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

Perhaps consistent with recent patrolling efforts, the Everwatch and friend are said to attempt another patrol into the Cloud Peaks in the current tenday, patrolling about the ruins of the Icedawn temple as well as the Frost Keep of the frost giants in the Cloud Peaks of Amn some might hear. In visiting the Icedawn temple ruins, it is said that the party attempts to destroy any rebuilt shrines or renewed attempts at institutional fanatical Auril worship as well as consecrating the area, while saying a prayer to Helm for those that fell in opposing Auril's host.

Deragnost wrote: ↑Sun Sep 03, 2023 1:02 pm *It seems protests are growing, or perhaps Echo's words are actually hitting some people's hearts and minds. After a few days, other flyers would be left around Nashkel and the Greenfields. Sometimes they seem to be left randomly even in Baldur's Gate.*




*They all seem to be signed with one name.*


DED.

Even after Echo's death, these flyers seem to be spread once again in Nashkel. It's clearly far from over.

Similar flyers would seem to spread further in Nashkel and its surroundings. Scrolls of Fear, indeed, were found by the people.

Scrolls of Fear were found.

*There is a writing behind these scrolls. It seems, much like the other flyers, they want to bring news to the populace. There's a drawing, representing broken chains, at the top and at the bottom of the message.*

The Dutchess of Spring has spoken.

The Echo became a Resonance, for you cannot silence the will of the people. They teach us to Fear them, they teach us to obey the laws they represent and to learn how inevitable they are. But here is one truth.

Laws aid peace and foster freedom, so long as these laws are just and those who enforce them are lenient and understanding.

A Dragonfly will not ask for freedom, for we are born with it. Freedom must be respected.
For arcanists. For normal people. For clerics. For the rich and the poor. Freedom is universal, and the FEAR of letting others to bask in their RIGHTS, is a synonym of Tyranny.

Whatever it takes, we will do, to ensure all beings to walk free of Fear.
Let them call more HUNTERS if they want. Let them try to silence our voices, too afraid to lose their power, instead of listening to our united cries.

The more they do, the more our point stands.

If you also share our beliefs, if you also want to see this tyranny to end, then know this:
you are not alone.
Join us, brothers and sisters in freedom, for today is the day to sing of our liberty.

In memory of Echo, who still lives: a non mage willing to stand against oppression of all arcanists.

*It is signed as.*

- Dragonfly
- Resonance
- Echo
- Dutchess

and many others.

More flyers would seem to spread further in Nashkel and its surroundings. Scrolls of True Strike, indeed, were found by the people.

Scrolls of True Strike were found.

*There is a writing behind these scrolls. It seems, much like the other flyers, they want to bring news to the populace. There's a drawing, representing broken chains, at the top and at the bottom of the message.*

Citizens of Nashkel, of Amn, hear the Dutchess of Sping call!

We, the Voice of Freedom, are once again victim of a sinister frame-up. A shadowy and cold hand seeks to deceive the Council of Six, a tyrannical regime that chains even innocent children for the simple use of magic, and the people of Nashkel, by falsely attributing violent acts to us.

We were heard, and the Council wanted to make a change would have been beneficial for all, in exchange of collaboration. We considered to oblige, because our interest is the well-being of the people, but a few actions demanded our attention, to Echo our Resonance, for we are NOT assassins.

Recent murders, committed by those who follow the Goddess Auril, have been pinned on us. We vehemently deny any involvement. The Voice of Freedom vowed for peace, freedom, not violence, and our cause is for a just society where magic is understood and tolerated, not persecuted.

We demand a thorough investigation to reveal the true culprits on the Cloudpeaks and around the territory of Amn, where the Dragonfly do not linger, where misguided followers of the Icedawn lie.
We understand their anger, we understand they too cannot stand these HUNTERS, but it's not through murder that victory can be achieved.

It's not been long since the snowstorm in Nashkel, the city still bleeds for those wounds. The city cannot and must not endure another Aurilite attack, while the mage hunters focus their attention on children who show a barely minimum sign of magic, while the two factions battle each others, and try to bring the Voice of Freedom in their squabble.

This baseless frame-up, this tyranny of Mage Hunters, must end.

Join us to break free from these false accusations, and to break free from tyranny's chains. Let's unite to usher in an era of justice, equality and freedom. The Voice of Freedom shall not be silenced, and together, we will triumph.

In memory of Echo, who still lives: a non mage willing to stand against oppression of all arcanists.

*It is signed as.*

- Dragonfly
- Resonance
- Echo
- Dutchess

and many others.

A small note is penned on one of the flyers, near the Friendly Arm:

Still lives? Has someone gone and gotten him resurrected before me?

There is no signature, though if questioned, the guard by the gate would indicate the message was left by a young half-sun elven woman. She seems somehow irritated as she returns inside, but she does not clarify her feelings.

A Journey Through Amn

It is said that the Everwatch in recent tenday journeyed as a delegation to meet with the Council of Six of Amn in Athkatla. On the way south, some say that the Everwatch additionally patrolled the Cloud Peaks and consecrated the ruins of the former temple of the Icedawn. While journeying through Athkatla, upon the delegation's arrival, rumors say that many Amnian Athkatlans in the streets of the City of Coin cheered on the Everwatch as heroes of Amn due to the Everwatch's role in the conflict with the Icedawn that resulted in a victory at cost. Additionally, praises and applauding are said to have raptured when Captain Sinoc, Pryat Gilthisanthilas, and Watcher Li let out backhand symbols of the Guardian and Watcher Li bellowed out a "FOR THE GLORY OF AMN!" In Athkatla, the Everwatch are rumored to have convened at the Council House to speak with the Six in a long and varied meeting. Numerous matters were discussed, with profitable and contentious exchanges at times some would say.

Upon returning, Watcher Wai Li may have been seen walking about the town of Nashkel attempting to reassure locals of hopes that the harsh and conflicting times regarding magic policy were soon ending and that dissent and sedition against Amn would only make this end further off, while reminding that there is reason for magical regulation in Amn generally, as Amn has an infamous history with foul use of arcane magic, particularly in Northern Amn. It is said that she would also say good words of the Mayor Ghastkill and attempt to promote his care for the beings of Nashkel and promote his political station. She would also attempt to humanely temper sentence and punishment appropriately for any Amnian citizen charged with petty violations of unsanctioned magical energy laws by speaking with local magistrate reviewing such charges some might notice. Additionally, Wai it is said would try go about Nashkel attempting to inventory food and supply needs bearing in mind a possible economic initiative in the works and help with whatever Fall yields harvested that were planted since after the crisis with Auril ended. Wai would seem vigilant rumors might indicate, yet at home and comfortable, in attempting these efforts, as Nashkel has been her home for over a decade and those she speaks to are neighbors and many of them are long time friends and acquaintances as some might postulate.

Wai would also be rumored to be seen on a short trip north to Baldur's Gate on business that it is said took her to the Phoenix Lodge, Elfsong Tavern, and Temple of Mystra...

In the cloak of night, several flyers are spread through the city of Nashkel.

Warning to the Residents of Nashkel

Heed this message with utmost seriousness, for your safety is in peril.

An inevitable storm is approaching, a reckoning for those who have dared to raise their hands against practitioners of the arcane. The Mage Hunters of Nashkel, and all who have supported an aggressive stance against one known as Echo, shall find themselves facing an adversary whose might and resolve are as unyielding as the stone of the Cloud Peaks.

Let it be known that this is not a declaration of war upon the innocent. This is a warning to the Mage Hunters of Nashkel — your actions have summoned a dark consequence. There is no shield of righteousness to hide behind; no plea for mercy will be heard. I blame you for what has happened — A chain of events that was caused by you.

To those civilians who wish no part in this conflict, consider this your sole and final warning: vacate the area. Seek refuge and safety, for when the shadow descends upon Nashkel, it will not distinguish between the just and the unjust in its quest for retribution.

My shadow now falls upon Amn. Remember, you were warned. I have arrived.

Your fate is yet in your own hands.

The signature is absent, leaving the message as anonymous.

*Natalia Fernanda, Cleric and Merchant of the missing Golden Lady, though no less zealous in her cause, is perhaps seen in Nashkel regarding recent news about unrest against Amn and escaped criminal arcanists. She goes about the town thanking her fellow Amnian citizens for their efforts to combat dangerous arcane magic usage and sedition against Amn. She would speak about the town to citizens, any Mage Hunters, and any government officials repeating a common theme and offering ample coin to any willing to repeat the message for a wage whether they believe it or not, the most enthusiastic they endorse the message, the greater the payment in danter. She would also hire anyone willing to pass around a flyer of this thematic message and would attempt to post it herself eagerly about every public area in Nashkel…*

Stand For Profit and the Glory of Amn! Not Northern Arcane Barbarians!

These foreign shamanic barbarians attempt to export their copper chaotic arcany to Amn from their pathetic fishing villages and hovels of the north, but by the Liberty’s Maiden I do swear! We will not stand for their foreign invasion and tyranny of the arcane! The only magic that should be in Amn is either loyal and orderly or from the divine source. We can never trust these foreign arcane seditionists to do anything but cause loyal and true Amnians trouble and conflict and loss of gold. Do not let this great country become another Tethyr! I did not fight against the fishing villages of the north in the War to Liberate Profits of years ago to see our great nation become another arcane corrupted northern fishing town.

To get to the Pearl. All these foreign arcanist rabble and their supporters must be hunted down and defeated and killed to the last or rotting in an Inquisition torture chamber. I thank Waukeen every day that Dhaerys Lockheart and the Mage Hunters of the Inquisition standby to defend the glorious profits of Amn by killing and imprisoning these arcane mongrels! For the GLORY OF AMN!

Natalia Fernanda of Merchant House Fernanda
Cleric of the Golden Lady
Loyal Amnian Patriot

As anti-mage rhetoric continues to grow in Amn, Zhentarim networks in the merchant nation begin to activate. Those fleeing Amn's persecution are sought out and granted shelter in Zhentarim hideouts, and from there smuggled out of the nation. A message is always left with them: that Darkhold's gates are always open to those who seek a place where they will be accepted for who and what they are. Otherwise, no demands are made. Once past the Amnian borders, those seeking their fortunes elsewhere are given what supplies they need and sent freely on their way.

Not all Zhentarim operatives are happy about offering such a service freely. Though ordered by Darkhold and funded from Darkhold's coffers, more than one Zhentarim operation takes it upon themselves to charge refugees for passage, and some people go missing, to be trafficked as slaves or killed in some local altercation. Clearly, a difference of opinion divides Darkhold's leadership from the exploitative practices of the wider Black Network. Soon enough, all such services begin demanding payment upfront, as profit needs wins out over altruism. Still, the message continues to be conveyed: Darkhold welcomes all mages that have nowhere else to go.

DM Mimic wrote: ↑Mon Nov 13, 2023 11:53 pm

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THE ADAMANTINE GRIP OF AMN

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Credit: Bryan Sola

And so, like the predictable yet sudden approach of evening tide, the Amnian Inquisition makes its presence felt throughout Nashkel seemingly overnight. In apparent response to recent trespasses against Inquisition authority, Mage Hunters arrive at the northern Amnian city in droves. Led by High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar and supported by Secretary Headmistress Dhaerys Lockhart, the Mage Hunters are quickly stationed throughout the town and begin patrolling its streets along with Nashkel's own guards. Their motives are clear: to root out and purge Nashkel of any unregistered arcane element and the seditionists who would dare collaborate with the violators.

Mayor Ghastkill receives the Inquisition with reluctant courtesy, watching on with dismay as more and more of his administrative powers are stripped away and delegated to his "Deputy." Anyone with eyes and half a brain can tell Deputy Mayor Salvor is poised to supplant the current mayor at the slightest misstep.

As the Inquisition tightens its adamantine grip on Nashkel's populace, refugees pour out from the town. Some run for their lives, terrified that they might leave any indication that magic could be traced to their doorstep; others flee for less oppressive regimes and less restrictive opportunity. No matter their reasons, the Trade Way sees an increase in refugee traffic heading northward toward Beregost and beyond. It is said that many who flee the Mage Hunters do not feel safe until they are well north of the Friendly Arm Inn, knowing - whether true or not - that Amn's eyes are everywhere.

Credit: Unknown

*Regardless of fleeing refugees and the iron grip by the Inquisition, there is a man in thick clothing fit for the cold lingering between the Northern lights Inn and the Belching Dragon Tavern. Keeping to himself more often than naught, he appears simply idling awaiting for time to pass or waiting for something or someone else.

He barely gives more than a brief glance to the Mage Hunters rounding up anyone they deem criminal, nor does he appear worried of the shifting atmosphere within the town of Neskhal. After all, barely anyone knows why he's even there in town. Some passerby's from commoners to the official's and patrols might have seen this man glance only in two directions as he comes too and from the Inn and tavern.

One direction towards the Deputy Mayor,
the other direction to the Stormdunes residence...*

Second Amnian Mage-Hunter: *He looks at Sel* So h-how was the Lady?

Sel: *He proceeds to the door but not before adjusting his belt buckle then looked to the guard to his right* "Oh she's lovely." *He grinned devilishly then made his way out. He opens the door an pops his head in again to look at the guard* "Oh one thing..would you perhaps happen to have a file one those Mage fugitives..more importantly the one that likes praying on woman and little girls. Anything you might have will do."

First Amnian Mage-Hunter: Y-yes we...*He gets interrupted.*

Sel: "Splendid good man..." *He paused and looked to the other guard*

First Amnian Mage-Hunter: No sharing information if you are not sworn to the Inquisition.

Sel: "Good sir, I'm one activity in search of the bloody Mage. A small lead would be nice so I can bring in that bastard . Its taking much not wanting to kill him already."

First Amnian Mage-Hunter: You want our folder, swear fealty to Amn and join the inquisition.

Second Amnian Mage-Hunter: Great. Our orders are strict. Join the Inquisition, that's all I can say.

Sel: "Think about it..if the world knew, such a mage brutally harmed an innocent farm girl..how do you think they will react?"

First Amnian Mage-Hunter: Maybe. But we have orders, either you join the inquisition or we can't share our folders. I don't want to be punished because of your sweet talks.

Sel "Fine.." *He suddenly points to the interrogation room* "But if we bring that bugger in, I got a score to settle with him..I want a chance to beat the magic out of him."

Second Amnian Mage-Hunter: Not up to my decision. No matter how much I would like to see this.

Sel: "Oh what of the Helmites....do they support your cause?"

First Amnian Mage-Hunter: They better stand with us, the Watcher wants people to be safe that's what we're doing. That said, get the hells out, your chatter is getting annoying. You spoke with the secretary, you know what to do.

Second Amnian Mage-Hunter: Unless you spent the whole time petting her bloody cat.

Sel: "Very well have a good evenin gents.." *He walks away into the night flipping a single gold coin and a widen smile upon his lips. Soon as no one was near he muttered to himself* "Interesting..well now I need to get back to the Shore, I got a ship to catch." *The devilish smiled continued on smiling at the passerby's and Inquisitions. Down the main road he yelled out "FOR THE GLORY OF AMN!"

*Was his chant pure from his heart?, or was his grin a hint of sarcastic mockery? Who knows truely, who ever really knows. After all he often makes people believe just what he wants them to believe.