Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

11 Uktar, 1357

Netanya spoke with me about a return to the spider queen's court, she wants to speak with captain Michael Dunn about it.
He already have a team but needs a few more scouts to help her with the mission specially those able to walk unseen.

11 Uktar, 1357

Netanya was ambushed by a drow and the orc we met yesterday, she was taken down but me and her left hand companion, Ayiala managed to brought her to the Phoenix Company lodge. Vendor Xon told me that some of our companions, Ko're and Aurelien were captured by the drow.

Dunn, Olesya, Traegan, Tristan, Wandersoul, some unknown, approached the north-easternly fields sprawling near the Blackrose Fort Prominence, alerted by Olesya on the capture of Ko're and Aurelien. It would be later learned that the dwarf Doan was also taken captive by Shamble. The location of the encounter was too close to the orc-ish homestead - knowing that Shamble is capable of Ki stepping significant sums of ground, assault upon him at that locale wouldn't have yielded favorable outcome as he can either depart into the confines of his village to where we could not pursue, or worse, take another captive. Fifty bags were paid to the ransom of their release due in the coming two nights.

11 Uktar, 1357

Mizzrym's notes on the Orc, Shamble. I have, perhaps the closest opportunity of being approximate to the Orc for the past three months. Something originally born of a hunt turned toward approachability between the two of us - his ambitions of his hunt turned to becoming a message, my own ambitions of repulsion of certain identities from certain locales all the same and were intersected in this unlikely alliance. Discussions have been long held, typically after his conquest and or attempts at the lives of those who would attempt his own. He is skilled. Bear that in mind, but he is not without his crutches.

The creature's sense of smell enables him to positionally recognize the location of something unseen, even at distance, and to determine where his escapes might work to his advantage, things I shall outline of my observations here.

1. His escape routes include being able to utilize his means of Ki to his feet, leaping considerable distance multiple times, as well as the use of teleportation scrolls and wands.

2. You can expect him to carry more than ten scrolls of any type of spell at any given time, I suspect this number easily reaching twenty, including the scroll "Storm Avatar." He is known to mantle as well, though such abjuration is thwarted by Orbs.

3. He wards against elements, rendering many types of flasks moot.

4. He will disengage to send himself flicked across the hillside to reapply spell wards such as Halo of Sand, Storm Avatar, elemental wards, and return to reengage the enemy.

5. He enjoys flicking duplicates of himself to attempt misleading others in assuming it is him while he positions himself at advantage against the intended target.

6. He maintains a large stack of Mordenkainen's Disjunction scrolls to use against his opponents.

7. When warded at his fullest potential few can sus him free of his ability to hide.

8. He has scrolls of Simulacrum which he has been observed to use.

9. Without bow in hand, he has been seen swatting arrow from his assailants.

My suggestion is that those who engage him meet him on equal footing. Stacks of scrolls and ancillary spell, potion, and other trinkets to bar him ability to undermine a single repitoire of wards. To strip him of his spells, to immobilize him when he attempts to flee, to thwart safe passage via teleport.

11 Uktar, 1357

Gwyneth'tia, current leader of Phoenix Company, has expressed interest in learning more about Dunn and the various members of the Whitewood Vanguard. Reminder that their company is currently suspected of feeding information to the Zhentarim through Netanya or other means.

*Ko're wrote a report from her nest of shame that was her cot in the Halls infirmary, chided by priestesses and all but ordered to remain on bed rest, or at least in the city.*

On the eve of 13 Uktar 1357, many members of the Whitewood Vanguard made for the Hellrider fort in Triel to meet with Captain Vanders, with Captain Dunn had built a rapport in year prior. We traveled by wagon.

The wagon stopped due to unnatural fog. Zhentilar scouts and fortification identified but it was hard to get a good look. Of note, wagon driver said that no such thing was along the road a week ago when he last made the trip. This is important.

Enemy (Zhent) scouts shot arrows, then were killed by Dunn and Vanguard forward scouts investigating source of fog. The enemies were shortly thereafter identified as Zhent and Vanguard made decision to remain and engage. Wagon driver sent to Triel to warn Hellriders of Zhentarim presence in area along road between their fort and Baldur's Gate. He rode swiftly through the night.

Found two warhorns on one of dead scouts. Michael and Mouse sounded them, drew out enemy forward patrol. Vanguard easily eliminated enemy forward patrol.

Mouse and Dunn eliminated scouts along treeline. Vanguard hid behind rock formations and planned a frontal assault towards the enemy encampment with the use of summons as a distraction.

Vanguard was overrun by many numbers of skilled enemy troops pouring from fortification. Hellriders, warned by wagon driver of exact location, swept in on horseback, defeated Zhent troops, and recovered Vanguard casualties to Triel fort, medics stabilized and treated wounds.

Captains Vanders and Dunn spoke of incident, noted that the Zhent troops have been erecting forts under cover of magickal fog to conceal construction from Hellrider scouts and spies. Writs of service distributed to Vanguard.

Vanguard Combatants:
Michael Dunn
Aurelien Amon
Ko're Philommeides
Olesya Szanett
Derien
McGrath Westguard
Micar'mizzrym Lliathor
Mouse
Tristan Gallendt
Doan
Traegan Daershun

Assessment: Given the apparent quickness of enemy structure's construction, in the span of a week or less, Vanguard underestimated enemy numbers and force. Assumed it would be like a small outpost. Any future engagements with Zhents should be thoroughly scouted with means to see through fog first as outright eliminating or blowing away fog is likely to arouse suspicion.

We grew emboldened and cocky with the ease of eliminating first enemy forward scout unit. Did not know what was contained in the fort.

-Ko're

14th Uktar, 1357

Netanya of Phoenix Lodge and House Divine plans to hire 1-4 Vanguard, at five large a head, to conduct scouting and general security as her team of magi investigates a spider nest for signs of the hag who has become a threat to the region.

Date and time will be updated as more information is had. Including a hard number on how many of us she can hire.

An extra copy is made for Candlekeep, should Michael wish to deliver such report.

15 Uktar 1357

Found Bob Thairo in Halls of Inner Light to order a dozen black baccara roses. Michael Dunn, Olesya, and I questioned him about what Derik was doing in the Winding Way Tavern in Soubar several nights past, regarding allegations of Derik having a conversation with a drow. He was evasive so I tracked him down a couple hours later on my own to make him not feel ganged up on, and slipped him some coin.

Bob reports that drow identified herself as working for House Sshamath and approached members of the Black Abbey to speak about negotiating trade deals with Soubar. Bob reports wondering why she brought this offer to temple personnel. While brief conversation was ongoing, Derik entered tavern either with or around the same time as an unidentified drunk tiefling woman and Nalissa Colds the blue fire genasi, both with whom Derik made flirty smalltalk before exiting the tavern on his own with a comment about how he better get out of there before people talk about him being around with drow. Nalissa and unidentified tiefling seemed very cozy and flirty.

Bob and Derik seem to share some sort of "battlefield respect" despite the lines drawn. Bob explained that Derik may have been adventuring in the North and stopped in for a drink.

Assessment: Derik's pecker likely landed him in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is known in some circles as a skirt-chaser, and was in the Winding Way to angle for a possible threesome. Most plausible explanation.

-Ko're

15 Uktar 1357

Derien brought information about Ishi-Ishi that he learned from a redheaded woman who goes by Virin, formerly Dae. Ishi-Ishi was a blue tiefling woman of 'split mind' with a propensity for rage. Ash was the name of her kind self, Nishe of her more feral self, and Ishi-Ishi is probably a conglomeration of the two identities. Virin reports that that Ishi-Ishi has been dead about a month.

Payment rendered to Derien.

-Ko're

16 Uktar 1357

Per Nathan, Ashenie claims that Flint attempted to persuade her to join him in Darkhold as their healer. Nathan also mentioned that he heard about Flint hinting at rejoining the Black Network at the EF campfire in days past, but Nathan was not present and does not know what exactly was spoken.

Per Micar'mizzrym, Selengil denies that Flint is within Darkhold's ranks and said at meeting held inside Darkhold that he turned Flint away twice.

Assessment: Per Captain Dunn, treat Flint like he is a Zhent until further notice.

-Ko're

15 Uktar, 1357

It was observed that Vanira of the Radiant Heart decided to openly discuss Vanguard sleeping location at the Halls of Inner Light with Selengil and Tarina in earshot, including Kalidorian.

16 Uktar, 1357

A Zhentarim rider has entered the palace district and disembarked for the Duchal Court.

17 Uktar, 1357
The orc and drow accomplice has decidedly put more of the Vanguard to the earth north of Soubar.

18 Uktar 1357

Lord Fenix Wandersoul entered the Heartfire Tavern the other night. A couple points about this visit.

He made the suggestion about following up with the "Thieves Guild" about Rennek regarding Bhaalyn cult presence in city. I am presently unsure what made him mention this lead, but if anyone has the ear of said Thieves Guild, this could prove a boon.

Fenix said he was at the demonstration out front the ducal palace to try and discourage the mob from listening to Rhaeg and Bob.

Alyssia and Fenix seem to be greatly concerned about Rhaeg's involvement in this. They worry and fear that the people of the city will listen to his rhetoric about inequality and the failure of the dukes/Fist, and this will only cause the unrest to escalate. They are attempting to watch Rhaeg very closely, given the anti-establishment sentiments he espouses.

Rhaeg is a half-orc with greying hair and greenish skin, usually mopey, but well-spoken for his ilk.

-Ko're

Based on information by a Radiant Heart Scout, the Dreadlord of the Zhentarim and the witch named Tarina was seen in the underdark hiring a drow female for unknown purposes. The orc was seen in their company, in the highly possible that he collaborates with the Zhentarim now.

18 Uktar 1357

Kalidorian, known hunter of drow, is working for or in league with House Divine. Was overheard in the Lewd Lyre asking about what House Darius planned to do about drow around the Boaryesker Bridge, on behalf of House Divine.

He's also possibly working for and/or staying at Phoenix Lodge.

20 Uktar 1357

Spoke to Kalidorian, still insists he is only staying at Phoenix Lodge but is not affiliated with any faction at current. Also claims to be related to one Terri Xon who does not work for the Phoenix Company anymore.

Kalidorian wished me to relay a message to Michael Dunn that he needs the WV's intel on the "animals we encountered at the bridge."

-Ko're

21 Uktar 1357

More unrest out front the ducal palace last night. Fist Guards blocked entrance. Duchess Llia Janeth came out to address and placate the mob, specifically the food shortage affecting the city's population. This seemed to calm Rhaeg, mentioned in previous report referenced at bottom. Lesser nobility in attendance butted heads with commoners and working poor about protecting their own political interests. Rhaeg appears to remain skeptical but open to changes that the Duchess plans to put forward about importing foodstuffs from city allies. Rhaeg did get in a lord's face, however. I don't believe he will wait long for the situation to be resolved before gathering the masses.

Like last time this happened, the people were urged to form a committee for bringing grievances forward to the dukes via a representative. Alyssia offered to be this representative last time, but as far as I am aware, nobody came to her.

Also of note, Amos Thistle of The Blackrose Order offered food donations, rebuffed by the Duchess.

Bob Thairo attempted to convince the crowd that the dukes would rather let them starve than accept donations from northern factions, and reminded them that the Fist still allow the undead infestation in the sewers to fester. His motives are currently unknown because he also insulted the Zhentarim.

The crowd dispersed with less lingering tension than last time.

-Ko're

A copy of the old report is attached.

The old report attached:

Another frickin' missive via carrier pigeon. As some of you may be aware, the political stability of Baldur's Gate is on questionable grounds currently. About a tenday ago, I heard a commotion by the ducal palace and it was a demonstration of the city's disgruntled citizens demanding audience with the dukes about the undead infestation in the sewers, the treaty with the Zhentarim, the recent famine that struck the surrounding farms, and the general inequity. Flaming Fist personnel guarded the entrance. Alyssia Leonhart and Alexander Holgart managed to talk down the angry crowd and they eventually dispersed, but this won't be the last we see of the issue. Alyssia offered to hear the grievances and problems of the people, and bring them forward to the dukes as their representative. Rhaeg the old half-orc and Bob Thairo the aging dark-knight were present and attempting to stoke the flames, I suspect for different reasons. Lord Fenix Wandersoul appeared to think the situation was a joke when he showed up.

It gets more interesting. After the crowd dispersed, there were reports about the Fist arresting people who attempted to perform a ritual sacrifice within the city to appease the Lord of Murder. A man named Rennek is the ringleader, still at large, is seducing the 'little people' of the docks and warehouses to his cause. Aurelien and I are following up on that lead. -Ko're

Addendum: Ashenie of the Ilmaterite temple was also present and attempting to calm the mob.

21 Uktar, 1357

In attempt to improve the Vanguard's standing with affairs of varying organizations within the Gate breakout groups are created to specific districts in attempt to embed with more lawful and just, providing mercenary work where they may have a specific need.

Breakout groups managing districts in the city are as follows, delegation of work leads are to those marked around their names :

Palace : ( Ko're ) , Aurelien, Olesya, Michael
East Gate : ( Tristan ) , McGrath, Derien, Doan
Harbor : ( Traegan ), Syndreth, Sheath, Mizzrym

21 Uktar, 1357

It is learned that three week training is demanded with able bodied by Darkhold, arms and equipment supplied.

21 Uktar, 1357

Safe harbor of Vanguard at the Docks imminent, will keep appraised of the moment of approval. - Edit, Approved by Fenix directly.

21 Uktar, 1357

Rhaeg appears to be more inclined to eat the rich, than bring about likely change. This is according to Alyssia though. We plan to try and meet with him soon and sort out from the source what his designs are in the matter.