Dark Herald - In Mist of Red

[DM Sauron]

The sun sets concluding day in Valkur's Roar and the surrounding country side. Tired fishermen return to the safety of the harbors with their catch, as do the locals to their homes or to Talbot's Table for a round of ale or two after a day of hard work. A change of shift among the city watch commences, and street lights begin to illuminate all but the darkest alleys and corners of the city, where muggers gather as rats (or rat-men) to prey on the weak.

As the always reassuring daystar of Lathander dissapears on the distant horizon and as its beams of pure light fade, a more oniric vision in the skies of the city slowly but ominously manifests. It is not Selune and nor is it another known body of the cosmos. Dark and with a deep red glow covering its surface, an unknown planet of is now clearly visible behind the shadow of the distant Isle of Ashen Winds.

Speculations among resident wizards, priests and sages are quick to circulate. Some blaming the unknown anomaly to a rare optical phenomenom, whereas others argue this is not nature or wild magic at work, instead ellaborating that this a sign of the divine. Whatever the case might be, it cannot be denied that something is off. Domestic animals and livestok appear nervous. Dogs bark in anger at the sea and cats retreat to their prefered hideouts. Vermin return to the dirt-covered bowels of Valkur's Roar, while numerous birds hastily fly away of the city and its newest visitor.

As temperatures rise slightly in Valur's Roar, as everything darkens and as a red mist that seems to originate in the isle itself relentlessly approraches the coastline, the citizens are not slow to exchange expressions of concern among themselves. Sobs, groans and cries of the more impressionable of all ages and genders soon are heard too, adding up to the near-apocalyptic atmosphere of their present times.

The more faithful gather in their temple of preference, praying for salvation, while the guards try to maintain order despite the clear signs of chaos imminent. Opportunistic looters take their chances, and the Baron's manor protectors quickly double in number. Horns and bells sound in an incoherent cacophony of despair, but aside their confussing noise and the one caused by animals or civilization, the wind is no more. Silent, absent or partially gone, the very air is oppressive, with the more sensible individuals claiming it is turning mildly sulphurous.

As the last ferry returns from the isle with Cormyrian dignatiaries, merchants and a few Purple Dragons onboard, the Baron Azorus Crownsilver issues a decree:

"All ships and boats that do not belong to the Crown's Navy or the Freesails are to remain in the harbors, docked and anchored until further notice".

Much like a pot subjected to increasing pressure, with its contents bound to boil, Valkur's Roar witnesses not a cataclysm, but the beginning of something.

// The best is yet to come. This will be a series of events, stories and changes to specific areas in the module. As of now and until progress is made, an eerie red mist has arrived to Valkur's Roar. The mist is not harmful (for now). Paladins would probably identify a faint taint of evil if they are in the city. Access to Ash Isle and the Gargoyle is restricted.

VR Reservists, council and others with interests in the city, stay put.

For doubts, questions or concerns, PM me, DM Maleficent Kiss, DM Flash or DM Foresight.

[brygun]

On one of the days soon after in armor of green, red and gold Xandy accompanied by the armored Dorf moved about the city. They checked and offered if civilians needed help. They found few if any in immediate need. Most of the time the two were chatting in dwarven speaking common briefly with those they approached.

[Asgardian Grey Hawk]

A sly elf can be seen in Roar trying to figure out the shipping situation.

[arcadiadragonloy]

*A Tall muscular half-elf can be seen with Minister Copperhand trying to assuage fears and concerns of people still doing business on the streets and shops, also talking with caretakers of the various shrines in Valkur's Roar*

[rubik]

Tenna returns from a short trip shortly after the most recent Torm's Table, the young Ilmateri wandering around the Roar and helping where she can.

[Sioladuil]

Elvewyn strolls into Valkur's Roar. He looks around for a few moments and then shakes his head. 

Nope. Nuh huh. No way. I have been around enough to know that it is about to get all manner of violently murdered in this city. 

He does not seem overly concerned about the civilian population that might have heard him and he teleports away shortly after.

[DOT]

Atrox Dureth, a Doombringer of the Lord of Three Thunders, would have made himself known to the occupants of the Barren of Retribution... to obtain information and to also assist the temple if needed.

What injustice did the city commit that such an occurrence would befall it. One thing would be true, it was deserving of it if Hoar was involved in the matter.

[martel]

In the days following the arrival of the Red Mist, Arak Smithson can be seen visiting the dwarves of Valkur’s Roar. He starts with the home of Raymond Granitechisel, the dwarf rescued from the renegade Mistwood elves, and asks Raymond to introduce him to others. Arak asks questions, listens carefully, and provides words of comfort: pastoral care.

[ShadowCatJen]

Mynian is seen patrolling Valkur's Roar with a red-headed half-elf female warrior guarding her. She advises any citizens to try to keep indoors and does her best to give encouraging words to the guards. She doesn't remove her light leather armor while she goes about and seems geared and ready to fight.

Otherwise she's generally in the Great Hall, speaking to any who inquire about the situation.

[sightblinder]

Kusk Whitemane and his new friend Sid Black did a patrol of the city, with Kusk handing out coin to those in need and asking them to consider The Vigilant One as their deity of choice.

[malclave]

Kimbera Dawnlight returns to Valkur's Roar for a rare visit since resigning from the Reserves. She is clearly concerned about the unnatural mist in the air.

She considers offering her services once more to the Reserves, but quickly discards that idea; the Reserves most likely still has no desire for healer auxiliaries, and would probably once more place her into a role for which she was suited neither by training nor temperament. And, in any case, she was not in a position to spend the gold which Reserve duty required.

Instead, she makes her way towards Talbot's, deeper in the city. The healer there was probably more overworked than ever, and could probably use another pair of trained hands.

[DM Grizwald]

*Upon approaching the city, Clarke looks out the window of his Caravan*

"What in the nine hells is going on here? Soddin' bloodwar again?

*he cracks the compartment door and shouts up at the driver* "I'll give you another 500 coin to take the long way around and get me to Suzail mate! Ain't no way we're stopping here!"

"I'll agree to those terms, Master Addams." replies the driver.

*With a quick jerk, he closes the caravan door and bolts it closed* "Here we go again with this bloody city. Cursed place. Can't even find a good card game there these days without someone crying about their hardship."

*Clarke twists to the side and lays across the bench in the Caravan, shuffling his lucky deck of cards mindlessly as he rides off to Suzail*

[Fiddlesticks]

The Freesails vessel Tethys is shrouded in the mist and the Captain is stomping around restlessly, uttering the occasional curse in Midani as he remains patiently waiting for any orders that might come in from Marsember. In meantime, the watch remains steadfast and vigilant, ready to defend the city if anything looms out of the red vapors. The ship's defenses are trained off harbor and the mariner is a visible presence on deck with his crackling violet spellblade and lighting-fretted cutlass.

[DM Sauron]

*The following proclamation is made in the streets of the city and posters are left in the more visble areas of Valkur's Roar, Greatgaunt and Shallybrook*

Hear ye, hear ye!

Baron Azorus Crownsilver of Valkur's Roar authorises

High Inquisitor Vera Gudwerks

To select a crew of volunteers

To set sail with a ship to the Island of Ashen Winds

Tomorrow, Marpenoth 18th

To investigate the island and the Gargoyle Citadel

To make contact with the Raven Watch

To rescue the garrison if needed

Individuals willing to apply are to present themselves at the gates of the Great Hall

//OOC

- Players interested can send me a personal message as well

- A crew of 15 PCs max

- Event starts at 6:00 PM Central Time

- No level cap, but the lower one character is, the greater the risk of suffering serious injury and death during this

[DM Sauron]

A group of brave Volunteers sets sail to the Isle of Ashen Winds...

[DM Sauron]

Somber Ignition

And so it began. After three days of what was unsettling calm in Valkur's Roar, a lone, loud thunderous blast shakens the very foundations of the island. Its subsequent shockwave dealys but mere moments to clash against the city. Windows shatter in thousands of sharp fragments, doors are shut or opened forcefully and several unwary citizens fall to their knees as they lose their footing. The echo of the sudden event reaches Greatgaunt, Shallybrook and Suzail.

Forming a menacing cloud that expands and gains altitude at alarming rate until it reaches the colder high clouds above, dark smoke rises from the center of the island, joining the eeire mist and creating one noxious mixture of volatile death.

Honoring its given name, winds from the Dragonmere now threaten to carry the newly formed ash from the island to Valkur's Roar. An awe inspiring storm of lightning, accompained by its symphony of distant thunder dominates the sky of the island. Individuals with keen eyesight report constant fire and flame within the center of the darkness.

Partially shrouded by the toxic cloud, the strange planetary anomaly had become the Herald of what was yet to come, and now the explosion was its chosen horn to announce the point of no return, the innevitable and the finale definite.

[brygun]

Xandy in her green, red armor with gold trim was among those who went and returned, with coverings of ash. After her own rest she would move about the town looking for those with various injuries from the glass. Using blessings and lay on hands to provide some care to those with more troubling injuries.

[malclave]

Upon returning from the island of Ashes, and hearing of all the shattered glass, Kimbera returns to aid the city's healer in treating injuries. Given the delicate nature of such wounds, and her distinct lack of manual dexterity even when magically bolstered, she has an assistant remove any glass from the wounds before she treats them.

[brygun]

Taking a room in Talbot's Xandy prepares a report to the Valkur Roar community staff and a copy for the gardeners. (posted in different threads)

[mysticalkas]

*Gill walks around the city, aiding as best he can, waiting for news of the venture to Ash isles*

[ShadowCatJen]

After the Volenteer Crew returns to Valkur's Roar, Mynian is seen speaking with a few of them before heading into the Great Hall to have a long discussion with the city's High Mage and others.

Not very long after, Mynian heads back out of the hall again and begins to patrol the streets along side a tall muscular female half-elf who guards her.

To any she sees that are helping she gives a quick thank you and starts to aim other citizens in their direction for healing and care. South of the river she gets them centered around Talbot's Table Inn. North of the river she points them to gather at the Temple of Retribution for healing and safety should they need it.

The guards she encourages to keep their heads up and to mind any sign of rioting. Any citizen she sees who seems well enough she guides them to help clean up in areas, clearing walk ways of glass, and spots where to put any debris. She'd check in on the merchants and any others she knew by name to see if they were alright.

As night would fall she would order some sconces for light to help give folks a sense of some safety during the darkening hours.

More than anything, she would make sure she was seen, answering any questions to the people that she could. She'd show she was remaining calm. She'd show that even after this she was not in a state of panic.

However, at some point she would head north of the city, away from the mist, and cast her gaze out to the ever rising and nearing cloud of dark noxious looking smoke pouring from the distant isle.

"A day... two at tha most," she would be heard to utter to her companion. "Me best put in me suggestion this mornin'."

With that she would head back to the city and the Great Hall to quickly set some things in motion.

[vulpes]

Ever curious Cooper walked the streets of Valkurs trying to figure out what the mist consisted of, even jarring up some samples of the reddish mist to examine in his laboratory.

After reading some of the scrolls gathered in Savras library, he ventured deep into the Upperdark and released some of the mist on an unsuspecting group of monsters and lay cloaked in invisibility to see if any effect was observed. Noting what he could he went back to archive the findings.

[grivel]

After returning from the island with the large group, Dina stands in the shadows, watching and listening.

[DM Sauron]

In an unexpected turn of events, favorable winds arrive and most of the noxious cloud being produced by the explosion and fires is carried away to the Dragonmere instead. Ash is still expected.

The Captain of the Waves is watching over us! - Some sailors are heard saying.

The Bitch Queen is sending the clouds to Westgate! - Other sailors are heard saying.

Despite the flicker of hope, several precautions and contingency plans are soon adopted by the guards and told to the citizens of Valkur's Roar.*

- The more endangered citizens and potential victims if a huge wave were to arrive, are evacuated to the farmlands to the west and in some cases, to Greatgaunt.

- Windows and doors of the western districts are barred.

- Frimgarold begins a list of available supplies, food and water.

In other news, rumor has it that the High Mage tower renovation has finalized. (//This one should be good to go for next update waxl , ShadowCatJen )

[Fiddlesticks]

There's an increase in activity aboard the Tethys as the Captain receives a message.

The crew is put on standby as the Captain goes ashore. Word is he has been summoned for a meeting.

[ShadowCatJen]

Mynian takes one full day to help assist with getting more vulnerable citizens evacuated to the farmlands or area's further, getting them settled in. She does her best to assure them or help keep their temper's down.

She'd continue to check in on the evacuees as the days go along.

[arcadiadragonloy]

Chrys can be seen dissuading roving groups of oppurtunistic highwayman(thug variety) from following the evacuees....with varying degrees of success

[DM Sauron]

*A second proclamation is made...*

Hear ye, hear ye!

High Inquisitor Vera Gudwerks

Calls for more volunteers

To set sail with Captain Neckan of the Tethys and his crew

Tomorrow, Marpenoth 27th

To evaluate the conditions of the Ash Island and the volcano

To rescue any unlikely survivors after the explosion

Individuals willing to apply are to present themselves at the north docks of Valkur's Roar

//OOC

- Event starts at 3:00 PM Central Time, tomorrow 27th October
- No level cap, but the lower one character is, the greater the risk of suffering serious injury and death during this

[Fiddlesticks]

Oct 26, 2021 15:04:52 GMT -5 DM Sauron said:

*A second proclamation is made...*

Hear ye, hear ye!

High Inquisitor Vera Gudwerks

Calls for more volunteers

To set sail with Captain Neckan of the Tethys and his crew

Tomorrow, Marpenoth 27th

To evaluate the conditions of the Ash Island and the volcano

To rescue any unlikely survivors after the explosion

Individuals willing to apply are to present themselves at the north docks of Valkur's Roar

//OOC

- Event starts at 3:00 PM Central Time, tomorrow 27th October
- No level cap, but the lower one character is, the greater the risk of suffering serious injury and death during this

After the proclamation, the Captain and crew of the Tethys make ready to set sail the following day. Haste is made to Shallybrook to pick up supplies and the Freesails mariner spreads word to summon volunteers.

[ShadowCatJen]

Mynian hears about the proclamation and sets about whispering some information into the right ears.

// won't be there. I'm still at work at that time.