The Records of the Whitewood Vanguard

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Ophelia.

1st of Alturiak, 1358

The following is an aproximate translation of all the undead dragon spoke before it attacked, as confirmed by Ophelia and Ril'tyrr:

Upon meeting, it asked: "Do you want to live?" - given how unanimous our answers were, I understand that to be a rather rhetorical question.

When asked why it was there, what it's purpose was, it responded with: "I have been perfected. Akvallas is a reasonable man; He may perfect you as well. You may join the others. Vausrig has been perfected, and when our master finds the heretic. He too will be perfected. Bauskvaut could not be perfected."

When asked to expand on Bauskvaut, the undead dragon only replied with, "Incinerated", implying the large, flaming dragon skeleton at the site of the battle was once this Bauskvaut.

It then commanded: "Now you will relinquish your weapons, and come peacefully to join his legion. Those who fail Kossuth were not fit to carry his name."

Additional notes:
The mage Akram observed that the undead Dragon's words reflected the teachings of the 'Nightdragon'.
It was confirmed that the Dragon was only undead, and not a Lich.
The Dragon did not say where to find Akvallas

[YourMoveHolyMan]

2nd of Alturiak, 1358

Ko're, Maraav, and myself met with Mayor Ghastkill this date. We've secured an offer of thirty-large for the lich's descrtion, as well as continued room and board for ourselves, our horses, and they will store our recently acquired catapult within Nashkel until we move out.

More importantly, the Mayor has offered the Vanguard land, tax-free, within the confines of Nashkel. If we accept, our room and board would endure during the length required for construction. But we would become beholden to Nashkel's defense, and be at her call as need arises.

It is a generous offer. It is the most kindness anyone has extended toward us. This is, without a doubt, due to the ongoing blood, sweat, and effort put forth by each of you in the Vanguard.

That said, our quarry, is out east, and north. Our mission, of fighting off the Zhentarim must occur out east, and north. Would be a gilded platter to a quiet life that none of us are ready for, or I am off the mark.

We have not refused or turned down the offer. At this time, I deliberate with the sergeants to reach a conclusion on what, if anything, we will do with this kind offer. One proposal which bears weight in my mind, would be the establishment of a small outpost that we might man with a scout. To maintain ties with Nashkel, have a safehouse to use in the area, and to start recruitment efforts as we continue to aim to grow, and expand, our personnel.

I value each of your thoughts and counsel in the matter. If you want to discuss it, we shall. Too, forget not that High Rider Lord Dhelt has agreed to meet with us in the discussion of land purchase, in the direction we've originally intended. That happens soon, and the validity of that meeting might affect our decision, here.

Stay sharp, Vanguard. There is yet work to do in Nashkel and so we stay, at least a little longer. Trolls to put to the blade, and a lich to hunt down.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

3rd of Alturiak, 1358

Ran into Amos and Nicola Thistle, and someone titled Marshall of House Blackrose in Nashkel. They're coming to pitch in on the troll fight on the 6th, and they're also gifting Mayor Ghastkill a chest of gold to pay the fighters with. Lets be sure to get our slice of the pie but watch your backs, they're northerners and highly suspected of being Zhentarim pawns.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

One of the earlier taunts sent our way by Aunrae, during her path to redemption.

4 Alturiak, 1358

Sending received from Aunrae. These are the exact words. "Hey--where'd this Seldarine sanctioning my death come from? No shame in asking kin for help excaping a known womanizer-user. I know his ilk intimately." I sent no reply.

~ Fierlith Silverglade~

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Ril'tyrr.

Fourth of Alturiak in the Year 1358,

I've begun the starting process of joining En Dharshae Evrae, all is well so far and the seed of working towards an alliance has been planted. I am ever hopeful but as I have already noticed there may be some small trials ahead in this. I will say though it is a boon we have no ties to Baldur's Gate, or other such Human Cities as those of EDE do not want to feel beholden to the humans because they are allied with someone allied with them.

Those that they are allied with are The Order of the Silver Rose, and the Enclave.

R. D. ☪

[YourMoveHolyMan]

4th of Alturiak, 1358

The Vanguard has grown, and so too, has the needs of the Vanguard.

Henceforth I have created a position secondary to Captain, that of Lieutenant, as has been proposed in the past by Sergeant Traegan. I honor his counsel and to that end the very first Lieutenant of the Whitewood Vanguard is our Micarmizzrym Iliathor.

For clarity of chain, the order is as follows;

Allies < Members < Rangers < Sergeants < Lieutenant < Captain

As we continue to grow, change may yet come again. At this time I am considering a new candidate for Sergeant, to assist with management while Sergeant Traegan is out east.

Additionally, though not least, Malakai Stormwind shall henceforth bear the rank of Ranger, with all the prestige and responsibilities that such title brings.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

Fourth of Alturiak, 1358

In meeting with Netanya, it appears that the Chromatic dragon House Divine were made aware of previously resided in a number of mines along Amn. It is suspected that the chromatic is the one that has later become 'perfected' and encountered the Vanguard.

I've arranged for the barter of the Aurilite sacrificial dagger to Netanya's hands in exchange that House Divine pays for and maintains teleport circles from Nashkel to the Harbor District in the Gate for Vanguard purposes. This may equate to approximately fifty bags of a service rendered to the Vanguard.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

Fourth of Alturiak, 1358

Teris, Carah, Emrys, Oth, Nathan, Derik Ranloss; departure of the Lyre with Carah and Teris remarking on nervousness. They depart through the outer city and toward the Thundrar's Ride. Inquiry to follow, assume delay in response for those reaching out to the group.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Michael Dunn.

6th of Alturiak, 1358

Carah sent word, Akvallas is hiding within the Speartop mountain of the Cloudpeaks. 'Near the white.' We were ambushed there by undead and trolls while enroute to one of the villages. Our hunt will renew there.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Ril'tyrr.

Seventh of Alturiak in the Year 1358,

Theadric brought the newest recruit named Alton Siadysues to me informing that he sought us. Basics have been done and he has decided to join us. He makes use of Sword and Board, wonderfully another shield to add to our others.

R. D. ☪

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

Seventh of Alturiak, 1358

Vanguard operations with Carah Evenwood is at a permanent conclusion.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Another report about Aunrae, Avintae, the redeemed.

7th of Alturiak, 1358

Add Emrys to the list, he made open threat concerning our next encounter.

Aunrae was spotted with a male drow, her new mercenary bodyguard, in the old thieves den. The pair teleported away to the Reaching Wood just outside the Shrine of Eldath. Suspect from there they fled on foot toward Soubar.

Two travellers on the road overhead the conversation between Aunrae and this new male drow. Specifics not overheard but the jist is that they've a new business arrangement, assume its against us.

Remember, Vanguard, just as we train and prepare, somewhere, out there, people are training and preparing to kill us. Stay vigilant as our Triel allies say.

~Captain Dunn

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym. More on Aunrae, Avintae. A bright shining example for us all.

7th of Alturiak, 1358

Part 1.

Passing through the outer city I gave pause just beyond the campfire as I listened to a conversation between two unknowns, Doan, and an acolyte of Candlekeep. Emrys was present, sitting upon bench by the fire on his own. Just before departure Vanira of the Radiant had made her way toward the tax tower where other members of the Radiant heart would stand. A statement was made by Emmanuel and Ashling that Carah was a busy woman, often in conversation with others when it was then noted that she was in a meeting with Netanya. Familiar of general duration of Netanya's meetings, I had glanced in the direction where Vanira once stood only to find that she had slipped off quickly after the statement. Curiosity took hold.

First moving toward the city I had found that Netanya was no longer with the supposed meeting companion and Vanira was not present for a meeting, heels took turn toward House Darius though knowing historic behaviors of meeting there Emrys would have been present by the bar or some proximity. Teleport whisked on a hunch and the door of the Winding Way was opened to yield Aunrae's face by the bar, accompanied by a drow named Daug claiming Bregan affiliation, a tiefling and a bardess who I had previously encountered. Approaching the music box the voice of Carah became clearer, and where she stood was just beyond sight of the pillar between us at Aunrae's side.

Words exchanged, the agent offered his identity and affiliation claim in original want of business opportunity as mercenaries that then changed to veiled threat with Aunrae's typical style. I departed the Winding Way to return to the Gate, whereupon Emrys would be found in company of Teris at the same fire. Michael approached, asking on the status of matters, and my whispers of Carah's activities at the inn brought Emrys to ire, though apologized under Dunn's direction, the ire is still there. Departure of the fire, Michael and Traegan set out for a hunt along the Chionthar.

7th of Alturiak, 1358

Part 2.

Despite Teris' best effort, he misunderstood or only caught part of a conversation about the tiefling and other bardess. Emrys' departure had occurred and Teris attempted rescue of the situation his friends have put themselves in. Dunn and I departed rather than wasting our time with him despite witness proof put to effect.

Personal troubles with the Seldarine aside, discussion was furthered with Destin in proximity of Blunt, and later Rhaeg would join. Destin stated his personal witnessing of the proposed divine intervention, and further discussion regarding Aunrae would continue. Details of the Aunrae encounter in Nashkel was given to Rhaeg, while unfortunately putting my concerns of the Seldarine's involvement, and lack thereof, to emotion. Destin still refutes the efforts of the Vanguard, dismissing as lost brigands operating under vengeance of Michael and myself.

Sending met me while in the middle of the discussion, orders awaiting, Aunrae and her Bregan associate had been tracked into a place that Aunrae and I had previously met to sort the matters in Nashkel. Destin and Rhaeg awaited while listening to my responses, and I, assuming Carah and Emrys was within, wouldn't have the two succumb to the one sided combat result that would've occurred just due to the Drow's existence. I requested that the door simply be opened, as a warning to those within that they're not alone. Those within departed to the Reaching Woods and blood was not spilled.

7th of Alturiak, 1358

Part 3.

Discussion was further had with Destin and Rhaeg, outlining additional understanding of the relationship between the Vanguard and Zhentarim, as well as Aunrae. Rhaeg offered advice that members of the Vanguard should converse with Aunrae directly about the matter of her redemption. When I stated that we have made our effort through Feleron of Doron Amar, Destin was quick to slate the claim as a lie.

Make mental note of the last ten words. It is a theme later pointed out in this entry.

Destin went on to stated that at all of my comings and goings are politicaly charged, "pretending to pursue truth and comrpomise", "damning people for seeing the same agents as you do." The next set of words that would escape his lips was immediate attempts to pivot my agenda in league with Selengil's own, stating that Selengil is yet to reveal that I am a Zhentarim agent.

I've made mention that he should consider the concept that a sum of Paladins of Elturel will hold the Vanguard under scrutiny, lies, agency, and more made apparent, and better suited given our planned neighboring existence and cooperation. Continued words from Destin would be breathed of the concept of lies, and build further toward discounting Aunrae as an agent of the Zhentarim. Similar behavior of Emrys would be recognized, same of Teris, but not the same of Rhaeg.

The theme of this became clear after offering Destin recognition that full accounting of those involved with Aunrae would be made public, tolerance of her behavior, tolerance of her being, and the chance of something within the drow's vessel of a body could have been made manifested into one of theirs, a consequence wide spread through the populace of the Gate and beyond due to their hubris. The timing and effort in attempting to convey the Vanguard, and myself, as liars, to avoid their own visible stain.

I now pivot to inquisition at their cost and my own agents will set this as priority.

7th of Alturiak, 1358

Part 4.

Destin's further discussion yielded that while he was present for the Ghaele that took form before the group near Aunrae, he stated specifically "I was there when the Ghaele appeared before Aunrae and Tarina."

"Aunrae and Tarina."

I find that strikingly interesting.

A woman that has repeatedly voiced her interest of power through her witching sentiments, her own vessel bestowed upon by otherworldly entity, standing next to a Drow inflicted with some vaguely understood entity by those that had studied her, now calling down celestials toward paths of redemption.

"She is not part of the Zhentarim." If even true, she is part of Tarina's machinations, the right hand of Darkhold who has made no secrecy of her wants. It is unfathomable to me the myopic perception the Coast has adopted in recent years.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym. More of Aunrae's past.

8th of Alturiak, 1358

Discussion with Sean Asen at the outer city fire, Edelgarde, Sirion, Theadric in lieu. Carah and Emrys had departed with the eastern warrior benefactor after private discussion with Emmanuel and Ashling.

Sean pointed out Aunrae's gem trading history that had benefitted her house through the blood of victims at her feet, as well as threats of death levied against Balduran citizenry, watchmen, and Fist members for any that would assault a tiefling. When I queried Edelgarde on the locale of which this was said, she stated it was off duchal land, however Sean was willing to point out that it was in an Inn in Nashkel, as he was present to hear the sentiment in lieu of protecting Ashenie during the visit. Assume Edelgarde is purposefully not forthcoming with information personal to her going forward, a standard affair for many Candlekeep members.

9th of Alturiak, 1358

Emrys Kerr observed in company of Aunrae and the Bregan agent Daug at the campfire close to the Firewine bridge along the Uldoon trail from Greenest to Nashkel.

M'M

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Michael Dunn.

10th of Alturiak, 1358

Meeting Notes:

1. We're moving from Nashkel, to Greenest, as a company on the 17th of Alturiak. Prepare accordingly, use the horses to move heavy supplies as needed.

2. On the topic of the Salamander's lich, we're involved on behalf of Nashkel, and the House of the Guardian. This is being currently lead by House Divine. We don't have to take the point on this one, you hard working men and women have done plenty for this frozen town.

3. On the topic of the drow, Aunrae. Efforts continue into looking into the 'celestial prophet' that has fooled so many good folk into being blind to the drow's actual acts. She'll continue to be hounded as long as she is in the south.

Assignments:

1. Theadric is going to reach out to Feleron on the state of Doron Amar.
2. Brill is going to update Netanya Divine about the lich's whereabouts.
3. Fierlith is going to write a brief missive with advice on combatting undeath.
4. Malakai is going to contact Jackard of Rocky Creek to arrange lodging for us in Greenest.
5. Dunn is going to try and reach out to Carah.
6. Mizzrym is going to contact Ashenie concerning the drow.

Pay for each completed assignment that is reported back on is three large.