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

DMogorgon wrote:

The Exchange, Part 2

A cart of sickly surface slaves is spotted in the markets of Sshamath. It is picked up by a group of adventurerps from a conclave bureaucrat, and dragged to the Stone Staves by a pair of burly orcs. A human is said to have been spotted among the adventurers.

Strange weather accosted the Eastern Farmlands of Baldur's Gate. There are rumors of some sort of confrontation near the Mercy Orphanage, along with an occasional whisper of drow.

Several adventurers and Members of the Radiant Heart were seen escorting a small group of sickly and malnourished humanoids in rags from the farmlands south of the bridge crossing the river. There, they remain in a makeshift camp setup just south of the river.

kleomenes wrote:The camp is abuzz with healing activity. Druids, scholars of Candlekeep, and Ilmateri work hard for the sick, and food and medical supplies are delivered by merchants.

The camp remains under the watch of the Ilmateri and any other volunteers who pass by.

Hidennka wrote:Two armored members of the Radiant Heart are seen heading toward the Flaming Fist Headquarters from the South, citizens within the Gate whispering and murmuring to each other as they pass. Rumor quickly spreads that the male of the two seemed to have been clapped in irons and led by a solemn faced female paladin with a purple cloak.

njcollins wrote:a man wearing a winged gold and white helmet wearing white full plate mail with a white and red tabard of a golden griffen is also seen bringing fresh food and water to the injuried and the sick, and helping the illmater priests with injuried and sick.

JosephTeneo wrote:A blue robed Mage bearing the regalia of Candlekeep upon his tunic would be noticed spending a few hours caring for the ill men and women held at the makeshift camp. He would be seen making pleasant conversation with each, providing salves and poultices to the more wounded and ill. He would be seen taking samples of saliva and blood from a woman whom exhibited signs of disease, and after a short and hushed conversation with two Ilmateri Caregivers he would travel south.

kleomenes wrote:One of the Ilmateri priests is seen heading north to the city with haste. He returns several hours later in a foul mood, accompanied by a hooded warrior of faith. They continue treating the sick; being joined after a time by a female priestess in grey. Tension is noted between the two clergy, although matters remain cordial as further treatment is concluded.

finneas wrote:*The recently returned armor clad man can be seen accompanying Ameris almost incessantly as he tends to the needs of the former slaves. He is never far from Ameris' side, carrying poultices and medicines, taking instruction from the priest. The only times that he strays from the Ilmateri is to casually meander about the perimeter of the crude camp, his military bearing a show of force should any wish to cause grief to the aid workers or their charges.*

kleomenes wrote:A notice is put up on the notice board in Baldur's Gate, the Shrine of Illmater, and at a few other visible places.

A Call For Aid!

In the Name of the Broken God, the Lord on the Rack, He Who Endures

Aid is needed from the good people of Baldur's Gate for a band of needy freed slaves. The Adorned of Ilmater and others with mercy in their heart attend to the health of these poor sick souls, but an urgent appeal is made for food and clothing.

If you can find it in your hearts, please deliver such south of the Wyrm's Crossing, where a camp for the sick lies, a safe distance from the city.

Please do not approach the camp directly. Leave the donations at a safe distance, within sight of the Flaming Fist, and one of those staffing the camp will see them safely distributed.

Please, provide aid to your fellow souls; and give generously.

LISA100595 wrote:*The Order of the Silver Rose can be seen gathering food, healing supplies and clothing for the Mobile Triage Unit and heading to the Wyrm's Crossing to meet with the other Knights and care for the sick.*

kleomenes wrote:A notice is put up on the notice board in Baldur's Gate, the Shrine of Illmater, and at a few other visible places.

A Call For Aid!

In the Name of the Broken God, the Lord on the Rack, He Who Endures

Aid is needed from the good people of Baldur's Gate for a band of needy freed slaves. The Adorned of Ilmater and others with mercy in their heart attend to the health of these poor sick souls, but an urgent appeal is made for food and clothing.

If you can find it in your hearts, please deliver such south of the Wyrm's Crossing, where a camp for the sick lies, a safe distance from the city.

Please do not approach the camp directly. Leave the donations at a safe distance, within sight of the Flaming Fist, and one of those staffing the camp will see them safely distributed.

Please, provide aid to your fellow souls; and give generously.

Nëa buys as many new, fine clothes as she can for 30000 gold from Aello (and any other tailors in the city, should it be necessary to go to more). Different sizes and colours. And then drops them off on the table inside the Temple of Ilmater with a note:

"For the freed slaves. Give the rest to the people who live in the sewers."

// A DM can subtract 30000 gold from Nëa for this.

Flyers begin appearing in the taverns and streets of Baldur's Gate:

A CALL FOR SENSIBILITY!

This is a warning to all the innocent goodly folk of Baldur's Gate that a camp of plague-ridden slaves, freed from the underdark, has been established within a STONES THROW of the city!

It doesn't take a scholar to understand that plague can be spread even by the well-intentioned who try to care for these slaves, who are EVEN NOW moving back and fourth from the city to the camp. Who knows how many times they have unknowingly carried disease with them?

They are risking our lives and the lives of all who reside within this great city.

Raise your voices against the Radiant Heart and Temple of Ilmater, who have brought this menace upon us! One of the Radiant Heart was even brought to trial over this issue!

// Apologies but I spent a buttload of time writing this out multiple times and dropping the scrolls only to have the server reset. I won't be doing it again so they're no longer IG.

EDIT: because I forgot a part

OOC: this ritual was performed IG and witnessed by Elvina Aira-S'effaro, the following is from the logs and only slightly edited for flow.

A female half-elf with dusky ashen skin and clothed in light color garb, a silver hilted sword at her waist, approaches the camp as the moon is rising.

Elvina Aira-S'effaro greets the young woman, " Greetings Miss"

The half-elf nods and speaking in a quiet gentle voice, "I have come to offer what aid I can."

"Please protect yourself first.. you do not want to contract whatever it is they have." Elvina replies.

The half-elf nods again, "I have no fear."

Elvina Aira-S'efarro dips her head respectfully, "As you wish."

Pausing to regard the afflicted with concern, "Can they not be healed?"

"We are hoping the healing is taking affect but all aid is welcome."

The half-elf turns back to Elvina, "I am willing to attempt a ritual that might offer them healing."

Elvina Aira-S'efarro replies, "That would be most welcome thank you, let me move out of your way," as she moves over still guarding the small camp.

The half-elf draws her silver blade, it's light gleaming in the moonlight and raises it skyward towards the moon, as Elvina watches and listens intently.

The half-elf then begins singing in Elvish, songs of healing and renewal, and as she sings begins to sway. As the songs continue, the swaying slowly becomes a spinning dance as she moves gracefully throughout the sick.

Calling upon her goddess, the half-elf's dance leads her in a circular path around the camp as she consecrates the area, the moonlight growing brighter and infusing the area in positive energy.

The half-elf's song turns towards prayer as the raises her blade towards the moon and calls out in Elvish.

*Elven* "Lady of the Dance I beseech thee.
I ask that you show your mercy to those afflicted,
To restore to them that which was taken.
May the blight of the lost children be lifted from these pour souls.
May thy joyous song fill them with hope.
You are the Light in the Darkness
Please allow thy Holy Light to guide them, to ease their suffering."

*Elven* "Lady of the Dance, I ask you to please heal their wounds, restore their bodies,
let that which is broken be mended,
that their suffering might be eased,
that they may have room in their hearts for forgiveness to those who have wronged them."

*Elven* "Lady of the Dance, Maiden of Song, Holy Daughter of the First of the Seldarine, I call upon you by that name which was given to you."

Elivina listens intently, pondering as the half-elf continues to dance and sing, her blade swinging in circular arcs leaving a glow of moonlit motes floating down upon the afflicted.

*Elven* "Eilistraee, I ask for your Holy Blessings."

A dawn of understanding cross's Elvina's face as she recognizes the name spoken in songful prayer.

The half-elf's dance continues, as sweat begins to bead on her brow as her dance builds to ecstatic movements of pure joy.

As the dancing maiden sheds her hooded cloak, Elvina looks towards half-elf with mild concern.

*Elven* "Holy Lady ... please ... I beg of thee to heal those which have been lost and guide them with thy light."

The dancing continues throughout the night, and with the last lights of Selune setting beneath the western sea the half-elf, drenched in sweat and glowing with a pale light calls out in fervor,""Eilistraee let thy Holy Power flow through me to these poor souls!"

As the half-elf calls upon the power of Eilistraee's tears drawing into herself and releasing the healing power of moonlight and focusing it towards the infirm.

Exhausted and trembling, the half-elf drops to her knees as the the first light of dawn rises from the east.

Elvina walks over to the half-elf, offering her some fresh water and speaking in Elvish, "this may help... drink this."

The half-elf, her face pale and ashen nods weakly, gratefully accepting the water and begins sipping it slowly.

Elvina, "Thank you for imparting your blessings and healing, I am sure this will help greatly."

The half-elf nods and coughs roughly, covering her mouth with the sleeve of her gown.

Elvina continues, "Especially considering where whatever this disease is came from..., " frowning deeply at the thought.

Noticing the flecks of blood on half-elf's sleeve, and her weakness Elvina motions to a cot, urging the half-elf to lie down.

The half-elf nods in agreement and almost collapses onto the cot.

Elvina sees to the half-elf and offering her own healing, before saying quietly, "When you have the strength I'll be interested to know how you came about worshiping the Dark Maiden..."

....
http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae33 ... g~original

http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae33 ... g~original


Edit: a few corrections made, link to screenshot added

Snatching up one of the flyers that have somehow appeared despite the area being well guarded, the Paladin of Tyr glances over the words, her lips drawing into a thin line. "Members of the jury replaced with their own selection? It is quite obvious this person was no where near the trial when only a single member was replaced, and with the Commander of the Order of the Silver Rose no less. Suggested and cleared by Eltan himself. . ." she mutters to herself in habitual Cormanthan, tearing the parchment in two with a swift motion. Boots kicking up faint clouds of dust as she moves between the tents, Cecilia proceeds to drop the leftover shreds into the roaring fire. "Propaganda and viscous lies, jumping at any opportunity. The actions of one paladin deemed guilty by a jury do not reflect the actions of the Order as a whole. These people speak as if these events were a charade. Easy, even. Having to arrest and turn over one of our own. . . there was no joy in having to do such. A friend and brother . . ." She shakes her head, ponytail flicking gently from the motion. "Yet completely necessary in duty. To law, to the Order and the Just God Tyr. It is unfortunate that it is a thing not many will understand, if ever."

The blonde's foreign murmuring trails off as her gaze dances over the flicking flames, her silence giving way to the faint coughing and cries of the sickly as they are gently tended. She glances around at the tents in cool night air, right hand returning to vigilantly rest atop the hilt of her blade as she hears footsteps approaching. Moving forth to investigate, a faint smile finds the Paladin's lips as she is met with a familiar face and accompanying cloak bearing the symbol of Helm. The two women converse for a time, discussing recent events in brevity before turning to talk of Helm and his teachings. Wai Li proceeds to pray over and bless the area in Helm's name, before they are joined by a third woman, engaging in talk of the region before parting.

Returning to her post, eyes piercing the darkness easily, the Paladin of Tyr remains on vigilant duty until morning. Even as the dawn's rays begin to creep over the surrounding hills, she stands looking upon the sunrise with the faintest of smiles, it's morning warmth caressing her cheeks.

kleomenes wrote:A notice is put up on the notice board in Baldur's Gate, the Shrine of Illmater, and at a few other visible places.

A Call For Aid!

In the Name of the Broken God, the Lord on the Rack, He Who Endures

Aid is needed from the good people of Baldur's Gate for a band of needy freed slaves. The Adorned of Ilmater and others with mercy in their heart attend to the health of these poor sick souls, but an urgent appeal is made for food and clothing.

If you can find it in your hearts, please deliver such south of the Wyrm's Crossing, where a camp for the sick lies, a safe distance from the city.

Please do not approach the camp directly. Leave the donations at a safe distance, within sight of the Flaming Fist, and one of those staffing the camp will see them safely distributed.

Please, provide aid to your fellow souls; and give generously.

Kaienrai sitting in the farmlands for his auction, stops a passerby and inquires on this effort. After hearing the complete story, he is almost positive the actual facts were diluted. "Let the leaders judge the actions of others, I care not for their laws. But this matter at hand is most pressing." He looks to his bald aide, Mule'ahn. "Take 25 bags of gold and head to Aiello's. Purchase clothing with 10 bags of it. Then head to the farmers and food merchants and purchase what you can with the other 15 bags. You may hire a helping hand if you wish but be quick about it. And hire another hand to seek out Sir Aelcar or Lady Marigold of the Order of Lions, if they are within the city. They should hear about this." He quickly turns back to watching his wares, seeing a halfling getting a tad bit too close.

//A DM, please feel free to take 25,000 gold from me for this effort or I can schedule a time to meet IG with one of the main PC's of this story

"Tyrant" come the harshly spoken words from the elf's lips, as she glares up at the blonde. For a time, the two had exchanged terse words, the blue-skinned elf confronting the Paladin over recent events. "Had no choice", "the law" and "demon paladin" are but some of the phrases overhead between the two before the Tyrran yields and offers no further words or defences to the onslaught of insults, continuing to silently stand guard over the site. At the intervention of the Ilmateri priest Ameris, the situation seems to simmer down and the Paladin retires to the Radiant Heart Supply Tent for a time.

As the prayers and medicines take effect, the fever dies down. Soon the Ilmateri are satisfied...

DMogorgon wrote:...that their contagion has been contained. They are still a fair bit malnourished and weak, but not diseased.

The Camp is broken down, the sick loaded into a wagon, and potentially hazardous material burned as a precaution. Some head north with the wagon, others remain to clear the camp.

The former slaves are moved to the upper floors of the Temple of Ilmater, to the cells reserved for the Adorned, who vacate elsewhere or use the remaining beds in rotation.

The Temple welcomes visitors to the former slaves who are not of ill intent, as despite the curing of the contagion, the former slaves remain weak and malnourished, and will need to be nursed back to health.

Ameris speaks loudly of a donation from a certain Nathaniel Collins, who donated a large sum of gold to be used to pay towards returning the ex-slaves to their families. He speaks that it is unlikely more will be needed, but possible.

Meanwhile, the work of learning of the origins of each of the patients, and whether they have any family - and indeed, whether they will cope with life in freedom - begins. Visitors would be welcome to counsel the ex-slaves and try and learn their stories, provided they were respectful and sensitive.

And the stories are not pleasant. Those who question the slaves would learn the following:

DMogorgon wrote:Each slave would have a different story. They would have come from different areas rather far flung around Toril. Each would have different tales of being captured, and of spending years travelling around the Underdark from city to city with their cruel drow Masters, along with general information about the cruelty of life as a slave in Lolthite society. One would speak of being a servant of a great and terrifying floating orb with eye stalks emanating from it. One - the traumatized one... acting almost lobotomized really - wouldn't speak or react intelligently.

*The Watchknight Paladin Wai Li was spotted by some delivering a bag of bread and a blessing of Helm for the vulnerable former slaves at their camp. She also left a large donation with Watcher Valdore at the Temple of the Shield earmarked for the purpose of attending to the health and security of the refuge former slaves and to aid additional vigilance regarding any outbreaks of any sickness beyond their camp or a return of their former Drow masters. She was seen conversing with Paladin of Tyr Cecilia Lafayette during her stop at the aid camp, before she headed south back to Amn.*