Factions of the Sword Coast

New Factions

Introduction: This pamphlet details some of the factions known to be operating in the region of
the Sword Coast. The factions can be introduced to any existing Forgotten Realms campaign and
can be used by DMs and players alike to add some flavour to their campaigns and characters.
The factions presented use the “Renown” rules presented in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.

by CARLOS MONTOYA
Exiled Publishing

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 Factions of the Sword Coast
From: Jules Krosinger, Harpshadow, Lantarn
To: Johannes Vorsh, Wise Owl, Waterdeep

My Lord

I feel I must write with news of my suspicions and insights into the rise of new cults along the
Sword Coast, which are likely, I fear, to be undertaking nefarious acts. I have little evidence but
have noted some strange goings on in these parts that should be further investigated by The
Harpers. I know, my Lord, that events along the Sword Coast in recent years have thrown up a
number of sinister cults promoting the ways of evil over good and that our organisation has not
the resources to investigate every strange going on, sinister rumour or suspicious action for they
are legion across these realms. Nevertheless, my Lord, I am suspicious of a number of
organisations that have appeared in the more southerly regions of the Sword Coast in recent
years and would beg your indulgence to investigate them further. I fear that we are now seeing
the start of some complex conspiracy linked to the destruction of Lantarn during the Spellplauge
and perhaps the start of a power and/or treasure and/or land grab concerning the lost treasures
of Gond’s holy island.

I will describe three of these organisations, though I fear that two are really cults masquerading
under the guise of respectable businesses. The third, I believe to be a real cult dedicated to some
fiendish master.

The first cult, I noted some years ago, appears to be a simple shipping business trading under the
name of, Mersea Ferries (an unimaginative name, compounding the Chothondan word for “sea”
with, well, the common word for “sea”: mer-sea. Such a name is obviously designed to deflect
attention by being so banal). The business is based in Velen but has spread far in but a few years
and it is said that it’s ships often travel westward out of Velen heading over the horizon carrying
little cargo but returning with them most exotic treasures and valuables.

The crews of these ships are tight-lipped and say nothing about where they have been. Money
does little to loosen their tongues as they are all invested in these expeditions through a share in
the profits and so they remain loyal to their employers.

The luck of this shipping venture is prestigious. So much so that I fear that magic and maleficence
has been used to augment its abilities and that these sinister means have been applied by either
criminal or other nefarious forces. They are not affiliated to the Zhentarim, of this I am almost
sure. Nor do they carry the blessing of any particular god. However, all other commercial
ventures have mysteriously been put out of business in rapid succession. Exactly who owns and
controls this shipping firm is not clear. Nor where the proceeds from this profitable venture go
cannot be fathomed (if you’ll pardon the pun). The Zhentarim are wary of this business, which

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makes me suspicious that an even more sinister force (if that is possible) is behind this business
and they are amassing funds from some grim purpose. There appears to be some sort of
conspiracy preventing me from finding out who is really behind this organisation.

The second cult I suspect also masquerades behind commercial legitimacy. Some years ago, a
firm of scribes, sages, messengers and lawyers trading under the name of, “Milton, Chadwick &
Waters” began to take business in Velen. Its niche was to provide professional services to
temples and religious organisations, such as scripting, illumination, drafting treaties and all
manner of legal services, transcripting books, training scribes, delivering messages, research
services through private libraries, etc. It has become successful very quickly and further, offices
of Milton, Chadwick & Waters have recently opened in Baldur’s Gate (perhaps linked to the
recent unpleasantness there but this seems an unlikely venture for Bhaal worshippers),
Waterdeep and Neverwinter.

This firm seems most insidious and well connected in all the cities it has become established,
performing many tasks for churches. In particular, it seems to be providing a great deal of
service to the recovering church of Gond, so diminished since the Spellplague.

The firm holds many confidences and deals with the great and the good of the churches it serves.
So you might expect from any such legal firm and might question why I find it so suspicious.
Again, there seems little competition for legal services wherever this firm establishes itself. The
competition is either adsorbed or eliminated.

Also, the absence of Messrs Milton, Chadwick and Waters is suspicious. To this date, I have found
no evidence of any such individuals named Milton, Chadwick or Waters working for or running
this business. I suspect this may be some sort of amusing jest at the expense of others but I am
not sure of the context.

I have no evidence of any malfeasance but this firm is too well connected, rising too fast for my
liking. Further investigation is required, though I suspect there is some sort of conspiracy to
cover-up what this firm is really doing.

The third cult I have found sign of is the most sinister of all. I believe there may be a cult of devil-
worshippers hidden within the city of Baldur’s Gate. There are rumours I have heard amongst
some of the more downtrodden dock workers that cultists offer access to power and influence in
return for commitment. Other rumours speak of secret meetings, dangerous rituals, blood-
letting, profane rites performed under auspicious moons.

The entity the cultists revere is one I have not heard of before, no doubt some upstart in the
Lower Planes, referred to as “The Hidden Lord” or “The 10th Lord”. The authorities in Baldur’s
Gate seem too busy with rebuilding following the recent unpleasantness in the city to investigate
further though I sense there may be some sort of conspiracy to cover-up why this cult can
operate.

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My lord, I have outlined my suspicions and would request further Harpers come to south to
Baldur’s Gate and Velen and help me investigate these sinister cults. I believe that the Sword
Coast is in grave danger, though I cannot specify how at this moment, but I am convinced that if
given the resources I can root out a great evil that will undermine civilisation as we know it.

Sincerely, you loyal and watchful servant,

Jules Krosinger

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Mersea Ferries
A mercantile faction, Mersea Ferries is a successful shipping venture based out of Velen, recently
expanding to Baldur’s Gate and now Waterdeep after acquiring noble patronage and privileged
moorings in that city. Mersea Ferries seeks to dominate the shipping trade along the Sword
Coast. No mean ambition given the number of powerful shipping businesses operating along this
most lucrative of coasts, not to mention pirates, dragon turtles, kraken and other powerful
creatures that litter this area. The company has powerful, if shadowy, owners who appear to
have the ability to influence markets, destabilise competitors and take advantage of
opportunities. Their influence, however, is sporadic (if ruthlessly effective) meaning that for
long periods the business if left to fend for itself and, as success is demanded from the business,
opportunities for progression and reward are available to those with ambition and talent.
Renown Rank Rewards
1 Rating Obtain working passage to any port along the Sword Coast.
3 Able Seaman Learn “insider” information about trade along the Sword Coast to
your advantage.
10 Shipmaster Import or export goods to any port along the Sword Coast.
25 Commander Commandeer a ship for a personal trade mission.
50 Captain Franchise a ship permanently.

Milton, Chadwick & Waters

A professional faction for people working for the expanding legal firm, Milton, Chadwick &
Waters. The firm has offices in Velen, Baldur’s Gate and Waterdeep (thanks to some noble
patronage). Further offices in Neverwinter, Athkatlar and even Chult are also mooted. The
firm’s main business is scribing and legal advice. Associated activities include secure and
confidential messenger services, academic research and private library services. The firm has
proven to be remarkably successful in dealing with the rich and powerful of the Sword Coast and
some suspect that the owners – the mysterious Milton, Chadwick and Waters – have links to
other powerful beings.

Renown Rank Rewards

1 Messenger Obtain legal/scribe/messenger/library services worth 10gp 1/month
3 Librarian Access legally privileged information for own benefit 1/month
10 Sage Influence local law enforcement 1/month for own benefit.
25 Solicitor Access forbidden lore hidden in private libraries 1/month.
Opportunity to open a franchise in a city without an office.
50 Advocate Influence local a local law-maker, politician, dignitary, etc. to do your
bidding.

The Cult of the Hidden Lord

A faction dedicated to the veneration of the hidden Archdevil, Gargauth. Some consider this cult
to be a splinter group to the cult of Asmodeus. This is partially true but the recent rise of this cult

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indicates that something else is going on. It could be that Asmodeus has lost interest for now in
Faerûn following the failure of the First Flensing ritual in Waterdeep recently as well as extra-
planar excursions into Faerûn space by other powers, e.g. Tiamat, Cult of Elemental Evil and
various demon lords. But probably there is a longer game being played here by the forces of Hell.
Nevertheless, this cult has risen almost imperceptibly along the Sword Coast whilst other evils
have been more prominent. The cult can be found, with some difficulty, in Velen, Baldur’s Gate
and Waterdeep. Rumours persist that the Ashmodai of Neverwinter are being courted by this
cult and could be swayed to change allegiance from Asmodeus.

Renown Rank Rewards

1 Initiate Cult provides the necessary support for the initiate to take on a
convincing alias through which they can carry on their normal lives
whilst also dedicating their lives to the Hidden Lord. Initiate
becomes part of a cell worshipping the Hidden Lord.
3 Darkflame Gain a contact and spy within another evil cult operating locally.
This spy is loyal to you (unless you betray them).
10 Gatekeeper Become the leader of the local cell dedicated to the Hidden Lord.
You have 2-5 other worshippers within your cell to command and
protect.
25 Deathdealer Subvert another local evil cult completely so that its resources
become yours to use. The cult still believes it worships its original
master whilst really its sacrifices go to the Hidden Lord.
50 Hellspawn Your sacrifices allow you to open communications to Hell itself and
receive instructions from a powerful devil. Once per month you
can cast the contact other plane spell as a ritual. Your contact will
be with a devil.

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