DM Rumors of Baldur's Gate

[DM Hera]

" violance! Mayhem! Combat not fitting of a gentleman!" Proclaimed the operator of the finest inn in balders gate. "It was savage. I tell you. A good customer who comes quite regular was assaulted as he read his book and drank tea."

The operator pointed over to spilt blood near a table where a pair of fingers laid. "The man was attacked by six others all whom had the wits of magic upon them. It was drastically unfair though the good man put his book down, fifteen pages before the end and proceeded to dismantle his attackers." admiring he added "the fine man shouted 'I serve the Flaming Fist!' As he permanently disabled each attacker".

The operator sighed at the mess. "He bite the fingers off one, took anothers eye out with a punch! Though they where not the worst off. Two will not see another morning. Regardless though of the mans greater physical skill he was over taken and dragged from here. I did hear he sent another to the after life when he woke in the street l, to only be subdued again"

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Following the news of Captain Beluarion being taken by enemies of the state the Flaming Fist began patrols looking for their beloved captain. Mean while a large group of powerful adventurers lead by a young new comer to the gate Julia la Belle followed the captains trail, every step of the way till they found these enemies.

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The following morning Captain Beluarion shirtless in the winter walked through the east gates under his own power in the company of many adventurers. He held his head high, his knuckles red from the bare knuckle fights from the night before.

With no complaints he simply returned the Fist Castle, put his armor on and reportered for duty.

Story aays he did send a pouch of gold to buy drinks for the adventurer group he travled with. "Duty First" was his only reply when asked about the events.

[DM Hera]

The frost has just set on the ground, a cool air along the coast as night reaches accross the sky. However tonight the City of Baldur's Gate sleeps in peace. A ghostly singer haunting the cities gates has gone quiet.

The Day before, a group of loyalist, faithful and heroes of Baldur's Gate marched to the Undercity and below some unknown horror seen, fought and defeated.

A woman was rescued.

and a confidence of justice done.

[DM Creo]

Rumor has it the ship named the Golden Albatross, which is owned by the North West Trading Company and was previously impounded is now officially seized. The head company officials including the ships captain have been placed under arrest for charges including smuggling and attempted murder. The prisoners and the ship are being held, pending the outcome of an official trial. While the company has yet to pay there workers for what is now six months of back wages, there is still much celebration in the Dock District. The riots and protests have ended. Commerce is flourishing again. People fill the taverns and visit the vendors once more.

Hidden: show

[DM Dialectic]

It is said that a large non-regular shipment of luxury goods recently arrived in Baldur's Gate at the Eastern Farmlands land convoy dock including imported silks, wines of exceptional quality, and exotic spices. It is not clear publicly from where such a significant luxury goods shipment came from. It is said that the merchant convoy company that delivered the goods does make frequent delivers to and from Baldur's Gate throughout the Western Heartlands.

[DM Hera]

In the early morning a group of the Flaming Fist's best men left the city gates under the command of Captain Belurion. The group took no questions and the streets where made clear and wide of any who tried to near them. Among their number where some of the Fists most noted Battlecasters, their best archer and the largest wrestler they have.

This group seam to appear as a guard for a man in a fine silken cloak which had its hood drawn up to cover his face. The only person close enough to touch the man was the noted Paladin of Sune Adelaide, who seam to hold the honor as the mans Personal Body Guard.

The group headed through the east gate and deep into the farmlands, they took no road and threaded through fields to the small foot hills. Captain Belurion sharp eye keeping strict command over the soldiers of the Fist.

[DM Dialectic]

It is said that a group of Zhentarim agents from Darkhold recently were seen entering and exiting a Flaming Fist outpost in the Northern Farmlands of Baldur's Gate. What the purpose of this travel was is not clear. It is noted by gossipers that in the past, however, this had happened during the undead wars and Virtuous Soil revolt of a few years ago as well.

[DM Dialectic]

It is rumored that the schedule of the Grand Dukes has been moved around to hold a brief public session of court at the Duchal Palace within a couple of days time. It is not clear publicly by rumor what the session is for or who is invited.

//Open event at GMT 02:30 Tuesday, January 24, which is the same as 21:30 US Eastern Time Monday, January 23.//

[DM Dialectic]

It is rumored that the schedule of the Grand Dukes has been moved around to hold a brief public session of court at the Duchal Palace within a couple of days time. It is not clear publicly by rumor what the session is for or who is invited.

//Open event at GMT 02:30 Tuesday, January 24, which is the same as 21:30 US Eastern Time Monday, January 23.//

A company of Flaming Fist under the charge of General Scar himself has been rumored to have been seen exiting the North Gate of Baldur's Gate and to march to the edge of the Northern Farmlands. Elsewhere, the City Watch and Flaming Fist seem to be about the city and Farmlands in force. Why security may be so tight perhaps may be due to the rumored Duchal Court being held shortly, fully open to the public it is said after a private proceeding first, but it is still a highly unusual show of force in peacetime.

((Event in 2.5 hours.))

[DM Dialectic]

Diplomatic Drama in the Duchal Court

It is a tense Duchal Court, perhaps the tensest in Court history. The treaty, a document that will end a de-facto state of war between Baldur’s Gate and the Zhentarim and open trade and diplomacy between the polities for the first time in recent memory, is about to be ratified. It is a miracle or curse that the treaty has made it this far, as its conception previously died or almost died so many times in the past years.

Grand Duke Eltan, commander of the Flaming Fist, reflects how his own comrades have been killed by Zhents in war. He continues saying that the same goes for allies of Baldur's Gate present in the Court room, including the fealty Order of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary, who's esteemed members Grandmaster Arkaine and Knight Erza had tried to righteously thwart the treaty in the days and hours before ratification in the name of good, as well as long time loyal ally Doron Amar, but that a break in endless threats of conflict abroad has practical benefits for rebuilding city security and the Flaming Fist. Grand Duke Entar adds that trade and the stagnant economy of the city are not what they had been in years past despite a tremendous recovery from depressed levels after the siege of Baldur's Gate by undead and the wars thereof, in no small part due to the aid of many goodly temples, orders, companies, and adventurer groups in the city. Grand Duke Belt proclaims that the common people no longer fear the Zhentarim as much as they once did. Grand Duchess Liia retorts that still the city should not forget its values. The Lord Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold adds some words of good will toward Baldur's Gate of his own.

After being prompted by Grand Duke Eltan, a priestess of Waukeen next gives her prayer to bless the to-be-ratified treaty before an impending signing ceremony of the document. “May we see coin flow for all beings, for all stations and class. May we see peace enable prosperity and good fortune for all of the Gate.” She concludes with a solemn nod. Grand Duke Entar Silvershield, eyes closed during the prayer, then opens them, seemingly not sure if he is ready for what is next.

The priestess of Waukeen then takes out a document and proceeds to hand it to the Zhentarim Lord Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold, leader of the Zhentarim delegation from Darkhold, a delegation which also includes the poised Zhentarim Maximillian, Wren, and Xavier, to sign on behalf of the High Lord Fzoul Chembryl of the Zhentarim and of Zhentil Keep. “Right here, my Lord.” The priestess speaks and then points to a signature line on the document and offers a quill with ink to the Lord. The Lord Selengil Harkonis then dips his head respectfully, holding out a free hand presumably for the quill.

Before Entar signs, an aggressively drinking Grand Duke Belt bellows randomly over chaotic chatter in the court of the public assembled “This is a Ducal Decree, not a discussion, so listen more and talk less.” Lord Selengil Harkonis smiles in response and takes the writing device from the priestess, flicking his wrist as he makes his signature. Harkonis then speaks: “In the name of Lord Chembryl and in representation of these matters. I sign this treaty in good faith.” A moment later Grand Duke Belt winks at a chance court female and the priestess of Waukeen nods to Harkonis and takes the document from the Lord of Darkhold to whom is next.

She passes the treaty to Grand Duke Entar Silvershield. “You will be signing for the Council I heard?” She asks politely. Grand Duke Entar seems to pause before responding, perhaps reflecting. “Your highness?” She then adds after waiting a few moments. Silvershield then rises from his chair and he steps forward. Coolly, he looks over the treaty after taking it from the priestess, every line carefully, again, a purposeful reason as he takes quill in hand. His head raises from review of the document back out to the crowd a moment before staring hard at Harkonis of Darkhold who then stares seriously at the Grand Duke in return as Silvershield prepares to sign, an intensity in Harkonis’ eyes as he waits on the Grand Duke's signature.

Entar continues next to let the stare linger, thoughts in his eyes, weighing a hundred futures. Lord Harkonis in response gives an almost imperceptible encouraging nod to the Grand Duke Entar as the two men stare at one another further. After, Entar slowly cranes his head to Grand Duchess Liia, his head still held high as he looks to her. The Grand Duchess stares back at Entar with extreme and relentless focus. Grand Duke Belt meanwhile looks over at Entar and gives him a nod to sign, looking like he has other places to be in his mind. Silvershield finally slowly returns his eyes to Selengil and with eyes upon the man he signs the treaty. “Welcome to Baldurs Gate.” He adds, matter of factly.

Grand Duke Eltan then claps. Grand Duchess Liia Jannath nods politely. Grand Duke Belt puts his hands together as well. Entar lays the quill back to where it belongs, returning to his chair, without further word or look upon the man he just made the deal with.

The text of the ratified treaty is later posted as promised by Grand Duke Eltan at the Duchal Court session in public ways around the City of Baldur's Gate for all to read as well as sent to allies and fellow members of the Lords' Alliance and a ratified copy to Darkhold and Zhentil Keep.

A Treaty to Open Relations and Trade Between the City of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim

In order to permanently establish diplomatic and trade relations between the City of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim, the following articles are agreed to between the governments of Baldur's Gate and the Zhentarim.

ARTICLE 1. No Zhentarim law breaking in Baldur's Gate or other Lords' Alliance cities.

ARTICLE 2. Public announcement of the treaty contained herein and its provisions.

ARTICLE 3. No Zhentarim military adventures or intrigues that threaten member polities of the Lords' Alliance. The Grand Dukes in any case recognize the Zhentarim proportional right of self-defense if attacked first.

ARTICLE 4. Agreed that Eliphas the Deceiver will remain banned on pain of death from Baldur's Gate, forever, at Duchal discretion, and that the Zhentarim offer to turn Eliphas into the Flaming Fist Mercenary Company if he is ever found alive again.

ARTICLE 5. Agreed that the Zhentarim agents known as Wren and Maximillian were spotted in the Baldur’s Gate Farmlands without Duchal permission, as banned Zhentarim persons under pre-treaty herein Duchal law, and both conceded that this was a mistake in interpretation of local Baldurian law and both vowed to not do so again and apologized and made proper legal remediation.

ARTICLE 6. The Zhentarim herein announces that the duties of the political and diplomatic leader of Darkhold now include to act as the informal trade and diplomatic representative to Baldur's Gate on behalf of the Zhentarim and to take up residence in the City of Baldur's Gate as appropriate and in accordance with Duchal law. Having an agreed to diplomatic and commercial purpose as such, the Grand Dukes have good reason to let the political and diplomatic leader of Darkhold reside in Baldur's Gate as other foreign diplomatic and trade representative residents of the city do and see no reason to limit such commercial, diplomatic, and cultural activities such as going about the city in taverns, frequenting parties, and taking part in social areas and scenes for the political and diplomatic leader of Darkhold to make trade deals and represent at a basic diplomatic level the Zhentarim.

ARTICLE 7. It is agreed that Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold will publicly apologize to the City of Baldur's Gate and the Temple of Ilmater for the murder and violence he committed in Baldur's Gate in the past, including specifically an incident in the Temple of Ilmater in the second month of 1351 DR. He will also offer a significant sum of restitution to the temple of Ilmater for such crimes, and if it is refused by the temple, then to the poor generally of Baldur's Gate. Additionally, property owners of Baldur’s Gate will not be impeded by the Grand Dukes in disallowing known Zhentarim or anyone they suspect as such from entering property they own in Baldur’s Gate if they so wish.

ARTICLE 8. The Grand Dukes make it clear that they expect exemplary decorum, treaty honoring, and law abiding by any Zhentarim in Baldur’s Gate and the Baldur’s Gate Farmlands, inside the gates of the city or otherwise, if the Zhentarim wish to keep their new legal status and treaty, noting that nothing is permanent if the Zhentarim do not do as such.

ARTICLE 9. The Zhentarim recognize and understand that the Banite Public Preaching of Dogma, Rituals, or Public Display of Symbols ban in the City of Baldur’s Gate as quoted below will remain in place as Duchal law after relations would be opened between the Zhentarim and the City of Baldur’s Gate and that violating this ban will be grounds for the Zhentarim losing open relations status in the future along with any other lawbreaking.

- Public Preaching of Dogma, Rituals or Public Display of Symbols of the following Gods is severely punishable by up to banishment or death, as determined by judicial ruling: Bane, Bhaal, Loviatar, Malar, Myrkul, Shar and Talos. Judicial ruling resulting in execution, will be public and final (OOC: a perma-strike against convicted PC).

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SIGNING PAGE.

For Baldur's Gate:

Grand Duke Entar Silvershield of Baldur's Gate on behalf of the Council of Four of Baldur's Gate

For the Zhentarim:

Lord Selengil Harkonis of Darkhold on behalf of High Lord Fzoul Chembryl of the Zhentarim and of Zhentil Keep

Dated:

24th of Hammer, 1353 DR, The Year of the Arch

[DM Hera]

In the early morning dawn a group of Flaming Fist lead by Investigator Graytalker met with members of the Thayan Enclave in Baldurs Gate. The members of the Fist spoke with the Thayans in the small court yard before handing over to city custody two wanted members of the notorious Pink Scarfs.

A young Red Wizard was the point of contact and Investigator Graytalker thanked him for the captured highwaymen.

These Scarf members where taken to the castle of the Flaming Fist for interrogation.

[DM Hera]

As Dusk fell the Mighty Captain Bel along with a few trusted men met with Zhentrium Agents at the outside of the Northern City Gates. There the talk was short, to the point and after which the Zhent Agents handed over a known Courtier named Louis de'Glaunt.

The Courtier was shackled by Captain Bel himself with some joy and had his men escort the man to the cells. Even with this capture, Captain Bel's disgust for the Zhentrium Agents was not masked.

[DM Hera]

Deep with in Baldurs Gate Harbor District, a series of twisting streets and dark allies stretch forth. A particular street whispered and gossiped of leads to a tall green house, with shutters hanging from hing and lights long gone. Locals speak of this mansion once belonging to a Merchant who made his coin selling snake oil hope. He offered victims during the year of plague that once struck this great city bottles for a price, and then charged higher as he ran through his stocks, even though he knew the cure did not work.

This green bottle was nothing more then salt water with a few beans and a bit of other sparklies to sell it to hopeless, desperate and needy folk. His victims became the nameless, faceless dead, the witnesses were few and he skirted himself around mortal laws. Though no man goes beyond the reach of the gods story goes as one day a man in armor came.

This large man in armor metered out the gods justice, removed the rich Merchants door from its hinges and brought judgement upon the Snake Oil salesman. The merchants victims shall suffer no wrong so rumor goes.

Now up that lonely long street the Merchants door sits against the wall of his now empty mansion. Prayer like candles flicker before it, dimly lighting the street and notes tacked to its faded green wood. The notes are plea's for justice, wrongs perceived and needs for vengeance.

[DM Hera]

Bakers in the city of Baldurs Gate grumble about the price of Honey.

"I swear there must be a plague to dem bees. Or some farmer isn't paying prayer to what ever stick carrying leaf hugging goddess of the realm for bees. ". This portly baker barked out a local customer as he patted flour from his hands.

"Honey prices. That's what me talking about. Me paying now twice what I did a few tenday back an me being told its in short supply. ". The portly backer motioned to thin empty jars which use to hold his honey stores.

"I ain't keen waiting till next month for these prices to come down. So you want a honey cake? Gonna cost you more too. "

Though the prices have increased on raw honey this matter was seen only as temporary, has not stopped a few merchants from cashing in on the higher prices.

[DM Soulcatcher]

It is said around the docks that the City Watch has found bodies of two drowned person, a woman and a man on the other side of the pier the docked Twilight Rose ship is. The persons were both bound with rope and gagged. It's said it was wife and son of a local fisherman, Tomas Burns.

Nobody who knows the family around the docks seem to know why would someone murder the two, as the family was never a problem to anyone.

[DM Leprechaun]

It rumours that Sergeant Himmel is looking for able adventurers to assist them with a strange problem.

((time 23:00 GMT Thursday 03/02-17