Contingency paid in the form of 333,000 gold and an identity by Traegan toward a Vanguard asset; discretion of use required.
31st of Nightal, 1357
Self note, find out if a halfling can fit inside a gondsman.
2nd of Hammer, 1358
Everything comes at a price, including freedom. A drow visitor of Nashkel may see less hostility from the Vanguard if the balance is paid through her Zhentarim understanding.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Valduil had made mention over a tenday and a half ago now of a Silver Mine deep in the mountains of Devil territory during that Devil War. He had said that he and a group, Northern Watch, encountered the pass that lead to the Silver Mine. They intended to cave in the pass with charges but a scout from another group elsewhere caught them with new information that there were more Devils there than first realized. Pointed them to a new path which lead them into a clearing with dead Troll and Devil bodies, bones, and, armor. Where they found a group of undead finishing off some Devils. They were about to head further in when an ornate gate heading deeper into the mountain was located.
They checked it out and found out it was heavily magically warded and unpassable, he said a dark shadow had appeared and grew in size rapidly and then they were repelled back into the pass. He also said as that shadow had grown undead materialized from nothing and the air grew thick. A figure had stepped forth with a dark malevolent aura, it talked to them saying it was an emissary of a dark being called the "General". The General allowed them to leave with beseechment of sending a message to the Dukes that the General wished to parley, warning them off of continuation due to the large force the group would meet.
What happened next Valduil said was a close kept secret that Michael is aware of.
-T
Dunn notes.
Speaking of this his treason, or high treason, in the Gate. But at some point in his career Eldarian Alamaire made a treaty with undead forces lead by 'the General.' I believe this was at the end of the Blight War, or during it, and Candlekeep has some record of it but keeps silent. The treaty involved the Dukes of the Gate, and thus, the part about treason.
During the Devil Gate wars, those forces were contacted, and a letter was delivered by the Vanguard to the Flaming Fist general of the time, I do not remember his name, and the order that followed was it would not be spoken of again.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Would there be some way to prove that Ophelia did not botch the ritual she performed on Arthur? I can tell she's second-guessing herself after what happened.
-K
3 Hammer 1358
Spoke to Emrys this evening. While guarding the door in and out of Ulcaster Ruins, I missed a possibly critical piece of information but Emrys repeated it. During the interrogation attempt, Arthur said that if he died, the runes on his arms would ensure that his slaves died too (all 31 of them.) Emrys is presently unaware if this was true, or a bluff by Arthur.
The runes on Arthur's body also served as some kind of protection against enchantment magicks.
I have posted this in the leadership ledger for now, to protect Ophelia from any internal blame. If we disseminate the information to all our members, and we should get ahead of it in case it turns out to be true, then it must be handled carefully.
-K
An attachment to the above report.
Arthur mentioned 31 slaves, all of whom were ostensibly connected to his runes. Lynette was kept elsewhere, and not among that number. This was all we were able to discern about the slaves. -K
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Attempts at poaching Maraav from the Vanguard by Vanira haven't gone unnoticed
15 Hammer, 1358
We should start working on testing our kits and fits against undead targets. While we are getting better with flesh bearing ones, I'm curious of our state of ability where some of the things easily afforded us might turn against us.
15 Hammer, 1358
Western Dragoncoast cities will need forward scouting, preliminarily to identify military movement and numbers including those of both Cormyan and Elturel forces, but in addition any mercenary groups that are suddenly taking root in those cities that weren't there previously. Ko're is to head this operation when the southern campaigns close.
16th Hammer, 1358
Traegan, please advise me on your expectations of our stables, what is needed, how many stalls, any care and needs for the horses we've now and those in the future that'll be managed under your direction. Detail is paramount.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
I've left a simple design for stables. What we will need is there. Let me know if you need more.
17th Hammer, 1358
Administration convened in the Northern Lights of Nashkel to discuss response to Aunrae's latest correspondence. It is decided that she and her affiliations are to remain at distance and away from Vanguard assets permanently as the final warning, though amicable to permit her life should she maintain vigilant with the request now turned demand.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Attempted to talk to River about the Shadow Plane but she was crying and said it was a bad time.
-K
So, how did Carah and Emrys come to possess the Thayan grimoire? -K
News to me. - M
Edelgarde likely tossed it over those I am surprised Candlekeep let a book out of their grasp at all. -T
Gained entry to Carah's meeting tomorrow in Candlekeep to lay out plans for slave recovery. I have not made promises of personal or Vanguard involvement, but merely wish to keep my finger on the pulse. -K
23 Hammer 1358
Will forward Edelgarde's notes and transcript to leadership in the morrow. Carah's plan, to put it plainly, stinks. She wants to get herself captured along with Emrys, Rhaeg, and Edelgarde to extract the slaves from the inside. Isenduil will send a beetle or unassuming insect in to 'scout' the layout of the Thayan fort prior to the mission. A diversion or feint was suggested, to draw out some of the guards or even Forvus himself, but the idea was nixed because it may cause the Thayans to teleport the slaves away, or worse, kill them.
Kiyoshi came into possession of the grimoire from Arthur after his arrest by Amnian officials. He has asked Candlekeep to return the grimoire to him so that he can destroy it when this is all over, to which the present Avowed--Nalissa, Edelgarde, and Emrys--readily agreed because their vows to never destroy books or knowledge would force them to keep the wretched thing.
I left the meeting after the fourth candlemark passed and they were still going round and round with tactics regarding a structure they yet know nothing about. Warned them that it's a fool's gambit.
-K
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
50,000 GP donation toward Smokepowder, Traegan.
200 Bombs
50 hours worth of bomb making.
26th Hammer, 1358
Formal petitioning of the Duchal ban of Kethelis will be filed by myself in preparation of the events to follow.
Capture of the drow Aunrae in preference of presence with Kethelis, both bound and gagged.
Two witnesses, preferably Destin and Vanira drawn to the site of the occurrence.
The formal damning of Kethelis' soul from the Seldarine by bathing him in Aunrae's spent blood.
A teleport of Kethelis and Vanira to Doron Amar's gates to usher them through in Kethelis' new state.
Collect Fist bounty on Drow bodies with Aunrae's remains.
Formally submit final ban of Kethelis by Baldur's Gate.
Record of Destin and Vanira's involvement submitted to Candlekeep without announcing the existence of the book publicly. Include names of those of Doron Amar that were in support of the Drow's "redemption."
Formal petition to Nashkel to make them aware of Kethelis supporting and abetting a drow with an identified curse that could have inflicted significant damage to the village, in support of any potential ban.
Formal petition to the Northern Barony regarding the events that transpired and Kethelis' abetting of otherworldly guests within Drow hosts along the tradeway.
Formal petition to Doron Amar thereafter that Kethelis is no longer harbored within their walls, with new knowledge that he had supported a known Zhent affiliated Drow.
If then left to the wild, chase him to stay in the Underdark where he belongs, in the Vanguard's name that he may find his own redemption path in the dark.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Fierlith seems fine with the Vanguard, reservations about me which is fine, but mostly closed book to me. Maybe one of you want to take a stab on a wellness check with her. Spoke with Traegan, he's well just needs a target. Those I come across seem well enough with the Vanguard. But some may speak to others more.
-T
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Mixed emotion on Valduil's movement to the Radiant Heart. While I understand his purpose is to remain good, he had historically noted his discontent with its leadership; I suspect the siren's song isn't from Aaron. - M
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Aravae, a fey-blooded elf that is suspected pact magi, has taken sudden interest in Dunn's history. Likely all based on the Doron Amar mess. For now feeding pieces and seeing what good, if any, comes of it. My history is not terribly secret, it only became twisted over time by rumors and heresay.
~Captain Dunn
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Oth states he doesn't care of the events surrounding Aunrae so long as those that he cares for remain safe. His preference is in the finality of the matter, that she be pushed to the Dark or ultimately dead. I've informed him of a broad overview of Vanguard tasks regarding those assisting Aunrae, as well as Aunrae herself to which he was in favor of.
"She's an idiot, she's going to be an idiot regardless of what god kisses her ass or what she turns into."
We're in agreement, and the conversation with both indicates the benefactor is in want of Aunrae being no longer an issue for them.
He held a sour facial expression at the mention of Daug. It is possible there is a history known, will prod when there's fewer interruptions.
11th of Alturiak, 1358
Ashenie states that she has only ritual to communiucate, not to summon the Ghaele. Three penances were required of the Ghaele to assist in finding support in Corellon's judgement of her, but according to Ashenie those three are not explicitly defined. Ashenie had stated to Aunrae that she should seek the meaning of these with Kethelis which prompted my inquiry of whether these meetings were made in recent days - to which she responded that this meeting took part months ago. Further discussion was held on the Vanguard perspective of Aunrae, as well as our clear agenda should Aunrae decide to enable her Bregan associates.
M'M
12th of Alturiak, 1358
Spoke with Netanya regarding concerns of the Ayida relationship with Deselara and Ayida's proposition that the Vanguard is hunting her. Netanya will deal with her own constituents.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
This report is delayed due to my internal debate on its worth, but considering future roads I decided that it indeed should be penned.
Boots met with me on a prior date last tenday, and spoke on the subject of Amos and the Blackrose. Currently Blackrose is still involved in a treaty between themselves, the Ebon Blades, and the Zhentarim. It is a pact of mutual cooperation and non-violence toward each other. If any groups breaks the pact, the other two turn on it and cannibalize their holdings. They also agree to unite against anyone that brings war or violence into the north.
Blackrose originally signed into the treaty to prevent the death of Amelia Blackrose. As Amos has since killed her himself, there is a bit of technicality that may not yet have been addressed. Chiefly, whether they are beholden to what she signed.
Amos has voiced that he may be willing to break with the pact but is worried for the loss of trade with the Zhentarim. They currently trade in iron, spices, and stone with the Zhentarim and if they will at all consider betraying them, they would need new trade partners. Boots recommends the dwarves of Kraak Helzaak and House Darius as possible alternatives.
I am personally skeptical that Amos will betray his trade partners. But this should be considered as a potential path to future operations in the north.
~Captain Dunn
13th of Alturiak, 1358th, Amendment of the above.
Equal skepticism. Zhentarim as a fallback to any other endeavor pivots them as a fairweather ally and asset only when they're prosperous. Preference in considering them neutral at best.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
Ten bags per wagon of Zhentarim caravans bounty has been placed, with special offer for the Vanguard, three hundred bags for three months of raids, paid upfront (no extra money per wagon for the upfront lump sum). If no wagons are taken in two fort nights (one month), a refund of a hundred bags is expected.
14th of Alturiak, 1358
Michael Dunn , arrange a meeting between you, Dhelt, House Darius' Nathan Goldenmane regarding a warehouse of House Darius to be constructed in Triel proper, with a number of offices within, one of which dedicated to the Vanguard.
Michael Dunn
“It'll be your damnation, boy. You'll wear out a hundred pairs of boots on your way to hell.”
― Stephen King, The Dark Tower
