anything is incorrect or missing, do not hesitate to contact me.



In faith,
Guide Edelgarde Spades

((OOC Disclaimer: If you would like something added in future works feel free to send me a PM or poke me on discord. In order for me to avoid involuntarily metagaming I kindly ask that the request is delivered as follows:

- Either IC (missive or in game if you prefer)
- Or OOC with a link to the relevant rumor post in the forum

In order to facilitate follow ups from new or returning players, I have added the name of the DM involved or the tag player led for each rumor. The original post is also linked. Please let me know if any of those is incorrect.

Thank you for making the game alive with your stories))
[/quote]

[Zeikari]

For some time, in the days leading up to the beginning of Eleint 1360, the occasional travelers trekking by the Trielta Hills would be presented with the sight of trails of feral beasts. While the state of the remains suggest that something has been eating into them, the all-recurring presence of burns around their wounds is strong evidence against their hunter being an animal itself.



Furthermore, travelers have, on occasion, witnessed occasional flashes of light, and booming of thunder echoing from the highest peaks of the region even on clear days.
In one such instances, on the 3rd of Eleint, following a blast to its source would reveal the remains of a massive dire bear, which had been dragged to the very top of one of the hills, and then struck by lightning, seemingly as part of a religious rite.

[InTheFlesh]

At the site of the burned-over druid's circle not far from Candlekeep and the Bladestone Foundation, a trail of bloodspatters led Deneir's Paladin, Cyllin Skaeva, to an abominable offering. A charred banner with barely recognizable Talassian emblem was scattered around similarly burnt human remains, basilisk bones, and perhaps worst of all, burned literature. He spent many hours attempting to dispose of the site, conveying the charred remnants to the soil's embrace.

[selhan]

Someplace hidden .....

A man witnessed nearly two dozen tieflings being escorted to an open area that was heavily surrounded by a dangerous group....





After some components was taken, and a spell formed, magic unleashed...





There was a red cloud that filled the entire area, that fell upon everyone, breathed by every living thing...






Within mere heartbeats later, every single tiefling ...







Died...

"I did not expect this my friend...this will be genocide."

[Sir Nathaniel]

During the evening there was sights of fire along lions ways. Sights of a big black dragons flying around breathing acid and conjuring fire. A one point a wave of undead came pouring around the hill near the gnolls cavern through some portal. A group of brave adventurers were seeing fight the undead invasion through the smoke and flame they manage to repelled the undead and close the portals. Shortly after a grand battle between them and the very large black dragon has occured with him landing and fighting a figure all clad in heavy armor wielding a electified war hammer, with a green hooded cloak. A few others of the elven archers from doron amar was sighted with the man, a sunite high priestess and few others fighting off the dragon. In between the dragon clawing and flying and breathing acid at the group they manage to defeat the beast as he sucumbed to his injuries. A stormed moved in and put out the fires around the lions way.

[artemitavik]

A large explosion was heard in the south towards Amn (but not in Amn) yesterday without warning in the hills.

Any inspection by enterprising scouts would find a large cave that had been rather forcefully and completely collapsed at the entrance at least and a fair number of dead bandit bodies left on the field outside of it.

Someone had a fight here, and it wasn't a small one.

((Thank you DM Goat for the wonderful event!))

[DarkmoonKing]

09 Marponath

The morning was dim with the late-rising sun hidden behind the steel-grey curtain of sky as Laethelas wandered through the open fields of the Heartlands. Clad in the rich browns and reds of autumn, his cloak flowed behind him in the breeze as he walked. His pace was slow, deliberate as he went on, content to meander aimlessly through the open country. A passive and peaceful smile was ever present on his visage, though it widened at times as if hearing some secret jest that only his ears or mind could perceive, or perhaps just the occasional happy thought passing through his mind. He hummed softly in the quiet stillness of the world, which seemed as though even its merciless marauders and vicious beasts had slept in.

The hours passed and the sun climbed higher toward its apogee, the sky now a hazy silver-white glow as the clouds began to thin into a misty veil. The elf had found himself adrift in the sea of flowers that blanketed the Greenfields, now brushing a hand over their tops, now swooping with nose to their petals to drink deep of their fragrance. He lingered a while longer, sinking to the ground to rest a spell in the center of a stretch of flowers nearest the talkative stream that wound its way through the meadow. He laid there in blissful reminiscence, his eyes shuttered behind their lids as his mind revisited days spent in that very place.

The present had returned to him on a sudden, eyes springing open to glimpse a clear but twilit sky of orange, pink, and deep indigo. The autumn evening air was crisp and cool despite its stillness, the breeze having died away while he rested. With a contented sigh, he rose to his feet for the return journey, back to his home away from home that was the embrace of his betrothed. Before he embarked, he gathered together a bundle of the wildflowers, various shapes and hues collected into a rainbow bouquet that he cradled in the hook of his arm to be presented to the woman of his deepest affections.

[JustAnotherGuy]

Through the nights of the coming few days leading up to 6 Nightal 1360, travelers speak of hearing music coming from the destroyed grove along the Lion's Way. Whispers of a spirit haunting the grove begin to surface, as some dare not approach the forlorn sounding music. Those that do venture closer, however, recognize the large figure of the Archdruid known as Emmanuel.

He would have his lute in his hands, singing songs mostly in the Sylvan tongue, each song melancholic. He would not stop his singing unless directly addressed, not bothering to cease on account of visitors. Sometimes, a few wolves would be with him, seeming to watch the perimeter of the grove. Those who understood the lyrics would note that the songs were of lament for the state of the grove, and a plea to the spirits to aid in the upcoming ritual to cleanse it. Those musically inclined would note that the songs seem somewhat improvised, lacking some of the traditional structures of songs. They bore missing pieces and phrases, almost as if the singer were waiting for or listening to an unheard response.

When directly addressed, Emmanuel would explain that he is singing in the hopes of thinning the veil and creating an atmosphere conducive to the upcoming ritual.

Come sunrise, Emmanuel would leave the grove, presumably to eat and rest.

[DM Spartacus]

the Archdruid known as Emmanuel on exploring the tainted grove would learn from travellers of some sightings of succubis drawn to the cursed grove and it's ancient origins. There are rumours they have taken to tempting woodland adventurers, and even darker druids in the wider vicinity to serve their power. They appear to be basking in the change to the grove, and the dark times at a place once strong with nature.

Some adventurers have tackled the demon threat hand to hand in combat.

The Archdruid's presence and singing appear to temporarily challenge that change.

[JustAnotherGuy]

The night before the ritual, several large animals are seen heading towards the destroyed grove along the Lion's Way. A large Winter Wolf, and two large panthers are seen first, walking along together. Later a walking mushroom known as a myconid joins them, followed shortly by a deer. Many rightly assume that it is a gathering of druids of some kind. Whispers begin stirring of the druids meeting in secret, accessing "deep magics" that they cannot share with others. Some asked Emmanuel, the Archdruid, of this, and he was forthcoming in telling people that there are magics that the druids cannot share with people, and since there would be many non-druids at the ritual, this magic must be done in secret beforehand.

Eventually, though several voices could be heard from the grove for a while, all fell still. The druids were then seen leaving quietly.

[JustAnotherGuy]

Flyers can be seen around the Friendly Arms Inn, posted to the lamppost with a sticky substance that is likely tree sap. The verbiage is concise.

The Green Enclave will be hosting a festival for the Spring Equinox at the newly restored grove. All who bear no ill will are welcome to attend.

- Archdruid Emmanuel Beorg Venandi Stefanson

((22 March, 2025. Time TBA!))

[Sundown]

Cloakwood - Remembrance

An elf knelt down in a place in the Cloakwood, beyond the river. Her hair, red like autumn leaves, hung wildly down to her shoulders.
She seemed silent for a long time, her head slightly bowed. An aura of remembrance seemed to emanate from her. A solemn silence, as if she were holding a unspoken dialogue.
If an observer's eyes were sharp enough and one knew the forest well, the ground in front of her seemed to have been previous extensively churned up – but already densely overgrown. It seemed hard to judge how long it lingers into the past.
As if the forest had eagerly taken over a place that had been dug up several weeks ago.
She placed a kind of talisman made of dark feathers, twigs and laces in front of her. It was reminiscent of the archaic design of some wild tribes. Perhaps an imitation of the art of a particular tribe?

She murmured softly:

“May the tribe find his rest. Their souls should be free to walk under the leaves and trough blooming meadows, whereever their last journey had dragged them. Free as the wind, pure as the new morning.”

She touched gently the amber, hanging down on her neck.



Then she rose, took her wooden shield and sickle in hand to prepare for the way back. As she set off again towards the friendly arm, the thoughtful mood seemed to linger in that place

[kenichiyagyu]

Between Sorrow and Duty: A Sun Elf’s Watch

The golden leaves of the Glimmerwoods swayed in the breeze, their soft rustling mingling with the distant calls of unseen birds. Beneath their boughs, in the heart of this sacred place, a lone figure stood—a guardian in silent reverence.

Lia’Vella Aleanylth, the sun elf warrior-arcanist, was seen once more beneath the Golden Tree, as she is every day, her presence a constant vigil. Each dawn, before the waning of her magic, she returns to reapply the arcane wards, ensuring the tree remains shielded from unseen threats.

Her longbow rested upon her back, her golden eyes drifting over the peaceful wildlife that roamed near the roots of the ancient tree. As the wind carried the scent of damp earth and old magic, she knelt—a moment of stillness, a breath of devotion. Then, with deliberate grace, she placed her hands upon the soil, her voice barely above a whisper as she uttered a prayer:

“Vandria, Saryx, hear my prayer.
Grant me your blessing, so that I may protect my kin,
Alexander, my fellow Hunter’s Moon, and the people of Triel.
Lend me the strength to shoulder their burdens,
And the will to ease their worries in these darkened times.

If I must walk this path alone,
Then let me walk it proudly, bearing your name,
With unwavering resolve and an open heart.”

For a time, she remained motionless, lost in thought beneath the golden canopy. Then, as though steeled by an unseen force, she rose—her fingers tracing ancient patterns in the air as she warded the area with careful precision.

Around the sacred tree, Lia’Vella wove enchantments—layers of arcane protections meant to shield the site from unseen eyes.
- **Arcane wards** hummed softly as they took root in the soil.
- **Alarm spells** shimmered briefly before fading into unseen vigilance.
- **Scrying magic** was carefully set along the river’s edge, ensuring the water levels remained stable and undisturbed.

The sacred ground pulsed faintly with protective magic, the air tingling as unseen barriers took hold. Yet as the final ward settled, her instincts sharpened—something unseen pressed at the edges of her magic. A flicker of power, a whisper of something watching.

Her golden gaze swept across the shifting shadows, her stance unwavering. If there was something lurking beyond her sight, she did not yield to unease. Instead, she turned and departed—her path leading her toward duty once more.

In the following days, whispers spread through the Glimmerwoods.
Some spoke of an elf who knelt before the Golden Tree, her voice weaving prayers of grief and resolve.
Others whispered that she walked with unseen burdens—that she no longer sought to fight for herself,
but for something greater.

[Sundown]

Druidic support for the "Green Bears"

It was not unusual to see the red-haired Elven druid in the area around Doron Amar and the Golden Tree.
Nor was it unusual to see Elven patrols from the Mathora in the area surrounding the settlement.

However, in the last few days, it could observed that the druid joined certain patrols. Occasionally she would exchange words with the patrol leader. It could also happen that the patrol route was adjusted slightly as a result of her suggestions.
The druid herself seemed to pay even more attention than usual to changes in the natural rhythm. She also studied the arcane fabric with the help of the corresponding cantrip. The river also became a strong focus of the attention.

Her steps were not as quiet as those of the rangers. But she left just as few traces as they did and seemed to be just as adept at escaping the eye. Even if with the help of blessings and not through intensive training. In addition, she also tried to improve the skills of the rangers, in order that they became even more visually one with the forest.

So it was really a question of whether anyone would even see the red-haired druid together with the patrol...
The patrol routes were extended further west and deeper into the forest during this time. Perhaps this was the reason for the druidic support?

Hidden: show

Used Blessings:
Detect Magic - for studying the weave from time to time
Pass without Trace (Druid 1) - for leaving no trace
Camouflage, Mass (Druid 2) - for support of the troup
Invisibilty (Cleric - Fey 3) - for becoming self unseen, if needed

Acompany the Watch of the Golden Tree

From time to time she kept the sun elf company on her watch. It even seemed as if the druid was examining the work of the sun elf. It was not a critical eye, but rather she was just registering the efforts the arcane warrior had put into it. In these moments, the druid seemed somehow more upright in her posture and a little stiffer. Someone could say in a teasing way: Like a normal Sun elf.
However, she quickly relaxed when the topics of the unfolding conversation turned to other things. And laughter filled the place with joy about the naughty rabbits...