DM Rumors of the Northern Sword Coast

[DM Hera]

A group of knights came down the roads far north of the known lands of Baldurs Gate, these knights bore the livery of Waterdeep and in their company was an aged woman who was greeted by a group of renowned adventurers.

The Knights departed quickly in the night while the Adventurers escorted the woman south through the wilds to reach the best roads near Baldur's Gate.

[DM Dialectic]

It is rumored that a large group of many well known adventurers of the Western Heartlands traveled to Elturel recently for a meeting with the High Rider Lord Dhelt ruler of the city as well as other goodly member leaders of the Lords' Alliance. It is said that Lord Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun and Lord Piergeiron the Paladinson of Waterdeep also attended the meeting as well as Captain Raman of the Hellriders and briefly Lord Heldrun of Baldur's Gate as a Duchal Representative to the meeting. After the meeting, it is rumored that a company of Hellriders was seen riding out at high speed from the city.

[DM Dialectic]

Elturel Responds

Soon after the shocking ratification of the Baldur's Gate-Zhentarim Treaty, there is another surprising bit of news immediately following.

With the approval of the former government of the now destroyed Triel settlement residing in Elturel, fellow goodly members of the Lords' Alliance, and goodly adventurers and heroes of the Western Heartlands, High Rider Lord Dhelt of Elturel publicly announces from the High Hall of Elturel that he has ordered a company of Hellriders of Elturel, approximately 100 to 150 medium cavalry riders, to setup a forward outpost deployment approximately located in the ruins of Triel and in the nearby Trielta Hills to stand vigilant over incoming Zhentarim convoys from the east and other threats to Elturel and the goodly folk of the Western Heartlands in the area. Lord Dhelt adds additionally that given recent events "Elturel must learn the lessons of the tragedy of Triel of the Black Orc War a few years earlier in terms of not responding to threats early enough, not intervening then was a mistake. This time we will be proactive in our vigilance."

As the deployed to positions were already on regular Hellrider patrol routes, the strategic move is quick and established almost immediately. Banners of Elturel and the patron god of their High Rider paladin ruler, the protector and watcher god Helm, now ride over the hills around the ruins of Triel and of the Trielta Hills as well, as does the code of arms of the High Rider. Other goodly powers of the Lords' Alliance release edicts of support for Elturel's move as well including Waterdeep, Silverymoon, Berdusk, Neverwinter, Iriaebor, and Sundabar.

The High Rider also militantly and defiantly proclaims that while some of the Lords' Alliance in Baldur's Gate or Mirabar may now treat and trade with the Zhentarim, Elturel will remain vigilant and never give into what he terms the evil and treachery of The Black Network. Still, he says, Baldur's Gate remains friend by Lords' Alliance defensive alliance treaty, yet one he now has a severe moral disagreement with. He adds that some may call him a warmonger for remaining so principled in his stance, but it's an insult he takes as badge of honor if the conflict is just he states.

[DM Hera]

SOUBAR




A tall thin man covered head to toe in long sleeves and jackets steps towards the center of Soubars Markets. He has a large companion with him whom holds an umbrella above him to keep the beating sun from his brow. Adjusting some dark shade goggles the thin man starts to speak.

"Friends, Discarded miscreants and Coin loving travelers. Gather around, gather around!

Yes.. I am you, one of you. Look at me - Scorn by the sun! Why? Just for who I am. You there, Were wolf! You are scorned by men for hair!. And the Mindflayer? We all have to eat don't we?

Even then my Merchant Friends, Taxes.. how repressive it is take the coin of business to use on these restrictive laws in cities. Hey, I want more coin in pouch.

Well my friends I am here, I am here as THE emissary to a great and bold venture. "


*he adjusts his goggles*

"Are you ready to challenge tradition?"


*at the end of his rousing call.. the very charismatic man is approached by all manner of creatures and people.. wanting to hear more.*

[DM Boo]

Soubar

Mags is seen one morning hanging a piece of parchment on the wall inside her inn. The parchment reads as follows:

[parchment]Let it be known that the proprietor of this establishment, Mags, has decreed that the following rule must be adhered to at all times by all patrons while visiting the Winding Way Inn, without exceptions.

There is to be no fighting or violence within the premises of the inn, including both the inn proper and outside the door. Individuals or companies found violating this rule will be forcibly removed, and in extreme cases, banned from the inn for life.

Enjoy your stay![/parchment]
//
For a more complete explanation of the laws of Soubar, see here: THE LAWS OF THE LANDS (IC)

[DM Mimic]

Reports near Soubar bring word that the self-styled "Grand Illusionist," following the invasion of his refuge and a magical battle taking place on his doorstep, has summarily abandoned his home along the Northern Tradeway. This sudden relocation has caused several of the deals he was making with local residents in Soubar to fall through; those who were foolish enough to offer services before receiving payment now quickly add this eccentric wizard to their blacklists.

Before departing, the mage was careful to destroy anything in his underground lair that could have been of value.

[DM Dialectic]

Zhentarim Law Now Enforced in the Vale Around Corm Orp

Unchallenged for over a year, the Zhentarim Outrider patrols of Darkhold around Corm Orp have begun to enforce the laws of the Zhentarim around the general vale regional area surrounding Corm Orp, but not within or immediately next to the settlement or upon its associated rural residences.

///For more:

Subject: THE LAWS OF THE LANDS (IC) ///

[DM Soulcatcher]

SOUBAR DESERTED!

The lawless tent town of Soubar these days is devoid of life. A light fog slowly settles around the Winding Way inn each evening, only to be swapped for morning dew- undisturbed by anything. There are no tents around anymore. The ruins seem to be abandoned. No merchant is making their way or even staying here. At the growing rumours of approaching hostile forces from the Troll Kingdoms, Soubar did what it always did the best.

Scattered like leaves on the wind.

Only very few brave souls remained, including the mysterious Mag, although she is quiet and speaks no words. Whether she has a plan or is going to try to weather the storm is anyone's guess.

[DM Doom]

--Mysterious Stranger--

Travellers in the northern region of sword coast encounter frequent signs of battle, with unusually large number of monsters, undead and bandits being mercilessly killed and destroyed with what seems to be a large serrated weapon. Deep human-sized footprints are frequently found near battle sites. Then intentions of unknown combatant (or combatants) are unclear.

[DM Doom]

Masked crossbowmen

Masked crossbowmen are frequently seen in soubar. They do not interact with populace much and keep to themselves. A lot of them seem to be fiendbloods, with horns and tails.

[DM Arrakeen]

Triel
Nearly three tendays after the Commander of the Northern Watch, Wren Di'Corvi, met with High Rider Lord Dhelt a shift within one of the regional powers occurred.

Over the course of the next few days, it would become apparent the presence of Hellriders within their Forward Camp inside the ruins of Triel has grown; and not just in numbers. New tents including one solely for the healers, partial barricades and makeshift guard posts were erected.

Another notable change that would be easy to spot is the increased numbers of Riders per patrol. Previously an average group consisted of approximately 28 Riders. From this day onward a regular Hellrider patrol would be 32 strong. Their patrol routes remain unchanged.

[DM Arrakeen]

Soubar
Over the course of the last three tendays, Soubar experienced a slow and gradual return of its denizens - monsters and humanoids alike - from the massive exodus that had taken place in early Mirtul of 1354 DR.

The local merchants have yet again set up their makeshift stalls, and it would seem that it's business as usual, for the most part. Admittedly, those more observant would notice that some wares tend to run out quicker than usual and restocking takes considerably longer.

Tents, small encampments, and campfires are again a common sight within the ruined walls surrounding the settlement.

Nowadays, the consumption of ale at the Winding Way Inn has doubled. Consequently, Mag would appear more preoccupied with her business than she has been in a long while.

[DM Arrakeen]

Soubar
Around noon, Captain Nightgale of the Ebon Blade Mercenary Company met with the owner of the Winding Way Inn, and the de facto ruler of Soubar, to discuss a few more or less pressing matters. Given that the conversation did not take place behind closed doors the locals would soon repeat the contents of it.

The leader of the mercenaries suggested that he could place some of his men at the points of entry into the settlement in order to strengthen its defenses, but Mag was quick to refuse and remind the man that it was neither needed nor desired. The woman argued that such a move would inevitably lead to a misunderstanding among the locals who could perceive it as an attempt by the Ebon Blade to police the settlement and therefore she could not allow it. On the other hand, Mag was not opposed to the revival of the Militia training the infamous mercenaries had done in the past; she also approved the idea of having two Ebon Blade guards posted outside the doors to the mercenary headquarters. The leader of Soubar stressed that the guards are expected to act only in defense of their grounds and fellow mercenaries and not engage in any combat initiated by the members of the company. Later, the two briefly touched upon a potential restoration of the settlement's walls. Mag made no promises other than that she would think about Nightgale's proposal and perhaps discuss it at a later date.

After the conversation with Mag, the mercenary Captain sat down in one of the Inn's booths and had a short chat with a trader passing through Soubar who introduced himself as Shaw. The merchant was in the company of a woman dressed in red, a female halfling, and two heavily armed guards. Later, the same merchant was approached by an orc, and the two had a short exchange including warnings and threats issued by the orc.

A couple of hours after Captain of the Ebon Blade left the Inn to dispatch new orders; two guards would take post outside of the Fort's entrance.

///To clarify, the Ebon Blade guards outside their Guildhall will be implemented server-side when the Devs get to it. The function of the guards is the same as the guards in front of other Guildhalls - to protect the Guildhall. They are not the policing force or the law enforcement in Soubar.///

[DM Soulcatcher]

The southern borders of the Misty Forest appear to be silent. No wildlife is seen or heard in several miles. The barbaric human tribes living across the High Moor, likewise, seem to have mostly displaced themselves. Perhaps it was hobgoblins, that chased everyone away. Perhaps it was strange monsters, whos' tracks may be found on the Moors.

One thing is certain, however.. The Misty Forest is not a welcome place. Not because of some orcs roaming around, but because of dead Hybsils, burned trees and smell of brimstone spreading through the woods.

Peace is no more.

[DM Soulcatcher]

Those living nearby Misty Forest notice that from a small part of the forest... smoke began to heavily arise. And continued to do so for next following two days.