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

On the dawn of the 27th of Hammer, the gate of the Flaming Fist headquarters opens, after the sound of a marching horn.

A whole platoon of Flaming Fist soldiers heads out towards the Steeps, lead by General Moruene, the assigned leader of the Duchal Task Force against the Crimson Spice. As the General arrives at the docks, the soldiers prepare a podium to use to make an announcement.

"People of Baldur's Gate!

By decree of the Honoured Council of Four, I declare the substance known as the Crimson Spice ILLEGAL! Those who introduce it within the City, produce it, and sell it shall be fined or imprisoned depending on the gravity of their crimes!

More soldiers shall patrol the lower districts of the City, to restore order and fight this spreading plague!

The Grand Dukes have spoken! LONG LIVE BALDUR'S GATE!"

At that, she comes off the podium to organise the troops, to patrol every corner of the lower districts.

The fight against the Spice has officially begun.

In the bustling streets of Baldur's Gate, cloaked in a deep azure cape that billows behind like the night sky, and concealed beneath the hood that obscures all facial features, this enigmatic minstrel traverses the labyrinthine alleys with a mission that transcends mere melody.

This agent carries a harp of exquisite craftsmanship that resonates with both ethereal beauty and underlying purpose. Draped in the folds of the cloak, the strings of the harp come alive as the harpist weaves enchanting tunes that seem to echo through the very soul of the city. With each pluck and strum, the melodic notes carry a subtle message of unity, hope, and resistance against the shadows that threaten to engulf the realm.

However, the harper's mission extends beyond personal performance. At intervals, the harpist pauses in the shadowed corners of bustling squares, drawn toward the melodies of street minstrels who echo the rhythm of the city. The hooded figure reveals themselves to these wandering minstrels, sharing the intricate composition that resonates with the heart of Baldur's Gate.

With a handful of coins as gratitude, the Agent Harpist imparts the minstrels with not only a song but a purpose – to spread this harmonious message throughout the city. The harpist's identity remains shrouded in mystery, allowing the minstrels to take credit for the enchanting melodies, yet the true force behind the music remains a whispered secret.

At noon of the 7th of Alturiak, General Moruene delivers another decree from the Duchal Task Force against the drugs crisis.

Since the Fist has been mobilised, several arrests have been made and the streets of the lower districts have started to go back into a better shape. It seems overall that the task force has been rather successful so far, although the crisis is far from over. Making the Spice illegal brought it away from sunlight but surely the traffic continues in less obvious ways, even if in a lower amount.

To some extent, one could believe that the lower amount of Spice available in streets might make some addicts even more desperate and vulnerable. There is some debate across the city, from the lowest of docks to the highest of noble estates, about what the Fist should do to address the crisis but it always seems like every choice has potential drawbacks.

Every choice has consequences, which ones will the City choose to face?

On this day, the task force has made a new move on the chessboard:

"People of Baldur's Gate!

By decree of the Honoured Council of Four, I declare the substance known as the Golden Augury ILLEGAL! Those who introduce it within the City, produce it, and sell it shall be fined or imprisoned depending on the gravity of their crimes!

After careful consideration of testimonies and alchemical evidence, the Council reached the conclusion that the Golden Augury is just as dangerous as the Crimson Spice, if not more. We invite the population to reach our garrisons if you have any valuable information to offer about either substances.

The Grand Dukes have spoken! LONG LIVE BALDUR'S GATE!"

And so, the Golden Augury is also banned and deemed illegal.

Rumours begin to spread in the higher districts of the city.

Saer Terence Haelwing, Overseer of the Iron Throne, managed to sign a deal with Grand Duke Eltan for a new influx of weapons of all kind. People talk of heavy shipments, ready to depart from Suzail as soon as the ice on the Chiontar melts.

While this is a great achievement for the Iron Throne, to be able to secure a deal with the biggest mercenary company of the Sword Coast, people say that the Flaming Fist will be able to take advantage of the best weapons available in the Heartlands. The Fist might become a truly incredibly military force, a force to be reckoned with even in small numbers.

Saer Haelwing is also quick to announce that part of the profits coming from this new deal will be offered to the Task Force attempting to stop the epidemic of drugs in the city. The Overseer appears saddened by the ongoing crisis, with the headquarters of the Iron Throne standing right in the district that was most affected.

Meanwhile, the task force proceeds in its effort to contain the damage and find those behind the drugs trade. People say that many donations have reached the Temple of Ilmater, the Flaming Fist and the Houses helping in the fight against this crisis. Both money and resources that will be spent helping those in need of assistance, under the guidance of the holistic approach proposed by the Temple of Ilmater.

The addicts, their families and loved ones, even those staying in the prisons of the Flaming Fist will be given adequate support.

Time will tell if this will be enough to stop the more and more evident damages caused by this induced decadence.

The city of Baldur's Gate begins to stir, with Spring slowly opening its doors.

Despite the coming season, the river Chiontar is still covered with ice, where normally ships would have sailed already. Winter is taking longer than usual to take its leave, but sailors and merchants still prepare for the opening of the trading season. The ice is getting thin, and the docks feel like a barrel of gunpowder ready to explode, with ships ready to sail in all directions.

One of said ships will be bringing Dabron Sashenstar, renowned adventurer and explorer, to Waterdeep. The first stop of his long planned trip to the far away lands of Sossal. Many seem to be worried about such departure, given the trouble stirring in the East, due to the Tuigan Horde. Additionally, what will House Sashenstar do without its heroic and charismatic face?

Meanwhile, the Flaming Fist and those involved with assisting the Duchal Task Force, continue their battle to fight the drugs spreading across the city. It seems that the traffic of drugs has dramatically lowered, not completely gone but definitely toned down. While this might sound as great news, the consequence is that many that grew an addiction to those substances, are now facing the scarcity and price increase. A whole different issue to deal with, less chances for the problem to spread at the cost of existing addicts experiecing even more desperation and severe symptoms of withdrawal.

Last but not least, the Iron Throne prepares to welcome several ships from the east, bringing siege weapons and all sorts of weaponry to the City, as agreed with Duke Eltan. Terence Haelwing continues to spread his influence across the Noble Houses and Guilds, making the Iron Throne more of an important player in the tapestry of city politics.

More uncertain times ahead, for the City of Baldur's Gate. What will the new Trade Season bring?

Citizens of Baldur's Gate!

It is with great pleasure that I announce you the following: the man behind the rising drugs traffic within the City has been brought to justice!

Working under the false identity of Black Rook, this man has brought nothing but plague and suffering to our Fair City. The punishment for his actions will be decided in a Court of Law, using his true name, Rogier Exeltis.

With this, the traffic has come to an end, but our work is far from over. The consequences of addiction will likely affect this City for years to come, and we will work with the victims to bring healing to every wound.

I declare the Duchal Task Force dissolved, offering the Grand Dukes' gratitude to all that have been helping our efforts!

LONG LIVE BALDUR'S GATE!

Proceeding Victors:
Rhaeg of Luskan
Gorlock of Parts Unknown
Faevan of Hardbuckler
Reorx of Bonebreaker
Lilly Summerheart of The Bladestone foundation
Vichard Domivyk of Damara

Rules for Battle:
-Martial prowess sought
-Enchanted weapons allowed
-No spells of any kind
(Those that can be seen casting with somatic components. NPCs may not notice otherwise.)
-No finishing your opponent