blogombal Page 126
Page 126
Those nobles and merchants did organize resistance, but under the suppression of the fully armed half-dragon army, their lackeys did not stir up any waves...
“Now, please register in an orderly manner as instructed by the guides,” Adnier continued. “Classes and children’s classes will be separated.”
Chapter 396
Please register. Those with special skills needs should go to the designated window. We will complete the class assignments and placements for the first batch of eligible students in the area within a week. Rest assured, more schools are under construction, and more teachers are receiving training. Everyone has the opportunity and right to attend school! For your convenience, residents of each district are requested to register at the nearest registration point.
The new Waterdeep no longer used the original clearly defined class divisions. Instead, it was reorganized into six major areas—east, west, south, north, central, and the port—based on orientation and renamed accordingly. The area at the foot of the mountain in the city center was roughly the same size as the original castle area. Due to its terrain, this area was less affected by the tsunami, and about half of the survivors of the disaster were resettled here. The first public academy of the Glorious City was also established here.
As Dean Adenil finished speaking, the people, gradually getting used to the new order, began to formally line up to register, following the rules. Adenil turned and walked into the academy gate, where he spoke with several mages in dark robes who were waiting there.
“Master Devalima, thank you for your willingness to offer guidance,” he said sincerely.
The captain of the Kingdom—now should be called the former captain. Amidst the turmoil, the one-eyed elven deity, Rabelas Ennoris, the giver of life to all the children of Corellon, the master of the Continuum, the sage of sunset, abandoned his too-weak holy body and took possession of his chosen people, the golden elf Vartan. He forcibly seized control of the Kingdom and then launched a divine wind attack on Heim, guarding the gates of heaven, aboard the unique magical ship Harua… He failed, as expected. The golden elf Vartan chose his friend over the deity, and in his final moments, he used his will to break free from Rabelas's control and save the people of the Kingdom. But it was too late to save the Kingdom; the magical ship was shattered into pieces by the power of Heim.
Vartan has completely broken with the god he worships. Under the new divine power rules of AO, Rabelas, after the gods returned to their rightful place, "realized" his mistake and is communicating with Vartan, promising to help them find the artifact Astrolabe lost in the attack on Heim in order to rebuild the Kingdom.
Prior to this, Casalos had invited the crew of the Kingdom to reside in Waterdeep. Devalima, born in the land of mages, offered many practical opinions and suggestions regarding the public academy's magical education. Perhaps in the next few years, as numerous magical academies open in Waterdeep, Waterdeep will establish a strategic partnership with the mages of Harua, allowing a large number of mages to participate in Waterdeep's magical education and continuously supplying Harua with magical talent.
This was a divine oracle issued by the god of mages to the land of mages. Clearly, He had foreseen certain changes and understood Isis's possible intentions, beginning to pave the way for His new chief god. It must be said, this shrewd and worldly-wise Azus… a shrewd god is far more likable than the stubborn, rigid, corrupt, and somewhat roguish old man, Elminster. Otherwise, why would Mystra, after expressing her love for Elminster, have turned around and gotten involved with Azus, even elevating him to the position of her subordinate god?
Casalos could only mutter such blasphemous words to himself; he would never dare to utter them to outsiders.
In short, the issue of magic instructors in Deepwater Ridge was fundamentally resolved, while the original Waterdeep magic members, centered around the Black Staff Tower, were excluded. As for other types of instructors, those would have to be addressed gradually…
Devalima nodded slightly: "This is an interesting experiment. I'm curious how far this model of mass education can go."
“We hope to go far enough,” Adnier said. “We believe that knowledge should not be the privilege of a few, but should be a force that drives social progress. Of course, this requires proper guidance and management.”
“Indeed,” interjected another older monk, Harua, “but there are risks involved in spreading basic knowledge on such a large scale.”
“That’s why we need an experienced master like you to guide us, Professor Everle,” Adniel replied calmly. “Popularizing basic knowledge and training high-level mages are two different things. We will ensure that every student understands the responsibility and risks of knowledge.”
A half-dragon assistant hurried over: "Lord Adniel, the first batch of classifications is complete. In addition to the children of school age who urgently need to start basic education, we have more than three thousand applicants for basic literacy classes, nearly five hundred teenagers applying for engineering apprenticeship classes, and about two hundred people expressing interest in magical theory."
“More than expected,” Adniel mused. “We need to inform the academy’s logistics department to prepare for additional classrooms and teaching materials. At the same time, we need more teachers. Master Devalima, could you recommend some suitable candidates?”
“I’ll give it a try,” Devalima replied, “but I must warn you that traditional mages are usually not good at teaching ordinary people who don’t have magical talents.”
“Then train them to become teachers,” Adenil said with a determined look in his eyes. “What often hinders the promotion of education is not the students’ abilities, but the teachers’ methods. That’s why we have already arranged teacher training courses.”
Meanwhile, in a classroom within the academy, a series of special devices were being installed. These were various mechanical teaching aids capable of presenting complex concepts in a simple and intuitive way. A team of kobold engineers were responsible for the installation, adjusting the equipment while providing guidance to dozens of human scholars aspiring to dedicate themselves to education.
“This is used to demonstrate simple mechanical principles,” a kobold explained. “For example, the lever principle. By pulling this lever, students can see firsthand how the lever amplifies force and clearly see the relationship between the lever arm and the torque…”
The anthropologist stared at the devices in astonishment: "These...aren't they magical artifacts?"
“No,” the goblin replied, “while magic exists in everything, it doesn’t depend on magical power at all. That’s what we call ‘mechanical engineering.’ And we need to find a way to combine mechanical engineering with magic…”
"A combination of magic and engineering?" the scholar mused. "A completely new field."
16. Public opinion
Baldur's Gate is in a much worse state than Waterdeep. First, it suffered from the plague of the demigod lich Lavok, then endured Baal's forced conscription, followed by earthquakes and tsunamis. Now, fewer than 20,000 people remain, most of the city is in ruins and deserted, and the entire city is surrounded by negative energy salt marshes washed out by the tsunami.
After three months of reconstruction, the refugees have just been resettled. The priests of the benevolent god worked together to purify a small area that could be rebuilt, rekindling a ray of life in this pearl of the Sword Bay.
In the ruins of the city's north, a family of three was building a makeshift shelter. The father, Thomas, had been an apprentice to a mage in the city, a menial "apprentice" who would never become a full-fledged mage, and was rumored to be a potential subject of magical experiments. He was relatively lucky; the mage he worked for wasn't the kind of evil mage who used apprentices as experiments. After settling down at Baldur's Gate, he married a tailor, and their life was relatively comfortable. The disaster took everything from them, including their old mage master and their newborn child.
Now, they have adopted a boy who lost his parents in a disaster and are trying to rebuild their lives.
“Once the roof is fixed, we can move this metal box out,” Thomas said to his wife, wiping the sweat from his brow. “The metal box house is great in every way—it has running water and lighting—but it just doesn’t feel like home.”
Maria nodded, then suddenly looked up at the sky: "Look at that!"
A huge dark shadow swept across the sky, causing a stir among the surrounding crowd. It was Casalos, the city's new ruler, flying towards the central square.
"The Dragon Lord is here!" someone exclaimed.
“I hope it brings some good news,” Thomas said in a low voice. “I heard that schools have been built in Water Deep so that everyone can learn.”
“Really?” Maria looked at her husband with hope. “In that case, maybe our little Jack will be able to go to school in the future and learn a real trade.”
“Let’s wait and see,” Thomas said, taking his wife’s hand and walking towards the central square.
Casalos descended in its true form in the central plaza of Baldur's Gate, eliciting gasps and worship from the surrounding crowd. Since it took over the city, people had become accustomed to the frequent appearances of this dragon lord, but many still could not fully adapt to the reality of a dragon directly ruling.
Compared to Waterdeep, which is known for its openness and inclusiveness, Baldur's Gate, ruled by the Flamefist Mercenary Group, is much more closed off—most Baldur's Gate residents are unaware that the city was originally built by a dragon, given that the story is full of betrayals and conspiracies common in Forgotten Realms.
“Rise,” Casalos said to the kneeling crowd. “I do not need your worship. I am your lord, not your god. The rebuilding of Baldur’s Gate requires the efforts of everyone.”
City Guard Captain Lester stepped forward and reported, "My lord, as per your instructions, the construction of the first public academy is complete, and enrollment begins today. However..."
“But what?” Casalos’s sharp eyes were fixed on the captain of the guard.
“Some nobles have reservations about ‘education for the common people,’ believing it will disrupt social order. Several elders of the Flame Fist Mercenary Group have also expressed concern, saying that your educational plan may contain ‘inappropriate content.’”
Casalos let out a disdainful snort: "What, the plague, Baal, and the tsunami didn't wake them up? Let them have their doubts. Anyone who tries to stop the wheels of history from turning will only have one fate."
The temples of the Order Gods, such as Ogmar, Gond, Losander, Santia, and Tyr, are now supporters of Casaloz's educational reforms, even though the dragons, as lords, have abolished the temples' various privileges, even though the half-dragons stormed into the temples and confiscated all the wealth they had accumulated over the years, and even though such changes seriously infringe upon the temples' future interests.
The reason is actually quite simple: Gods are real, and temples are merely places where believers serve their deities. Divine pronouncements are the only rules they follow. The bishops and priests who preside over the temples must also act according to these pronouncements. Under the new rules of AO's divine power, gods must now "serve" believers in exchange for faith. Therefore, the temples of benevolent gods have naturally transformed from places of wealth accumulation and offerings into public spaces for propagating doctrine, attracting believers, and serving the people—just as they initially claimed. (The remaining text appears to be unrelated and possibly machine-generated gibberish.)
Casaloz's reforms to the Deepwater Territory and Baldur's Gate first brought a large number of casual believers and potential devout followers to these Order Gods. They sensed the change and naturally would not allow anyone to hinder this process, especially the bishops and priests who served them.
Only the gods of order themselves know how much divine power they have reclaimed from bishops or priests during this period, and how many ascetic priests or paladins, who were originally disliked by them but truly adhered to their doctrines, have ascended to the positions of temple administrators.
Faith has become everything to them.
Les nodded to note Casalos's order, then added, "There's one more thing, my lord. Several members of the Harpists' Alliance are spreading rumors in the city that your academy is 'brainwashing' the people, turning them into your puppets."
Casalos chuckled even more: "When the plague ravaged Lavok, no harpists came to help. When Baal gathered his army of the dead here, no harpists came to stop him. After the earthquake and tsunami, they were nowhere to be seen helping with the reconstruction. Now that the reconstruction of Baldur's Gate is just starting to take off, and people have only just returned to their refugee state, they've already run away? Organize your forces and find these harpists within three days, banish them from Baldur's Gate, and never let them return. If you can't do it, I'll have the half-dragon legion handle it."
“Yes, my lord.” Lester bowed respectfully and withdrew.
Casalos surveyed the crowd in the plaza, his voice resounding throughout the area: "Citizens of Baldur's Gate, just like in Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate's first public academy is nearing completion and will begin enrolling its first students next week. Whether you are a noble or a commoner, human or of any other race, as long as you have the desire to learn, the academy's doors are open to you. Knowledge is power, and the pursuit of knowledge is an inherent right and aspiration of every intelligent being."
A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the crowd. These people, who had endured countless hardships, might not fully understand the meaning of Casalos's words, but in their simple understanding, the opening of the academy was enough to signify the beginning of a new era of stability at Baldur's Gate.
However, behind the cheering crowd, several richly dressed nobles wore grim expressions. One of them, an elderly man with white hair, whispered to the person beside him, "Iron Dragon's actions are shaking the foundations of Baldur's Gate. If commoners could all read, who would be willing to do hard labor? Who would respect nobles?"
“Indeed, Earl Portler,” another middle-aged nobleman chimed in. “Moreover, it is a dragon that rules us! Its motives are clearly impure; it may very well be trying to cultivate a group of human slaves loyal to it.”
“We must do something,” Earl Portler said in a low voice. “We need to contact the Harpists’ Alliance, who are experienced in fighting evil. At the same time, we need the support of the other city nobles to make them understand that Casaloz’s actions threaten not only the order of Baldur’s Gate.”
In another corner of the city, Thomas and Maria listened to Casalos's speech and discussed it excitedly.
“Did you hear that?” Thomas said excitedly. “Everyone can go and learn! This means that little Jack won’t have to be a lowly apprentice like me, getting beaten up for the smallest mistake.”
As a mage apprentice, even one with no chance of becoming a full-fledged mage, Thomas's vision was far broader than that of the poor—was he truly incapable of becoming a full-fledged mage? He had no idea, because there had never been such a test. From the moment he became a menial apprentice, he had never had the opportunity to come into contact with real magical knowledge.
“Not just Jack,” Maria’s eyes gleamed with hope, “we can go too. I’ve heard the academy has special evening classes that teach basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. And you… darling, they also teach magic for free, perhaps…”
“We’ll go sign up first thing tomorrow morning,” Thomas said firmly. “This is our chance to rebuild our lives, and I won’t let anyone take it away from us.”
As they turned to leave, a tall, thin man in a grey cloak blocked their path. The man was pale, with sharp eyes, and carried a lute on his back; he was probably a bard.
“Friends, please hear me out,” the man’s voice was deep and magnetic. “Do you really believe that a dragon would provide education for no reason? Think about it, dragons are greedy and cunning creatures, and everything they do has a hidden purpose.”
Thomas frowned. "What do you mean?"
"The so-called 'education' of that iron dragon is actually brainwashing you, turning you into its loyal slaves. Those academies don't teach real knowledge, but rather the slave training of these dragons, so that you will be forever obedient to it. Your children will be taught to worship dragons and regard humans, dwarves, and even elves as inferior beings."
Maria covered her mouth in horror: "Is...is this real?"
“Of course it’s true,” the bard said confidently. “I’ve traveled through many towns in the Sword Coast and found similar situations in the Iron Dragonflight territories. That Casaloz is no benefactor; it’s preparing for the conquest of Faerûn. Today it provides you with education, tomorrow it will command you to fight for it against other human cities.”
Thomas hesitated for a moment, then said firmly, "No, I don't believe it. I saw with my own eyes everything Casalos did to rebuild Baldur's Gate. If it really wanted to conquer us, it wouldn't need to go through all this trouble; it could have simply destroyed the entire city with its dragon breath."
The bard sneered: "Fools can never see the truth. Well then, when your children are taught to be slaves to dragons, don't say I didn't warn you."
After saying that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd. Maria looked at her husband anxiously: "Thomas, are you sure we should trust Casalos?"
Thomas pondered, trying to reassure his wife: "Maria, I'm not sure we can completely trust One Dragon, but I know that without education, we'll always be at the bottom of the social ladder. Instead of worrying about potential risks, let's seize the opportunity before us. At least we can see what that college actually teaches before making a decision—they haven't restricted us from leaving, have they?"
Maria thought about it and realized it was true. The two of them took little Jack's hand and walked towards home.
Casalos flew towards the edge of the city, where the Baldur's Gate First Public Academy was under construction. Unlike the academy in Waterdeep, this academy was smaller and had more rudimentary facilities, but it was still a significant step forward for this disaster-stricken city.
At the academy gates, a group of elegantly dressed nobles were arguing with the academy's administrator. Casalos landed in front of them, causing a stir.
“My Lord!” The academy’s headmaster, the young dragon-veined drow Felton Bazel—the first drow elf in Dragonflight to acquire the Iron Dragon vein as a dragon fanatic, and now a dragon-veined warlock who has touched the threshold of legend and is about to transform into a half-dragon—stepped forward. “These nobles claim that they have the right to decide the academy’s curriculum and the students they admit.”
Casalos looked coldly at the group of nobles: "What do you want to say?"
One of the older nobles mustered his courage and stepped forward: "Lord Casaloz, we are not against education itself, but we are concerned that such indiscriminate universal education will destroy the traditional social structure of Baldur's Gate. Commoners should only learn knowledge appropriate to their status, while higher learning should be reserved for those of noble birth."
"Like you?" Casalos's voice was laced with sarcasm. "Tell me, Earl Portler, did you acquire your knowledge through diligent study, or did you simply take it for granted because of your birth?"
Earl Portler's face flushed red: "Of course... My family has valued education for generations, and I have received guidance from the best teachers since I was a child."
“Then why can’t others have the same opportunity?” Casalos retorted. “If a blacksmith’s son has talent and hard work, why can’t he become a scholar or a mage?”
“This…this is not in accordance with tradition!” Count Potler stammered. “Social order is based on everyone fulfilling their duties. If everyone wants to be a scholar or a wizard, who will till the fields? Who will forge the metal? Who will do those necessary but menial jobs?”
Casalos gazed at the nobleman, without anger, and calmly announced: “Count Bodle, I have heard your concerns. Now, I give you two choices: either accept the reforms and become its supporter and beneficiary; or leave Baldur’s Gate before sunset tomorrow and never return.”
Count Potler's face turned pale: "Is...is this a threat?"
“No, this is an order,” Casalos replied simply. “The Baldur’s Gate has already endured too much suffering; it needs no more internal obstacles. Education will be extended to everyone, regardless of their background. This is the final decision.”
The nobles exchanged glances, then silently withdrew. Casalos turned to the academy director: "Continue your work. Don't bother me with this kind of thing again. Your task is to ensure that everyone who wants to learn has the opportunity, especially those refugees who have lost everything. Knowledge is their only hope for rebuilding their lives. If you encounter any obstacles, the iron dragon blood flowing in your veins will tell you what to do!"
Before leaving, Casalos looked around the academy buildings: "The academy's facilities still need improvement. I will send more craftsmen and more materials to ensure that all the necessary work is completed before winter arrives. At the same time, I will increase evening classes so that those who need to work during the day can also study."
“Yes, my lord,” Dragonvein Drow replied respectfully.
As the nobles departed, the refugees around the academy gradually gathered, curiously observing the building that was about to change their lives. A young mother, holding a child of about two years old, mustered her courage and asked the academy's director, "Sir, my son... he's too young, but I'd like to know, when he's older, can he come here to study?"
Felton smiled and replied, “Of course, madam. Not only that, we also have courses designed for children. If you would like, you can learn some basic knowledge yourself before your child grows up, especially knowledge that guides and inspires the learning interest of preschool children.”
The mother's eyes lit up: "Really? I... I've always wanted to learn to read so I could read stories to my child."
“Then let’s start tomorrow,” the male drow said gently. “We will have dedicated teachers to guide you and others who want to learn. I imagine that the incomplete classrooms and campus are not insurmountable difficulties for adults.”
That evening, Casalos met with Kenneth the Tidecaller. This first ally of Casalen, now holding one of the most important positions in the Dragonflight, was responsible for managing the Dragonflight's information network and public opinion throughout the continent.
This bronze dragon is one of the few dragons that knows some of Casalos's little secrets.
Kenneth stared at the iron dragon, which was now a size larger than himself, his parrot-like beak opening and closing: "The Harpists' Alliance is acting more aggressively than we anticipated. They're not only spreading rumors in Baldur's Gate, but they also have people in almost every major city in Faerûn spreading propaganda, trying to portray you as the 'evil tyrant of the Sword Coast.'"
Casalos flicked his tail: "What are their specific accusations?"
“They claim that your forced implementation of education is to brainwash the people and eradicate traditional culture; that the colleges you support teach the idea of ‘dragon supremacy’; and that your ultimate goal is to turn humanoids into slaves of dragons.” Kenneth said, shaking his Triceratops-like head. “These accusations are utterly absurd, but in some areas, especially in remote regions where people have never witnessed your contributions, many believe them.”
“The Harpists’ Alliance has a long history of controlling public opinion on the continent, which is not surprising,” Casalos said. “What would your fellow bards do?”
The eccentric bronze dragon, who doesn't suffer from social anxiety, grinned and said, "Unlike the harpists, our poets not only deliver messages and stories, but also sell comic books, crystal videos, and all sorts of merchandise. They're much better than the dry stories told by the Harpists' Alliance, which rely solely on accompaniment. I also have them teach basic knowledge to people all over the world, helping ordinary people learn to read and do math. This 'teaching performance' format is also very popular."
“Very good,” Casalos nodded. “By the way, isn’t the Harpists’ Alliance already ostracizing Ilminster and Kelburn Black Staff?”
“That’s true. Because of the Goddess of Magic… the current Harp Masters in power are the elders of Twilight Hall, Bran, Obslin, and Belvol, and they don’t like these chosen ones of the Goddess of Magic. The leader of Dawn Hall, High Lady Cyrelia of Beldask, is seriously ill and has no energy left to restrain these old fogies of the Twilight faction.”
"A bunch of legends being played like fools by a few old politicians in a power struggle, and they didn't even bother to defend themselves when framed. The Harpists are long overdue for an internal reform." Casalos scoffed. "Could the entire Twilight faction even take on Elminster with one hand?"
“Ha, that won’t do. That old man Elminster would never do that.” Kenneth shook his head, mimicking Elminster’s tone: “Doing so would corrupt the purity of the Harpists’ League…”
17. Towns in the Sword Coast and New Plans
Casalos sat atop the Griffin Tower, the highest point of Deepwater Mountain. Flocks of griffins, their majestic heads bowed before the dragon's might, resembled a group of docile Hakimi huddled in their nest, occasionally glancing to see if their "lord" was still watching them, letting out a few low, whimpering cries.
Iron Dragon's indigo vertical pupils gazed at the coastline. There, the silhouettes of the sprawling cities along the northern shore of Sword Bay were faintly visible, scattered amidst the wind and snow. Its iron beak snapped shut with a crisp metallic sound.
The information war between the Harpists' League, led by the Twilight faction, and the Bards' Club is intensifying. Older members of the Harpists, like Elminster, have been marginalized, and the Twilight faction, now in power, naturally wants to assert its justice and authority. These old politicians, who believe they control the battlefield of public opinion, are unaware of the true nature of their enemy.
“Kenneth is far superior to you self-proclaimed harpists who claim to be embodiments of justice, by several Wallaces.” Casalos clicked his iron beak again, attracting the attention of several griffins, but that was none of his concern.
Under Kenneth's leadership, the Bards' Guild has gradually and completely taken control of the public opinion system in Faerûn. They use systematic, interconnected, and verifiable comic strips, magical projection performances, and creative teaching activities to subtly erode the impression left on the people of Faerûn by the harpists' scattered, even contradictory "stories."
Iron Dragon has a broader and more ambitious vision, and it is now focusing its energy on the strategic development of Dragon Territory.
Suddenly spreading its wings, it startled all the griffins. These fierce beasts saw the biting cold wind gathering under the dragon's wings, stirring up the snow with the gentle flapping of the wing membranes, and then piling up into a series of snow-white sand tables that floated in front of the dragon's body, showing the situation of the northern city of Sword Coast.
The natural magical disasters of this turbulent year affected far more than just the Sword Coast region; across the entire continent of Faerûn, almost all powers are currently in the process of calming the turmoil and chaos. However, the cities of Sword Coast, which were directly hit by the final massive earthquake and tsunami, were undoubtedly the hardest hit, and their rule was almost on the verge of collapse.
“Luskan…” Casalos focused his attention on the northernmost port city of the snowdrift model. This northern trading center, once known as the “City of a Thousand Sails,” now lay a shattered mess in its harbor, its countless masts a source of pride. While the tsunami, reaching the relatively distant Luskan along the continental shelf, had lost its power to engulf the entire city, it was still enough to destroy the ships anchored in the harbor. Two-thirds of the merchant ships that represented Luskan’s prosperity and power were slammed against the rocks of the shore, their broken wreckage scattered like the skeletons of a colossal beast across the once bustling dock area. (The last sentence appears to be unrelated and possibly a fragment from another text.)
Compared to other Sword Coast cities, this was hardly a major disaster. But the city's rulers were adept at and fond of courting disaster.
The Arcane Brotherhood's tower still stands tall. Those politically adept "pseudo" mages use magic to protect their territories and power, turning a blind eye to the suffering of the common people. The Brotherhood's members are now all busy appeasing the city's heavily damaged merchants, vying for control and leadership in the post-disaster reconstruction. They maneuver between various merchant guilds, promising to prioritize the restoration of facilities and areas that will generate the greatest profits, completely disregarding the plight of the vast majority of the impoverished population.
The slums surrounding the port in the southern part of the city suffered the most severe damage in the earthquake and tsunami. The houses there, mostly constructed of wood and rough stone, were utterly unable to withstand the impact of the disaster. Collapsed houses and muddy streets created a scene of carnage, leaving tens of thousands of residents homeless and forced to build makeshift shelters among the ruins. Disease and hunger began to spread, with dozens dying daily from injuries and illness, their bodies hastily buried in shallow pits outside the city walls.