"A mask with permanent [Disguise]? Are you trying to fool me with this cheap, low-level magic item?"
Zuo Si raised the silver metal mask in his hand, his tone revealed strong dissatisfaction, and his eyes became quite aggressive and dangerous.
Because this thing has no other function except changing the wearer's appearance. It is far inferior to the fourth ring's [Transfiguration] which can change the body shape and even race.
Perhaps the only use is to slightly disguise the identities of races such as dark elves and tieflings, which are unwelcome in many cities, and that's it.
What's more, the other party arrived at the scene so quickly through teleportation magic, anyone who is not a fool can see that there is a problem.
Ximanmeng just felt like he was being targeted by a legendary spellcaster like his teacher Mansong. His sixth sense was sending out warnings like crazy, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
For the first time, he realized that the polite and easy-going Zuo Si he met in Candle Castle was not the entire character of the young man in front of him.
Just the opposite!
At this moment, his sudden change of hostility and even his undisguised murderous intent are his hidden true side.
There is nothing more terrifying than having an ally with whom you could work together and chat and laugh one second, but suddenly becoming an enemy without any warning the next second.
Although according to the original plan, Ximanmeng intended 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 magical item of sufficient value, he will most likely die here today, just like those Xirik followers who were killed in just a few seconds.
Without any hesitation!
The man who always tried to maintain an elegant demeanor took off his cloak as quickly as possible, then forced a smile and explained, "I'm very sorry, due to my negligence and leaving in a hurry, I forgot to bring the reward I should pay you. Why don't you use this [Gargoyle Cloak] as compensation. It can transform the wearer into a gargoyle every day for one hour."
"I'm sorry, but this rubbish cloak has no appeal to me. Give me your two ioun stones."
Zuo Si pointed at the lavender and green Ion Stone floating above the other person's head and asked for it without any hesitation.
His behavior is actually no different from robbery.
Because Ioun Stone is a rare treasure for any spellcaster.
It is not like magic rings, necklaces and other equipment that have quantity restrictions. If there are too many, they will interfere with each other.
No matter how many Ioun Stones a player has, they can all be equipped at once, surrounding their heads to provide a variety of additional abilities and protection.
It is said that in the days of Netheril, many major arcana would be equipped with at least a set of twenty-four or more Ioun 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 the offer is twice the market price.
After all, other wizards and warlocks are not fools. They all understand how scarce Ioun Stone is in this era. Even if they are short of money, they will give priority to selling other magical items.
Since Xi Manmeng has given Zuo Si this excuse today, it would be a waste of such a good opportunity if he doesn't take the opportunity to blackmail him.
"You...you are robbing! Blackmail!
As expected, Xi Manmeng was so angry that he was shaking all over.
The two he was equipped with were both standard "spell-absorbing" Ioun stones, each of which could absorb twelve levels of magic attacks, which added up to exactly twenty-four.
It is precisely because of this trump card that he dares to move around various dangerous people and at the same time solve some potential threats for his teacher Mansong.
"Whatever you say. Now either give me the Ioun stones or prepare to fight. No one can owe me a reward! Not even the gods! Perhaps you can try to see if these two Ioun stones can help you resist attacks from the special abilities of the Chosen."
Zuo Si acted like a tough guy, with a suffocating feeling of oppression emanating from his whole body.
Especially the divine power that was about to burst out of his body, making Ximanmeng feel as if a huge rock was pressing on his chest, and even breathing became difficult.
Finally, after weighing the pros and cons, Mansoon's most trusted disciple chose to back off. He took down the two Ioun stones with a reluctant look on his face and handed them over: "You win! Here, they are yours now."
"Thank you. I am very satisfied with this reward. Also, next time, remember to prepare the things that should be paid to me in advance to avoid unpleasantness again."
Zuo Si, who had a stern face in the previous second, smiled kindly in the next second and casually took the two Ion Stones under his control.
In the blink of an eye, the Ioun Stone became invisible.
Knowing that many "bad-intentioned" people would target the floating Ioun Stone above their heads, he added a magical item to himself that would hide the Ioun Stone from view.
The Ioun Stone is invisible to others, at least until some invisibility spell is cast.
Xi Manmeng undoubtedly noticed this, and he suppressed his anger and responded with gritted teeth: "Don't worry. I will definitely not forget next time."
"Very good. If there is nothing else, I will go back first. It's a pleasure to work with you."
Zuo Si turned around and walked towards the other side of the portal as if nothing had happened.
Just as he was about to pass through, Ximanmeng suddenly asked, "You were attacked on a large scale by the top leaders of the Emerald Society at the junction of the High Wasteland and the Trolls' Roaring Forest some time ago?"
"Yes, that's right. Just some minor misunderstandings. They have been resolved."
Zuo Si stopped, turned around and gave an affirmative answer.
As an intelligence network covering the entire continent of Faerun, it did not surprise him that Zhentarim knew about this matter.
In other words, it would be strange if the other party didn’t know.
"Misunderstanding? Could an ambush of that magnitude really be a misunderstanding? Also, what about Dragonspear Castle?
According to adventurers and merchants, a great number of demons seemed to emerge from the underground portal on the night you arrived.
Even including high-level demons like the Hell Fiend and the Horned Demon.
Even the temple of the god of war Tempus was destroyed by the terrifying nine-ring spell [Meteor Explosion].
And there is a man named Marshall who claims that you are the lord of Dragonspear Castle and that he is loyal to your steward.
He also controlled a multi-headed lizard of gigantic size through some unknown means."
Xi Manmeng asked in person all the information he had collected through the dark intelligence network in recent times, as well as the things he couldn't figure out.
This cunning man did not expect Zuo Si to give a direct answer.
As long as he can provide one or two relevant clues, he can analyze a lot of useful things.
"What's the current situation at Dragonspear Castle?" Zuo Si asked with interest.
The reason why he allowed Marshall to use his name was entirely from the perspective of "civilization". He did not want to see the survivors being ravaged by the monsters in the High Wasteland after experiencing the attack of the devil, which would eventually lead to the loss of this important stronghold between Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep.
As for the fact that the Zhentarim spies mistook the Orlanli Hydra for a Hydra Lizard, he was too lazy to correct it.
After all, the Hydra also has several heads, and its appearance is very similar to that of the Orlanli Hydra.
The only difference is that the former is a giant magical creature that lives in swamps and water, while the latter is a terrestrial magical beast that lives in the forest.
However, Ximanmeng obviously didn’t 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 encircle and suppress the goblin, orc and wolverine tribes, this guy not only brought back rich loot, but also used the captives as free labor.
After a period of construction and renovation, not only has the former prosperity been restored, but a lot of wasteland has also been reclaimed, apparently in preparation for planting winter wheat.
Right now, there were two to three hundred adventurers gathered around Marshall, as well as merchants attracted by the spoils, monsters, and human bandit slaves.
They even invited several priests of Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, to build a new temple in Dragonspear Castle.
But judging from your reaction, it seems that you are not clear about what he did, right?
I'm curious, why did you allow Marshall to use his name?
Do you really intend to make Dragonspear Castle your own territory?"
"No, of course not." Zuo Si sneered and shook his head. "At first, I just wanted to help these survivors. But then I realized that the portal to Baator Hell in the lower level of Dragonspear Castle must be watched by someone. Otherwise, there's no guarantee that those demons will sneak back into the material world at any time."
"Are those demons coming for you?"
Xi Manmeng suddenly felt that he had grasped the key, and a hint of imperceptible surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Sorry, no comment."
Zuo Si realized 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 Athkatla.
Ximanmeng stood there, stroking his chin and thinking for a few minutes, then he also cast a teleportation magic and disappeared on the spot.
As for those Xirik believers who disappeared from the face of the earth, no one cared about their life or death.
Even the personal belongings left on the ground were quickly dealt with by the spies who arrived.
No one is more professional than them when it comes to destroying corpses and covering up traces of crimes.
Zuo Si had no interest in the subsequent actions of the Zhentarim. His mind was filled with how to learn the most important seventh-ring magic as quickly as possible and then make corresponding planeswalker cards.
The more he understood the nature of this world, the more he realized the importance of power.
Whether it's Manshoon of the Zhentarim, Fuzor Chamberlain, those evil-minded Lords of Symbols, or Erinikas who wants to become a god, as long as he has enough power, he can deal with it calmly.
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 who were waiting halfway.
Looking at these devout believers of Talona, he immediately frowned and asked in an impatient tone: "What do you want?"
"Yes, honorable elect. There is a very important matter in the church right now, and you are urgently needed to make a decision. High Priest Yvette specially sent us to invite you to the temple." The leading female priest hurriedly explained.
Although this "Son of Plague" usually ignored the church and believers, she knew how much Talona loved this mortal in front of her, so she didn't dare to neglect her at all.
"Important stuff? Do you need me to make a decision?"
Zuo Si frowned even more tightly.
Because he had made it clear during his last conversation with Yvette that he would not be involved in any management of the church.
"It is not convenient to talk about this matter in public, so please be sure to go to the temple. And... the chief priest also said that he has prepared an extremely precious gift especially for you."
As she said this, a trace of bitterness and helplessness appeared on the female pastor's face.
I'm afraid no one will believe it if I tell them.
The church of a god actually resorted to "inducement" to invite the voters of its goddess.
But the cruel reality is that Zuo Si really fell for it.
When he heard that there were gifts to be won, he agreed to follow the other party to the temple without saying a word.
The group passed through the chaotic bridge area and soon arrived at the magnificent temple that had been completed not long ago.
However, unlike other white temples in the area, the outer walls and domes of Talona's temple are painted silver-gray, giving it a unique beauty.
The moment he walked into the hall, Zuo Si immediately felt himself enveloped by an invisible energy.
Through these energies, he could clearly feel an incomparable emotion of joy and happiness.
There is no doubt that these energies are the divine power born from faith.
The joy and happiness are conveyed by the huge statue in the hall.
"Your Excellency the Elector, you are finally here."
Yvette, who had been waiting for a long time, hurriedly came out and bowed humbly with one hand on her chest.
Not only her, but all the priests and other clergymen following behind her, without exception, paid tribute to the "Son of Plague" appointed by the goddess.
Countless priests and believers bowed, and the scene looked very spectacular.
But unfortunately, Zuo Si was not interested in this kind of situation and scene at all, and asked straightforwardly: "Why did you ask someone to call me here? What's the important matter? You can tell me now."
Yvette nodded without hesitation: "Of course. Actually, this is the case..."
Soon, the high priest of the Church of Am recounted the entire controversy regarding the unauthorized modification of doctrine and the unusual reaction of the goddess.
In particular, it was emphasized that the small groups of young pastors have now developed into a large group of believers in terms of number and size.
If it is not handled properly, it may lead to a series of serious consequences.
After listening to this, Zuo Si immediately ordered: "Where are those young pastors? Let them choose a representative to come and see me."
"As you wish."
Without saying a word, Yvette winked at her confidant.
The latter understood what he meant and immediately turned around and disappeared into the corridor leading to the residential area at the back.
About seven or eight minutes later, he came back with a young man who looked to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old with short black hair.
“Your Excellency the Chosen One, this is the trainee priest who secretly tampered with the Goddess’ teachings.
His name was Ilze, and he was originally the son of a pharmacist.
However, because his father made a mistake in preparing the herbal medicine and accidentally got the wrong dosage, he poisoned a patient and ended his life in self-blame and shame.
Since then, he has joined the church and become a follower of Talona, devoting himself to studying various viruses, bacteria and toxins. "
Yvette briefly introduced the young man's identity and background.
Zuo Si looked into the young man's eyes with great interest. After a full minute, he asked in an uncertain tone, "Why would you risk such a huge risk to tamper with the doctrine without authorization? In other words, what prompted you to have such an idea?"
The young man smiled bitterly and replied, “You may not believe it, but I don’t know why. I just had this thought all of a sudden. 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 be an objective existence and should not have a specific stance or camp in itself.
Moreover, my father taught me more than once when he was alive that many poisonous animals and plants are actually important materials necessary for making medicines.
Since toxins can save lives, why not plague?
With this 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 effect is very significant, gradually many poor people from the bottom of society voluntarily became believers of Talona.
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 earn money bedridden, and even leaving him with heavy debt.
So I think this is a very good development direction if we want to increase the influence and number of believers of the goddess in the continent of Faerun.
After all, the number of poor people will always be greater than the rich, and the number of civilians will always be greater than the nobles.
But the faith and influence they offer are similar.”
After hearing these words that were totally unlike what a trainee priest would say, Zuo Si's face suddenly became very strange.
Because he seriously suspected that the reason why Ilze had such an idea was not due to his own will, but he might have received some kind of "enlightenment" or "hint".
Simply put, this young man's soul and mind were influenced by a more powerful force.
Needless to say, the biggest suspect who can control a priest without his knowledge is naturally the god he believes in.
Thinking of this, Zuo Si raised his head and cast his gaze towards 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 upturned compared to when he just came in.
Is it possible that a chaotic evil goddess would actively plot to change her alignment?
Zuo Si expressed strong doubts about this.
But the problem is that the facts are now before our eyes.
“I don’t think it’s a big problem.
And as Ilze mentioned, doing so can greatly increase the number of believers and influence of the goddess in the mortal world.
However, in order to avoid doctrinal contradictions, it would be best for Ilze and the like-minded young pastors to separate and form a new sect.
This would allow two conflicting doctrines to be reconciled at the same time.
Just like many neutral gods will give birth to various branch sects based on the believers' own understanding. "
Zuo Si shrugged nonchalantly.
For him, whether Talona is in the evil camp or the neutral camp, there is essentially no big difference.
The only upside is that if the Goddess of Poison and Disease really changes from chaotic evil to absolute neutral, then his reputation as the chosen one will become slightly better.
At the very least, it will not cause nervousness among local rulers as soon as it appears.
“原来如此！我明白了！请您放心，过两天我就会亲自负责办好这件事情，为新成立的教派寻找一块驻地。”
伊薇特毫不犹豫的做出保证。
尽管这位安姆教会的主祭非常清楚，如果日后伊尔泽的教派发展起来，肯定会对自己形成巨大冲击。
毕竟信奉同一个神明的不同教派相互不对付、甚至是敌视彼此，相互之间一见面就争吵不休，在费伦属于比较常见的情况。
其中最典型的例子就是自然之神、橡树之父——西凡纳斯。
其信徒从一开始便分为“极端派”和“温和派”。
前者哪怕是看到樵夫进入森林边缘砍伐一些柴火，都会将其视为对自然的不敬和破坏，然后不由分说直接将其当做“自然之敌”杀掉。
砍柴尚且如此，更不用提开矿、大规模伐木之类的事情了。
如果他们认为有必要，甚至会召唤数不清的野兽跟元素生物，对森林周围的城镇发起大规模进攻。
相比之下，温和派则稍微好一点，比较崇尚文明与自然和谐共处，就算遇到伐木、开矿之类的事情，最多也只是将其驱逐了事，一般情况下不会轻易动手杀人。
而且两拨人经常因为理念的不同而爆发冲突，甚至是演变成其中一派对另外一派的杀戮。
在费伦这片受到诸神影响的土地上，各种理念和哲学观的冲突是如此剧烈，以至于思想和行为无比极端的“魔怔人”遍地都是。
如果剧毒与疾病女神最终变成一位中立神祇，那么她手下善良阵营和邪恶阵营肯定免不了要产生矛盾。
可相比起这些内部矛盾，眼下的当务之急是全面提升女神的影响力，使其从弱等神力晋升为中等神力。
至于教派斗争的事情要等以后再说。
很显然，伊薇特所表现出来的大局观让左思感到惊讶不已。
但短暂的惊讶过后，他很快就恢复到平时那种近乎冷漠的态度，一脸无所谓的说道：“以后这种事情不要来烦我，你们自己做决定就好。还有，你承诺的礼物呢？我怎么到现在都没有看到？”
“请稍等！”
伊薇特立马走到巨大的神像面前，弯下腰小心翼翼捧起一柄供奉在神像前的权杖，然后双手捧到左思的面前。
“选民阁下，这是教会下达委托由一名灰矮人锻造大师亲手制作的武器。我和其他高阶牧师一起给它加持了强大的神术，最后再由女神亲自赐下祝福。除了您之外，没有任何人可以拿起或使用它。”
“你的意思是，这是一柄神器？”
左思难以置信的挑起了眉毛。
伊薇特表情肃穆的点了点头：“没错！这权杖的名字叫做【塔洛娜的宠爱】，是女神专门为她唯一选民特地准备的武器。至于具体的效果您还是自己感受一下吧。”
“专属武器……”
左思露出了疑惑的表情，完全搞不懂剧毒与瘟疫女神这又是在搞哪出。
但考虑到对方不可能害自己，所以他还是伸出手抓起了这柄造型十分华丽漂亮的权杖。
下一秒……
脑海中瞬间便冒出关于这柄武器的全部能力。
【塔洛娜的宠爱】
次神器
+6权杖 可以为装备者额外增加七、八、九环神术位各一个。
每天可以释放一次【内爆术】、一次【吸能术】。
命中目标时，百分之二十五概率释放【剑刃护壁】，百分之二十概率释放【灰飞烟灭】，百分之五概率对目标释放【缚魂术】。
当目标灵魂被权杖成功捕捉并囚禁后，持有者将获得灵魂生前所有的职业等级、特殊技能和类法术能力，就如同自己拥有这些力量一样可以随意使用。
权杖每次只能捕捉并容纳一个灵魂，如果想要更换就必须释放或者摧毁之前被囚禁的灵魂。
该权杖拥有变形能力，可以变化成任意持有者擅长的武器，包括长剑、长戟、战锤、斧头、长矛、钉头槌等等。
注意！
这柄权杖是剧毒与疾病女神塔洛娜赐予自己唯一选民的武器，所以其他人均不能使用。
否则的话，其灵魂将瞬间被捕捉并囚禁在权杖内。
在脑海中看完关于这柄武器的全部介绍后，左思整个人都惊呆了。
虽然他早就知道塔洛娜对于自己有一种不可理喻的强烈痴迷，这一点从上次所赐予的大量选民能力就能略窥一二。
但无论如何也没想到，这位女神竟然如此下血本。
虽然次神器严格意义上来说并不算是真正的神器，很多传奇施法者理论上也有制造的能力。
但问题是，眼前这个是“专属定制”，而且是不带任何附加条件的白送！ 甚至在权杖末端还有塔洛娜当初亲吻左思并赋予其力量的浮雕……
看看周围高阶牧师们眼神中根本掩饰不住羡慕嫉妒恨就知道，这根权杖的力量和价值究竟有多么惊人。
只可惜，无论他们怎么样羡慕嫉妒恨，也不敢对这柄武器有任何非分之想。
“【塔洛娜的宠爱】还真是名副其实呢……”
左思尝试着挥舞了一下，结果发现权杖仿佛就像没有任何重量一样。
但当他轻轻朝着旁边的墙壁砸下去的刹那，坚硬的石头墙壁立刻像是豆腐一样，被轻而易举的刮下来一层碎屑。
整个过程完全感受不到一丁点的阻碍。
不用问也知道，这柄次神器的硬度恐怕远远超过了精金，应该是使用了另外一种不知名的强化魔法合金。
而且与大多数权杖前端花里胡哨的设计不同，它的前端完全就是按照钉头锤的式样设计的。
要是谁挨上一下，怕是戴着头盔整个脑袋也要不可避免的开瓢。
“选民阁下，您感受到伟大女神的无私爱意了吗？她对于您宠爱已经超越了一切。数遍费伦历史上所有的选民，能够与您相比的也没有几个。”伊薇特一脸狂热的说道。
因为这个老女人已经能察觉到了眼前这个年轻人，给整个教会乃至塔洛娜在物质世界信仰带来的变化。
要知道在以前，剧毒与疾病女神的信徒往往只能选择低调行动，就连招揽信徒都得偷偷摸摸的。
可现在呢？
不仅成功在金币之都阿斯卡特拉建立了雄伟的神殿！
同时还得到政府和官方的背书，可以在安姆任何地方公开进行活动！
所以伊薇特真正的希望，左思能够摒弃那种略带厌恶的态度，像其他神祇的选民一样为塔洛娜贡献一份力量。
“爱？也许吧。”左思意味深长的笑着摇了摇头。“我的确有打算跟女神谈谈，但绝不是现在。好了，继续忙你们的吧，我还有事先走一步了。”
紧跟着，他完全无视了神殿内那一双双惊诧的眼睛，直接便转身走出去，没有丝毫的停留。
至于获得许可组建新教派的伊尔泽，则整个人像傻了一样站在原地不知所措。
但是没过一会儿工夫，身为主祭的伊薇特便将其带到另外一个房间里进行了长达三四个小时的密谈。
等谈话结束，整整十二名最近才加入教会的见习牧师全部被分配到了他的麾下。
为了更好的向那些平民、穷人传播和巩固信仰，新教会的据点设立在贫民区与大桥区之间的一栋民房内，距离左思的法师塔距离相当近。
不用问也知道，伊薇特这是想要利用选民的威慑力，确保新教派在成立之初不会遭到其他敌对势力的扼杀。
毕竟阿斯卡特拉的治安情况实在是不容乐观。
尤其各个敌对神明教会之间的明争暗斗已经到了水火不容的程度。
幸好，左思刚刚拿到了一件威力惊人的次神器，所以心情相当不错，并没有介意对方的这点小心思。
等回到法师塔之后，他先是给蕾茵和龙巫妖控制的翡翠结社宝石矿坑里送去了一批地精骷髅和僵尸，加大矿脉的开采力度，紧跟着便开始专心致志学习奥术魔法，同时帮助两名新加入的核心成员制作命匣，并完成复杂的巫妖转化仪式。
与此同时，还抽空去了一趟彻里姆巴沼泽，跟潜伏在哪里许久的黑龙里应外合，一口气捕捉封印两条壮年黑龙，并将其巢穴中的宝藏全部收为己有。
就在左思一边消化自己前一段时间搜集到的魔法知识，一边享受着当费伦“宝可梦大师”的乐趣时，远在北方的博德之门却陷入了巨大的危机。
确切地说，是一场有计划、有预谋的大规模报复行动。
自从瓦内萨给耐兰瑟尔群岛舰队下达命令，将半数以上主力调到剑湾南部一带海域，并且开始向驶往博德之门、或者从博德之门驶出的商船征收正常保护费的三倍之后，这里就不可避免的出现了严重的贸易萎缩跟经济萧条。
Moreover, those merchants who had to take this route did not hesitate to pass on their losses directly to the chambers of commerce, nobles and civilians in the city.
Whether it is food, steel, salt or other daily necessities, although their prices have dropped compared to the previous negotiations with Amn, they still make life difficult for many not-so-rich civilians.
In addition, large chambers of commerce such as the "Seven Suns Merchant Alliance" and the "Traveling Merchants Alliance" have begun to use various means to put pressure on the dukes, demanding that they come up with solutions as soon as possible.
As for the Iron Throne...
Sorry, the Iron Throne had already been bribed by the conditions offered by Sir Crispian at the suggestion of Zuo Si, and became a "traitor" planted by Amn inside Baldur's Gate.
They will use their influence to constantly interfere with and divide Baldur's Gate's merchant class from within, making it impossible for them to unite to deal with foreign enemies.
In return, the Iron Throne can obtain high-quality iron ore from Nashkel at extremely favorable prices, and then sell it at a high price to the West Heartland region including Baldur's Gate.
This alone can generate very considerable profits every year.
What's more, the caravans and merchant ships under the command of Rita, the leader of the Iron Throne, can also enjoy preferential tax treatment from Amn merchants in Amn.
That's why he doesn't care about the lives of those dukes and other merchants in Baldur's Gate.
"What? The Lords of Waterdeep rejected my proposal for a joint military campaign? Why?"
After hearing the reply from the envoy who had just returned from the north, Duke Iltan suddenly stood up from his chair, his face full of shock and disbelief.
You know, in order to fight against the fierce competition from Amn in the south, Baldur's Gate has always been close to Waterdeep.
Not only are both cities important members of the "Northern Lords Alliance", but they also joined forces to wipe out the earth elf chieftain entrenched in Dragonspear Castle two years ago.
In Duke Iltan's opinion, it would be in the common interests of both parties to deal with a group of pirates from the Nelanther Islands who extorted 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 are no longer considered pirates.
Because they are not simply plundering wealth, but also providing corresponding services and protection.
This situation, which ended the chaotic situation from Sword Coast to Sword Sea, was a change that Waterdeep and even Neverwinter were very happy to see.
What's more, those pirates only collected three times the high protection fee from Baldur's Gate, and only 10% from other city-states.
To exchange this little loss for a safe maritime environment is nothing in the eyes of most businessmen who would otherwise have to take huge risks in fear.
And as fewer and fewer merchant ships dock here, other surrounding cities will naturally take a larger share of the trade, and Waterdeep will naturally be one of the cities that benefit from it.
So it's totally understandable that they would refuse.
In addition, a masked lord specifically reminded me that Baldur's Gate had previously declared the belief in Talona, the goddess of poison and disease, illegal and expelled priests and even voters, which actually involved insults and blasphemy.
He suspected that the disaster we were now enduring might actually be revenge from that elect.”
"revenge?!"
Duke Iltan suddenly recalled that some time ago, the captain of the guard in charge of guarding the city gate had sent someone to report to him that Zuo Si was intercepted at the gate.
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, and just treated it as a way to vent his emotions, or perhaps as impotent rage.
But now, combined with the current crisis that Baldur's Gate is facing, everything seems to make sense.
What Duke Iltan couldn't understand was how Zuo Si had managed to successfully control the extremely chaotic pirates in the Nalansel Islands and even organize them into a powerful naval fleet.
Not only did they not rob merchant ships, but they achieved sustainable development by collecting protection fees.
According to some merchants who have recently visited the Nelanther Islands, the pirates not only built large houses and streets on the islands, but also opened up large tracts of farmland.
It seems that he is preparing to build a city or even a country of his own.
Just when the envoy was about to say something, the Duke of Silver Shield suddenly rushed in from outside and roared angrily: "Unacceptable! Absolutely unacceptable! We can't continue to tolerate it! We must declare war on those pirates who deserve to be cut into pieces! Send them all into the sea to feed the fish!"
"What happened? What made you lose your composure?"
Duke Iltan asked in an uncertain tone.
"The five ships of my family and some of our allies originally intended to sail into the Winding 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 red-handed by these greedy bastards.
As punishment for evading protection money, they confiscated all the ships and their cargoes, and only released the captains and crews.”
As he said this, the Duke of Silver Shield's eyes were red.
It's impossible not to be famous! You know, those ships and cargo are his lifeblood.
Once everything is really gone, not only his own family but also his allies will suffer heavy losses.
And it won't be long before his prestige suffers a severe blow and he is eventually driven out of the position of Duke.
After all, the Duke of Baldur's Gate is not hereditary, but is elected by merchants and the Chamber of Commerce.
That’s right!
It is an election where one person has one vote, but it is limited to citizens and the merchant class who own a certain amount of property.
This means that whoever has greater strength, financial resources and personal prestige can secure the position of Duke.
Of the four dukes of Baldur's Gate at present, except for Iltan who is the military grand duke in charge of the "Flaming Fist Mercenaries", the other three are basically dukes in charge of trade and guild management.
Among them, the Duke of Silver Shield was in charge of maritime trade, so he suffered the heaviest losses in this crisis.
In comparison, the other two engaged in river transportation and land trade are much better off, at least there is no risk of losing the duke title.
Just the opposite!
They also took advantage of this crisis and successfully regained many of the rights they had previously lost from the Duke of Silver Shield.
So for the Duke of Silver Shield, the situation was so bad that it was time to do something.
Otherwise, even if he and Duke Iltan were secret allies, he would inevitably step down in disgrace amid strong dissatisfaction and protests from the merchants.
(End of this chapter)