Tavern Tales and Rumours

[jmecha]

In recent days the rather loud and cheerful Laque has been spending his days celebrating the success of his new guild of adventurer's named Sword's Edge, suddenly though he has grown rather quiet and grim and has spoken of a reward offered to anyone who can bring him Wulf Larson's belongings.

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

*Two drunks talk at Three Old Kegs*
Av' ya' heard? Damn Banites took dat' damn hold in the forests near the lighthouse village of Ulgoth's Beard; a few days out. *spits* The Black Pigs pushed out some Goblinoid Tribes and are patchin' up the old stone fort."

"Seems the poor town traded a pestilence of rabid rats for an infesestation of snakes!"

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

*Alchemist Merchant Geidran walks into the Sorcerous Sundries shop*
Merchant Geidran: "Evenin'. Looks like I got quite the collection of herbs for you today. Seems like ya'll be needin' em' too."

Sundries Apprentice/Clerk: "Oh yeah, why is that?"

Merchant Geidran: " Well, seems you sell most of your fancy things to those curious adventurers that come into town now and then lookin' to travel to Ulcaster's, Durlag's, and search for the Undercellar."

Sundries Apprentice/Clerk: "Well yes. What ever does that have to do with us picking up business?"

Merchant Geidran: "Well haven't you heard? A group of old wiley adventurers gettin' together and organizin' in Baldur. Heard a few of em' talkin' while I was refillin' Ragefast the sage's goods. If it's action, enterprise, exploration, risk, and reward that gives you yer' jollies,this be the people to do it with. *rubs chin* Now if only I could remember the guild's name...........

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

Halbazzer Drin, High wizard of Socerous Sundries has been making a few gruff public appearances within the city. He has been seen walking with Fists Mercenaries at a few disclosed locations, Iron golem stomping behind him. Witnesses say he seems to be inspecting the areas. Afterwards, he relieves his apprentice from the shop floor of the Sorcerous Sundries and mans the front himself for a few hours.

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

RUMORS OF THE CULT LEADER IN NASHKEL

During this last week one of the cities more well known bards, Avarae Deerborn, gave a concert in the park. The young artist who is known mostly for her romantic or tragic works performed a set of nine songs for the sizable crowd of her fans at sunset.

The girls music seemed more sad and soulful than even any of her other performances, bringing many in the crowd to tears.

As is typical of her performances the bard stayed after to talk to her audience. Many commented on her musics increased sorrowful nature, several questions along that line produced an answer she had seemed hesitant to give at first.

"The truth of the matter is that I have seen the emptiness of my life, of our lives. "

Murmurs of worried support came from the crowd she had drawn with her music. She didnt stop to thank them but rather kept talking once she had opened up to her fans.

"I have spoken with our savior, our hero, Xujja of White-Pines."

The crowd had been subdued now. A mix of worry and curiosity had calmed and quieted their voices

"I saw him in The Helm and Cloak... and knowing what I do of his story, that he saved all of us asking for no treasures in return, I took the chance to speak with him and find out what kind of creature he truly was. "

"What did he say? Was he mean to you?" Voices called out from the crowd

"No. He was not cruel to me. Despite the sharp sword and sharp glare he seems to be armed with constantly, he was friendly. If I had not been so intent on my questions I would have guessed he might have been flirting with me"

Nervous laughter from the crowd as they waited for more of the story. They all soon quieted as her answer became more of a speech

"My friends, what he said amazed me. We romanticize the beauty of nature in our artwork, literature, and songs... but he LIVES the beauty of nature. I heard in his voice things I already knew but had never touched. The snarl of a wolf is as beautiful as sunset, that nature while being our nurturing mother must also test and torment us. Simple ideas for any one of us to say, but to know it so closely... hearing that made me feel small, empty, petty and childish.

Our tiefling savior was patient with this ignorant child. He told me our world was saved because Auril was not ready to see the cycle come to its end. That is the reason I chose this park for my concert tonight, that I might offer at least songs to Her, our saviors Queen.

Why was our city saved from Bolnaks army? A girl... just a girl. A pretty girl asked him to save all our lives, so he did. What kind of a man saves a city for a girl? Saves the world for his devotion to nature... and asks nothing in return?

A great one."

No one spoke, there was only silence as the bard stopped to wipe her eyes before speaking again.

"As I left the tavern where our savior had enlightened me, I knew what I would do, what I must do. Tomorrow I will leave for the Cloupeaks where he resides and I will ask, no, I will BEG that he teach me his devotion to nature, devotion to Auril"

"What will happen? Will we see you again? Will you keep singing?" One of the audience asked

"I dont know. I will offer my devotion and service, if he laughs at me and throws me from the cliffs or leaves me in the snow to perish... I cannot control that. I know only that I will offer all I have. Thank you all for coming to listen to my music.

Farewell, praise Auril"

A young girl, barely out of her teens stood up from her place in the crowd and declared

"I will go with you! I will serve the dark half of the cycle, and our hero"

Just as all eyes turned to look, another stood, her voice as determined as the bards.

"I will too, as will my sister."

More voices came from out of the crowd as more stood.

"Why wait? Let us go now, we will go with you Lady Dearborn. We will walk you to Nashkel and the mountains to find him"

Overwhelmed with the support, she agreed and she along with a large portion of the crowd that evening set off on the road south from the city.

As word spread of the concert the next day, more young girls left their lives and took off to join the pilgrimage to the Cloudpeaks. From all walks of life, nobles, serving wenches, and farmers daughters alike came from all corners of the city and the regions villages.

Many have come to Nashkel in the last few days, most of them return. Many of them were simply thanked for their visit but turned away. Still others reported being asked to wait in the snow without food or comfort as they awaited some sign from the man they had come to serve

Another day passed, more of the would be devotees returned home, unable to bear the cold, they returned to their lives

Just over twenty of the young women have not come back however, the lady Deerborn among them. If they finally met with the tiefling or simply perished in the snow is not known. The tiefling himself and members of his band have been seen about the region but they all remain silent on the issue, saying only that those who have not come back were chosen by Auril in one way or another

Those families of the girls that have not returned now live in between fear for their fate, though most parents try to express a hope that their daughters have found what they left seeking. Perhaps by Aurils coming winter they will see their daughters again.

Though it is still half a season away, many of the families of the region with missing girls have begun to decorate their homes for the winter festivals, in hopes this will please Auril and she will find favor with their children

[oldgrayrogue]

A hauntingly beautiful woman, clad and cloaked all in white, stood at the forefront of the performance. After the bard's speech she was seen to be following the procession of women at somewhat of a distance.

A Flaming Fist officer, his retinue about him during the speech, was also seen to leave abruptly as it ended, their cloaks billowing about them in their haste.

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

For the past few weeks, "Calm" has rested its head upon the area. Farmers pull in the last of their harvests before the Feast of the Moon, Fishermen take their leave before the Nightal Crabs break from their nests, and City Merchants begin to clear their tents of thin silks and sleeveless clothes and stock up on long sleeve wools.
Here are some updates on local areas of interests

Baldur: The north bank of River Chionthar has strengthened its Flaming Fists border patrols, as the Flaming Fists have finally attained enough trained recruited mercenaries to fill in their ranks from previous battles during the Conflict of Ao's Children. The Ladies Hall celebrate "Starfall" (Knowledge Religion DC: 15- Most Religous Holiday for worshippers of Tymora),commemorating the destruction of Tyche and creation of Tymora. A small celebration is conducted a few days later for the completion of the "Knights of the Unicorn" Hall. A Golden Nail Ceremony takes place and the Hall will be open to the public for weekly plays and storytelling before winter's end (as they must complete the interior).

Beregost: The town of Lathander celebrated "The Song of Dawn" during the Autumn Equinox. Cleregy and faithful sang in harmony to praise the Morninglord and brought offerings of coin, items, inventions and food to the temple. The town of Beregost has also recently signed a "Bill of Cooperation" with Baldur's Gate. The City and Town will openly share political, tactical, and trade information with one another to circulate and promote growth between the two Governments. Worshippers of Lathander have frequented Baldur more often, in particular a Champion of the Sun (name used by Brother Maynard) named Blaise.

Ulgoth's Beard: Townfolk in the Lighthouse village have began hiring occasional outside blades to patrol their town and guard in. This action has been taken after the High Priest Barid Mosinel and his Order of Templar Warriors took over and strengthened an old Keep in the woods just a tenth-day from Ulgoth's.


Cloakwood Forests: Things have quieted down, and the forest has replenished fully thanks to the aid of both Mielikki and Malar Druids, who have assisted in the growth process of some damaged wilds areas. The Cloakwoods seem to be just as they were before any meteors ever landed in the area. Rumor has it that a strange Ranger who worships the very Air god himself hides in the forests and protects it from War-hungry bands of gnolls, orcs, and other savage tribes.

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

Rumor has it that Red Wizard Jabarian, and Red Wizard Khalia have stepped down as dual Chancellors for the Baldur based Thayan enclave, making way for recently arrived Balasar. Balasar is said to be one of Zulkir Aznar Thrul's personal advisors, and was requested to come to Baldur for reorganization of the enclave. Red Wizard Jabarian, and Red Wizard Khalia now will take place as Chancellor Balasar's Chief Diplomats for the Thayan Enclave.

[oldgrayrogue]

News spreads that an Iron Throne merchant hung himself in one of the rooms in the Helm & Cloak after a shipment of goods he was expecting was reportedly hijacked by goblins. Patrons of the Inn have been heard to say that the mercenary company Sword's Edge was hired by the merchant to escort the shipment safely to the gates but failed to do so. Others say they heard the merchant shouting at the bloody and battered adventurers in the tavern shortly before he was found hanged in an upper room. The tavern Host will not discuss the matter with anyone, saying only that it has been reported to the Flaming Fist and is under investigation.

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

Baldur's Gate has strengthened its inspections on trade within the gates of Baldur. Guards gather along the walls, giving particularly tough inspections to the following the citizens or visitors, for any contraband.

Anyone in All Black
People who are trading outside of the Irone Throne, Merchant's League, Thayans
Auril Worshippers
Banites
Beshaba followers
Malar Hunters
Talos Warriors
Tempus and Garagos Warriors
Kossuth Cult members

[Teric neDhalir]

*completely off topic* As a lurker can I say how much I enjoy BRM's illustrated rumors? Cheers!

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

Seems that the Helm and Cloak shut down over the weekend for some construction to the Inn. A few reserved guests were allowed to come in and out, but anyone else was asked to come back another day by Flaming Fist Guards. After coming back into the High Establishment upon its re-opening, it was common word that not much had changed. A few new tables with brand new table clothes were the most that anyone noticed.

((and thanks to Teric))

[mr duncan]

Those on the main road past the market today got to view a bit of local flavor. The distinctive blue armored tiefling seen so often about the city knocked a man out after being the target of some sort of spell.

The gnome or hin seemed to be having a friendly conversation with him, then strange little man began the words of a spell and magical swirls of color came at the northman, prompting a backhand that seemed to ruin whatever spell was being cast, and knocking the halfsized attacker out cold in the muddy market district street

The blue clad warrior was later seen a short distance away, talking with a pair of guards, pointing back at the muddy roadside where the incident had happened

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

((The Elf-Song Tavern regular patrons have reported a spike in activity with the ghostly elven singer. While it is usually a treat that she sings once a week, a few people have told tales of her actually showing herself to the visitors))

((Half-Elf Owner, "Lady" Alyth Elendara had this to say))

"It's why I bought the place for 50,000gp so long ago. The shroud of mystery behind the lost soul astonishes me to this day. It's rumored that if you see the spectre, you are the prize of war between Beshaba and Tymora. One patron years ago who saw her found amazing treasure in an old cave, and later married his one true love. Another who saw her a few years later, was swallowed by the sea.

[Burt_Reynoldz_Mustache]

A blue dragon was seen by Ulgoth's Beard Peasants. They said that the young dragon shot bolts of lightning from its mouth at hobgolins in the area. The peasants are hopeful that this smaller dragon is the answer to driving out the Banites from the fort nearby.