DM Rumors of the Sword Coast

[DM Mercy]

From the Gate down to Beregost bards are playing the following song. When questioned they claim an old man in armor of crimson and silver paid them well to play it.

I've a tale filled with horror and gore
of a tyrant of days of yore
So lend me your ear and i'll fill it with fear
There's an evil beginning to form
Like the clouds of a gathering storm
After so many years he might finally return
I sing of the Crimson King Valamaw

The rusted chains of sun
Are shattered by his blood
As he walks the path
The tournament's begun
The purple piper plays his tune,
The choir softly sing;
Three lullabies in an ancient tongue,
For the court of the crimson king

I've a tale filled with horror and gore
of a tyrant of days of yore
So lend me your ear and i'll fill it with fear
There's an evil beginning to form
Like the clouds of a gathering storm
After so many years he might finally return
I sing of the Crimson King Valamaw

The keeper of the city keys
Veiled by night, protected by moonlight
I wait outside the pilgrim's door
With insufficient schemes
The black queen chants
The funeral march,
The cracked brass bells will ring;
To summon back the Night Bringer
To the court of the crimson king

I've a tale filled with horror and gore
of a tyrant of days of yore
So lend me your ear and i'll fill it with fear
There's an evil beginning to form
Like the clouds of a gathering storm
After so many years he might finally return
be afraid of the Crimson King Valamaw
be afraid of the Crimson King Valamaw

In what is totally unrelated news. There is an odd increase in people leaving their husbands, wives and children for adventurer!. The distraught family members left behind claim it was "entirely unlike them" and they would "Never do this". Oddly enough the newly adventurous are never seen again. Adventure work is pretty hard for a commoner.

[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, and Soubar near Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark)
Sparty at the elfsong, implies there are specifically clues within Baldur's Gate

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


Two undead rivals, Polvich the lich, and Efar the Dracolich, have been active on the Coast and are at odds over something, and here things have gone a little quiet as both forces harbour their resources and build their strength for something soon.

These two terrors quietly have been trying to build their resources and entrench their survivability while other horrors stalk the Coast more visibly, Devils, Undead armies, and Trolls to name a few.

Arkall Steadfast has been back on the Coast warning of the need to spare time for action here too however and he informs that the Cultist groups carry Staffs of Power, and where they are sighted these should be captured to weaken the resolve of the Cults.

Recently rumour suggests Cultist groups were sighted under Baldur's Gate, in teh mountains of Amn, and in the Titan mines; what became of these groups and their staves is not documented. No doubt other groups will be tracked down as time goes by.

In other news The Palace District planning Official Podric Plumbline has gone missing. The City has generously allowed his family to remain on City property while enquiries continue.

Red Dragon Disciples were spotted north of the Gate, before moving off, apparently in possession of Dragon Eggs.

OOC

During October while Sparty is in play Cultists and their staffs may be hidden, watch for clues in game on any given day.

Collect 3 for your Guild to influence the Twin terror factions. (will swing a vote as previous entries above)

Collect 5 to claim a chance at direct intervention. (as previously stated above)

Non Guild collectors, you have a chance to find a game resource that Guilds may RP you handsomely for?

(There is an abstract inference that this activity drops clues and opportunity that allows a Guild to influence the story line)

Thanks for all those playing this story line and bringing the World (and Guilds) to life.

[DM Spartacus]

Reports along the Coast tell of diminished Cultist activity, as the two factions of both Efar and Polvich clash in their hunt for something specific. Adventurers have been quick to gather in any stray magical staffs they can find in the wake of sightings. In such a fashion a small number have come under the control of the Guilds of the Coast, and others held by individuals who have not yet declared their allegiance or intent.

Those cultists passing through the Coast who have escaped pursuit carrying off gold and other treasure, the means by which to embark on the next stage of their cunning plans whatever that might be.

Rockhammer orcs usually found in the Upperdark have been sighted on the surface making scouting trips.

The missing Cultist recruit Erik the betrayer remains missing despite Cultist efforts to destroy him.

A new city planner was appointed at Baldur's Gate.

Just another week on the coast.

[DM Spartacus]

The Cults with many losses appear to have retreated into hiding to consolidate before their next move.

OOC
time for those collecting staves to decide what to do with them, which Guild or other force to take them too, and for Guilds to decide what to do

[DM Spartacus]

//OOC

anyone wishing to use staffs found as part of the Twin Terrors should be contacting me this weke.

IC

Rumours persist of increased Dock gang activity at BG.

Sightings of Rockhammer Orcs around the Troll Claws

Cult of Efar is planning a big gathering of it's followers

Devils have been sighted in the Troll Claws

Devils have been sighted on the Uldoon Trail

Devils have been sighted at Dragonspear

The Cult of Polvich caught Erik the betrayer

[DM Mercy]

A think dark fog slowly spreads over the Greenfields. The old ruins of firewine bridge seeps the dark mist. Villages of Greenest claim to have seen a few dark figures heading that way in the dead of the night. One was claimed to have a Greatsword almost twice the size of a grown man glowing with a dark energy. The other was a half elf dressed in white robes with sinister red eyes.

Their reason for entering the ruins or if they have yet left is currently unknown. The few adventurers who went to investigate were later found, deceased just outside the ruins by travelers passing by.

In other news further to the south deep within the cloud peaks an old evil stirs awake, answering the call of it's master. Powerful ice giants are brought low by this new threat. Guards in Nashkiel say they have seen an ice giant wondering closer to their border with a more sinister appearance then that of it's kin.

[DM Golem]

A Call to Arms

Runners from the Order of the Radiant Heart spread throughout the land calling adventurers to arms in order to battle trolls assailing the remote village of Tymount.

Tymount is north of the Winding Water, in the shadow of the Troll Hills, and a host of rabid trolls is about to descend upon it. The Order seeks to lead a delaying action, to allow time for the citizens to be teleported south to safety.


(((Open event! But those hostile to the Order of the Radiant Heart will likely receive no welcome.

Estimated start time is five hours from this post: 23:00 GMT

Assembly point for convenience is the Eastern Farmlands)))

[DM Mercy]

The Blood Court



Deep within the Cloakwood mines many of the Batriri that typically call it home have been slaughtered and reanimated. lizardfolk make use of gaps in the floor to hold of the encroaching undead force. The Crimson Kings forces have managed to uncover the castle and assume control over the lowest floor of the mines. Those few adventurers who have traveled below claim to have seen a large magical barrier around it. The last line of defense stopping the resurrection of this vampire court.

[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, and Soubar near Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark)
Sparty at the elfsong, implies there are specifically clues within Baldur's Gate Harbour

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


Two undead rivals, Polvich the lich, and Efar the Dracolich, have been active on the Coast and have been at odds over something, for many months. Guilds and individuals have this past year strived to keep them them allied, keep them active, troubling against a growing force of unlikely allies, Paladins, Druids, neer do wells, and even suspicious spoken of wizards - as the year wound to an end the support for the Undead peeled away, their own resources broken by repeated action of Guilds.

At this point an opportunity arose and a mixed gaggle of Guilds, some barely speaking to one another, but committed nonetheless, headed for the Fields of the Dead following a trail of Cultist plotting. There after beating back Undead bound to the tome of Ultimate evil the heroes went after first Efar the Dracolich, and then his phylactery - a collection of dragon scales.

Rumour has it Efar has finally fallen. Polvich is in hiding and the book, well the book is still open somewhere working it's evil. But this time they have a clue or two, a coded clue.

Just another week on the Coast!

[DM Golem]

SOVEREIGNTY RETURNS TO BEREGOST

Celebrations and street parties continue into the night after the Beregost Accords come into effect - somewhat later than planned, 16 Uktar 1354 - although announcements suggests the delay was merely bureaucratic.

A ceremony was held before the Song of the Morning Temple by the Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr, as his Excellency Catrazzo Dopris, representative of the Council of Six, handed over leadership of the town to the Most Radiant. With this act, Amnian occupation of Beregost came to an end, and the Amnian flag over the garrison building was replaced with Beregost's colours.

With the ceremony being held in the evening, the athletic competitions are planned to take place in the following days, but the street parties were boisterous and the Citizens of Beregost clearly much enthused by their independence. A sense of positiveness pervaded, influenced by the Most Radiant's words of peace and reconciliation, with a number of the more pious citizens offering prayers to the rising sun on the morning after.

There were some incidents of drunken high japes, with a large bonfire being created and several dancing around it yelling about the "fires of freedom". Several of the livelier, reckless residents began throwing things and had to be calmed down before they set anything on fire.

It was noticeable that the Most Radiant is held both in high regard by the people of the town, and is prepared to deploy his Templars to ensure order is maintained despite the withdrawal of the Amnian garrison.

The following day, the Most Radiant made an announcement at the end of his sermon, and released an open letter; copies of which were placed up for the people to read:

Good folk of Beregost,

Today the Morninglord greets a free Beregost for the first time in years, a change that comes not in blood and fire, but in hope and peace.

The Beregost Accords are now in effect, ratified by the Council of Six, and we are now independent. Here are the terms of the treaty:

1. Newly independent Beregost's leadership will be under the Song of the Morning temple with the church leader, the Most Radiant, as the leader of the newly independent town and its environs. Newly independent Beregost will give ample time and safe passage to Nashkel for any and all Amnian citizens who wish to return to Amnian lands post-independence, with escort to Nashkel offered by the Song of the Morning militia and knights and permitted by the remaining Amnian military garrison in Beregost and by the Everwatch as well.

2. Amnian citizens wishing to do so will be given ample time to forfeit any property, homes, and businesses to a newly independent Beregost's control, or the control of non-Amnians in Beregost post-independence, and are to be compensated as such at fair market value, if no suitable private buyers are available.

3. Newly independent Beregost will maintain diplomatic neutrality with Amn and make a proclamation or agreement of diplomatic neutrality otherwise with the Lords' Alliance and Baldur's Gate.

4. Any Amnian citizens that choose to remain residents of Beregost post-independence will be held without prejudice under the laws of a newly independent Beregost.

5. The Everwatch will act as custodians on Amn's behalf on the point of neutrality of Beregost going forward. As custodians, the Everwatch will meet from time to time with the Most Radiant and relevant Amnian authorities to ensure that neither side feels the neutrality of the other regarding Beregost is being threatened in the spirit of this agreement. The Everwatch will patrol the new border area between Amn and Beregost to ensure that no troop presence is needed by either side to keep tensions low.

I ask you all to respect these terms, as they were negotiated in good faith. I hereby enshrine them into the laws of Beregost as my first act as your new leader.

My second act is to announce that I will not be leader alone. Beregost needs proper government, and I intend to create a ruling council of five to govern day to day affairs. This council will be announced soon, once final preparations have been made for its first meeting.

Lastly, as part of Beregost's neutrality and as formed part of the negotiations, we shall not be allowing the open operations of those associated with the Lord;s Alliance or with the Zhentarim within our town. Those affiliated with the Lord's Alliance or the Zhentarim may conduct their private business here, but we will entertain no formal ties with any such, and any operations or presence of the Lord's Alliance or the Black Network in a formal capacity are disallowed.

I regret and recognise that will impair the activities of many goodly folk and I want it to be understood that assistance given in a private capacity is, of course, a different matter entirely.

Most Radiant Kelddath Ormlyr

[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, and Soubar near Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark)
Sparty at the elfsong, implies there are specifically clues within Baldur's Gate Harbour

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

Rumours reverberate that one of the necromancer codes has been solved by guilds pursuing the Lich Polvich and the lost relic, the book of Vile of Vile wickedness.
In unrelated necromancer news, three bodies, the victim of the Brick lane brawl in the harbour district of Baldur's Gate, were snatched from the undertaker, necromancers are suspected.

A troubling trade war has developed along the Coast as guilds compete over limited resources. Details are scarce but galvanised guilds have been gathering information.

In other trade news rumours of a blue diamond for sale at Baldur's Gate suggests it has been sold to Dias, an Amnian trader. New contracts for granite appear to have been secured.

A pirate narrowly avoided an ambush by authorities at Baldur's Gate and has made off to sea assisted by unknown individuals.

The trade ship Defiant has been repaired and put to sea. The Lady Luck another trade ship also hurriedly left Baldur's gate half empty and bound north.

The Rockhammer Orcs of Troll Claws continue to drive farming communities to Baldur's Gate as refugees.

[DM Soulcatcher]

As tensions rise with the growing threat of Dragonspear, Elturel’s leadership have worked tirelessly to aid the war against the fiendish threat to the North. Citizens prepare for the worse, ensuring their livelyhoods may remain whole in these desperate times. Meanwhile, criminal activity had gained footing in leu of the threat, instilling fear into the citizens residing on the eastern portion of the city state's lands. With attacks, kidnapping and pillaging becoming more common, foreign aid has stepped in to augment the city state’s law enforcement. With many resources spent on tracking down the root of the recent spawn of criminal organizations foreign aid, such as the Sword Coast Commerical Exchange and even Candlekeep, have stepped in with generous donations upward to, rumoured, one million. As the crime subsided and the criminal groups were scattered one by one, the city state started to funnel resources into its military, starting with a large recruitment drive.

As word spreads on the Sword Coast and Western Heartlands, some mercenaries, or would be soldiers signed up in masses, hoping to pass the strict standard set by Elturel. Those who are deemed fit will serve in a Military Auxiliary Force set to augment the forward operating base the famous Hellriders have set up to combat the fiends, and provide aid to the city state patrols. The few who excel in their training may be offered a position as a Hellrider, receiving specialized combat training focusing on cavalry. With the increase in numbers, patrols throughout the city state have increased significantly, while the Hellriders have rumored to send the majority portion of their specialized group to the, now slowly drawn, front lines.
((Credits to DM Solo for writing the narrative up!))

[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, and Soubar near Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark)
Sparty at the elfsong, implies there are specifically clues within Baldur's Gate Harbour

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

Tales run old in respect of the necromancer codes regards the Lich Polvich and the lost relic, the book of Vile of Vile wickedness. Though a fresh rumour surfaces that a group of adventurers stumbled upon some of Efars necromancers who had escaped when Efar was destroyed.

Word seeps to the Coast that the ship Defiant has gone down off the Coast of Candlekeep. Debris and the remains some poor crew were washed ashore with valuable cargo.

News from Athkatla suggests bids this year are welcome from the Buldur's gate area for shares in mining interests. In the first instance bidders should seek out Gerribol the trader.

The Ship Lady Luck appears to have changed course and is no longer expected at Neverwinter.


The Rockhammer Orcs of Troll Claws continue to drive farming communities to Baldur's Gate as refugees.

[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, and Soubar near Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark)
Sparty at the elfsong, implies there are specifically clues within Baldur's Gate Harbour

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

Tales run old in respect of the necromancer codes regards the Lich Polvich and the lost relic, the book of Vile of Vile wickedness. News here then of a group of adventurers of mixed loyalties and faiths gathered to discuss recent events at the camp fire outside Baldur's Gate. Druids and Paladins were the subject of assassination attempts by the last surviving cultists of Efar. It is a measure of how they far have fallen that the plot was uncovered in the caves of the Graveyard near Baldur's Gate where lowly necromancers hide in the dark. Seems a paladin had previously uncovered a clue to solving the puzzle of the Book of Vile Wickedness and had marked herself as target. However the camp fire companions were celebrating a victory, so the matter seemed resolved and was confirmed with donations to the refugees and a sharing of festive ales.

Word seeps to the Coast that the ship Lady Luck ran out of luck and was first plundered by pirates off the west coast, before sunk finally by a ship not quite of this world. Fire, devil and Undeath were all shouted in the one breath. The real truth likely sunk to seabed. Before the ship sank beneath the waves it is said the defiant sailed by which is odd as this ship was sunk ten days before by Candlekeep.



The Rockhammer Orcs of Troll Claws continue to drive farming communities to Baldur's Gate as refugees. Reports of sightings have increased as traders, travellers and even adventurers have been targeted. These attacks seem informed, specific, and orderly.

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, and Soubar near Mudd. Also located at Market Building Sshamath Central,(When clues/drops relate to Upperdark/Underdark)
Sparty at the elfsong, implies there are specifically clues within Baldur's Gate Harbour

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

A last leftover relic of the past, an Efar Cultist was brought in by the Flaming Fist and a confession extracted before the Cultist was executed. The confession was itself was later removed after others had copied it by a trio of reckless thieves of unknown association. Some adventurers found them in the Fields of the Dead no longer concerned about anything. The confessions lost to the State may remain in circulation.

In other Flaming Fist news it appears another mercenary company is being formed to face the Devils and Orcs of the Troll Claws. They have recruited their force but are now seeking Trade contractors to supply this company in the field.

Another adventurer known on the Coast as Rooster, or the one eyed fat man has been spotted on the Lions way searching for some rare plants reported there. He was followed in the search by other adventurers. Rooster a world wide prolific searcher of unusual flora and fauna brings with him an air of authentication. Was he onto something? Word has it he has moved off again.

Elsewhere a group of Knights of Tyr lost in the Amn Mountains within sight of rescuers perished unable to close because of the presence of Dragons and Frost Giants. Their mission on the mountain died with them.

Just another week on the Coast.