DM Rumors of the Sword Coast

[DM Spartacus]

//OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. IE if he is in game some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

The Horde of Pol have been emboldened recently, seen with allies, gathering in ever larger numbers, at Beregost and Nashkel, scouting, raiding, and building forces. Often with Knights of the White Order, and free companies of adventurers following in their wake.


One or two Undead have been sighted around the FAI and some travellers are saying the Inn is haunted. Bentley is offering free drinks if the whole problem goes away.

Druids continue to be involved in various actions around the Friendly Arms where they gather frequently, seeking their own agenda, one such group were heard excitedly talking about a magical ring, and things.

Reports of Polvich the Lich persist, rumours persist enthusiasts or adventurers released him from his slumber and now his Cult call him at will on the Coast. One of his Cult appeared for trial at Baldur's Gate and met his fate with defiance.


Candlekeep has been busy chasing lost books far and wide, bringing other rare tomes into care despite what appears to be concerted efforts by some to deny them mail.

There is a sense of foreboding as things grow to some kind of clash - some last chance to prevent a descent onto war and chaos.

Just another week on the Coast.

[DM Arrakeen]

Author: TarnishedSoul

A small tragedy took place yesterday in the early morning. A trading ferry - on the way to Athkatla - crashed on the rocks not far from the beaches below Candlekeep. The incident was spotted by the guards, and soon first responders were at the scene to offer help to the survivors. Some of the crew, passengers, goods, and livestock were saved. Notably, a loudly bleating goat named Mirabelle. Unfortunately, despite the quick response from Candklekeep, the loss of life couldn't be avoided. There are also a few crewmen considered missing.

According to the Captain, high waves and wind overcame the vessel and were responsible for the crash. However, some of the crewmen claimed it was a sea monster which pushed the ferry toward the rocks. They spoke of a long and massive shape visible under the surface.

The survivors were given aid and temporary sanctuary inside Candlekeep.

"Meeh, meeeh..." Mirabelle bleated in response to the hospitality.

[DM Solo]

In Ulgoth's Beard, Barnacle Bob keeps talking about the two foolish woman who managed to catch a shark off shore. He claims it was smaller than average, though a respectable size regardless. He heeds warning to any others who are foolish enough to try such a task.

[DM Spartacus]

/OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. IE if he is in game some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

The Horde of Pol have been gathering south of Greenest, many groups have been seen moving or camped, the companies of the White Order have moved towards the area. Some settlements have been evacuated.


One or two Undead have been sighted around the FAI and some travellers are saying the Inn is haunted. Bentley is offering free drinks, a three course meal, and a weeks stay if the whole problem goes away. He has not been impressed with efforts so far, and has said so to one or two adventuring types!

Druids continue to be involved in various actions unusually active in the affairs of the Coast.

Reports of Polvich the Lich persist, news that his Demi Plane has been found, destroyed and left empty prevail. The lich himself however seems to grow in popularity and strength.

Candlekeep has been busy chasing lost books far and wide, bringing other rare tomes into care despite what appears to be concerted efforts by some to deny them mail. There investigations remain open.

Three trade ships risked the curse of the Seas to gather trade from Selune's Bracelet, a turbulent and troubled island chain. The Leviathan protected by mercenaries was run down by three pirate ships on the return journey, bravely turning towards the nearest it put paid to the pirates before the other two could reach them. These two vanished in a green mist and the Leviathan made it home with many wonderful and profitable goods. The Lucky Lady returning separately was never heard of again and is presumed lost with all hands. The overloaded Buster was last chased by a very fast pirate ship before it even cleared the Islands. Some crew escaped by swimming to precious but perilous land. Druids and Rangers were seen scouting the islands too.

In other news there is a sense of foreboding as things on the Coast grow to some kind of clash - some last chance to prevent a descent onto war and chaos. Swords are sharpened spells prepared.

Just another week on the Coast.

[DM Spartacus]

/OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. IE if he is in game some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

An unlikely hero in the form of Teris the Druid led an expedition to Uldoon and on beyond into the vast Greenfields. At Uldoon they arrived to the aftermath of a titanic struggle between a single company of the White order and the vast combined gathering of the Horde. Both sides had left burning corpses in their wake and the White Order had been fought to a standstill. They retreated with their casualties and Teris led his mixed Company east on some pre determined task right through the Horde. Thedran wearing many hats but carrying a flag of the White Order he had recovered from the battlefield remained a lone representative of the White Order, east of the Uldoon.

The group cut through the now dispersed Horde and surprised a Horde Warlord at his hilltop retreat. They dealt a telling blow to the Horde and captured plans to attack Nashkel. But it seems this was only a side show, the real prize was a single Acorn. Not a real one but those that saw it remarked it looked quite ordinary. The Druids however seemed pleased and though Teris would not take the Acorn himself he led the group back to safety. Before retiring Thedran planted his flag high on the skyline.

Plans for atack temporarily foiled the horde regrouped, while the White Order fled north to recruit and tend other matters leaving the field to a patrol from the OSR who ensured a recovery along the Uldoon.

Just another day on the Coast.

[DM Arrakeen]

The Friendly Arms Inn

In the morning, guards posted notices in visible spots around the Inn and its courtyard.

As of 11th of Uktar by order of Bentley Mirrorshade, Miss Morgalia Verenach is indefinitely banned from the Friendly Arms Inn for committing murder in front of the gates.

Such behavior and practices will not be tolerated. The Friendly Arms Inn is a safe place for travelers and adventurers to rest. It is also a place of business. Murder, brawling, thievery and magic duels are bad for business. I have instructed the guards to be more vigilant.

Those who fail to uphold the laws of FAI will face the consequences such as removal, fines or banishment.

-Bentley Mirrorshade-
The owner of the Friendly Arms Inn

[DM Mimic]

The Denton Affair

In recent days, no less than three attempts have been made on the amazingly unpopular Lord Eugene Denton's life:

The first came in the form of poisoned cheese that was intended to be served to the lord. His tithing to Tymora must have paid off, however, as the cheese was mistakenly served to a trio of adventurers instead and the lord escaped a most gruesome death by gastrointestinal distress.

The second attempt on the man's life came in the form of a planted mimic - a monster that takes the form of mundane objects - which was strategically placed in a cargo wagon intended for Lord Denton's estate. Tymora smiled upon the lord once again, for circumstance somehow led to the mimic revealing itself while adventurers were present and they quickly dispatched the monster.

The latest attempt was the most insidious. While en route back to Baldur's Gate from Beregost, the noble found his caravan assaulted by doppelgangers of himself and his retinue. Were it not for the swift intervention of nearby adventurers - and undoubtedly the favor of Tymora - Lord Denton surely would not have uncovered the enchanted token that was summoning his assailants. As it is, Lord Denton has once more escaped a most untimely death.

It only remains to be seen then, whether the mastermind behind these plots has given up on their efforts, or whether they will only be pushed to the extremes to achieve their ends.

[DM Arrakeen]

The Friendly Arms Inn

The number of guards at the FAI has doubled over the last few days. It seems that Bentley is quite determined to make the Inn safe again.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Magefair!

Among circles of users of the Art, the word spreads that a council of senior mages have assembled along with the guidance of the Magister and have decided to host the Magefair, a gathering of wizards and mages from all around Faerun, in region of the Sword Coast! Whispers spoken only to wizards and sorcerers by their fellow collegues suggest that the Magefair is to take place somewhere around north near Western Heartlands, though nobody seems to be very sure on the exact date and location as of yet.

One thing is sure, however. Arcanists in the following tendays appear very excited!

((OOC: This is known only to characters with at least 5 Wizard or Sorcerer levels.))

[DM Spartacus]

/OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. Also located at Market Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark) IE if he is in game - some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

As told by Bards along the Coast

An Imperial Imp, Ric Yhondbe, never far from the Coast, is said to have found or created a magical deck of cards. These cards fell into the hands of the Three Kings, three specialist traders. One day they were playing cards awaiting traders when two adventurers entered their cave suddenly and the breeze scattered their cards. Being Magical they teleported away and though originally thought lost for good it seems they have started to reappear in the Upperdark.

These magical cards form a deck of 20 unique playing cards and two Imps. There can be many duplicates of each card, though it is rumoured this may weaken their magic. There is a reward offered for a complete deck returned to the Three Kings. Certain hands of cards may hold magical power, and there may be other uses for the full deck too.

Whatever an adventurer plans to do with such cards is their domain of course but it seems at the very least there is some value in collecting them.

//ooc as per above, cards in play when Sparty the NPC is present.

Just another week on the Coast.

[DM Spartacus]

/OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark) IE if he is in game - some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

It is rumoured some magical cards have been found already. One traded hands for a 3 bags of gold. Others still magic around the Upperdark and in the hands of adventurers, perhaps collectors. Some clue as to purpose may lie in a book hinted at to be in circulation. Others may be there to be found.

Elsewhere the Horde seem to be raiding further south but their scouts are ever present. The Cult of Polvich seems to have withdrawn from active attacking and may if sources are correct be planning some major event. The White Order, dismayed by casualties, and the inability to progress has started to fold. Heroes returning back to other tasks and places, leaving only a single patrol still seeking knowledge along the Coast.

There are whispers the Dreams have stopped, that the Twins are gone, or about to return, like Polvich, to the Coast. Outcomes range from the optimistic to the downright dreadful. The only constant in these tales is change is upon the Coast. In Druidic circles there is a greater calm but with them there has always been less attachment to the stories of the Twins.

Just another day on the Coast

[DM Soulcatcher]

Magefair!

Among circles of users of the Art, the word spreads that a council of senior mages have assembled along with the guidance of the Magister and have decided to host the Magefair, a gathering of wizards and mages from all around Faerun, in region of the Sword Coast! Whispers spoken only to wizards and sorcerers by their fellow collegues suggest that the Magefair is to take place somewhere around north near Western Heartlands, though nobody seems to be very sure on the exact date and location as of yet.

One thing is sure, however. Arcanists in the following tendays appear very excited!

Following the past tenday's rumours, there appears to be a significant influx of arcanists- Wizards, sorcerers and even some bards travelling through the Sword Coast, only taking small stops at roadside inns or cities. As the 8'th of Nightal comes and the sun rises above the horizon, Baldur's Gate and surrounding areas seem to lose majority of their arcanists as they appear to be travelling somewhere away. But where? Only the travellers and their friends know. And those that choose to follow them, for some one odd reason or another.

((for OOC clarity, the event's starting around 19:00 GMT))

[DM Spartacus]

/OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark) IE if he is in game - some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

It is rumoured some magical cards have been found already. Others are circulating around the upperdark (In play when Sparty is in) Some adventurers, small in number, but dedicated collectors, have recovered valuable treasurers and some cards. Clues as to purpose may lie in books hinted at to be in circulation.

Elsewhere the Horde has begun to break up and move away. An official from the Hellriders was overheard to remark. Thanks to robust patrolling from Free Companies of Adventurers, sponsored by do-gooders, and Authorities, throughout the Year this menace has been seen off and an alliance of Drow and Orc raiders uncovered and brushed aside. This has led the Hellriders to be about their other duties with an efficiency and zeal to be commended. Peace and trade has broken out along the Greenest.

There are whispers the Dreams have stopped, that the Twins are gone, certainly Druid activity has dropped off and recent rumour has them back to fighting amongst themselves.

The Knights of the White Order declare their time on the Coast an overwhelming success, and have left a single patrol to keep a presence.

Just another day on the Coast

[DM Spartacus]

/OOC Often There is a number of in game props/clues for my plots. These only remain as temporary features while server is up. To provide an indication of when such clues are in game there will also be present an NPC 'Sparty' at FAI, north of Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark) IE if he is in game - some plot clues will be also be present. (this may save you unnecessarily looking for things when they are not there ie no 'sparty' no clues)

Other clues are held with PCs and as persistent documents and designed to encourage RP

//IC

Quietly in the Upperdark unnoticed by many, some bold adventurers stumbled upon magical cards. Quickly they were put to backpack, and the search went on. Rumours of other treasures down there persist. For those that know or dare to care a 'Dukes hand' was played that day or so they say.

At the FAI after things had gone quiet there was another sighting of undead. A lone skeleton. Camp Fire heroes went to investigate and discovered waves of Undead around the Gibberling cave spurred on by a lich. Waves of adventurers appeared and clashed with waves of Undead. The fight descended into the caves. Others remained to investigate the appearance of an Altar like stone. Sword and spell struck up a song. Before the dawn's first light Undead lay unmoving and useless, and heroes hunched over fallen friends. The altar lay shattered, by some wise wisdom, the Lich finally destroyed. Clerics consecrated and Bards bellowed, the day was won, and really quite done. What drove the Lich to think this was a good place to gather his forces remains a milestone mystery.


A rumour circulates that a group of adventurers descended below Selune's Bracelet into the Underdark there to lay to rest the terrible duo known as the Twins. Wise words, and astute actions won the day, an annihilation averted.


Just another day on the Coast

[DM Mimic]

Last Breath of an Old Hunter

The old hunter could not watch any longer as his pups threw themselves at an enemy they had no chance to defeat. He could not watch another one of his brood fall to blade and spell over the defilement of an altar outside of their care. So many of his pack had been killed in pursuit of that fruitless effort already.

That was why the old hunter strode out from the shadows to greet the army of interlopers in the Sharp Teeth. That was why he challenged them to face him in single combat.

He knew he would not win. He knew this prey was more than worthy, was beyond even his great ability. But his children refused to see it. They were all rage and vengeance and lust for the thrill of a hunt. They did not yet know to temper ambition with caution. They did not yet understand that to survive, a predator must know its limits.

As the battlemage stepped forward, the old hunter knew that this would be his last hunt. As a sword of magic charged into his hide, the old hunter knew that the breath he drew now would soon be his last.

And yet ... even as his blood pooled around him and his vision faded to black, the old hunter knew he had succeeded.

The interlopers would move on from the forest, as they always, inevitably did. And his children, seeing their old champion fall, would know that they needed to bide their time. Another hunt waited for them, perhaps even one with the same prey. But that time was not now. Not yet.

The last thing he saw was his children, retreating into the forest. They would survive. He had ensured it.

The battlemage stood over the old hunter, victorious, never suspecting the gambit that was played. The old hunter smiled, and with his last breath, he whispered: " ... worthy prey."