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

If the Inquisition believed their troubles with magi had ended with Castus' arrival, they soon received a rude awakening. In the year 1360 on the 20th day of Hammer, a routine inspection of an Inquisition Mage Prison ended in an unforeseen jailbreak. The fate of its perpetrators is unclear; all that is known in the aftermath of the event is that dozens of magi and their collaborators are dead or escaped. The Inquisition suffered significant losses as well, including the deaths of many magehunters and that of the "Whisperer," the infamous interrogator stationed at the prison.

Reports indicate that an inspection conducted by Baron Rhonmark ended abruptly when as-yet unidentified infiltrators released several high-threat prisoners from their cells. Caught off guard, the mage hunters struggled to assert control over the prisoners as tremors, a massive conflagration set by escaping fugitives, and summoned elementals assailed them at every turn. It was not until Castus arrived with his overwhelming field of antimagic that the uprising was ended.

While the Inquisition attempts to reassure the people of Amn that they have everything under control, questions linger about who might be responsible for the attack. Most suspect Tyrelius' hand in the affair but in the days that follow, the Arcane Liberation Front does not claim the jailbreak as their own. Conspiracists wonder if the event may have been staged theater gone awry, perhaps a misguided effort to demonstrate Castus' overwhelming power. Still others wonder what other forces might be in play. The only certainty is that no answers can come until a full investigation is conducted.

In the aftermath, the Inquisition tightens security across all fronts under their control. Those magi still in captivity know their conditions will only worsen now.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Greenest, the Myradon Vindicators inform "Queen" Dharva Scatterheart of the loss of one of their own. Candor, the bright Greenest native and Vindicator apprentice is reported dead. It is said that upon learning this news, his fellow Vindicator Ivarra lets out a wail so shattering that the skies above could not help but answer with a torrent of hail and thunder.

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In Nashkel, and in Amn, it is said that the Inquisition has finally captured Kazaiev Dovrik, who was actively sought after a serie of murders, exclusively women. It is said that the help of adventurers and the information provided were unvaluable, leading to Kazaiev Dovrik's capture alive. The rumor talks about an ambush in a cave, in the cloud peaks, but very little is disclosed at this time. For any additional information, it seems that contacting the Inquisition for tangible source is the right thing to do, they say.

In response to the latest incident of unrest between the Everwatch and the Inquisition, the Inquisition released an immediate statement:

LET IT HENCEFORTH BE KNOWN, that the Amnian Inquisition formally disavows, disclaims, and repudiates all association with the organization known as the Everwatch. The Everwatch has proven itself to be more concerned over the fate of unregistered and criminal magi than it is about the plight of the common man in Amn, who longs only for security from the unregulated practice of arcane magic. Let this be a warning: the Inquisition will not stand by and allow any mage sympathizers to undermine the good work being done in Nashkel to quash the Arcane threat.

But if the Inquisition had hoped this statement would rally the commonfolk of Nashkel to their side, it seemed instead to have the opposite effect.

While the people of Nashkel are grateful to the Inquisition and Castus for suppressing the Arcane Liberation Front and Tyrelius, they have not forgotten how it was the Everwatch who led Nashkel's soldiers to victory over the Aurilites and ended the blizzards afflicting their town from the past summer. Public support of the Everwatch seems only to grow while support for the Inquisition falters.

Meanwhile, Nashkel's Mayor Ghastkill receives a supply of of food, apparently coordinated between the Iron Throne, the Bladestone Foundation, and the Phoenix Company. While the food shortage from the destruction of the previous year's harvests has not yet been fully addressed, the shipment does significantly ease the burden. The town hails the mayor's ingenuity.

Later, High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar visits his sister's grave in Nashkel. Some of his guards overhear his quiet words, a solemn vow made to his dearly departed:

"I promise, Angelica, we are close. The mage threat in Amn is almost at an end.

... I will make sure what happened to you will never happen again."

Recently, the people of Nashkel find Castus the Fallen not only patrolling the skies but also the roads of their city. Nashkel's citizens turn from wary onlookers into emboldened greeters, curious to meet their ostensible savior. Those who pluck up the courage to strike up a conversation with the man find him to be a cordial and kind, but also distant and morose. Some wonder if the man is lonely, for why else would he descend to the earth and walk among men? Others curse his presence, if not with words then with their looks; Castus is the reason for Nashkel's dearth of magic, and without -any- magic, much of modern society's comforts and conveniences are suddenly lacking.

With the Arcane Liberation Front forced underground by the Castus' very presence, no longer do the people of Amn fear Tyrelius or his threats of chaos and destruction. Apart from the recent jailbreak, no incidents of magical sedition have been reported. Questions grow louder as to whether the fallen paladin is still needed; after all, no magic can be cast in his vicinity, even that which offers benefit to a peaceful and stable society, even divine prayers to heal the wounded or comfort the despairing.

In response, the Inquisition announces a news conference soon to take place, to update the people of Nashkel on the latest developments of the fight against Tyrelius, and to answer any questions the commonfolk may have about the Inquisition's plans. High Inquisitor Giovann assures the town that Castus will be present.

Elsewhere in Amn, the performers known as the Band of Rogues arrives in Crimmor. Their circus soon becomes a main attraction in the city, with many local lords and ladies attending weekly shows.

It was going so smoothly. After taking question after question from the public, on wide-ranging topics from Castus to the Inquisition's treatment of children, those present spoke that High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar seemed confident he had dispelled many false rumors and narratives concerning his organization. No, the Inquisition does not hold children captive for torture. No, the Inquisition has no intention of violating the borders of other sovereignties. To conclude the day's proceedings, he even turned to Dhaerys Lockheart, his longtime confidante, and bent the knee to offer his proposal of marriage.

It was then that everything went wrong.

Out of nowhere, Tyrelius put into motion the plans he had been making from the shadows all this time. High above Nashkel, beyond the reach of Castus' antimagic field, Tyrelius teleported his gigantic tower into the sky, hanging it there by powerful magicks to act as a hangman's axe, a sword pointed downward toward the city. Castus, reacting out of instinct, immediately flew to engage the floating tower, realizing almost too late that his presence would undo the spells keeping the tower afloat and from crashing into the city below. In that moment, he hesitated - and with his hesitation, his antimagic field suddenly dispersed.

It was only for a moment. Not more than five seconds, even. But for five seconds, the antimagic field that had followed Castus since the dawn of the new year was gone.

While he was in the sky, and the Inquisition scrambling to prepare for an impending attack, no one noticed that Dhaerys Lockheart had disappeared.

As the High Inquisitor rallied his soldiers and the nearby adventurers and Everwatch members, a body came hurtling from the tower above, slamming into the earth below. It was the Deputy Mayor, Garroth Salvor, his absence now explained as being in Tyrelius' captivity. Pinned and fastened securely to his dead body were a note ... and a lock of Dhaerys' golden hair, covered in blood. The note demanded that the Inquisition deliver Castus' head to Tyrelius, announcing that the High Inquisitor would have only one week before Dhaerys was to share the Deputy Mayor's fate.

With the hourglass counting down, the Inquisition now makes its preparations to assault Tyrelius' tower. Because Castus' presence is too great a risk in the actual assault, his participation is limited to the defense of Nashkel. The siege mission is three-pronged: to neutralize the tower so that it will not crash into Nashkel below, to capture Tyrelius and end his threat permanently, and to save Dhaerys Lockheart. To that end, High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar has gone to the radical lengths of approving the aid of foreign magi who are vouched for by loyal Amnians.

It waits to be seen whether it is Tyrelius or the High Inquisitor and his allies that will emerge victorious. The fate of Nashkel hangs in the balance.

// Next Event: Sunday, February 25, 1800 GMT!

In a field of blasted wasteland west of Nashkel, Tyrelius finally confronted his most hated foe: Castus the Fallen. This half-celestial possessed the power to project an antimagic field in heretofore unseen proportions. He was anathema to all magi, an existential threat to Tyrelius and his Arcane Liberation Front, a foe that could neutralize the workings of the Weave and its counterparts, a foe that almost no spell could defeat.

Almost.

Tyrelius had spent the past months carefully crafting his own magic into a spell that would be able to neutralize Castus' antimagic field and imprison the half-celestial in the same breath. A variation on a Prismatic Sphere, Tyrelius' version would be centered not on the caster, but a target of his choosing. Not only would Castus' antimagic field not be able to penetrate the Prismatic Sphere's iridescent spherical boundaries, it would blind the half-celestial to what Castus would do next.

So when Castus dared to laugh, to scoff at the thought that he might be undone by a spell, Tyrelius laughed back.

"I AM TYRELIUS! I AM THE APEX OF ALL MAGI! AND THERE WILL BE NOTHING TO STOP ME NOW!"

With one breath, Tyrelius showed Castus the depth of his folly. With the next, he would send Castus straight to the hells. His Prismatic Sphere worked perfectly. With the antimagic field now contained within the spherical boundary of his Sphere, Tyrelius had free reign to work his will upon the Weave once again. His practiced hands drew the sigils in the air with ease and an Epic Gate opened itself directly under the Sphere imprisoning Castus.

He was so close. He could smell the flames of Avernus invade the air of the Prime Material. He could taste victory on the tip of his tongue ...

And then the impossible happened.

The air shimmered, and Tyrelius' Prismatic Sphere collapsed. With the Sphere gone, Castus' vast antimagic field returned in an instant, wiping away the Gate that Tyrelius had summoned. Any of these events might have given any mage pause but what struck Tyrelius, what chilled him to his core, what terrified his very soul -- it was how Castus had done it. No counterspell had been uttered. No Dispel or Disjunction had been cast.

No. Castus undid all of Tyrelius' efforts by unraveling the Weave itself. For just a moment, what once was an antimagic field had become a dead magic zone.

Tyrelius could not keep the tremble from his protests. "I-impossible. IMPOSSIBLE!"

"Nothing is impossible," replied Castus. "Not for me. Did you think you were only dealing with an Antimagic Field? No, you fool. I am the end of all magic!"

It was not until Tyrelius saw Castus' winged form racing toward him with his great axe that Tyrelius finally understood. The folly was not Castus' after all.

It was his own.

With the aid of many adventurers, the Everwatch and authorized magi included, the Inquisition achieved a total victory over the Arcane Liberation Front. High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar personally led the strike force that assailed Tyrelius' Tower, floating in the skies above Nashkel. The assault team confronted the tower's defenses and dispatched them with ease. Once inside, they encountered a group that had attempted to infiltrate the tower earlier, only to be imprisoned by Tyrelius. Despite these events, this group was able to decipher the method by which Tyrelius was able to keep the tower afloat and how to control its flight.

Advancing higher into the tower, the strike force successfully rescued Secretary Headmistress Dhaerys Lockheart from captivity. It is said that the Secretary Headmistress suffered brutal torments at the hands of her captors and has been deeply traumatized. Giovann tended his wounded beloved while the Strike Force pressed on.

At the tower's highest level, the assault team was surprised not to find Tyrelius, but instead one of his victims, a mage calling himself Enoch the Endless. Apparently Enoch had been tricked and imprisoned by Tyrelius and was among those who Tyrelius had drained of life force to power his tower's flight. Driven by paranoia, Enoch attacked the assault team, bringing devastating transmutation magic to bear against them. Eventually, however, he was overwhelmed and subdued. Persuaded by the mage Aela that the assault team was not actually his enemy, Enoch helped the strike force escape the tower once it was learned that Tyrelius had rigged the entire structure to explode.

The team of infiltrators used their newly acquired knowledge to land Tyrelius' tower in an empty area on the southern border of the Greenfields before escaping as well. True to Tyrelius' word, the tower exploded, leaving only ruin and rubble in its wake.

Although the strike force did not find Tyrelius within the tower, the Thrice-Judged mage and seditionist would not escape the Inquisition's justice. Not long after the strike force returned to Nashkel, Castus returned to the town, bringing back with him both his antimagic field and a neutralized Tyrelius. The fallen half-celestial claimed that Tyrelius would never cast a spell again. The Inquisition gladly placed the would-be tyrant mage under arrest and threw him into their prison. Tyrelius' plan to use Dhaerys and the floating tower as a decoy to give himself an opportunity to assassinate Castus had failed.

Thus, every single objective of the Inquisition's operations had met with success. The tower was brought down, never to threaten the safety of Nashkel's people again. Secretary Headmistress Dhaerys Lockheart had been saved, albeit at a terrible price. And Tyrelius himself was now captured and awaiting trial by the Inquisition.

In the aftermath, High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar announced that the special authorization granted to those magi to combat Tyrelius had come to an end. After assuring them once again that the Inquisition had no intention of breaching other sovereign borders, he thanked them for their service. Perhaps worthy of note - the High Inquisitor made a point of thanking the Everwatch, with whom he had only recently been feuding quite publicly.

With this victory, the Inquisition's standing in Amnian politics is sure to rise ever higher. Together, the Amnian people cry out: FOR THE INQUISITION! FOR THE GLORY OF AMN!

With Tyrelius' capture, the people of Nashkel celebrate what they expect will be a return to peace. With the Arcane Liberation Front scattered and Nashkel's food shortages addressed in full by a trade negotiation between Mayor Ghastkill and Greenest's "Queen" Dharva Scatterheart (aided by her loyal supporters, the Myradon Vindicators) the people are hopeful that a brighter future is on the horizon. Little thought is paid to the upcoming trial that will see Tyrelius answer for his crimes; even less is given to what Castus' plans might be.

But this story has not yet ended. What does fate have in store for them? Only time will tell.

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Merciless, winter's bite has chewed early upon Nashkel's village. The presence of the Inquisition, the War against the Arcane Front Liberation, the struggles between the Everwatch and the High Inquisitor, the many adventurers and their quest against rebel mages, or to shelter refugees... they were all under the silent, ever falling witness of the snow. Covering houses and people with its white mantle, the snow has at times waken joy in Neshkel's children, hindered expeditions and wood workers, isolated the village and the nearby settlements. At the roots of the Cloud Peaks, they are nothing people have not faced already. The robust population of Nashkel continues to accomodate to the cold climate.

" It is a very cold winter ! Keep wives and children at home. "

Yet, the cold bite this year has forced fangs deeper than usual. Icy water, snow almost every day, very low temperature forcing people to stay at home when the sun only begins to decline. It could have been a disaster!, the people say. Because without the help of many, adventurers, trade companies, temples and individuals... the village would have been starving, or dead in the cold. The people know that have much to be grateful for. They have rationed food voluntarily, by themselves, with little need of help from the Inqusition, or intervention from Mayor Ghastkill. The people show solidarity, and unity, despite the atrocities the village had to face recently. While the people have almost overcome the fears and consequences from the war between the Cold Goddess and the Watcher, loud echoes from the valleys have summoned these ghosts back :

"DEFILERS! OATH-BREAKERS! DOOMED MEN AND TRAITORS!

I AM WULFRIK, SON OF HANS, SON OF TOR - SLAYER, AND SLAVE, OF THE COLD GODDESS!

I DEMAND THE RANSOM FOR YOUR CRAVEN SOULS!

SEND FORTH EVERY FIRST-BORN SON OF NASHKEL INTO THE CLOUDED PEAKS! LADEN THEM WITH YOUR OFFERINGS, THAT THEIR LIVES AND YOUR WEALTH MAY TOGETHER BE OFFERED UPON THE ICE!

YOU MAY YET SPARE YOUR DOOM!"

The calling have resonated through hills and peaks, rivers and valleys. It has reached Nashkel in no time. Yet the reaction of the people was defiant and suspicious. It is said that most of them have turned to the Church of the Vigilant with heavy expectations. For now, none of them have abandoned any child to the cold, nor offerings for that matter. Their eyes are all turned towards the Everwatch. Will they leave the people down? Will the Vigilant be a shield against the cold? Will he abandon Nashkel to ice and blizzard? The doubts only begin to grow in their minds. They seem to wait, for now, unwilling to surrender their precious children, so often threatened. A few villagers turn to the Inquisition with impatience. After all, were they not supposed to guard against the threat of this Cold Goddess? When will She finally be taken out of their lives?

" Have you heard in the night? This melody is a chant of crystals... "

In the cold wind of the night, endless torment where snow and ice are equally carried, when the moon is at the darkest around the second candlemark, whispers claim that a feminine voice sings with all her heart. The melody is a sweet and harmonious lullaby of pristine, perfect notes. Drunk soldiers and sailors compare it to the chants of mermaids and nereids, while some villagers mentions the songs of a mother to her child before sleeping. The tale spreads among the villagers that a woman answered the calling of the valley and surrendered her child, never to be seen again. Since then, she begun to search for him, every night. Yet, none of the women of Nashkel are missing, and no children either. Finally, the most rational people, and the vast majority of the soldiers and villagers conclude : "Don't pay attention. It's the wind whistling in the night. Have been for years around here... Nothing new!"

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If you are interested in reacting or doing anything, please contact me beforehand. It's always better when we coordinate for rumors and their consequences.
See you in the Realms

DM Abyss

In the aftermath of the Inquisition's capture of the terrorist known as Thrice-Judged Tyrelius, preparations for his trial begin. High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar, preoccupied by the condition of his beloved Dhaerys Lockheart, takes a back seat to the proceedings. In his place, Inquisitor Micaela Navar has been named prosecuting attorney. Meanwhile, High Judicator Hieron Ampbel is appointed by the Tessarch to lead the Tribunal that will decide Tyrelius' fate.

Much to everyone's surprise, it does not take long for Tyrelius to obtain an advocate; Eloy Rhonmark, brother to Baron Enriq Rhonmark, volunteers to serve in the position. The Rhonmark Barony is well-known in Amn to be influential and wealthy but most find the Barony's motives in defending a known seditionist like Tyrelius inscrutable, with some wondering what possible advantage such a move could gain. Others wonder how much of the Rhonmark Barony's coin will be brought to bear in the trial: local Amnians know that in Amn, coin often speaks louder than any oratory.

Indeed, Eloy is seen often in the High Judicator's company of late. But surely such meetings have naught to do with Tyrelius' trial ...

Meanwhile, Castus seems to grow visibly restless in awaiting the trial's outcome, departing Nashkel's borders for longer and longer durations, each time without warning. Every time he leaves, his field of antimagic (Or is it dead magic now? Or something else?) departs with him. While some are glad for the reprieve from Castus' spell-suppressing presence, others wonder whether the town will be vulnerable to attack by Tyrelius' few remaining followers. Confronted by Inquisitor Micaela Navar on his unexplained departures, Castus merely shrugs, stating that the Arcane Liberation Front is no longer a threat - a statement that many concede is likely to be true.

On Ches 23, a clash between the Inquisition and one of the remaining Arcane Liberation Front cells resulted in the Inquisition's forced retreat, but not before the Inquisition claimed the life of the Witch-Knight Lilah, one of Tyrelius' last remaining lieutenants. Reportedly, the battle was going well for the Inquisition until the Myradon Vindicators arrived to reinforce the Arcane Liberation Front at Rhonmark Hill near the Amnian border to Greenest. The battle that took place left fires that ravaged the hillside and dozens of corpses for the local carrion to feast.

In response to these reports, Amn dispatches an envoy from Nashkel toward Greenest, where they expect to entreat with "Queen" Dharva Scatterheart. No confirmed reports elucidate the purpose of this diplomatic effort but Dharva takes precautionary measures anyway, fortifying the town militia and reinforcing the town's palisades.

In Nashkel, Inquisitor Micaela Navar issues the following statement:

Let it be known that by providing aid and succor to members of the seditionist movement calling itself the "Arcane Liberation Front," the organization known as the Myradon Vindicators has declared itself an enemy of Amn. All members of the Myradon Vindicators are hereby banned from Amnian territory, on pain of death.

The following is a list of known members of the Myradon Vindicators:

• Archon Yuri Lichelina

• Exemplar Ivarra

• Foxy

• Ekvir

• Candor

Some members of Nashkel's populace note that many of the listed Myradon Vindicators were the same heroes who aided the town while the town was being assailed by the Aurilites. Sentiment against the Inquisition grows within the town.

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Even the Spring Equinox has not yet brought an end to the dreadful blizzard that blows so strongly in the Cloud Peaks. The mysterious chant that occurs overnight has given rise to rumors about its origin. Is it a spirit? A lost woman? The Goddess of Cold Herself? None of the inhabitants in Nashkel, or the travelers around the Cloud Peaks, could provide an answer. The worst rumors suggest that even some of the Faithful of Auril, pilgrims, and travelers, would not dare to enter the snowstorm, leaving that task to the most trusted of her clergy. In truth, nobody really knows what is happening there, why the snowstorm is so merciless, or why it is lasting so long, even into spring. Gossipers whisper that it is all a consequence of the war. Yet, some also say that despite the wrath of the Cold Goddess, nobody has died yet. Speculations continue...

" What is happening up there, in the peaks? I swear I saw Northern Lights!"

All eyes turned towards the vigilant sentinels of Helm have not yet been deceived. It is said that regular patrols have attempted to put an end to the snowstorm, and that shrines of the Cold Goddess have been consecrated under the High Vigil of the Everwatchful God. But for some, it was not enough. The blizzard still rages. The cold is still felt. Children stay at home when the day begins to decline. The pressure feels constant, and for some, overwhelming. But the idea of paying respect to a Goddess whose clergy contributed to invoking wrath, completely obliterating the last harvest and putting children and pregnant wives at risk of starvation, is still abhorrent to the people of Nashkel. Without the help of many, they would be dead in the cold. Yet, the people seem to wonder how long these chaining curses will last and if there is an end to all this. As a result, an increased number of people come to pray to the Vigilant, hoping that He will protect them from the Cold Goddess's breath; that hope is more fragile today.


The calling that resonated throughout the valley has fallen silent too. A freezing distance has replaced it. The one who threatened Nashkel has not been seen around the village anymore, and the first-born males are safe. Presence or absence, the blizzard still rages, hinting perhaps at a fortuitous coincidence between the two events, more than bound occurrences, or so says the rumor for now.

A gur shaman has been seen asking questions and walking in the village. Her presence did not go unnoticed. It is even said that she predicted fortune to one of the soldiers, reading his palm. Chiromancy, as a curious art, raised some discussions in the village. It is said that this woman might have insight into what is happening. Some people have begun to look to her and find amulets or other charms to protect themselves.

In recent days, perhaps a hundred flyers have rained upon Nashkel, and many of them were found in the snow by the villagers. For those that remained readable after a night in the snow, the message was clear:

So far, the warning and disdain of the Aurilians has only been answered with freezing silence. Time might tell if it was enough to instill fear and guilt within the people's souls. But as a result, in no time, the scrolls have been gathered and burnt in a great fire. Patrols against Aurilians are said to have been increased.

"Those witches have brought frost into our very homes! We shall not let their actions go unpunished! All will be judged before the Inquisition!"

Indeed, the parchments claiming that the Icedawn's wrath has been the result of the Inquisition's most protective stance - or so they say - have not fallen on deaf ears. It is even said that the Inquisition considers that those associating with Aurilians may be charged for sedition, as, after all, the very extension of the government's body - the armed wing - has been accused, and the people of Amn threatened. The Inquisition would not exclude divine auguries and divination to discover which individuals might be behind these mysterious preachings, says the rumor.

Yet, none of their patrols have stopped the snowstorm so far.

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The rumor has it that Kazaiev Dovrik, a Blood Magus rumored to have made pacts with the Lower Planes, has been found guilty of multiple murders, heinous crimes, torture, and unauthorized use of magic. It is alleged that his trial was conducted swiftly and without a public audience. Supposedly, Dovrik himself confessed to the crimes and provided gruesome details about the murders and tortures he perpetrated. Throughout the proceedings, he was described as exceedingly proud and devoid of remorse.

Sentenced to death, it is rumored that he will be executed on the same day as Tyrelius's trial in Nashkel. This coincidence may serve as a political statement, underscoring the implacable stance against criminal magic within Amn.

As the day of Tyrelius' Trial draws nearer, Nashkel is a flutter with activity. The Tribunal, led by the High Judicator Hieron Ampbel himself, arrives at the town with a cadre of Amnian soldiers in tow, commandeering the local garrison. It is said that even High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar offered a low bow to the High Judicator at the latter's welcome procession. Mayor Ghastkill, on the other hand, looked the High Judicator straight in the eyes without offering any token courtesy, apparently emboldened by the fact that the Council of Six has not yet seen fit to appoint a new Deputy Mayor.

Back in the Rhonmark Barony, Stefan Rhonmark, son and heir to Baron Enriq Rhonmark, makes known his displeasure at his father and uncle Eloy's decision to defend the criminal Tyrelius. In an open display of defiance against his father, Stefan publicly denounces his uncle's actions and decries Tyrelius for his many terrorist acts. The people of Rhonmark Barony cheer for this young lordling, hopeful that he might pave the way to a brighter future.

In the days leading up to the trial, some of Nashkel's citizens report a distant, barely perceptible humming. No cause is identified and those who hear it are sent home with oil and poultices for the ears.

What most assumed would be a straightforward conviction of the mage-terrorist Tyrelius turned into anything but. Throughout the trial, Amnian politics and corruption were on unabashed display. From the start, Advocate Eloy Rhonmark's inexplicable decision to waive the defense's opening remarks foreshadowed a show trial, which some assumed was designed to ensure a guilty verdict. Still, not all was as it seemed.

Left out of the loop of this political intrigue, the Inquisition presented lawful evidence and questioned honest witnesses - including eliciting a powerful statement against Tyrelius by his kidnapping victim, Dhaerys Lockheart. Even Castus, the fallen paladin, deigned to take the witness chair to take questions from Inquisitor Micaela Navar. Legal experts agreed the case the Inquisition presented was incontrovertible. But that only made the farce that was this staged trial all the more inscrutable.

It was not until after High Judicator Hieron Ampbel announced Tyrelius' guilty verdict that the purpose of this show trial was unveiled. For the gravity of Tyrelius' many severe crimes, the Tribunal presiding over the case declared Tyrelius' sentence to be nothing more than house arrest under the Rhonmark Barony's custody. For as-yet unexplained reasons, the Rhonmarks seemed to have a vested interest in Tyrelius' survival.

Over the strenuous objections by the Inquisition and the audible gasps of shock and dismay from the gallery, Hieron Ampbel and the Tribunal saved Tyrelius from what should have been his final judgment. The jubilant glee on Tyrelius' face would have rolled his victims over in their graves. That is until Castus, disgusted by this blatant travesty of justice, took matters into his own hands. With his fearsome great axe, he charged at Tyrelius, cleaving him in twain despite the efforts of the daring tiefling Hinzel to pull the mage to safety.

Outraged at this defiance of his authority, Hieron Ampbel ordered Castus' immediate arrest. But the Amnian soldiers that charged for Castus were far too slow to react - only the Fire Giant Baron, Magnus Eldiskegg, managed to intercept the half-celestial's flight, brutishly wrenching the fallen paladin's great axe from his hands. Outnumbered, Castus fled, bursting through the rooftop as his weapon was shattered in the giant's hands.

Castus' act may not have been lawfully sanctioned but few in Amn would mourn Tyrelius' death. The atrocities he committed, the terrorist acts he perpetrated, the fear he struck into the heart of the people of Amn ... for most, there was no better explanation for why an organization such as the Inquisition was needed.

And even so, at the very end, Tyrelius met his final judgment not at the Inquisitions' hands, but those of Castus.
The half-celestial's brazen act signaled the end of his alliance with the Inquisition and Amn. Not a day later, he showed up outside Greenest searching for a Sharran half-elf mage whom he had already slain once. In the Greenfields, he caught up to her, demanding to know how she had been restored. Dissatisfied with her attempts to explain, he snapped her neck and would have destroyed her once and for all; but in that moment, the clouds parted above his head and a brilliant light descended from on high - a holy rebuke from Mystra herself. Dazed and disoriented, Castus fled into the skies once more, leaving for parts unknown.

Only time will tell how his story will end.
Meanwhile, the Amnian delegation to Greenest finally arrived. Judicator Sofia Barca met with "Queen" Dharva Scatterheart and delivered an ultimatum. Should the Myradon Vindicators be revealed as agents of Greenest, Amn would have no choice but to consider further dissident action by the Vindicators within Amnian borders as a declaration of war by Greenest against Amn. Reminding her Majesty of the armies Amn had marshaled against the Temple of Auril and their battalions of frost giants not a year prior, Barca made her point: in a war against Amn, Greenest would be destroyed. With no other choice, Dharva asked the Myradon Vindicators to leave Greenest.

Those paying attention to the details would note that no formal exile was ever declared.

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The snowstorm has ended. While it was merciless, even as the coast begins to be ravaged by storms and rain, its presence is suddenly gone. In Nashkel, and in the surrounding hamlets, winter leaving place to spring is celebrated. Children, farmers, and villagers go out without fear, and everywhere the hope is spread that Icedawn has been stopped again. While some turn to the Church of Helm and pray with gratitude for protection, many whisper prayers to the Nature Gods, and Chauntea. With agriculture on the rise again, it is said that work cannot wait any longer.

"If we want a fruitful year, we have to begin work now!"

As fearful as they came, the threats of the Church of Auril seem gone from minds and hearts. Everwhere, it is whispered that druids and shamans have taken the matter in good hands and have banished the creature, or the mysterious singer, that was causing winter to last. Whatever truth these tales hold is not disclosed at this time.

All who could look up on the mountain this day would see it crowned with an amber, vibrant light. And the snowstorm that once was is gone. For many, this light inspires hope and trust in life and nature, as nature always claims back its rights.

Spring is here.