1351 Campaign - Act 1: Warlock's Crypt and the Plague in BG

[Carski]

Before a clean up of pamphlets is made in earnest by the Flaming Fist, a man dressed in bardic fashion comes upon an example, having been posted far and wide by some willful—perhaps misguided—source.

As he reads it, a fury grows upon his face. [ // ] Right there, in the midst of the city where the pamphlet was found, he closes his eyes, and channels a greater fury into form, in words of the mind, the bard being washed over with the power of creation.

His eyes open, and he surveys the place. With practiced movement he takes his drum from it's harness at his back, and he begins to generate a beat, to which he begins to add these words:

• For centuries, the sailors know
  That before you set the sails, one must throw
  
  A coin or two or five or ten
  To pay tribute to the Queen, against a fateful end
  
  She controls the waves, the wind, the spray
  Why she is always fierce, is easy to say
  
  The power she wields is pure chaos you see
  As she resides in the house of the Lords of Fury
  
  Many see chaos, only evil upon the waves
  But their tongue they should hold; their ignorance they should save
  
  The Queen is of the Fury, she is wed to nature, and thus
  To curse her is also upon the path to curse Silvanus
  
  Mortals like to think themselves above the Gods; ego sings
  But those that tempt fate, upon their own ship and sail, will fury upon them they bring
  
  If within this Gate, suffering and sickness you do see
  And if it is your folly to falsely accuse the source as Umberlee
  
  Have you asked her yourself? For maybe you are correct to think
  But publicly insulting her House will only put your body in the drink
  
  Not showing your face yet pointing a finger of blame
  Is to be the embodiment of a coward, by another name
  
  It is the rulers of this city, who have sat on their arses
  And as you have seen, it is the Water Queen's House that does not witness this sickness as any sort of farce(es).
  
  Yet the sickness is here, the death toll does rise
  The source is failure to pay tribute; those that find faith, are cured before their eyes
  
  And it is directly because so many fail to pay tribute to this God
  Continue to watch, and you'll see: how mortals are taught more by the rod.

After finishing one round of his lyrics, he turns and walks back to the Water Queen's Temple, and there, repeats the lyrics a number of rounds and serenading those that travel near it, before entering the Temple.

[DM Theophanies]

There is a stirring in the docks at first light as the Flaming Fist begin operations. Increased guard presence at the entrances to the Palace and East Gate districts can be noted. Priests from the local temples join the guards in ensuring the sickness remains within the docks district, though allowing people they deem to be not carrying the sickness passage to the other districts.

More of the Flaming Fist make their way down to the docks proper, loading up supplies and arms onto their war ships.

At the Temple of Umberlee, a few of the faithful exit the temple with banners in hand singing praises for the mercy of Umberlee in saving them from Talona's clutches.

More of the citizens in the docks district seem to be getting sick, the disease spreading rapidly amongst the poorer population. With the increased presence of the guards, whispers of unrest and worry begin to spread among the citizens of the docks.

[Calodan]

Koryeneer sets up just outside Baldur's Gate on the stage he begins calling out to gather all who can hear

Starting today ladies and gentlemen of the coast I am putting on a charity auction for the afflicted of the docks! I have in my possession a heirloom of finest quality that I am sure you all will like and I am willing to part with it for the greater good of this city!

///OOC Charity Auction Link>http://www.bgtscc.net/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=44894

[DM Pun Pun]

*Rumors abound of two women being stricken by the plague. They tried to enter the East Gate district but were pushed back by the Flaming Fist. Later on, the same two women were seen in the Temple of Ilmater. People wonder how they got there and the fear of the plague spreading is beginning to take over. *

*The body count in the Harbor district is starting to rise and more and more people are falling ill. *

[Amethystt]

A young woman with firey red hair shivered in the shadows of an alleyway in the vicinity of the Fist Compound, with a few rotted feathers on the stone around her. Dressed only in what appeared to be a silken dress-like undergarment and without any possessions except for her longsword, she lay curled in the foetal position coughing through any sleep she managed.

To say her first night on the Coast ended rather terribly would be an understatement.

[Maugoth]

It was an average day for the dark warpriest. He had thought little of his decision to travel to the city by ship. It was the usual way of things, faster than walking and cheap enough to remain feasible. The trip was quiet and mostly peaceful. He had willingly entered into a debate about law, and of rulers. The discussion had ended abruptly as the ship pulled into port, and the folks began to panic. Disembarking with the rest of the passengers, he moved slowly down the gangplank onto the pier. It was clear something here was amiss... Corpses lined the harbor, a few even floating in the sea as men tried to fish them out with nets and poles. What was going here?

Those citizens that still took breath did so behind the cover of cloth which had been wrapped around their noses and mouths. Being no stranger to sea travel, Maugoth was aware of the dangers posed by plague-ridden rats and had indeed prepared a spell or three to cure such ailments. He worried little, but still he he pulled his cloak up and over his face for the sake of appearances if nothing else. He quickly and quietly made his way out of the harbor district, only to find signs posted (complete with guards and a civilian crowd) stating that the harbor district was under quarantine by order of the Flaming Fist. After some pointless banter with the crowd, it was clear he had not been noticed by the guards as having come from the quarantined district himself.

He stood by as a woman attempted to bring a pair of sick men to her temple for healing. It was rather disgusting, the way they coughed and vomited on themselves and the woman they followed. Despite her begging and her tears, thankfully the guards upheld their decree and did not allow them to pass. Before being turned back, the woman had pleaded for Maugoth (and others present) to fetch aid from the temple if Ilmater. It was difficult to hide his contempt at that last, but he managed to refrain from speaking out. This was a unique opportunity to take advantage of.

He left the scene, wondering to himself how he might play his hand. If he was swift and prudent, he could well come out of this with a few followers in the city. At the least, he could put some coin in his pocket and force a few unwilling prayers to the Dark Lord to those who wished aid badly enough.

The night had given him something to think on, surely enough.

[XyrisMourn]

A young woman with firey red hair shivered in the shadows of an alleyway in the vicinity of the Fist Compound, with a few rotted feathers on the stone around her. Dressed only in what appeared to be a silken dress-like undergarment and without any possessions except for her longsword, she lay curled in the foetal position coughing through any sleep she managed.

To say her first night on the Coast ended rather terribly would be an understatement.

*A pretty young thing, and not her fault she caught the plague. Neither her fault that the two men that found her were of dubious honour. The poor thing was coughing and shivering with the plague, but she was wearing a nice set of chainmail, and her cloak and boots were both well cut and fairly new.

Morton and Gruel were just wandering past when she asked for some help. Of course, the two lads were eager to do what they could, and in exchange for her chainmail, they offered her a potion to cure all her ills. The redheaded lass was only too pleased agree to the trade... well, if not eager, suffice to say she agreed to the necessity.

The three headed to a quiet alleyway, where Morton pulled out his curative potion, and Gruel watched eagerly as the lady removed her armour, revealing her thin silk undergarments in the chilly Dockside breeze. Quickly was the exchange made, the chainmail handed over to Gruel and the lovely young lass drank down her tonic eagerly.

Morton and Gruel watched, almost shivering with excitement for the Oil of Taggit to take effect, and in a short while the poor girl, on her first night in Baldur's Gate, collapsed asleep in that dank alleyway, the coughing from her disease ceased as she lay unconscious upon the ground. In short order Gruel and Morton had relieved her of her boots, cloak, necklace and the few other items she had. Leaving her just her thin shift and her sword.

Why her sword? Well, the Sword Coast is dangerous place, and Gruel and Morty aren't monsters. Just two honest, working lads trying to make their way in the world...*

Welcome to the Sword Coast, Red!

[DM Theophanies]

Criers from the palace district in Baldur's Gate depart into the city to announce the news that the Harbor District is officially now in quarantine. They advice that the Dukes are preparing to meet the epidemic and there is no need for panic.

The mighty warships of the Flaming Fist depart from the docks to block any incoming ships from coming to Baldur's Gate though small ferries likely can get around the blockade with some risk.

Checkpoints are set up at the entrances to the Palace and East Gate districts to limit those who enter and leave, under heavy scrutiny and checking.

[Carski]

At the Temple of Umberlee, a few of the faithful exit the temple with banners in hand singing praises for the mercy of Umberlee in saving them from Talona's clutches.

[Amethystt]

Following a cold night on the streets, with much vicious coughing and a chill, the red-haired woman of the day prior is approached by a handsome man clad in dark armors. Though wary at first, the two speak quietly in the alley for a time, Anastacia is handed a small vial of curative liquid and wrapped in a dark cloak. After speaking with some passing Ilmateri, the dark-haired man took back his cloak as they entered the East District and departed as mysteriously as he had arrived, leaving Anastacia, now cured, to her freedom. Selling the only possession that remained to her after the robbery, her sword, she managed to purchase clothing that suited her tastes. After some recovery and a warm meal at the temple of Ilmater, she went on her way - thankful for the eventual kindness of strangers.

[DM Pun Pun]

The Priests of Ilmater were handing out free cures for the plague in the docks district. After a few people were cured and passed the word on, a large crowd of sick people engulfed the tiny operation. The crowd soon became restless and verbally violent. It was then an arrow flew forth and struck a volunteer working with the Ilmater priests. It sent the crowd into a panicked frenzy, which spiraled out of control. The Priests were in grave danger.

Fortunately, the Flaming Fist arrived to maintain order and get the volunteers out of the situation. However, the damage was down. Quite a few citizens and 4 Flaming Fist lay dead.

[Ariella]

After they are given permission by the first the paladin Erza sets of to gather the men to guard the volunteers of the temple, after a letter to Grandmaster Arkaine, all of the Radiant Heart are ordered to join in the protection of the volunteers, excluding only those few left to guard the compound.

Shortly after the paladin heads to Naskiel and gets the The Everwatch Knights assistance as well, writing a letter to the silver rose to see whom they might send.

She puts out a notice all those whom are willing and interested in helping are to find her, she will offer payment out of her pocket.

Those whom show up will be instructed to work under Head WatchKnight Sveta Asperan and in collaboration with brother ameris to ensure the cure is handed out, and to help maintain order in a method that dose not break the paladins code or any orders given by the fist.

The paladin is seen looking for the leaders of the exchange commity after.

[Nomster]

The Priests of Ilmater were handing out free cures for the plague in the docks district. After a few people were cured and passed the word on, a large crowd of sick people engulfed the tiny operation. The crowd soon became restless and verbally violent. It was then an arrow flew forth and struck a volunteer working with the Ilmater priests. It sent the crowd into a panicked frenzy, which spiraled out of control. The Priests were in grave danger.

Fortunately, the Flaming Fist arrived to maintain order and get the volunteers out of the situation. However, the damage was down. Quite a few citizens and 4 Flaming Fist lay dead.

It seemed that the best of efforts sometimes does not always work out as intended. The number of people sick in the docks were far more than any of the volunteers had thought and the crowd was too much in a frenzy to be persuaded by words, song or displays of magic.

It was evident that something needs to be done - there are not enough cures distributed in the docks to cure the sick there in the quarantine.

A woman with raven hair, a white face mask and tattered grey robes of the Ilmateri was seen nervously trying to hand out curing potions among the other volunteers. She was later seen being furious at Cienne and the paladin Erza, as the women tried to turn a priest's faith against him so that he would act according to their goals.

Hidden: show

[PiaMango]

A note accompanied by a letter is given to the sisters of the temple of Ilmater, directed for Brother Marcus, the note reads as follows

Brother Marcus,

It was request by Brother Santraegar I send my plan of action against the disease for your consideration before it is passed on to the Flaming Fist. Should you approve I ask you send a courier to the Flaming Fist for their own consideration. Should you disapprove, or wish to amend the plan I should be available for discussion within the temple of Ilmater, if not I will be within the temple of the High Guardian.

Helm’s guidance,
Sveta Asperan
Head Watchknight of the Everwatch

The letter reads as follows

I have been in discussion with invested parties dealing with this disease and it has been indicated that it continues to spread within the quarantine zone faster that it can be administered to. While efforts of distributing cures to the docks will give relief to the people suffering to the disease it is unconfirmed whether those administered are immune to the disease, or whether they are merely resistant to the disease. Comparable to throwing cups of water at a fire, unless we have a bucket of water large enough to smother the fire, the fire will continue to burn until it dies down on its own regard. We simply do not have the medical supplies to overcome the disease in this way. It is my belief a more direct approach strangle holding the disease may be the best course of action.

Below is a map is Baldur’s Gate, the red lines currently indicate the quarantine established by the Flaming Fist, separating the docks districts from the others of the city. What I am to propose is that we slowly encroach the quarantine closer upon the blue lines, using the passage ways of the blocks of houses as holding points for the quarantine. While the Flaming Fist hold the existing barrier of quarantine I will lead and conduct the establishment of a new border along the blue lines as indicated, within the boundaries established between the new border and old priests, and clerics will administer to the diseased, burning and disposing of any traces holding the disease. Once the zone has been cleared is it my hope the Flaming Fist will advance their quarantine to the new border established. The old border will be then dismantled for use in establishing the next.

((apologies for the poor photoshop))

It is my belief that this will be the best course of action for the abolishment of the disease, with each step we take the noose upon the diseases neck is slowly tightened. However it will take cooperation from efforts by my lead, the healers and the Flaming Fist. While I have been approached by many volunteers offering their help against the disease I will simply not have the man power to be able to sustain the new borders, I implore the Flaming Fist to take upon this role.

The plan is not perfect, it will leave many deeper within the docks to rely upon the aid of the temple of Umberlee until we are able to reach them. The sewers will have to be surveyed so they will not undermine the plan, and sources of medical supplies will be needed to be established to sustain the efforts. However given our finite supplies I believe this will in the end of the day abolish the disease from the docks the swiftest and save the most lives. I request these plans to remain quiet, should the population of the docks figure out what is being conducted I fear they will rush the new border of quarantine for treatment before they will be able to be erected.

I will be available at either the temple of Ilmater, or temple of the High Guardian should you wish to discuss these plans in person.

Helm’s guidance,
Sveta Asperan
Head Watchknight of the Everwatch

(( Edit: plague disease ))

[XyrisMourn]

*sometimes alone, sometimes with others, two cowled figures are seen speaking to the inhabitants of the Docks. They appear almost priest-like in their cowled robes, but the robes lack the loose cut of clerical cloth and shroud bodies that are lean, taut and lithe.

They appaer not to offer healing but only to speak with the residents, both those plagued and those still healthy...*