The Records of the Whitewood Vanguard

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

10th of Alturiak, 1358

Meeting with Oth Neren of House Darius aided with additional perspective and course direction.
M'M

11th of Alturiak, 1358

In lieu of the monument being erected on behalf of the Vanguard efforts, I'd like to extend further detail of the what and who of said efforts for submission to various entities along the Sword Coast such as Candlekeep for public record. My intent is to submit the collection of efforts during the Amn campaign no later than the 30th of Alturiak. Please submit details of your individual progress during the campaign to me by then for first hand accounting.

Thank you.
M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Maraav. I don't think he signed anything the same way twice.

"I will be not going into details, but most things what i work and done in this campaign was : warding and shielding, research and gathering information by magic."
- M.D

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym. On Ashenie. The significance here is that Ashenie was wandering through the orc Shambles territory.

11th of Alturiak, 1358

Intercepted Ashenie personally along the Chionthar, separated by her typical cohorts.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Traegan. On Aunrae.

10th of Alturiak, 1358

Members of the Vanguard met with Marietta Thairo to discuss the drow Aunrae and her past deeds.

She spoke of some silver mines, somewhere that had some slaves working it, while sitting there in this tight, and when I say tight, I mean tight, white bodysuit. That thing hugged every curve and crevasse along her body. Imagination? No need! It was all right there for the eyes to take in.. Oh boy.

Well then she talked about Amelia, and the Blackrose's maybe. Then she stood and walked across the room to the couch Dunn was on and we all got a view of that immaculate ass. She walked with a switch from one side of the room to the other and I swear, each cheek had a switch of it's own. Hypnotizing.

I think that was when the conversation went to the churches. Ashenie and some Mystran. Not Sirion, but the old one, maybe? The one that can hardly breathe, just like this woman, Marietta was doing to me. The way the leather squeeked each time she moved just a little, it was likely a distraction tactic. It worked.

They talked about a meeting with the churches and Marietta before she left. I offered to walk her out and was happy to follow behind her. I tossed a platinum her direction and it bounced off that ass like it has some sort of deflection spell placed on it. When she turned and slowly bent over to pick it up... All I know is I had another platinum in my hand before I knew it. Tossing it yet again, only this one landed on that sexy shelf as she walked away.

Was a good meeting. Productive.

-T

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

11th of Alturiak, 1358

Netanya reminded Terri Xon that the Phoenix is not a mercenary company, services aren't hired out. Terri stated that she wanted the Phoenix to handle couriering messages from the security counsel of Baldur's Gate to the varying members internal and external, though Terri appears to be in want of pivoting in the direction of repeating Vanguard success and regional relevancy.

Personal opinion is that Terri has forgotten her own public harper brandishing and the Gate would be better served without her involvement. It is probably something that the dukes should be reminded of just in case.

Another woman made her appearance at the Gate's outer city fire, requesting task fulfillment for 'The Bleak Seneschal.' Terri ran off claiming she had 'will', in the direction of the bridge only to return a few breaths later. I'm confused as you, reader, but won't spend more thought on it.

Netanya would like an audience with Maraav.

- M'M

12th of Alturiak, 1358

Meeting with Emmanuel had confirmed known insights and a few additional sensible details in others. Further information stored away to upper echelon ledger.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

One or two weeks ago, 1358

Ramblings of a bard. Below is attached my notes on a performance by Robin the bard, or Robin Goodfellow. Be warned that it makes little sense.

Part 1.

A talk about poison
- The poison of deed, words, and of course actual poison
- gifts of the gods, relics even the things gods like to influence
- Four relics comprising the set, uncovered by clues hidden in art, lost on the coast so many years they say some uncovered by guilds and brought to use at the whim of the gods
- So this is our idea of relics, traditional often mundane but objects relics and yet not every relic, every gift of the gods is such
- The Onyx Orchid for example, is a plant, a plant that grows in the Uppderdark, a single plant a relic. It grows at the whim of the gods, a deadly poison
- In the hands of a competent poisoner but also in the hands of a healing alchemist, a powerful cure long sought by both
- They say it may have one or perhaps two leaves - but taking one leaf, and using it is a mighty thing
- Taking the last leaf though is to consume the pplant, to call upon all the gods have to offer. The greatest poirson or the mightiest cure. But then the plant would be done. This is the legend.
- This is the legend, so who can really know, those that have seen the plant one might think, so who are they?
- First one Hubert Halftoe, a hin of Gullykin. One of the builders of the hisout(hideout?) of Yondalla, those that know that place.

Part 2.

- Those that know the place, the faithful there know andd always knew the value of a hideaway, a place for times of trouble. Such a place they built on the coast. The secret passed from one to another. In that place they say left details of the plant. A cure of dangerous times, yet, those that knew by some dint of the fate, the whim of the gods perhaps all fell in separate journeys before others might be told and the secret was lost. The place for dangerous times, hidden perhaps forever? They were wise enough to write some clues down in something called the Yondalla Yarns.. Four paintings on the subject. They are lost too but likely in the hands of coastal adventurers. And so checking that source, hmm, challenging. There were a year or two back others, dealing in herbs, addictive herbs among the noble class reputed to be tained by that very plant. Their goods sold among young nobles till well something had to give. Do you recall such a thing Hin? No matter, they were wiped out the lot of them. Don't you want to know how? Poison that's how. Found sat round a table not unlike that one you are sitting at. Well yes both they and a single user, an assassin, known as the poisoner, aptly. We might well conclude that poisoner using that very same plant ended them. Whether in rage and they shared a secret or at the behest of a disgruntled noble parent. Which of course touches on your earlier point outside. But no one knows, at that time only one other group changed upon a small of the poison. The Phoenix Guild. Slim pickings then for any so inclined to puruse the matter.
- And so the poisoner and the poison, the onyx orchid, remains unfound
- So much for relics and living relics in plant form what of the poison word

So look of poisonious people then a small tale a lighter tone to close
- Mother Mild and her four daughters. Mother mild married to dad the mad, really and literally mad. He trusted no one, hated content with poisoned word, and deed and dinner he turned his daughters against each other their mother milder and beyond. They say with word and deed and ale he poisoned neighbour friend and work mates. Mother mild sensing one year her time was near and simply stressed and daughters four of child wild, child coin, and then the farming frecked one not least little good child too. And such a mix such discontent poisonous distrust grown among them she chose to try unite them save them from dad the mad who neighbours and friends now none must surely turn his poisonous attention to them. But and wait I hear you cry, what cure for them? None other to hide the family silver dney dad the mad but who to trust. She gave to all a vital clue and sent them north south west, and hmm east. Don't you see? Only if they chose to meet again and trust each other resolve the matter they would do as one. Meanwhile she passed and not long after dad the mad was poisoned likely by his own and quite careless hand for all his enemies real or imagined had long since too gone that way. And so don't you want to know was mother mild the right and did the child so bright and live the happy ever after?

Note: If you have any questions regarding the above, please do not ask.

- Theadric Trickshot

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Fierlith.

13 Alturiak, 1358

A written brief
The atrocity called unlife – the wicked sort
The once-living creatures that have been animated by spiritual or magical means — the undead. They take many forms be it skeletal, corporal remnants of what once was or incorporeal ghosts.

They are often mindless beings and thus also immune to mind-affecting spells and merely shrug off attempts to stun or paralyse them. Because they are already dead, poison, death and disease does not affect them. They have no life force to drain and weaken them. It is highly unlikely that you can sneak upon them nor rely on the massive build up of strength behind a blow. Cold and lightning are likely to be less effective against them.

I hope that you do not play with negative energies but I will write it down regardless. Use of negative energy heals them and positive energies are a bane to them. Fire is your best choice of the elements, perhaps also sonic and acid could work.

You are likely to get better results by bashing them with blunt objects rather than trying to stab or cut them. Also silver weapons should be more effective against the undead.

Ward against evil and sudden death at least, but also if you can, ward your mind seperately just in case. Many undead emit an aura of fear. If you have access to bless your weapon then that will he a great asset and, of course, to have those aligned with divine by your side. Bring means to restore yourself. The lesser form will not aid you if you are affected by more severe forms of negative effects. You might also want to consider having means to remove and fight infections and curses.

Fight fiercely and true for you fight for life. That is what is at stake.

~FS~

Note on liches attached to the previous text:
These abominations are tied to a phylactery. Even when defeated, they have means to come back, if the phylactery (or several of them) are not destroyed. It will take some days for them to reform but eventually they will return. Phylactery is their most valued possession, so they are well hidden and warded. There are likely to be decoys, and divination to locate it, most likely, simply fails. The shape can be anything from a box to small trinkets or other forms depending on the craftiness of the creator.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

13th of Alturiak, 1358

Will need a pretty significantly defined document outlying locations in and around the Sword Coast, as well as out east, regarding fishing locales, best fitted equipment for fishing, vendors of bait and rod.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

5th of Alturiak, 1358

Rocky Creek Trading Company, owner of Hammer Hall and the Lucky Coin, have agreed to temporarily house us at the cost of five hundred coin a tenday. We've access to the halls lodging and facilities by six keys provided to myself, your lieutenant, and each of the four sergeants.

Between that and the nearby Inn we've got plenty of lodging for our move on the 17th. Solomon, of the RC, is aware of the current political climate and will adjust as best he's able. If, for the survival of his company, they have to ask us to depart we will thank them and move on.

We will also be seeking them as a partner when we seek out labor and supplies, along with House Darius, to build our own hold.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym. The day we finally caught Aunrae. She was saved by Corellon.

18th of Alturiak, 1358

Meeting with Nat of the EDE was left in want, appeals to sensible considerations leant participants without clear next step in objectives to overcome stigma and inaction. Efforts continue elsewhere.

- M'M

19th of Alturiak, 1358

Acquired a shield from Netanya in trade of the cold dagger to her hands.

Reference: ⁠assets-and-assignments⁠
M'M

19th of Alturiak, 1358

Hanner Blackrose was intercepted by Doan Mardain, delivered to Greenest and from Greenest via Ril'tyrr to the old thieve's den cell wherein accompanied by Traegan and paid arcanist Morgan Rhywm, he would be interrogated on the mark set upon Alyssia.

Stripped of his wards, he was queried on the involvement with Blackrose to which he stated that Amos is his family of sorts, knowing Amos since he was a boy, on occasion assisting them but holding no ranking or station within the house. He states he is retired from all the ties he used to have, keeping largely to himself and taking jobs only for coin now.

When asked on the mark on Alyssia, he stated that he had no contracts of late, and the last he heard of the mark was nearly two moons ago. He stated he is aware of the rumors that a contract existed wherein the Zhents had hired him for the mark on her but he claims he had no dealings with the Zhentarim in recent moons. He questions why someone would involve him.

I brought up the question of the 5th of Uktar in 1357 why he would trail Traegan, or any other Vanguard asset. He states he likes to know the goings on of the land, that he follows many every day with no reason other than to gather news, most not speaking openly due to his nature. Traegan responded to a question of mine to confirm his opinion of Hanner's behavior, to which Traegan stated that he felt there was too much inquiry for someone being simply solely curious.

When I advised that Traegan is the Vanguard barber and we eagerly would want to set up an appointment for him should he attempt more transgression Hanner responded with "this conversation is over dear."

That simply will not do.

Hanner's attempt of flight through teleportation doubly warded against by Morgan and I, I felt that perhaps the message wasn't made clear enough, and began to treat him as child, demanding to hear his promises of future behaviors. Hanner made a point that were he to give promise I would be a fool to believe anything of the 'old rogue'. "If you lay a hand on me there will be hell dear. I came peacefully." Hanner would amend.

An old rogue then was treated as such, and no hand of mine would meet him.

Traegan then presented for the man an increase of fibrous rod and a decrease of scarlet fluid for his refuting of a kind and simple conversation between he and the Vanguard.

I did promise him a hand wouldn't lay on him by me afterall.

Respect will be forced out of you, Hanner. Take comfort in it.

- M'M.

19th of Alturiak, 1358

Sean Asen of the Radiant Heart Balduran Chapterhouse communicated with me that without full disclosure of details Hanner was known to stand against the city at Batibat's side, secondly that he's wanted by the Flaming Fist for hostile actions against them.

Michael Dunn will confirm with the Flaming Fist captain on these details as well as the payout of Hanner's capture and turning over to the Flaming Fist. If the coin payout is too low, then we're bartering Hanner for Traegan's passage on Duchal lands.

- M'M

22nd of Alturiak, 1358

The death of drowess Aunrae by Traegan and Michael unfortunately involved Vanira of the Radiant Heart, who turned to attack Traegan when Kethelis was ordered to stay his place. Aunrae's body illuminated in some strange ward and was wisked off to realms unknown. Kethelis' body was pitched over a bridge, though eyewitness attest to his presence already in the Gate.

The Radiant's Sean and Lyonaler have decided to bring up a hunting party for Michael Dunn, with Sean emotionally angered over Vanira needing to be halted. New detail of this is that Vanira was granted clarity of the events that transpired by Corellon and supposedly felt that her actions were in favor of the Seldarine.

Quaint.

That said, Vanguard is not permitted in proximity of the Radiant Chapterhouse per Sean. Aaron does not want to be publicly outed that there were attempts to defend Drow.

- M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Ko're.

22 Altiriak 1358

Meeting with ORH representatives: Aaron Lyonaler, Boots, Sean, Feleron, and some random scribe they brought along.

WV personnel: Captain Dunn, Lieutenant Mizzrym, Sergeant Daershun, Sergeant Amon (the female one), Sergeant Donald, Morgalia, Alton, Doan.

Meeting opened with veiled threats from random scribe and Feleron. Sean kept saying WV attacked his "sister" even though by all accounts she lashed out first and Traegan acted in self-defense. RH representation had strange obsession with Kethelis' ears. Group relations tense.

-K

Report submitted on parchment tinged with the scent of fine devilweed.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym. Things began to escalate with Doron Amar over the drow business.

23rd Alturiak, 1358

Amos is offering 200 bags for Aunrae's head should we manage to uncork it.

- M'M

23rd Alturiak, 1358

Doron Amar is now treating the Vanguard as having attacked and killed two of its presently-alive-citizens with deliberate murderous intent.

- M'M

24th of Alturiak, 1358

Wood Magi Isenduil and I discussed Isenduil potentially scouting for the Northern Campaign. A shifted dragon's sight and flight at distance to spot disturbed earth is a boon, not only to monitor potential unearthing of the dead but too terrain navigated caravan of the Zhentarim in time.

- M'M

25th of Alturiak, 1358

Tashia Galey, Aaron Lyonaler, Vanira, of the Radiant Heart, Amos Thistle of Blackrose, had entered the compound of the Radiant Heart chapter in the early eve for private discussion.

- M'M

25th of Alturiak, 1358

River Steel, individual who had made appearance at Hammer Hall with Sean and Kald of the Radiant Heart, had called across the street beyond the wall of the city asking if I was an elf.

Standard questions of the Firewine encounter was met with standard answer and she understood, if reluctantly agreeing, that all parties could have handled the scenario better - noting a distinct lack of detail in recited words on her part, these were then corrected. - M'M

25th of Alturiak, 1358

I am issuing a three tenday (30 day) ceasefire of Aunrae and Kethelis, assuming no provocation from either of them directly (this doesn't count provocations from their affiliations), has been discussed with Vanira, Edelgarde, Sirion, Myself, River, and Emmanuel. At the end, should we not find either in sight of one another, going forward, assume they'll ruin one another. Emmanuel is treated as a neutral individual in this ongoing but brief saga of Coastal insanity, whom will have access to this company ledger to review if there is decreed acts against the two aformentioned actors of tragedy.

Bregan's Daug is exempt of this ceasefire and is a non-negotiable target should we catch him in the wild. Should anyone defend Daug, consider them hostile indefinitely.

The line is drawn, heed it.

- M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

25th of Alturiak, 1358

A meeting was held and the following items were discussed;
1) Henceforth, there will be no torture of live prisoners by members of the Vanguard.
2) For his part in the torture of the live prisoner, Kethelis of Doron Amar, Sergeant Traegan has been demoted to the rank of Ranger.
3) Guidelines will be put out soon, concerning conduct of warfare to clarify the treatment of prisoners.
4) Efforts will be made by the administration to repair relations strained or lost with neighboring groups and towns.
5) For her length of service, and participation in the Nashkel campaign, Deselara was promoted from Member, to Ranger.

Let faith be made, that we are better than the most foul sorts we hunt.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

26th of Alturiak, 1358

Dicussion with Lyonaler regarding public approximation to the Radiant chapterhouse was diplomatic. Spying to cease between both organizations. Aaron will consider Dunn's request of less friction depending on outcome of council deliberation. - M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Twenty-fifth of Alturiak in the Year 1358.

A meeting with the EDE Elves was had today, I would not expect an alliance with them at this time. It may be something to try again in the future but what has occurred recently cannot happen if we have want of more allies, Elven or elsewise.

R. D. ☪