A sneeze destroys a magical civilization

"A mask with [Disguise] fixed? Are you using this cheap low-level magic item to fool me?"

Zuo Si raised the silver metal mask in his hand, his tone revealing strong dissatisfaction, and his eyes became quite aggressive and dangerous.

Because besides being able to change the appearance of the wearer, this thing has no other effect at all. It is far inferior to the [Transformation Technique] where the four rings can change the body shape and even the race.

Perhaps the only purpose is to slightly conceal their identity for races such as dark elves and tieflings who are unpopular in many cities, and that's it.

What's more, the other party rushed to the scene so quickly through teleportation magic. Anyone who is not a fool can see that there is something wrong.

Xi Manmeng only felt as if he was being targeted by a legendary spellcaster like his teacher Mansong. His sixth sense warned frantically, and a large number of beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

For the first time, he realized that the polite and easy-to-talk Zuo Si he had met in Candlekeep was not the whole character of the young man in front of him.

Just the opposite!

At this moment, this behavior of falling out at every turn, and even showing murderous intent without any concealment, is his hidden true side.

There is nothing more terrifying than allies who can work together and laugh together one second, and then suddenly turn into enemies without warning the next second.

Although according to the original plan, Ximanmeng planned to use some "art of language" to resolve Zuo Si's dissatisfaction.

But now it seems that if he doesn't quickly take out a magic item of sufficient value, he will probably die here today, just like those Cyric believers who were killed in just a few seconds.

No hesitation!

This man who always tried to maintain an elegant demeanor took off his cloak as quickly as possible, and then forced out a smile and explained: "I am very sorry, due to my negligence and leaving in a hurry, I forgot to bring the money that should be paid to you. Reward. How about using this [Gargoyle Cloak] as compensation first. It allows the wearer to transform into a gargoyle every day for one hour."

"Sorry, this crap cloak doesn't hold any appeal for me. Give me your two ioun stones."

Zuo Si pointed at the lavender and green ioun stones floating above the opponent's head and asked for them directly without any politeness.

His behavior is actually no different from stealing.

Because Ioun Stone is a rare treasure for any spellcaster.

It is not like magic rings, necklaces and other equipment that have a limited quantity. If there are too many, they will interfere with each other.

No matter how many Ioun Stones you have, you can equip them all at once and surround them above your head to provide various additional abilities and protection.

It is said that in the era of Netheril, many great arcane spells would be equipped with at least a set of twenty-four or even more iron stones as a means of strengthening themselves.

So Zuo Si has been collecting these magical gems through various channels.

But unfortunately, no one is willing to sell it so far, even if it is twice the market price.

After all, other mages and warlocks are not fools. They all understand how scarce iron stones are in this era. Even if they are short of money, they will give priority to selling other magic items.

Since Xi Manmeng gave Zuo Si this excuse today, if he didn't take the opportunity to blackmail him, he would be really sorry for such a good opportunity.

"You...you are robbing! Blackmailing!

Unsurprisingly, Ximan was so angry that he was shaking all over.

The two he equipped are standard "spell absorption" iron stones, each of which can absorb twelve levels of magic attacks, which adds up to exactly twenty-four.

It is precisely because of such a trump card that he dares to walk around various dangerous people, and at the same time solve some potential threats for his teacher Mansongban.

"Whatever you say. Anyway, either give me the Iron Stone now, or prepare to fight. No one can owe me payment! Not even God! Maybe you can try to see if these two Iron Stones can help you Withstand attacks from the electorate’s special abilities.”

Zuo Si put on a "robust" look, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression all over his body.

Especially the divine power that was about to come out of his body made Ximanmeng feel as if a big stone was pressing on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

In the end, after weighing the pros and cons several times, Mansong's most trusted disciple still chose to back down. He took off the two iron stones and handed them over with a look of reluctance: "You win! Here, they are yours now. "

"Thank you. I am very satisfied with this remuneration. Also, remember to prepare the things that should be paid to me in advance next time to avoid any unpleasantness again."

Zuo Si, who had a straight face one second, showed a kind smile the next second, and casually took the two Ioun stones under his control.

In the blink of an eye, the Iron Stone became invisible.

Knowing that many "evil-minded" guys would target the iron stones floating above his head, he added a piece of magic equipment to himself to prevent the iron stones from being revealed.

At least until some see-through-invisibility spell is used, other people won't be able to see the existence of the iron stone.

Xi Manmeng undoubtedly noticed this, suppressed the anger in his heart, and responded through gritted teeth: "Don't worry. I will never forget it next time."

"Very good. If there's nothing else, I'll go back first. Happy cooperation."

Zuo Si turned around and walked towards the other side of the portal as if nothing was wrong.

Just when he was about to pass the message, Xi Manmeng suddenly asked: "Did you suffer a large-scale attack from the top of the Emerald Society at the junction of the Supreme Wasteland and the Troll Roaring Forest some time ago?"

"Well, that's right. It was just some trivial misunderstandings and they have been resolved."

Zuo Si stopped, turned around and answered in the affirmative.

As an intelligence network covering the entire continent of Faerûn, it didn't surprise him that the Zhentarim would know about this.

In other words, it would be strange if the other party didn't know.

"Misunderstanding? Is an ambush of that scale really a misunderstanding?

Also, what happened to Dragonspear Castle?

According to adventurers and merchants, demons seemed to pour out of the underground portal in great numbers the night you arrived.

It even includes high-level devils like the Hell Fiend and the Horned Devil.

Even the temple of Tempus, the god of war, was destroyed by the terrifying nine-ring spell [Meteor Explosion].

And there is currently a man named Marshall who claims that you are the lord of Dragonlance Castle, and he is the steward loyal to you.

He also controlled a huge hydra-headed lizard through some unknown means. "

Xi Manmeng asked him face to face all the information he had collected through the dark intelligence network during the recent period, as well as the things he couldn't understand.

This cunning man did not expect Zuo Si to answer directly.

As long as he can give one or two relevant clues, he can analyze a lot of useful things.

"What's the current situation in Dragon Spear Castle?" Zuo Si asked with interest.

The reason why he allowed Marshall to use his name in the first place was entirely from the perspective of "civilization". He did not want to see those survivors being ravaged by monsters in the Supreme Wasteland after experiencing the attack of the devil, which would eventually lead to This important stronghold between Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep was lost.

As for the Zhentarim spies who mistook the Oranli hydra for a hydra, he didn't bother to correct it.

After all, the hydra also has several heads, and its appearance is very similar to the Oranli hydra.

The only difference is that the former is a swamp and aquatic giant magical creature, while the latter is a terrestrial magical beast in the forest.

However, Ximanmeng obviously did not know this, and replied meaningfully: "Marshall did a pretty good job.

It can be seen that he is a very capable person and has a certain prestige among adventurers and businessmen.

By manipulating the behemoths you left behind to constantly siege goblin, orc, and gnoll tribes, this guy not only brought back rich loot, but also used the captives as free labor.

After a period of construction and repair, it not only restored its former prosperity, but also reclaimed a lot of wasteland, seemingly preparing to plant winter wheat.

At present, Marshall has gathered around two to three hundred adventurers, as well as businessmen attracted by the loot, monsters and human bandit slaves.

They even invited several priests of Talona, ​​the goddess of poison and disease, to build a new temple in Dragonlance Castle.

But judging from your reaction, it seems like you don’t know what he did, right?

I'm curious, why would you allow Marshall to use his name?

Do you really plan to turn Dragonspear Castle into your own territory? "

"No, of course not." Zuo Si sneered and shook his head. "At the beginning, I just wanted to give some help to those who were surviving the disaster. But then I realized that the portal leading to Baator Hell at the lower level of Dragonlance Castle must be watched by someone. Otherwise, I wonder when those demons will sneak into the material world again."

"Are those devils coming for you?"

Ximanmeng suddenly felt that he had grasped the key, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes that was not easy to detect.

"Sorry, no comment."

Zuo Si noticed that the other party was testing his reaction, and immediately ended the topic without hesitation.

After saying this, he ignored the other party's reaction, turned around and walked through the portal back to the dock area of ​​Ascaltra.

Xi Manmeng stood there, stroking his chin and thinking for a few minutes, and then used teleportation magic to disappear.

As for those Cyric believers who disappeared from the world, no one cared about their life or death.

Even the belongings left on the ground were quickly disposed of by the spies who arrived.

When it comes to destroying corpses, no one is more professional than them.

Zuo Si had no interest in the Zhentarim's follow-up actions at all. All he could think about was how to learn the most important seven-ring magic as quickly as possible and then make corresponding planeswalker cards.

The more clearly he understands the nature of this world, the more he can appreciate the importance of power.

Whether it is Manzon of the Zhentarim, Fuzor Chamberlain, the evil talisman masters, or Irenikas who wants to become a god, as long as he is powerful enough, he can Take your time and take your time.

But unfortunately, on the way back to the Mage Tower, Zuo Si was stopped by several priests of the Church of the Goddess of Poison and Disease waiting halfway.

Looking at these devout believers in Talona, ​​he immediately frowned and asked in an impatient tone: "What do you want?"

"Yes, your distinguished elect. There is a very important matter within the church, and it is urgent for you to make a decision. Priest Yvette specially sent us to invite you to the temple." The leading female priest hurriedly explained.

Although this "Son of the Plague" usually ignored the church and its believers, she knew very well how much Talona loved the mortal in front of her, so she did not dare to be indifferent at all.

"Is it something important? Do you need me to make a decision?"

Zuo Si frowned even more tightly.

Because he made it clear during his last conversation with Yvette that he would not participate in any management of the church.

"It's not convenient to talk about this in public, so please make sure to go to the temple. Moreover... the officiant also said that he has specially prepared an extremely precious gift for you."

When saying these words, a trace of bitterness and helplessness appeared on the female pastor's face.

I'm afraid no one would believe it if I told you.

A god's church invites the chosen ones of its own goddess, but even uses "inducement" methods.

But the cruel reality is that Zuo Si just does this.

When he heard that there was a gift available, he agreed to follow the other person to the temple without saying a word.

The group passed through the chaotic bridge area and soon arrived at the magnificent temple that was completed not long ago.

However, unlike other white temples in the area, the outer walls and dome of Talona's temple are painted with silver-gray paint, giving it a strange aesthetic.

The moment he walked into the hall, Zuo Si immediately felt that he was wrapped in an invisible energy.

Through these energies, he could clearly feel an unparalleled emotion of joy and joy.

There is no doubt that these energies are divine powers born from faith.

The joy and happy emotions are conveyed from the huge statue in the hall.

"Dear Elector, you are finally here."

Yvette, who had been waiting for a long time, hurriedly took the initiative to greet him, and bowed with one hand on her chest in a very humble manner.

Not only her, but all the priests and other clergymen following her also paid tribute to the "son of the plague" appointed by the goddess without exception.

Countless priests and believers bowed, and the scene looked very spectacular.

But it's a pity that Zuo Si was completely uninterested in this situation and the scene. He asked simply and neatly: "You asked someone to call me over. What's the important thing? You can talk about it now."

Yvette nodded without thinking: "Of course. In fact, this is what happened..."

Soon, the chief priest of the Amn Church explained the previous controversy about unauthorized modification of doctrine and the goddess's unusual reaction in detail.

In particular, it is emphasized that the small groups composed of young pastors have developed a large number and size of believers.

If it is not handled properly, it may lead to a series of quite serious consequences.

After listening, Zuo Si immediately ordered: "Where are the young pastors? Let them choose a representative to see me."

"As you wish."

Yvette winked at the cronies beside her without saying a word.

The latter understood it and immediately turned around and disappeared into the corridor leading to the living area at the back.

In about seven or eight minutes, he came back with a young man who looked to be in his mid-twenties and had short black hair.

"Your Excellency, this is the trainee priest who secretly tampered with the goddess's teachings.

His name was Ilze, and he was originally the son of a pharmacist.

However, because his father made a mistake in preparing herbal medicine, he accidentally poisoned a patient with the wrong dose, so he ended his life out of self-blame and shame.

Since then, he has joined the church and become a follower of Talona, ​​concentrating on studying various viruses, bacteria and toxins. "

Yvette briefly introduced the young man's identity and background.

Zuo Si looked at the young man's eyes with great interest, and after a full minute he asked in an uncertain tone: "Why did you take the huge risk to tamper with the teachings without authorization? In other words, what prompted you to do this?" Thoughts?"

The young man smiled bitterly and replied: "You may not believe it. In fact, I don't know why. I just suddenly had such an idea. I simply felt that poison and plague should not only have an evil side.

It should be neutral, just like magic, knowledge, and death. It should exist objectively and should not have a specific stance or alignment.

Moreover, my father taught me more than once while he was still alive that many poisonous animals and plants are actually important materials that are essential for making potions.

Since toxins can save people, why not plagues?

With this idea in mind, I began to learn more about the viruses and bacteria that can cause various diseases, and began to teach people how to prevent them through good hygiene habits.

Since there is no need to use magic, and the results are very obvious, many poor people from the bottom of society gradually became Talona's followers voluntarily.

No one knows better than them how terrible it is to be sick.

Often a sudden illness can destroy a family, leaving the only man who can make money bedridden, and he may even be in heavy debt.

So I think this is a very good development direction if you want to increase the goddess's influence and number of believers in Faerûn.

After all, there are always more poor people than rich people, and there are always more common people than nobles.

But the faith and influence offered by the two are similar. "

After hearing these words, which were completely unlike what a trainee priest could say, Zuo Si's expression suddenly became very strange.

Because he seriously doubted that the reason why Ilzer had such an idea was not due to his own will, but that he might have received some kind of "enlightenment" or "hint."

To put it simply, this young man's soul and thinking were affected by a more powerful force.

You don't need to ask to know that if you can unknowingly control a priest, the most suspicious person is naturally the god he believes in.

Thinking of this, Zuo Si raised his head and cast his gaze at the giant statue of Talona, ​​the goddess of poison and disease in the hall.

He didn't know if it was an illusion, but he always felt that the corners of the statue's mouth were slightly slightly upward than when he first came in.

Is it possible for a chaotic and evil goddess to actively plan to change her alignment?

Zuo Si expressed strong doubts about this.

But the problem is, the facts are now before our eyes.

Just as he was deep in thought, Yvette, who was standing next to him, finally couldn't help but cautiously probed: "Your Excellency, is there any problem with this doctrine? In other words, the church can recognize its legitimacy and then carry out large-scale Promotion?"

“I don’t think it’s a big problem.

And as Ilzer mentioned, doing so can greatly increase the number and influence of the goddess's followers in the mortal world.

However, in order to avoid doctrinal contradictions, it would be best for Ilse to separate from like-minded young priests and form a new sect alone.

This makes it possible to accommodate two conflicting doctrines at the same time.

Just like many neutral camp gods will give birth to various branch sects based on the believers' own understanding. "

Zuo Si shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

To him, whether Talona is in the evil camp or the neutral camp, there is essentially no big difference.

The only advantage is that if the goddess of poison and disease really changes from chaotic evil to absolutely neutral, then the reputation of his chosen one will also become slightly better.

At least it won't cause nervousness among the local rulers as soon as it appears.

"That's it! I understand! Please don't worry, I will personally take care of this matter in two days and find a location for the newly established sect."

Yvette made the promise without hesitation.

Although the chief priest of the Amn Church knows very well that if Ilze's sect develops in the future, it will definitely have a huge impact on him.

After all, different sects that believe in the same god do not deal with each other, or are even hostile to each other. They quarrel with each other whenever they meet, which is a relatively common situation in Faerûn.

The most typical example is Silvanus, the god of nature and the father of the oak tree.

Its adherents have been divided from the beginning into "extremists" and "moderates."

Even if the former sees a woodcutter entering the edge of the forest to cut some firewood, he will regard it as disrespectful and damaging to nature, and then kill him as an "enemy of nature" without any explanation.

This is even true for cutting firewood, not to mention things like mining and large-scale logging.

If they deem it necessary, they will even summon countless beasts and elemental creatures to launch a large-scale attack on the towns around the forest.

In contrast, the moderates are slightly better, advocating the harmonious coexistence of civilization and nature. Even if they encounter things like logging and mining, they will only expel them at most and will not kill people easily under normal circumstances.

Moreover, conflicts between the two groups often broke out due to different ideas, and even evolved into the killing of one group by the other group.

In Faerûn, a land influenced by the gods, the conflict between various ideas and philosophies is so fierce that "devils" with extremely extreme thoughts and behaviors are everywhere.

If the goddess of poison and disease eventually becomes a neutral deity, there will inevitably be conflicts between the good and evil camps under her.

But compared to these internal conflicts, the top priority right now is to comprehensively enhance the goddess's influence, so that she can be promoted from a weak divine power to a medium divine power.

As for the sectarian struggle, we will have to wait until later.

Obviously, Zuo Si was surprised by Yvette's overall perspective.

But after the brief surprise, he quickly returned to his usual almost indifferent attitude and said with an indifferent expression: "Don't bother me with this kind of thing in the future. Just make your own decisions. Also, the gift you promised What? Why haven’t I seen it until now?”

"Please wait!"

Yvette immediately walked to the huge statue, bent down and carefully picked up a scepter enshrined in front of the statue, and then held it in front of Zuo Si with both hands.

"Your Excellency, this is a weapon commissioned by the church and made by a gray dwarf forging master. I and other high-ranking priests blessed it with powerful magic, and finally the goddess personally gave it a blessing. Except you. , no one can pick it up or use it."

"You mean, this is a divine weapon?"

Zuo Si raised his eyebrows in disbelief.

Yvette nodded with a solemn expression: "That's right! The name of this scepter is [Talona's Favor]. It is a weapon specially prepared by the goddess for her only chosen one. As for the specific effect, you should feel it yourself. ."

"Exclusive weapons..."

Zuo Si showed a puzzled expression, completely confused as to what the goddess of poison and plague was doing.

But considering that the other party could not harm him, he still reached out and grabbed this very gorgeous and beautiful scepter.

The next second...

All the abilities of this weapon suddenly came to mind.

【Talona's Favor】

Second artifact

+6 scepter

It can add one additional seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-ring divine spell slots to the wearer.

You can release [Implosion Technique] and [Energy Absorbing Technique] once a day.

When hitting the target, there is a 25% probability of releasing [Blade Guard], a 20% probability of releasing [Ashes to Ashes], and a 5% probability of releasing [Soul Binding Technique] on the target.

When the target soul is successfully captured and imprisoned by the scepter, the holder will obtain all the professional levels, special skills, and spell-like abilities the soul had during his lifetime, and can use them as he wishes as if he possessed these powers.

The scepter can only capture and hold one soul at a time. If you want to replace it, you must release or destroy the previously imprisoned soul.

The scepter has the ability to transform into any weapon that the holder is good at, including swords, halberds, war hammers, axes, spears, maces, etc.

Notice!

This scepter is a weapon given to her only chosen one by Talona, ​​the goddess of poison and disease, so no one else can use it.

Otherwise, his soul will be instantly captured and imprisoned in the scepter.

After reading the entire introduction about this weapon in his mind, Zuo Si was stunned.

Although he has long known that Talona has an unreasonable obsession with him, which can be seen from the large number of electorate abilities given last time.

But no matter what, I never expected that this goddess would spend so much money.

Although minor artifacts are not strictly speaking artifacts, many legendary spellcasters theoretically have the ability to create them.

But the problem is, the one in front of me is "exclusively customized", and it is given for free without any additional conditions!

There is even a relief at the end of the scepter of Talona kissing Zuo Si and giving him power...

Just look at the envy and jealousy in the eyes of the high-ranking priests around you and you will know how amazing the power and value of this scepter is.

It's a pity that no matter how envious and jealous they are, they don't dare to think anything wrong about this weapon.

"[Talona's Favor] is truly worthy of its name..."

Zuo Si tried to wave it, and found that the scepter seemed to have no weight.

But the moment he gently smashed it against the wall next to him, the hard stone wall was immediately like tofu, with a layer of debris being scraped off easily.

There was no obstacle at all during the whole process.

You don't need to ask to know that the hardness of this artifact is probably far greater than that of fine gold, and it should be made of another unknown reinforced magic alloy.

And unlike most scepters with fancy front-end designs, its front-end is completely designed in the style of a mace.

If someone gets hit, their whole head will inevitably be blown open even if they are wearing a helmet.

"Your Excellency the elector, have you felt the selfless love of the great goddess? She has loved you beyond all else. Of all the elects in the history of Faerun, there are few who can compare with you." Yvette He said with an enthusiastic look.

Because this old woman has already noticed the changes that the young man in front of her has brought to the entire church and even Talona's faith in the material world.

You must know that in the past, believers of the goddess of poison and disease often had no choice but to act in a low-key manner, and even recruit believers had to be secretive.

But now?

Not only did he successfully build a majestic temple in Askatra, the capital of gold coins!

At the same time, it has been endorsed by the government and officials, and can be held openly anywhere in Amn!

So Yvette's real hope is that Zuo Si can abandon that slightly disgusting attitude and contribute to Talona like other chosen gods.

"Love? Maybe." Zuo Si smiled meaningfully and shook his head. "I do plan to talk to the goddess, but not now. Okay, continue with your work, I have one step ahead."

Immediately afterwards, he completely ignored the surprised eyes in the temple, turned around and walked out without stopping at all.

As for Ilze, who had received permission to form a new sect, he stood there as if he was stupid and at a loss.

But after a while, Yvette, as the officiant, took him to another room for a confidential conversation that lasted three or four hours.

By the time the conversation was over, twelve trainee priests who had recently joined the church were all assigned to his command.

In order to better spread and consolidate the faith to the common people and poor people, the new church's stronghold was established in a private house between the slum area and the Bridge area, quite close to Zuo Si's mage tower.

You don't need to ask to know that Yvette wants to use the deterrence of the electorate to ensure that the new sect will not be strangled by other hostile forces at the beginning of its establishment.

After all, the security situation in Ascatla is really not optimistic.

In particular, the overt and covert fights between the various rival gods and churches have reached the point of incompatibility.

Fortunately, Zuo Si had just obtained an amazingly powerful secondary artifact, so he was in a good mood and didn't mind the other party's little thoughts.

After returning to the mage tower, he first sent a group of goblin skeletons and zombies to the Emerald Guild gem mine controlled by Reine and Dracolich to increase the mining intensity of the mine, and then began to concentrate on learning arcane magic. , while helping two new core members to make phylacteries and complete the complex lich transformation ritual.

At the same time, I also took the time to go to Chelimba Swamp, and cooperated with the black dragons who had been lurking there for a long time. They captured and sealed two mature black dragons in one go, and took all the treasures in their lairs for themselves.

While Zuo Si was digesting the magic knowledge he had collected some time ago and enjoying the fun of being the "Pokémon Master" of Faerûn, Baldur's Gate in the far north was in a huge crisis.

To be precise, it was a planned and premeditated large-scale revenge operation.

Since Vanessa gave the order to the Nelanthel Islands Fleet, more than half of the main force has been transferred to the southern waters of the Sword Coast, and normal protection fees have been levied on merchant ships sailing to or from Baldur's Gate. After three times, severe trade shrinkage and economic depression will inevitably occur here.

And those merchants who had to take this route did not hesitate to pass on the losses they suffered directly to the chamber of commerce, nobles and civilians in the city.

Whether it is food, steel, salt and other daily necessities, although the prices have dropped somewhat compared to the previous negotiations with Amn, they still make life difficult for many civilians who are not so wealthy.

In addition, large chambers of commerce organizations such as the "Seven Suns Merchant Alliance" and the "Hongshang Alliance" have begun to use various means to put pressure on the dukes, asking them to come up with solutions as soon as possible.

As for the "Iron Throne"...

Sorry, the Iron Throne has already been bribed by Sir Crispian on the advice of Zuo Si and the conditions offered by Sir Crispian, and has become the "rebellion boy" placed by Amn inside Baldur's Gate.

They will rely on their influence to continuously disrupt and divide the merchant class of Baldur's Gate from within, making it impossible for them to unite as one to deal with foreign enemies.

In return, the Iron Throne can obtain high-quality iron ore from Naxikai at an extremely favorable price, and then sell it to the West Heartland region, including Baldur's Gate, at a high price.

Based on this alone, you can earn very considerable profits every year.

What's more, the caravans and merchant ships under Rita, the leader of the Iron Throne, can also enjoy the preferential tax treatment of Amn merchants in Amn.

That's why he doesn't care about the lives of the dukes and other merchants in Baldur's Gate.

"What? The lords of Waterdeep City actually rejected my proposal to jointly send troops? Why?"

After listening to the reply given by the envoy who had just returned from the north, Duke Iltan suddenly stood up from his chair, with an expression of shock and disbelief on his face.

You must know that in order to fight against the fierce competition from Amn in the south, Baldur's Gate has always been closer to Waterdeep.

Not only are the two cities important members of the "Northland Lords Alliance", they also jointly sent troops to annihilate the hobgoblin chief entrenched in Dragonspear Castle in the past two years.

In Duke Iltan's opinion, it should be in the mutual interests of both parties to deal with a group of pirates from the Nelanser Islands who were extorting merchants at sea.

The messenger explained with a wry smile: "Because in the eyes of the lords of Waterdeep City, those guys who are collecting protection fees can no longer be regarded as pirates.

Because they are not simply plundering wealth, but also providing corresponding services and protection at the same time.

This situation that ended the chaotic situation from Sword Coast to Sword Sea is a change that Waterdeep City and even Neverwinter are very happy to see.

What's more, those pirates only levied three times the high protection fee on Baldur's Gate, and only 10% on other city-states.

Using this loss in exchange for a safe maritime environment is really nothing in the eyes of most businessmen who would otherwise be wary of taking huge risks.

And as fewer and fewer merchant ships dock here, other surrounding cities will naturally take more of their trade share, and Waterdeep City is naturally one of the cities that benefits from this.

So it makes perfect sense that they would refuse.

In addition, a masked lord specifically reminded me that Baldur's Gate had previously outlawed the faith of Talona, ​​the goddess of poison and disease, and expelled priests and even elects, which actually involved insult and blasphemy.

He suspects that the disaster we are currently suffering may actually be the revenge of that elector. "

"revenge?!"

Duke Iltan suddenly recalled that the captain of the guard who was responsible for guarding the city gate some time ago sent someone to report to him that Zuo Si was intercepted at the door.

The latter also threatened to make the dukes, including himself, kneel down and beg for mercy.

He didn't care at all at the time, just treating it as a way to vent his emotions, or as a sign of impotent rage.

But now combined with the current crisis that Baldur's Gate is facing, everything seems to become reasonable.

What Duke Iltan couldn't figure out was how Zuo Si was able to successfully control the chaotic pirates in the Nelanser Islands, and even organized them into a powerful maritime fleet.

Not only will they not rob merchant ships, but they will achieve sustainable development by collecting protection fees.

From the accounts of some merchants who have recently visited the Nelanser Islands, we learned that the pirates not only built large tracts of houses and streets on the islands, but also opened up large tracts of fields that could be cultivated.

It seems that they are preparing to build a city or even a country of their own.

Just when the envoy was about to say something, Duke Silver Shield suddenly burst in from outside the door and roared angrily: "Unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable! We can't tolerate it any longer! We must deal with those who deserve it The pirates who were cut into pieces started a war! Send them all into the sea to feed the fish!"

"What's going on? Did it make you so upset?"

Duke Iltan asked in an uncertain tone.

"The five ships belonging to my family and some allies originally wanted to sail into the Wanning River and secretly transport goods worth more than 200,000 gold coins back to Baldur's Gate by land.

But who knew that he would be caught by these greedy bastards.

As punishment for evading the payment of protection fees, they confiscated all the ships and their cargo, and released only the captain and crew. "

When he said these words, Duke Silver Shield's eyes were red.

There is no way not to be popular!

You must know that those ships and cargo are his lifeblood.

Once everything is really gone, not only your own family but also your allies will suffer heavy losses.

And it won't take long for his prestige to be severely damaged, and he will eventually be driven out of the position of Duke.

After all, the Duke of Baldur's Gate is not hereditary, but is elected by merchants and chambers of commerce.

That’s right!

It is a one-person-one-vote election, but it is limited to citizens and businessmen who own certain property.

This also means that whoever has higher strength, financial resources and personal prestige can secure the position of Duke.

Currently, among the four dukes of Baldur's Gate, except Iltan, who is the military grand duke in charge of the "Flame Fist Mercenaries", the other three are basically dukes responsible for trade and guild management.

Among them, the Duke of Silver Shield was in charge of maritime trade, so he suffered the most heavy losses in this crisis.

In comparison, the other two engaged in river transportation and land trade are much better, at least there is no risk of losing the title of duke.

Just the opposite!

They also used this crisis to successfully regain many previously lost rights from the Duke of Silver Shield.

So for Duke Silvershield, the situation was bad enough that something had to be done.

Otherwise, even if he is a secret ally with Duke Iltan, he will inevitably step down amidst the strong dissatisfaction and protests of the businessmen.