Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

After a rather lengthy journey to the Gate, Caedis dismounts his weary horse and marches towards the Fists' Keep. It is there he awaits consultation with those that seek him out. As he awaits the senior mercenary's meeting, he is left thinking to himself, "Of all the events I've witnessed in my time: invasions of giants, Drow assassins, Banites infiltrating my own forces, sabotage of Nashkel's supplies, surviving an explosion on a merchant vessel... yet it is politics that will most likely kill me in the end..."

*whistling can be heard with a merry tune from the streets of Baulders*

*Some say it came form a man with a swashbucklers hat*

Several of the lower ranking priests of Helm have been seen running about the town searching frantically for something. When asked they just do not say what they are looking for but just say it's important.

--

In related news, the Spirit of Justin Crownsilver no longer appears. Although several peasants seem to report seeing Crownsilver himself walk among the living.

Rumor has it that a Bard was seen recently at the Elfsong telling a most interesting story. The stayed for a few nights then moved on to the merchant camp where he told the tale a few more times before he headed south. Those that were fourtunate enough to hear the story sat in awe as the bard wove his tale....

*an old drunkard turns to another* Ye hear tha *hic* been talk o Red Wizards in the peaks again, guess Nashkell has its work *hic* cut out for em.

Reolly, hmm tha might explain why Beregost is a bit on its toes of late.

Reminds me of a stinking song *hic* Undead, and darkness and Wizards... *his*

The other drunkard: Oh feckin my!!

There was great commotion in the docks of Baldur's Gate. A moored ship was hijacked and sailed out of the harbor at dawn. A few siege weapons damaged the ship, but not enough to disable it. Two frigates gave chase, but were stunned to find that the thieves set the boat ablaze and left. The ship sank only a mile away from the shore near Candlekeep, but attempts to salvage the remains would be expensive and unnecessary. The responsible party points to an odd group: a woman, a dwarf, and some sort of black knight.

Travelers along the tradeway speak of a huge golem that lies defeated near the Ironfaar clan stronghold. The dwarves have been disassembling the massive golem and salvaging its metal.

A famed artisan from Athkatla, none less than the famed Cedric Bannon, reknowned for his detailed sculptures made of the finest (and of course most expensive) material available, alledgedly was abducted from his hotel room in the Helm and Cloak. Testimony on the supposed crime are as shady as they are confusing, a Flaming Fist Officer reports. The 'wife', who later was identified as a courtesan, apparently suffered a light case of amnesia after hitting her head on the floor. The two bodyguards had obviously neglected their duties and were found outside, recovering from a hangover. The halfling servant seemed incapable to speak.

Citizens in Baldur's Gate murmur about seeing a slender, agile woman walking the streets of the city at night, wearing a black half mask. Those listening in on the conversation would hear about her very unusual appearance, as well as the word "horns" mentioned repeatedly.

Some of the nobles claim to have seen her perform in the now defunct theatre a long time ago, but those rumours are mostly disregarded as far fetched.

After all, why would such a being find herself on the stage of the city's most prominent entertainment enterprise?

A rumor begins to spread around Baldur’s Gate and the surrounding country side

Several Posters appear and many a rag tag kid run along speaking with excitement of a grand gesture for the Baldur’s orphaned children.


To the Needy Children of Baldur’s Gate,

Our dear mother is baking her fabulous pies and pastries. She wishes to invite you all to come and partake. There will be plenty of morsels for those who are hungry.

We ask you to come to the farm of Miss Sally Maria. The Home of Baldur’s finest chicken roost. Baked goods will be served down near the barns promptly at five.

We do not ask you to wear your weekly finest only to come, smile and enjoy

Sincerely
Sally Maria and Family


((For those who understand Thieves Cant please send me a PM ASAP for translation))

Rumors radiate from the Elfsong Tavern that a wizard of some renoun has returned to the Sword Coast. He has been spotted along the tradeway over the past few days in plain traveller's clothes. Nobody knows the reason for his return, and the scholar will not comment on his previous whereabouts.

Two old men.. did you hear.. that the people of Candlekeep are harboring daemon kissed orcs and drow now. Heard some wizard went to call the guard down on an orc and they stood there.. and threatened the wizard. About a daemon touched orc and then something about an elf attacking a drow with a fecking dagger no less and the guard John, Jane, Joan..w hatever the name tried to beat the elf to death ignoring the drow and came within inches if not for that illmater lady Mary, Meriele, Marcus whatever her name is. Didn't Maximus or whatever his name is.. just go about talking about his redemption to be accepted back in and this happens.. what zactly was he accepted back into. Hope that whoever is in charge of that place does something quick.

The other oldster.. whats this world commign to. I thought yeah one stroy was shite, but two.. wonder how many more are circulating about.

In various parts of both CandleKeep and Baldurs Gate rumours fly.

*one old man turns to another* what.. you say Joan is saying he is a violent criminal who is lying. But what about Merielle.. she was there.. saw the whole thing and what of the rest? Heard there were at least 20 people sitting about in the Inn. Went to talk to the Barkeep in Candlekeep.. he saw the whole thing said went down as sure as sure could be. Thats right.. she defeneded a drow, did nothign about it but asked him politely to leave.. how fecked is that. All those people.. strange. Plus heard the gate guards talking about how bloodied up he was when leaving.. like he had been slashed within inches... the tanner heard the elf talking to some Anderick fella too was mighty floored by the accusations.

Some elf tries to attack the biggest, most vile thing across the coast and the guard in Candlekeep attacks him, whats all that about?

What.. Tomar. Surely not, he isn't back there.. but well its kinda like he is acting there... what is going on?

Yesterday was marked by a funeral service in honor of the deceased Corporal Irwing of the Flaming Fist.


It was held at the Temple of Helm, with all honors directed to a person of higher rank, in a mass for safekeeping his soul. He had recently retired from active duty, and was on his way to Amn and live with his granddaughter.


The Fist present wore heavy frowns, and ill moods, talks of revenge and going after who did this to the old Corporal, as well grieving faces, of men who had accustomed to seeing the old grizzly man every day, a man who was not dissociable with the Fist.

The feelings of mourning soon passed with the clearing of the skies for the midday sunny glare, only frowns of worry, concern and talk among the Fist officers remained. Those knowledgeable and experienced in these affairs can sense stirrings and some kind of action will soon follow.

A familiar name appears on the roster for returning Flaming Fist troops that were posted for oversea-deployment to Chult.