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

Another day another murder reported and this one almost unnoticed when a horse trader Stu Blaze was out riding one his horses near his stables along the Chionthar. His daughter Pynee and betrothed Gil put up a one bag reward for bringing the offender to justice. However this well meaning total was interestingly quickly added to by Baldur's Gate. An additional 20 bags were offered.

Rumour has it the Dukes themselves have shown an interest as they had some of their own horses purchased from and trained by Stu Blaze.

Two persons of interest have been suggested. A woman in dark robes spotted lurking near the stables around the time the horse trader vanished. This may or may not be the same person spotted possibly gathering herbs along the Chionthar where the stable owner often rode his horses.

Recent reports from cloakwood have revealed The wilder parts of the woods remain wild and natural and perhaps to the liking of Silvanus who some residents relate seems to take a special interest in the forest.

At Triel amid tight security a dramatic uptake in activity was observed and a strong patrol comprising the best of the best was seen to set off business like in pursuit of something. There is some talk in the kitchens and Inns of a serious theft.

Undead sightings around north Nashkel have dropped off in recent days though some hunters have reported with a grim sense of humour the place is too cold even for such creatures!

In Baldur's Gate a headless corpse was recovered from an unofficial grave in the graveyard, The remains appear to be of a sea faring leader and caused some citizens to call for stronger efforts from the city to clamp down on this continued descent into crime that will some say do the city no good financially if people are afraid to come to the city.

The recent fur trade boom at Neverwinter seems to have come to an end as the fashion market slips ashore and new markets are sought. Deck of Cards appear to have been well placed to adjust to recent sea faring concerns and had already moved assets into ship defence products and ship building as the full extent of reckless pirate activity develops apace.

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

One stormy night a mighty yew tree has fallen into the winding waters near Boareskyr Bridge area and is reported by some quirk of fate to have created a slight change in the river flow. Further down the river this effect is visible with a modest area of the north bank and some related pools temporarily free of the poison within the river. This in tandem with locals efforts and the presence from time to time of visiting druids and their like has provided some respite from the poisonous water, at least in part.

Triel castle saw the return of specialists and Knights of Triel returned from a long month of patrol and searching. The troop did not look in particularly good spirits. The forces gathered under Captain Vanders were asked to remain vigilant and watchful for any suspicious activity.


Baldur's Gate continues to debate the need for extra patrols after reports of crime of all manner increased. The Courts were more upbeat reporting active patrols and specific missions were increased and a number of arrests had been increased and they expected this to continue.

This crime has done little to trouble trade which continues apace with a move to more generous seasonal products as the threat from pirates is contained according to many city officials. Some merchants remain less convinced only too well aware the pirates are competing for attention all along the coast, though river trade had remained less troubled than before.

In Beregost a defensive posture of all official bodies to the increasing troubles to the south uncovered an individual checking out various properties in the city and making notes but before any harm could be caused a passing group of adventurers took up a swift investigation offering gold to locals to patrol more vigilantly in the area and this soon drove off the rogue concerned. A job well done.

An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered (8pm gmt 9 July, or by arrangement)

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

A yew tree jammed in the Chionthar near the Boareskyr bridge these past days apparently had a branch break off and float away, Nonetheless the remaining tree continues to impact the flow of foul water, offering small repsite along the river bank aided by druid patrols.

Triel castle saw an upsurge in rumours that there was some kind of setback to building and officials were re-evaluating plans on the bets way forward. Funding seems to have slipped and best practice needs redefined said one well known cleric. Noticeably patrols were stepped up but nothing more specific.


Baldur's Gate finally got it's act together these last few days and law and order thrived once again with crime down. It did not go unnoticed many warriors returning from the Amn war had visited temple events these past days and this may have influenced behaviour.

At sea it was a different matter and trade took a blow as pirates threatened shipping delaying some and sinking another.

In Roaringshore there was a new ship tied up at the docks. Gil Kikkok and his wild crew fresh from a long journey to the south were spending freely at the hideaway. Rumour had it they showed a keen interest in the so called 'five captains challenge.'

Paladins from berdusk have expressed a particular concern that thieves from Greenest are on the prowl in their area. As such they have sent patrols to Greenest seeking to dissuade further visitors.

Perhaps the self same thieves or another group entirely have been sighted around Nashkel while attention was elsewhere in the mountains and deadly battle. Nothing has been reported stolen however and whatever they were seeking was rumoured to be absent.

Another gang led by the Blake brothers were reported have stolen a rare plant before heading into the Amn mountains perhaps to join the war there last days.

Two vague rumours of magic concerning the coast were expressed by a drunk and wide eyed bard at The Friendly Arms. She stated that the epic crystal of scrying was reported to lie on the coast, and that the cauldron of magic had once again been lit heralding a new era of fortune.

A trading cartel called 'the three Kings' were rumoured to have sent invites out to a select few traders for an upcoming meeting.

An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered (8pm gmt 6 August, or by arrangement)

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

A yew tree jammed in the Chionthar near the Boareskyr bridge these past days apparently had a branch break off and float away, Nonetheless the remaining tree continues to impact the flow of foul water, offering small respite along the river bank aided by druid patrols. Along the northern bank one two isolated pools have now formed creating quiet idyllic spots near the river, and these are escapes for those peacefully minded to reflect in the peace of nature in an otherwise hostile area.

Triel castle saw a series of alerts as sightings north to south through the region of a military order of devil bound mercenaries. The group retained discipline and acknowledged local rules and laws and soon left the area ahead of Triel mustered guards.


Baldur's Gate patrols detained a potential thief as he scoured the surrounds of the internationally renowned fashion house Divine. Other would be thieves were caught in the Mannorborn measuring up noble houses. It was baked cakes with a hole in the middle all round for local law enforcement by way of celebration.

At sea one anti pirate ship, previously donated to the city by adventuring groups was sunk while taking action against common pirates.

Gil Kikkok and his wild crew left Roaringshore and fully loaded with supplies left for the Moonshae and beyond after a delay seeking divine support for their journey.

Paladins from berdusk have established a small base at Greenest in the hope growing their influence .

A suspected assassin was detained at Nashkel after he had been reported as having takeb observations at Everwatch.

With the end of activities in the Amn mountains a group of trouble makers and other exiles, and left over mercenaries were forming a larger band called the Blake.



A trading cartel called 'the three Kings' were rumoured to have sent invites out to a select few traders for an upcoming meeting and are in search of a rare relic the Crystal of scrying, a device thta enhances the guards and wards spell popular with guilds.

An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered (8pm gmt 3 September, or by arrangement)

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

At sea a trader the Dolphin limped into port escorted by a ship of the anti pirate fleet, itself looking worn and in need of a refit. The Dolphin claimed to have been attacked by a pirate ship, possibly from Roaringshore and nearly sunk.

A wave of Orc raiding parties were destroyed or moved away from the coast. Rumour had it a group of adventurers found their temporary camp and destroyed their head Seer. Others were caught and slain by various alert travellers. It appears they were searching for someone or something.

A researcher called Corwell who was visiting Candlekeep has been reported missing. He was last seen to the south of Candlekeep.



An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered ( by arrangement with DM)

recently a second cryptic flyer joined the first.

Information finders sought though here things are mixed up and - is a ccoop run

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

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A yew tree jammed in the Winding near the Boareskyr bridge these past days apparently has been said to be held firm and has even grown in size by some trick of nature. Further downstream a thriving eco system on the north bank further defies the general destruction of the river. Some rare fey creatures have recently been sighted.

Two recent nobles who vanished to the east of Triel in separate incidents have rumour has fallen victim to a well ordered and organised assassin group. Their land grabbing ambitions brought to a sudden halt.


Divine House was visited by an imposter, some strange and curious individual is said to have gained entry in the guise of a local drunken adventurer known as Ryke. This avid readers might recall is the second strnage event at this house of fashion leaving some local fashion watchers concerned.

A cave deep below the wood of sharp teeth was cleared of undead and cultists, Their arrival apparentyl masked by a previous zombie gathering further west. The reason for this cult gathering here was unclear to most and is done for now at least thanks to some adventurers.


Further east there were sightings of a devil and rumours of a contract, and other negotiations. Details here are scarce.

Two ships were sunk off Candlekeep. The pirate crew of one ship scrambled ashore to make a stand. There they met some local mist watchers who gathered help just in time to rally in defence of the pier as a wave of devils washed ashore. They attacked both the adventurers and the pirate group. The devils were driven off or destroyed however most of the pirates fell. Rumour has it these pirates out of Roaringshore were known as the Tyrhang Reavers and most including their captain are thought dead.

The trade house known as the deck of cards having invested in arms as the troubles at Amn gathered pace found themselves at a slight loss as the affair ended faster than predicted and was promptly followed by the arrival of new players at the Iron Throne promising trade rivalry.


An unusual and cryptic flyer has been seen along the coast: Information finders sought apply, within signed Forwinn, best prices offered by arrangement with dm)

recently a second cryptic flyer joined the first.

Information finders sought though here things are mixed up and - is a ccoop run

ooc

Trade opportunities, in the form of pop up markets along trade routes have and continue to provide opportunities for profit especially for those with trade skills or perhaps less willingly providing a profit to those with sleight of Hand skills. (ooc mechanical pop opportunities for extra profit, rp as suits the gaining of some extra gold)

Lost lore is often to be found along the coast. Lore effectively locked away from the ignorant in research. Research lore skills are the key to unlocking lore hidden usually amongst so much information the true value of information can only be established with such expertise.

(ooc locked lore books might be found that need skills to open and unlock lore - please rp as research among a large collection of information at scene or elsewhere)


Long lost treasures exist along the coast so they say. During the normal course of making a profit along the tradeway, in between training and patrolling, on a rainy day perhaps, exploring strange and otherwise useless pieces of information might open a door on this lost world and it's wealth.

ooc: TY to all players who keep the world alive, and particularly those who one way or another do not discard found information dropped into game, even if not particularly interested for their pc, but move that information and items along as part of enhancing the drama for all.

At the twilight hour of a warm summer's day, three adolescent brothers stood atop the balcony of a mage's tower, looking out over the city. The eldest perched on the railing, lackadaisical, absent any care for the possibility that he might plummet thirty stories to the paved stone below. The second hovered off to the side while cleaning his glasses with a neatly pressed handkerchief. And the third ... the third found himself leaning against the railing, pulling dirt and debris from the still-growing wings of white that sprouted from his back.

Disheveled clothes, tangled hair, and the nascent black and blue of punishing bruises that were forming on all three suggested a bout of roughhousing had turned into a more serious brawl.

"You're stubborn as a goat, big brother," said the winged half-celestial. He plucked a loosened feather from his back with a wince.

A scoff replied from the railing. "Yes, well. You've the intelligence of barnyard fowl and the sensitive ego to match."

"Let's not start this again," came the a quiet voice of reason. "I've no more cantrips to repair my spectacles."

"A blind diviner is just a little bit too on the nose, don't you think?" teased the eldest brother. "How exactly can they call you the 'All-Seeing' when you can't even see three feet ahead of yourself?"

"You're one to talk!" protested the second. "Did you really think you could fool me again with that same illusion you used on the Countess? Pure madness, that's what that was."

Without any warning, their winged brother sneezed with such force that he lost his balance and toppled over the railing. His wings were too small still, not fully formed to possibly be able to carry his weight. With twin yelps of panic, both brothers launched forward to grab for their siblings' hands, their hearts fully in their throats. By fate or fortune, the eldest managed to grab a palm, and the second brother managed to grab a wrist.

Hanging over the railing and swaying over what could only be an untimely death on the paved road below, the half-celestial stared up at his two brothers from just below the balcony. Suddenly, he started laughing.

"What in the hells are you laughing about, you idiot? Get up here!" The elder brothers dragged the younger one back up and over the balcony's side, collapsing in three heaps with the effort. All the while, the youngest sibling could not stop his giggling. "Will you stop that? What exactly is so hilarious about almost dying?"

Fighting fits of unrepentant mirth, the half-celestial answered: "I have two wizard brothers here. And they just saved me using their muscles!"

The two saviors stared at each other ... and then erupted into howls of chortling laughter that left them wheezing for breath.

Their earlier brawl was completely forgotten. Such was the way of brothers as close as these three were. Neither scrape, nor argument, nor fight could ever divide them long.

Such was the way of the Brothers Eerie.
Castus stood before his two older brothers, the Forgotten One (His name erased by Shar) and Arlath. The sun had just broken the horizon to signal a new dawn. The bodies of Amnian mage seditionists lay strewn all around them, cleaved and sundered by the massive greataxe that still rested in his hand.

"Thank the gods you're safe," said the Forgotten One. "You don't know how long we've been looking for you."

Castus watched as the Forgotten One spoke to an unresponsive Arlath. There was no point in the effort. Arlath was gone. What was left was a shell, a body that lived without any semblance of consciousness or intelligence. What was left was the curse of Shar joined with an entity - a spirit - that made Castus' eldest brother into a walking maw of magic. No spell could survive in his presence.

Even Castus' wings, hidden for so long by spells of illusion, were now revealed in Arlath's presence. Fully grown and spanning nearly twice his height, his wings were once pristine white. Now the feathers were a murky gray, a symbol of how far he had fallen from his goddess, the Lady of Mysteries.

"Come, we need to get you somewhere safe." the Forgotten One tugged at Arlath's robe. "For once, stop being a ram-headed lout and just come with us."

Arlath did not reply. But he did turn to look upon Castus. And in that moment, Castus recognized something, came to a revelation - like remembering a name that had danced on the tip of his tongue for a week but still eluded him.

He knew what Arlath wanted. He knew why Arlath had become what he did.

"Brother, please," implored the Forgotten One. "You need to come with us. We have to get you away from here, you don't know what the Inquisition is capable -- what are you doing?"

Castus felt the Forgotten One's question directed to him and the greataxe he had lifted high above his head.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

It was so easy. He let gravity do most of it for him. His axe came crashing down, severing an empty head from a body that had no more use for it. Arlath's facade dropped to the grassy earth below with a thud.

The Forgotten One watched in silent, unmoving horror.

Castus was not done. With his free hand, he unceremoniously picked his brother's head from the ground by the hair. The shock of his sudden decapitation had left Arlath's lips frozen open ... and they now luminesced with an unnatural glow. A spirit vacated the opening that once was Arlath's mouth ... and entered into the waiting maw of Castus' own facade.

When it was done, Castus dropped his brother's head back to the earth. He turned to the Forgotten One, still frozen in abject disbelief. "I'm sorry, Brother. There was no other way."

He did not dare wait for the Forgotten One's reply. He stretched his wings to their full span and with a massive exertion, he soared into the skies.

The Forgotten One couldn't understand. He was still a mage, through and through. But all of their suffering, all the tragedy and woe that had befallen their family - none of it would have come to pass had they never learned their first spell. Whatever Arlath had become in his final days, this was what he wished. And Castus would honor that wish, even if he would have to turn against all the rest of his family.

Such was the path he had chosen. Such was the way of this Brother Eerie.

What was supposed to be a simple bounty hunt for the wanted necromancer known as Bronwyn the Scorned turned out - as most things involving the Inquisition seem to do - to have shades of complexity that were not anticipated. Acting on the orders of the High Inquisitor Giovann Vakkar, the Inquisition contracted out the job of capturing Bronwyn. Many adventurers answered the call, including the renowned Everwatch. Given the chilly relationship between the Inquisition and the Everwatch, some were surprised the former even agreed to the latter's aid. Nevertheless, the task was set and the party set out.

An extensive search was conducted through the Trielta Hills; it was not long before masses of undead began to harry the adventurers' progress. Given the numbers and strength of the undead raised, it was without doubt that the necromancer behind them was of significant power. Still, with their united efforts, the adventurers' pressed on, facing down hordes of skeletons, ghouls, zombies, and even ghosts from the past come to haunt them.

When at last the party confronted the necromancer, things did not go as foreseen. Expecting to face a fearsome last battle with Bronwyn, the adventurers were surprised to discover Bronwyn had been stripped of her ability to cast magic and that the necromancer who had summoned forth swaths of undead to face them was actually her prepubescent daughter, wielding her staff. Claiming that her powers had been stilled by half-celestial Castus, Bronwyn attempted to take her own life. Though rescued by the Everwatch, an interloper by the name of Rebecca escaped via teleportation with Bronwyn's unconscious body.

The remaining members of the party now only had the child necromancer to turn into the Inquisition. Still, suspecting the girl was being manipulated by her mother, they were loathe to simply hand her over to an uncertain fate. Instead, the elven Bladesinger Elyssa - with the Everwatch's blessing - secreted the girl to the Temple of Mystra in Baldur's Gate, where the High Priestess Neela agreed to watch over the girl for now.

Reporting to their handler, the Everwatch revealed Browyn's escape and that they had let her daughter flee. Furious, the Inquisition Handler lambasted the Helmites for letting both Bronwyn and her daughter escape Amnian justice. It seems the relationship between the Inquisition and the Everwatch will only worsen after this latest series of events.

In Baldur's Gate, Bronwyn's daughter acclimates to her new environment. Already, her watchers marvel at her power ...

Credit: AI Art?