Latest Knowledge

NPC's

  • Sylvira Savikas -  one of Candlekeep's foremost sages who specializes in the knowledge of the outer planes.  She has been studying the recent unrest and Loftwick's involvement.  Currently keeping your crystal and studying its uses (+13 Investigation).  She has found that she can use it to transport you close to Tamaris Keep.
  • Zariel - Archdevil and ruler of Avernus.  Is locked in a hundreds year long Blood War with several demon lords from the second level, including Baphomet.  Made a deal with Thavius Kreeg that ended in her bringing Loftwick into Hell, its residents to be converted to souls to help fuel her war. She was once a great angel who came to Loftwick's aid as devils ransacked the lands.  Leading an army of Hellriders (religious army of Loftwick and its surrounding areas) she opened a portal and directly engaged the devil horde.  When the battle turned sour, the bulk of the Hellriders abandoned her and went back through the portal, destroying it in the process.  Although she had lost, Asmodeus was impressed with Zariel and made her the archdevil and ruler of Avernus.  He took her hand as payment and flung her sword from the battlefield.  Zariel took her sword back once you found it in the Hellwasp nest and has vowed to destroy it.  The Blood War has taken its toll and Zariel has resorted to stealing souls from the Material Plane as well as from the other planes.  She has allied with Tamaris Khan, who can supply her with hundreds of souls.  Unfortunately, Tamaris Khan has betrayed her and now she battles them both.  You helped her defeat Tamaris Khan and her arch nemesis Baphomet.
  • Tamaris Khan - one bad ass wiz (shut yo' mouth).  Is he the one you saw in the painting?  Tamaris Khan betrayed Zariel and is now in line with Baphomet on the demon's side.  He fights with a devil/demon army.  His stronghold (Tamaris Keep) is reported to be in the northeast, near the Spine of the World and difficult to reach due to the unforgiving terrain.  An army assault is not possible for this reason. Killed in battle
  • Olianthus - Zariel's number two in command of Zariel's armies.  He committed suicide rather than be turned by Asmodeus into a devil like Zariel during the batlle of the Hellriders.  Zariel turned him anyway and forces him to serve her in perpetuity.  According to the ghosts in the crypt (and his own memoirs), he resents her but wants to redeem her. 
  • Zapranoth - Powerful demon who aligned with Tamaris Khan.  He leads a demon horde that has allied with Tamaris and is ransacking areas in the material plane.  Responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands, he is very powerful and very evil.
  • Dispater - cruel pit fiend and powerful devil under Zariel's command.  After the battle of the Hellriders, he was instructed by Asmodeus to take Zariel's sword and hide it and to erase Peregrin's memories and send her into exile.  He was sworn to secrecy regarding this order.
  • Baphomet - primary demon fighting Zariel in the Blood War and one of the current rulers of the second plane of Hell.  Has now allied with Tamaris Khan.  Killed in battle.
  • Peregrin Tuch - a female hollyphant companion who was the war mount of Zariel during the devil invasions many centuries ago.  Her memories were locked and inaccessible within her mind, done at the order of Asmodius and she wandered Avernus for decades before being found and brought back to the material place.  As Peregrin has slowly recuperated her memories, her story has begun to unfold.  Hollyphant's are notoriously friendly and generous so you are in no danger.  She was last seen flying out the top of the Hellwasp nest.
  • Cuck Focksucker - eccentric mage who lives somewhere in the Baldur's Gate area.  He has built several self sustaining traps and puzzles around the land and each gives unique and sometimes very useful treasure.  It is said he watches the traps and bets with his friends on the outcomes. All rumors, of course...
  • Granny Nightshade - one of the 4 warlords of Avernus.   At over 1000 years old, she is a master opportunist who managed to achieve warlord status through centuries of shrewd negotiations.  Zariel summoned her to receive slaves from Tamaris to convert to soul coins and devils but she was foiled by the adventurers.  She has now gone back to maintaining her compound and consolidating her power.  She has supplied some infernal war machines to the party to aid in their quest, as she wants as much information on Zariel as possible to use as leverage.  The adventurers have gained her respect through their deeds.
  • Oceanus - Sea elf you met while looking for crystals on the bandit boat near Saltmarsh.  He is a prominent and respected member of his tribe but not a member of the council due to his frequent travels abroad.  He recently went to Candlekeep to learn about the teleportation crystals and is a good resource on the local battles between the Sahuagin and the Lizardfolk / Sea Elves.  Current whereabouts unknown.
  • Pottery Shard: Halfling bard encountered in a prisoner pit in Granny Nightshade's lair.  Currently located in the Bard's Western Tower in Candlekeep (knows names and locations of nearby towns, roads and is a general good source of history or information about the surrounding area).  Via song, he entered the dreamscape to save the party from a dream-TPK, preserving their perfect record.
  • Captain Zodge: Captain of the Flaming Fist.  Killed in battle to the north fighting a demon army.  By orders of the king, Liara Porter is the new captain
  • Liara Porter: New captain of the Flaming Fist.  She was brought in when Loftwick disappeared to replace Captain Zodge, who was not considered up to the task of controlling a city becoming more and more chaotic.  Liara Porter knows that to run Baldur's Gate, you must keep the elites happy and that is exactly what she does.   According to her, there are coordinated attempts from various kingdoms to assassinate Tamaris Khan, although his immortality is making that difficult.
  • Reya Mantlemorn: Female human.  Young armored lady that approached you as you left the Elfsong Tavern.  She was rebuffed.
  • Ulder Ravengard: Prime Overseer of Baldur's Gate and the Grand Duke, leader of the Flaming Fist.  You discovered him in Loftwick bearing the Helm of Torm.  He had been locked in a psionic battle between Baphomet and Torm, which he was powerless to affect.  Recounted visions he had when first donning the helm. He is presumed dead.
  • Falaster Fisk: Works for Sylvia Savikas.  He was investigating Thavius Kreeg and his involvement in the disappearance of Loftwick.  Currently lives on outskirts of Baldur's Gate.
  • Thavius Kreeg: Disgraced High Overseer of Loftwick, recently deceased.  Made an infernal deal with Zariel and Tamaris Khan that has ended in Loftwick being dragged down to hell, it's residents with it.
  • Duke Thalamra Vanthampur: Duke of Baldur's Gate.  Was housing Thavius Kreeg and maintained a large Scarlet Brotherhood compound below her villa.  Recently deceased.
  • Eda Owelan (female human) - Traditionalist party member of the Saltmarsh Council.  Longest serving member.  Short grey hair, weathered look as though she's spent a lot of time outdoors.  Owns many fishing boats.
  • Gellan Primewater (male human) - Traditionalist party member of the Saltmarsh Council.  Wealthy trader.  Throws frequent lavish parties.  Well dressed, fancy beard, eccentric and stylish.
  • Panian Goldweaver (male halfling) - Deceased member of the Saltmarsh Council.  Poor Panian, we never knew ye.
  • Eliander Fireborn (male human) - Loyalist party member of the Saltmarsh Council.  Lifelong servant of the empire and the royal army.  Head general in Saltmarsh and commands the entire city guard.  Respects law and order above all else.  Currently fighting the armies in the north.
  • Manistrad Copperlocks (female dwarf) - Loyalist party member of the Saltmarsh Council.  Member by royal decree and head of the dwarven mine operation.  Very foul mouthed and looks like she'd could easily handle herself in a fight.
  • Anders Solmor (male human) - Independent party member of the Saltmarsh Council.  Young, weaselly looking, extremely wealthy, slightly arrogant but friendly.  Inherited his mother's vast trading empire (Solmor Trading Company) after her premature death three years ago.  His assistant and family caretaker, Skerrin, runs the day to day company business but was not in attendance
  • Skerrin Wavechaser) - Elected member of the Saltmarsh council.  Runs the day to day operations of the Solmor Trading Company.  Has been a family adviser and caretaker since Anders was a child.

Avernus

  • Zariel's Compound: Consisting of about 10-15 medium to large dwellings, this heavily guarded secret compound is the sanctuary of Zariel.  
  • Landmark's Found: Loftwick, Crypt of the Hellriders, Tower of Mordenkainen, Lake of Ichor, Hellwasp Nest, Fort Nightshade, The Wandering Emporium
  • Ruled by Zariel.  She must harvest souls to fuel her war.  Was once an angel who assisted Loftwick.  Her and her hellriders attacked a devil horde.  When the battle began to turn in the devil's favor, the Hellriders rode back through the portal and Zariel was left to die.  She was turned into an arch-devil by Asmodeus and put in charge of Avernus.  She craves the power to get revenge on both the Hellriders and Asmodeus for defeating her in the first place, which may explain the infernal deal with Kreeg..
  • Battle in the Blood War is occurring directly below Loftwick on the banks of the river Styx.  Loftiwck is slowly being pulled into the river.  Demons coming up from the river fight awaiting devils.

Candlekeep

  • Residents are primarily students, wizards, librarians, teachers, and monks.  All races and classes are represented.
  • The cost of entry to Candlekeep is one book not already in their library.  Once a book is donated, the person can come and go as they please for 100 years.
  • City of spires.  Has the most extensive library in all the land.  It also houses a large prestigious university.  
  • One can find almost any type of information in Candlekeep if one knows where to look and has the money to spend.
  • Contains all amenities, including a pub, multiple restaurants, shops, lodging, and services.  

Weichering

  • Small village on the banks of the Chionthar River (river that flows through Baldur's Gate and out to the Sea of Swords.  It connects several important towns and cities)
  • Home to Solskjaer, an older humanoid Shepherd Druid
  • Home to an unnamed druid wizard

Baldur's Gate

  • Your ship and all possessions are currently harbored here.
  • Loftwick, a neighboring religious city, has been pulled down into Avernus by Zariel.  It is feared lost and all citizens dead.
  • Loftwick has been guarded for the past several decades by a giant orb called the Companion.  
  • This caused a real refugee crisis here as residents of Loftwick and its surrounding areas begin heading to the city, which is not willing to accept them.
  • Baldur's Gate is policed by a mercenary group known as the Flaming Fist, led by Ulder Ravengard, who you met in Loftwick.  Captain Zodge was managing the crisis and, with your help, has removed the Scarlet Brotherhood contingent in the area.
  • A tavern contact (Tarina) indicated a villa that has been as of late a hotbed of Scarlet Brotherhood activity.  She also indicated a person of interest being housed at the villa, which turned out to be Thavius Kreeg.
  • Reports of devil activity in remote areas continue, now resulting in deaths of commoners.
  • City is still fairly lawless.  Seems about anything goes.
  • Thavius Kreeg (recently deceased) was aligned with the Scarlet Brotherhood, led by Tamaris Khan, and Zariel, who commands a devil horde.  This alignment ended badly and resulted in Loftwick being pulled down to Avernus.

You know the following buildings in Baldur's Gate:

  • Elfsong Tavern: Run by a half elf named Alan Alyth.  Rough looking gambling establishment.  The name comes from an elven spirit who inhabits the tavern and sings the same song at irregular intervals.  Many people come to the tavern just for a chance to hear it.  While visiting, you heard the spirit sing a song it had never sung before, taking the patrons by surprise.  The song mentioned Loftwick, Hellriders, and the Companion but no one remembers the rest.  Although there are some guest rooms on the upstairs level, there are none available.
  • Warehouse/Barn: Where your possessions are stored.
  • The Lofty Lantern: Old boat on the docks that has been converted to a tavern and simple inn.
  • Vanthampur Villa: Villa owned by the Vanthampur family.  The matriarch, secretly aligned with the Brotherhood, is recently deceased (at your hands).  Two of her children are still at large and have not been charged with any crimes.  A close ally was recently executed for treason (found guilty of being a spy for the Scarlet Brotherhood)

Loftwick

  • The city has pulled down into Hell, a victim of a greedy deal gone wrong between Thavius Kreeg and Zariel, arch-devil of Avernus.
  • The Companion, a large orb that once protected the city, now sends discharges of lightning that cause massive earthquakes.  The city is run over by devils and demons
  • The High Hall, an old cathedral is one of the few buildings left standing
  • The city, having disappeared two years ago, islost and its citizens dead.

Saltmarsh:

Buildings Discovered So Far: City Gate

  • Saltmarsh (1) was built on the ruins of a much older settlement, sometimes called Old Saltmarsh or the Old Harbor. One sign of this is that the town has a small stretch of wall and a single town gate secured by two or three guards. The wall is old, crumbling, and badly worn by centuries of rain and wind coming in from the Azure Sea. The garrison at the gate consists of older guards, those nearing retirement and unwilling or unable to walk patrols. Their eyes are sharp, and they are good in a fight.
  • Barracks and Jail (2) - Built on a low hill, the Saltmarsh barracks are also its jail. It is one of the few structures in Saltmarsh with an underground level. Several guards are stationed here at any one time. 
  • The Wicker Goat (3) - Modest and safe inn near entrance of town.  Each party member currently has a room here booked until they decide otherwise.  (7gp/week - modest accommodation)
  • Eliander's House (4) - Contains a vast library.  Eliander will pay to have monsters killed in the Dreadwood or for exotic books.  Krag (male half-orc), the local undertaker, is his head librarian and a master of research and general information.
  • Mining Company Headquarters (5) - contains Melistrad's office and is where the mining company conducts most of its business.  When not at the mine, Melistrad can be found here.
  • Keledek's Tower (6) - Keledek the Wizard lives here and will identify items for a small charge.  Keledek has an imp named Zivmal.  Keledek arrived about 8 years ago, bought the old lookout tower, and renovated it.
  • Faithful Quartermaster's of Iuz (7) - A trade delegation led by Captain Xendros (female tiefling priest).  She can acquire certain magic items.  She has certain items on sale that change every couple weeks and can be acquired with a 50gp retrainer and the amount shown on the below table.  If a character wants a specific item, they can select something from Table F or Table G in the DM guide along with 1d4 week(s) of work.  If she can find it, the cost will be based on the below table:
    • Common - 75gp
    • Uncommon - 300gp
    • Rare - 2,500gp
    • Very rare - 25,000gp
    • Legendary - 50,000gp
  • Green Market (9) - Sells more exotic items (eggs, cloth, marsh plants, wagons, goats, pots, ox, furniture)
  • Sharkfin Bridge (10) - Shops and lofts line this bridge.  Elves feel slightly nauseated when crossing it, due to an old curse
  • Kester's Leather Goods (11) - run by Kiorna Kester (female human).  Pays well for hide from exotic beasts (100 x Challenge Rating, minimum 3 CR).  Sells most leather goods found in PHB at standard prices.
  • Council Hall (14) - Nice entrance room with a large desk and two ornate doors on the far side of the entrance, each equidistant to the closest wall.  The left door leads to a long hall that has two entrances to the grand council room.  Four rows of benches 50 feet wide line the near and far walls of the room broken up only by stairs leading to two exit doors.  Shorter benches are on the left wall and a large wooden desk and large chair sits on the right wall, a door right behind them, designed to look like the wall around it.  The door provides the only access to the desk.   Observation areas exist at the top for locals and others to watch proceedings.  In the middle of the room are two wooden tables, one for each side of benches.
  • Weekly Market (15) - Bustling area during the day with a large market containing everything from meats, produce, drinks, crafts, etc.  Place for seasonal festivals.  Every weekend there is a large market that sells all sorts.  Sells most food found in PHB at standard prices.
  • The Dwarven Anvil (17) - Blacksmith.  Master smith is a dark-skinned woman named Mafera (female human).  Her son, Jasker (male human) is her best journeyman.  S small shrine to Moradin can be found here.  Sells fishing gear (hooks, weights, etc) as well as weapons and some finely made dwarven items.  Will pay for fine dwarven made crafts, especially of a use to the fishing industry or mining industry.  Sells most weapons, metal armor found in the PHB at standard prices.
  • Crab Houses (24) - These houses have thousands of crabs on their docks and side areas
  • Winston's Store (28) - General store run by Winston (male halfling).  Winston will pay to have a caravan escorted or to retrieve exotic items. Sells most goods found in the PHB at standard prices. 
  • Sea Grove of Obad-Hai (29) - Residence of Ferrin Kastilar (male halfling druid), who also tends the shrine.  Ferrin has a large bullfrog companion named Lorys and keeps track of activity in the Dreadwood through communications with the wood elves who live there. The Copperlocks Mine - A small, simple town has grown up around the mine.  Basic living quarters, a tavern, a barracks, and a head office surround a large square that is the entrance to the mine.  The mine specializes in silver but they are further exploiting the area for more precious metals.  The mine is run by Manistrad Copperlocks and her son Ralgon.  It is defended by a small contingent of about 50 dwarven warriors who defend the ore shipments from smugglers and provide general security for the mine.

Cost of Living Table (per month):

Adventure Start: 

7/2/19

After travelling together for a few weeks, staying at inns or by making simple camps in sheltered areas, you finally find yourself outside the Saltmarsh gates.  You have been drawn here by stories of an old haunted house in the area that used to belong to a wealthy alchemist.  It is rumored that inside the house is a vast library as well as a large treasure.  You also can’t help but wonder what else the alchemist may have kept within the creaky floorboards and cracked plaster walls of the house…  Your goal is to enter the town, find the location of the house, and check it out. 

What you have heard about Saltmarsh: 

Not much… it is on the southern coast of the Kingdom of Keoland and is run by a town council of local affluent residents.  It has been a sleepy fishing village for centuries but a Dwarven mine has opened up nearby, meaning it could soon be going through many changes… you can imagine that some residents will find this desirable and some will not. 

What you know about this area of the Sea of Swords: 

This area of the Sea of Swords has long been a turbulent body of water in every sense. Frequent and violent storms can send ships to the depths. Nomad marauders, sea monsters, and pirates working for the Sea Princes cartel attack unarmed or poorly armed merchant ships.  All of this means there are a lot of shipwrecks in the area to explore and plunder.

Despite all these actual and potential dangers, several realms rely on the sea for waterborne trade.