(( This should have been posted yesterday, but I couldn't find the time for it unfortunately. ))
Early in the morning, just before the sun rises, Morninglord Tolan, on the day after he made his rounds to the various homes and people on the streets of Beregost asking for donations, is seen carrying with him several baskets. One contains a collection of fruits, some of them bought from the local vendor with some others from the garden that Sister Eleanore of the temple tends.
Other baskets are filled with a collection of patched up clothes of varying sizes, donated by generous people of Beregost, while the two remaining baskets hold bars of soap, and bottles of clean drinking water. Every poor family that Tolan visits, receives an appropriate amount of items from each basket, and a blessing from Lathander with an invitation to visit the Song of the Morning temple.
Unfortunately, the supplies are not nearly enough to tend to all the poor people of Beregost, and so Tolan focuses primarily on aiding those families who appear to be suffering the most from poverty. As the sun rises over the horizon, his work done, Tolan returns to the Song of the Morning temple to join in morning prayers.
As he enter the temple, it is with a warm smile on his lips for a good deed done before sunrise, and his thoughts go to the seven families he managed to help. In his prayers, he includes the families he visited, and every poor man, woman, or child that he did not manage to tend to on this day, asking Lathander to give them hope that they may endure until he once again can make his trips around town.
Fhaeo'Lingi Mriht'Ess - Akh'Aegis of EDE Tolan Faeglin - Morninglord of Lathander Phar Anlith - Mercenary, Tracker, Information Broker Adoros Battleheart - Ungraceful battlerager Cain Gellantara - Knight Champion of Tempus Davvry - Sneaks
A dark-haired, spectacled man who had been seen asking questions around Beregost over the last several days returns to deliver complimentary copies of The Herald's EXTRA! edition to Thunderhammer Smithy, the Temple of Lathander, and the Beregost administrative building.
In the hours after midnight, rumors between intoxicated patrons of the Risen Phoenix speak of a recent flash of white light on the outskirts of town. One claims to have seen an angel step from the display despite the jeers of his drinking compatriots, of whom are quite certain it was a blonde woman. Drunken rambling makes mention of a pig, or a handful of scrolls. . . perhaps both or maybe neither. None seated in the Inn seem quite sure what to make of the conversation by that point and dismiss the discussion as foolishness.
[x] Lady Cecilia Lafayette: Harbinger of Hope, returned to Cormyr. RETIRED. [x] Leyla El'uvian- Feral elf, abandoned society for a loving den in the woods. Alt. RETIRED.
Rumors circulate through the town of Beregost. The commoners murmur about a heavily armored man and woman with resplendent golden cloaks entering the barracks and not exiting until hours later.
Some swear while the two Lathanderites were inside they heard a mix of the rumbling echoes of laughter followed by short, serious exclamations of “Glory to Amn!”
*whispers travel alone, solitary rumours reaching the ears of those with a will to hear them. But when a number of whispers reach the same ears, when those rumours are fortified by repetition, they become something else. So it is that the dead mutes are not merely a rumour, but something more substantial. Something else the citizens of Beregost have to concern them as the Amnian troops fill their town.
The body of the first young man was found near the old cathedral north of Beregost. He stood out from the usual unfortunate travellers because he bore no weapons or armour, and had suffered some distinct wounds that had long healed; his tongue had been removed some time ago, and he wore upon the skin of his chest the symbol of the Lord of Murder, deeply cut and long scarified. Was he bound to the dark god? Was he a sacrifice? Or something else? The nature of his life was unclear, but what was abundantly clear was that his death was neither quick nor painless.
The second body was found to the west of Beregost, on the way to High Hedge. He bore the same wounds, long healed, though the nature of his death was less clear. Poison perhaps? Smothering? It looked to trained eyes to be an efficient killing by a trained assassin, rather than a brutal bloodletting.
The third appeared to the south of Beregost with the same mute mouth and scarred chest hiding the secrets of the man's life. His death was shouted loud by the cut, curved like a smile, carved deep into his neck. A fourth was found floating in the waters near the ruins west of Gullykin. Then another on the road to Nashkel, and another hidden in the winter stored hay on a farm outside of Beregost.
The last to date, the seventh, was left not far from the main road to Beregost, just east of the bridge. Like the others he lacked a tongue and bore the symbol of Bhaal. Was this serial slaughter a strike against the Bhaalists? Or were these Bhaalists themselves, sacrificed for some dark rite? What was the meaning of the missing tongue?
The dead mutes may not be rumour, for their deaths are manifest in the cold bodies their killers left behind. But the reason for their death is less clear. So it is that rumours spawn...*
“Nothing is more real than the masks we make to show each other who we are.” Thom Sunder
On the tradeway just north of Beregost, a dead human is found, with many mortal wounds consistent with those of a minor mage's evocations. Near the body, is a scorched body, nearly unrecognizable, half the size of a man. Among the carnage is a silver tarnished coin.
Killington wrote:On the tradeway just north of Beregost, a dead human is found, with many mortal wounds consistent with those of a minor mage. Near the body, is a scorched body, nearly unrecognizable, half the size of a man. Among the carnage is a silver tarnished coin.
Passing north Head Watchknight Asperan puts pause to her duties north as she comes upon the corpse, after a few moments investigating the scene with a passerby druid the corpse was delivered to Amnian authorities in Beregost for identification and burial. She leaves the following statement and coin in supplement to the body.
A victim was found, on the 31 Nightal, Hour approximately 01:00, to the goblin presence along the Trade Way north of Beregost. His wounds indicate he fell to a goblin shaman that was found resting dead near the victims corpse. It is indicated that the goblin fell to a third party, having been smited by lightening bolt of magical nature. The accompanying coin was found that void of residue from the conflict, it is likely it was placed by the third party.
For further inquiries I will be able to be reached at the House of the Guardian.
Helm's guidance, Sveta Asperan
Head Watchknight of the Everwatch Knights
Rumors spread of a Candlekeep monk runner seeking the Jergalites that have been recently seen on the coast. For what reason he will not say.
TeoDeathDealer Teo, What lies beneath is hidden for a reason Angel, Swabby and cook for the DragonWing Missy, Knight General of the Order of the Rose Lea Littlefoot, Knight in training and ranger of the Order Jerel, The eyes are indeed a window to the soul
A squat, broad-shouldered dwarf by the name of Gniess Axeforge comes into Beregost via the High Hedge trail. He makes a bee-line to the local authorities telling anyone he sees on the way that he has just 'put down' a Devil in Hin form. He says the Hin is known as Lloyd, has dark skin and facial tattoos. He goes on to say that after he put the fearsome devil down it reverted to Hin form and began throwing spells of fire at him. Gniess proudly announces that although the fight was tough, there could only ever be one victor - Clan Axeforge! He finishes his tale by warning any who will listen about the Devil-Hin known as Lloyd!
Relnor Ironfaar - Silver Defender of Clan Ironfaar Background - viewtopic.php?f=20&t=55066 Bramdur Ironfaar - War Chanter of Kraak Helzak
A rather tall redheaded woman is seen posting up posters on many surfaces and attaching white flowers with them. There are rumors of names spread about the place Tegan, Hannah, Selena, Cecillia Lafayette, Endelyon, Herran Hymn, Mealir, Tolan, Eldarian Al'maire, Maxwell.
*As many travellers and merchants know, the roads to the south and north of Beregost remain largely wild and untamed, and bandits are not uncommon. The recent troops movements of the Amnian Lancers has disturbed a few such brigands from their nests, but many remain. Were an unfortunate traveller to pass to close to the old abandoned church to the north of the town, they might hear voices from within...*
Whether for coin, or simple lust for blood. Either way, you do the Master's work.
“Nothing is more real than the masks we make to show each other who we are.” Thom Sunder
Swollen eyes slowly opened and took in a bloody scene. Three templars lay dead, each pincushioned with crossbow bolts. There was blood everywhere, among overturned chairs and amsashed vases. The sight..and smell, of such a scene would unsettle all but the most hardened killer. Daamien drew in a painful breath and tried to rise.. only to scream and crumble upon a broken leg. As he looked now to his own body, he realized it was broken and ruined. Not even the cloak that had brought him back from the brink could heal such extensive damage. He needed to think fast. Looking about the room, a realization came upon him.
He had a choice between two doors. One led out of this predicament, and with a few well-placed spells, safety. The other led to his target, Antolina Burgoz, and his own likely demise.
He coughed up a mouthful of blood and pondered this literal life or death decision for a few moments.
It did not take long. He thought of what consequences failure would bring, of the torture he would endure, the ridicule and loss of face, and of the death his mortal master would visit upon him afterwards. He would be remembered, for a short time, as a coward and a failure, before fading away into nothingness. Succes also likely meant death for him, yet also a chance at everlasting glory. Knowing his own death was fast approaching either way, he eyed Miss Burgoz' door and smirked.
He mustered what energy he had and made himself invisible, then loaded his crossbow with one of his finest poisoned bolts. Slowly, painfully, he crawled to the door and opened it.
"I heard fighting outside! Who goes there?!" a shaken voice demanded from the gloom. His eyes were accustomed to such conditions, and in an instant the devilspawn recognized her as his long-time prey.. Antolina Burgoz.
"Death" was the only reply, before a bolt pierced her heart, killing her instantly.
Two more were shot into her for good measure, and the door was pushed shut. More men would surely be coming soon, Daamien thought to himself as he readied his deadliest traps for his last stand. The assassin then loaded his crossbow once more and sat facing the door, with his back against the wall.
The wait was quite short as hurried footseps were heard coming up the stairs, then shouts in the adjoining room. The door opened, and several Templars of Lathander peered in. "He's killed Miss Burgoz!" one shouted out. "Sieze him!" called another.
Several men came into the room then, and there was a blinding light as they triggered the traps. When all could see again, more men laid dead upon the stone floor, their bodies still rigid from the energy coursing through them. "You sullen dogs.. Lathander has failed this day" Daamien spat at the remaining men. "You are under arrest for the murder of Antolina Burgoz and these men here!" their leader replied. The tiefling levelled the crossbow at his own throat as the men rushed him. "May you all rot in Hell!" He fired, and darkness overtook him...
/// Sorry it took so long to post. I had RL things come up and was out of town. Big thank you to DM Dialectic for the best event ever! <3
