The Records of the Whitewood Vanguard

[YourMoveHolyMan]

30th Uktar, 1357

Dunn was approached by Szarilana of House Darius who warned him of a vampire roaming the city, who did come into the Lyre. Harken De Vries - old name, sounded very familiar but I could not place the memory.

True seeing revealed them for what they were - used illusion(s) to disguise themselves as a noble. True sight revealed oddly stitched clothing, tattered black and gray colors instead of actual noble-like attire. Covered completely by cloth except their face. White beard on illusion was not observed under true sight.

Eyes were read and yellow, with long hair. Szarilana believes it is not a fledging vampire and I agree - sounds like the name of a past threat in the region.

It killed a guard of the Lyre, and turned them in the cornfield outside the Gate. Yashe gave chase, Szarilana followed to ensure her safety. Yashe dispatched a few minor undead/thralls, and pursued the vampire. It fled over a great distance til it reached Darkhold, and disappeared within. Yashe did not pursue due to curfew. Unknown affiliation with the Zhentarim, or if its preying on them as well.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Ko're.

30 Uktar 1357, in reply to Michael Dunn

One year ago, the Coast was terrorized by a vampyre coven which the Zhentarim brought to heel, claiming to have "fixed the problem", under Dreadlord Victoria Thornhart. Her Commander, a man named Boris or Bueroza, agreed to be turned so that he could lead the coven now under Darkhold's thumb. The attacks stopped, as far as I am aware.

House Darius and Azariah of House Vale led an expedition into the vampyre keep via teleportation, on a mission to redeem some of the vampyres and turn them back from their affliction. I left the mission early due to the group taking issue with my summary execution of a dhaerow vampyre, but Aurelien remained with the group and mentioned that they encountered vampyres with Zhentarim insignia at the end. Aurelien also said that some individuals in the group suggested they pass blame to Darkhold for the events of that night, but I was not present for the conversation so I am unsure to what they referred, or who said it. Perhaps Aurelien can clarify.

In short, Darkhold controls a vampyre coven through Bueroza.

-K

ADDENDUM: I just remembered that the infamous Morgan Blackrose joined Bueroza in undeath and vampyrism. They were rumored to have been lovers prior to the event. Morgan may or may not be in a powerful rank or position within this coven.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

A is for Aurelian, the lover and partner of Ko're. Ko're tended to write their reports but as evidenced below, he contributed.

30 Uktar 1357, attached to the above.

We encountered a vampire, who was guarded by a man wearing the Zhentarim uniform. It was unclear if the man was charmed or there of his own volition (as a deserter or otherwise), but this is where it was confirmed that Bueroza became the Patriarch of the Nightgale coven. The Zhent was defeated, and the Vampire brought back to proper life. This was what lead us to believe that they were involved.

-A

[YourMoveHolyMan]

30 Uktar 1357

Regarding private conversation held between Rhaeg and Alyssia in weeks past following the demonstration out front the ducal palace on 21 Uktar:

Alyssia denies Rhaeg's claims that she said, "The people in your free state would not have died if they were strong enough to defend against orcs and other outsiders."

Alyssia says she was trying to highlight the importance of a militia or guard force, as an example to explain the function of the Flaming Fist despite its flaws and pockets of corruption within the ranks, and that she "literally never said that."

Alyssia is presently unwilling to sit down with Rhaeg again now that several days have passed. I hoped cooler heads would prevail, but she expressed doubt in Rhaeg's story about the loss of his family.

At best, this was a heated argument turned into grave misunderstanding. At worst, someone is less than truthful.

-K

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym began to sign her reports as 'M'M.'

30 Uktar 1357

"No one knows him better than I do." A phrase whispered to me by lips, lips that yielded confession of the acts of Mae Yr Machshikah, stories that align with the first person witnessing of such, yet those years don't feel as far as they are notated on paper. Guardianship, mistaken identity, sleight of hand, paths frayed might yet be mended. ~ M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Thirtieth of Uktar, 1357

Tiefling at the fire, didn't get it's name, said he was off to hunt down Urfl- that Drow. Said he'd been studying it awhile now and that he could take it down. Gave a bit of information we already know of, did say though that he does not see well, and his ears aren't sharp enough to hear him while he nature shadow steps. His plan is to hit him at a safe enough distance with various arrows and have him step on his traps he sets up. Says he has all sorts of trap types, but he seemed real sure of himself. I told him whenever he fights him and still breathes to tell me out it went. He did admit the orc with him is often trouble, Gray orc, My assumption is that's Shamble but will have to confirm that later.

-T

[YourMoveHolyMan]

2 Nightal 1357

Met Morgalia Verenach at the EF campfire, claims to be another former Dreadlord with no lingering affiliations to Darkhold. She offered a bit of insight about Selengil, believing him to be the only Zhent with the drive and ambition to lead Darkhold effectively, and said he keeps grooming replacements, leaving, then coming back after a few years to clean up the mess. She says Tarina Mazir will fail no matter how hard she tries.

It was mentioned in an earlier report that Morgalia defected and betrayed the Zhentarim when she left. Morgalia hinted at some truth to this claim, saying that Darkhold was down a few priests and artifacts on her way out.

Maybe she is in a position to help weaken Darkhold's standing in the city.

-K

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

2nd Nightall, 1357

Daily preparation is requested of those Vanguards who are in need of doing so, as two very important potential jobs are in the works which includes our services. Please gather what effects best exemplify your skillsets, and train with one another in inconspicuous locations with no word breathed of the purpose. Prepare for a southernly trip.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Fourth of Nightall, 1357

In my search of this Ghost Ship, while waiting on those related with Candlkeep traveled South to see if any within Nashkel had heard anything themselves, or those from further South coming to Nashkel. Though I found nothing on the Ghost Ship it seems the people of Nashkel have a disquiet feeling. It feels as if the clouds above them will not go away, with how long they seem to linger. I had heard that their may be a shortage in supplies come Winter for the people of Nashkel. Lack of Firewood and Hunters say the game has quite thinned, because of those Trolls we came across in the Peaks. As they eat so much of the wildlife it has now affected the community. I also heard neighboring villages to Nashkel have been severely impacted, these such murmurs came along with masked individuals attacking Caravans and trade routes. Few are left behind for the burn the Caravans along with the goods.

Whether the Vanguard has purpose to aid or not, with the knowledge of the caravan and how they have gone missing this is a wrong to the populace, and Hoar would see that retribution need take place. I have intent to see to this matter, other Hoarites I will call to involve as well alongside with the Vanguard.

-T

[YourMoveHolyMan]

5th of Nightall, 1357

Member Syndreth Fierfey is promoted from Member, to Ranger in the Vanguard. With the priviledges and responsbilities that the rank brings.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

5th of Nightall, 1357

Myric Glimmer, a gnome of presumably illusionist nature, will be paying the Vanguard five bags per month to Vanguard leadership as a retainer which will be used in part as insurance to any recovery attempts, whilst paying two bags per head for the involvement of a Vanguard member that is part of his ventures. His garbs are often of a purple and green nature though he has been seen wearing other colored threads. It is likely he'll want more pickpockets and swordarms than arcane assistance. All belongings dropped from hostile encounters is owned by the customer, however you are entitled to your own fair share of what is in the chests of your own accord.

Edit : Retainer paid, 5000 gp. Agreement is 2k per head per job.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Tristan.

Fifth of Nightall, 1357

Nathan informed that Batibat and her trinkets have been vanquished from the Undercity, undead still linger beneath but nothing more differing than what was there before she had taken root. The Jewels have been destroyed, and it is unknown if Batibat is alive or not, Nathan informed that Myrkul had taken her. She was whisked through a portal along with her dead companions of ilk while bleeding out.

-T

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Michael Dunn.

5th of Nightall, 1357

Spoke briefly with Ser Sean, son of Thedran. He said that the Grand Dukes have acknowledged that the Green Enclave is a separate entity from the peoples of Cloakwood, and are willing to discuss how to address the current crisis between the Flaming Fist and the Wood Magi.

It is still the Gate's position that Silvanus struck at them first, and Captain Norton stands firm in this and his own faith. But the Green Enclave did return to the Flaming Fist the bodies of the soldiers that were murdered by the folk of Cloakwood.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

5th of Nightall, 1357

While hunting the Reaching, I ran into Laya Jyne of Doron Amar. She seemed shocked that I thought her leader a bitch. I told her of her outburst in the Sharpteeth, she wasn't very happy to hear it. We hunted together for a time. She is quite skilled with a sword. I shot the pitch to her of the Vanguard. She didn't say no. I'll report more as it unfolds.

~Traegan

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Michael Dunn.

5th of Nightall, 1357

Known associates of Batibats, by name or description.

1. Hanner Blackrose
2. Grim, a dwarven necromancer.
3. A tiefling, fights in the shadows, with a tail and two blades. Possibly fair skinned and has possibly been seen at the eastern farmlands before. Was seen wearing blue. Male.
4. Another human male, light skinned with dark eyes. Bald hair, pact magi or warlock. Also uses necromancy.
5. Another human male, light skin, shaggy light colored hair.