Letter to the Flaming Fist Officers

[Miinstrel]

A messenger leaves the red wizard enclave destined for the Fist garrison. He carries with him a letter sealed with red wax, the symbol of Thay pressed into its dripping edges. Upon arrival he delivers the note to James Norton to be passed along to one of the many commanding officers under Duke Eltan's leadership.



Esteemed Officers of the Flaming Fist,

I write to your honorable lords this day regarding a matter of public order. The Flaming Fist mercenaries are thorough in their defense of our fine city and dutifully protect our citizens from threats both within our walls and without lead by your most excellent examples. I was witness to an occurrence last evening during which several of your valiant warriors laid down their lives to put to rest the machinations of a sword possessed of a fiend of some power. I'm sure you have been briefed on the situation by your subordinates.

As the unfortunate fellow wielding the blade perished it fell to the ground. A brief examination showed it to attach itself to its owner physically and mentally. The Red Wizards offered their services in the removal and disposal of this piece of vile equipment, and your officers agreed to have us take it to our enclave, under the ever-watchful presence and eyes of your trusted exemplars, of course. The sword reanimated of its own accord and struck down all remaining keepers of the peace and began attacking the citizens of Baldur’s Gate. Naturally we aided in subduing it before any further monstrosities could be committed. The blade fell to the ground seemingly exhausted of its power for the time being.

Desiring to follow the most recent instructions of the Fist representatives, we prepared to levitate the blade, in no way planning to touch the weapon lest it control us too, to the Fist headquarters to obtain appropriate observation then to our enclave for disposal. As we readied ourselves, an overzealous paladin of Sune by the name of Eltil swooped in and grabbed the sword claiming to know how best to deal with the situation despite his recent arrival upon the scene. It was immediately obvious he was struggling to control the blade. Because of his frenzied actions, he and another innocent bystander were slain by panicked onlookers worried that the sword would disappear into the night and continue its horrific killing spree. Fortunately there was a priest nearby able to repair some of the damage, but chaos reigned that day.

While Eltil’s sacrifice of his hand was both heroic and selfless, and the blade was ultimately destroyed thanks to the power of Helm and his followers, his actions severely undermined the authority of your dedicated representatives of order. Paladins, while of good intention, can no more be allowed to disregard the Fist’s orders and commands than common thieves. Behavior of this sort must not be tolerated.

I, of course, do not presume to tell you how best to keep order in this city, you are far more knowledgeable and experienced in these matters than most. This letter's sole intent is to offer words of concern that this not be allowed to escalate lest individuals begin to think the mighty Flaming Fist is growing lax in their enforcement. When your men give orders they must be followed with swiftness and accuracy for the betterment of the Gate by all its citizens regardless of whether patrols are present to enforce said orders. Thank you for your time and may the gods bless you with wisdom and health for your service.

Most humbly and respectfully,
Malanis Evariset
Mage of Abjuration of the Thayan Enclave of Baldur’s Gate