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

A copy of an older report is sent to @Micar'mizzrym Iliathor and @Michael Dunn

⁠ic-company-ledger⁠

A short, hastily scribbed note is attached.

He seems to think the "Thieve's Guild" would know stuff. Who really holds his leash?

-K

22 Uktar, 1357

Encountered Kel, Kelinar, the Dragon Druid Dwarf. Spoke with him about the Vanguard he said he would consider the offer. I am not sure he will join but he did offer up his services if we ever have need of it.

-T

22 Uktar, 1357

Left by an unknown female who was masked and passed by heading towards the Wyvern's Bridge, I copied it over in case we required it.

-T

22 Uktar, 1357

Copy of a letter

Lady Netanya Divine,

The Whitewood Vanguard says thank you for considering them in your needs of protection, and scouting services. Jenny has been recently unavailable and only recently returned to active service as of this eve.

That said, we have other capable and willing rangers ready to step up to the call;

For your scout, we'll be supplying Vanguard Member Syndreth Fieryfey, a capable hunter with demonstrated experience.

For your protection, we'll be supplying Vanguard Ranger Doan, the Stout. A dwarven warrior of great prowess.

If things go awry, and you find yourself in need of additional Vanguard, our priest, Tristan, and our Magi, Olesya, will be standing by around the fated mark. Other Vanguard are oft ready with short notice but we wanted a solid plan in place, and so those are the names.

For these services I ask for ten large per Vanguard, so, twenty large, or bags as you ken. Plus any additional expenses that the Vanguard in question use in the course of the job for consumable potions, magick, and the like. The twenty large (or more, needs depending) will be due to Doan upon his arrival for work. After the job is completed, an invoice will be sent if any additional charges rear their head.

If there are any questions or issue with the letter provided, please reach out to me, the Vanguard looks forward to doing our part to help you sort out this terror.


~Captain Michael Dunn

22 Uktar 1357

Regarding meeting held between Rhaeg and Alyssia, mediated by Carah. Alyssia reports that Rhaeg wants to level the hierarchy and topple the nobility, which is in line with the Rhaeg I used to know half a year ago. He spoke of this rhetoric then, and now he gains traction in his endeavors.

Carah reports that Rhaeg is willing to meet Alyssia halfway, that Rhaeg can be the voice of the working and disenfranchised people, and Alyssia represent the interests of the nobility. Carah claims that Alyssia was being unreasonable and stubborn at the talk with Rhaeg. Carah seems to have a poor opinion of Alyssia.

-Ko're

24 Uktar 1357

Met with Rhaeg. He is somewhere between revolutionary and someone seeking representative change in the government. Not entirely unreasonable but he'll not likely settle for maintaining the status quo.

His main goals are a larder tax on the rich. Establishing a city watch or militia to enforce law in the Gate, instead of the Flaming Fist. And his larger dream is a representative government.

After speaking with Rhaeg, it seems like his most likely option is to try and become elected as a voice of the people on the council. Dunn encouraged him strongly to start public speaking at least once a tenday and earning a seat. If he puts forth effort to make a feasible goal come to pass, we'll start to find ways to support him in this.

He's also agreed to meet with Ko're and Aurelien on a future time/date of their need.

Speaking with Aaron the story does not seem to change much from what we already know. They made two trips to the sewers in search of the source of poisoning in the water. They came upon vampire and were in search of a lich. He said through conversations with the groups that they feel Batibat is trying to preform a ritual to ascend to something. Aaron said he had to leave the second expedition because of the bad characters that were with him hindering his ability to fight. Seems the Lich and batibat are at large still, hey are planning a scouting mission and I suggest shoving a sneaker on with them.

24 Uktar 1357

I've received word back from Bhor of Kraak Helzak about the ballistae ordered. The missive is here...

*"Hello Traegan Daershun.
This will aid me greatly. First i will seek to make a prototype of both versions and hopefully those will work according to specification. The spearheads of adamantine is not yet resolved.

Best regards
Bhor Stonecutter

25 Uktar, 1357

Concerning the Board item of one named Plucky, since I have taken it up I have not heard or seen any mention of the Thiefling's name since. I have roamed the roads around Nashkel and again nothing has come up concerning it. Unless someone else has a lead, or knows something I do not I believe the robber to have moved on or else be under a new fake name.

⁠ic-bounty-board⁠

-T

[Amn] $500 - The actual name of 'Plucky' , a tiefling robbing citizens on the outskirts of Nashkel

Fifteenth of Uktar, 1357

Further addition to Ko're reports on the Hearts altercation.

Bitter a Hin female who is a Shieldmaiden of House Divine stated to me that she and Aiyda had witnessed the attack between the Hearts and the two Drow. She also stated that these Drow had wounded Netanya I believe days prior.

-T

Concerning the Bounty

[Baldur's Gate] $1000 - Information of unsuccessful push into the sewers to address undead two moons ago.

Twenty Fifth of Uktar, 1357

Ran across Bob and his Lady at the Elfsong, brought up the whole ordeal with the Hearts and Co in the Sewers. They are of the thought that the Hearts and good folk just want what happened to disappear. Seems this happened about a couple moons ago, those involved that they could recall are: Netanya, Celestia, Silver Rose Commander, Some archer, a female half orc mercenary that works for the Leviathan's Slush? Blush? Crew, A tiefling male never seen before or again, an archer that seemed to know Aaron, and Lord Peacock with of course Bob and his Lady.

Said they never made it to the Undercity as there was a shite ton of Undead made up of Skeletons, Vampires, Liches, and Death knights. Bob thinks something was empowering them as they kept getting back up. He also said consecration seemed to help against them raising back up. They do not exactly know why Lord Peacock was only there part way, said they want to know themselves his reasoning actually. Marie said they had casualties they were seeing back on their feet, she looked around and did not see Lord Peacock so asked where he was, even called out his name. Some archer she said mentioned he left because there was too much Evil. Stated that only a couple people had heard him say he was leaving them when he did, instead of getting everyone's attention as a follow of the Red Knight to call for a retreat or even just sticking it out putting his pettiness aside for a common larger enemy.

Bob found it odd because the Holy Swords, such as Lord Peacock, do not feel fear. They said he let his own feelings of them get in the way of the mission at hand. It strikes even more odd because Bob stated that Lord Peacock lead a few actions against the Devil Fortress during the War, and that such stones of Dragonspear were saturated with Evil as well but yet he stayed there.

-T

Concerning the Bounty

[Regional] $600 - Investigate and compile a list of traders from whom we can procure silver, or locate mines. House Darius is working on contacting silver wholesalers, but a backup plan never hurt anyone.

Twenty Sixth of Uktar, 1357

What I have found is there is a Silver Mine in the Troll Claws, some silver mines are in Amn and generally controlled by ruling families who occasionally trade them between themselves, and there seem to be no known unclaimed Silver Mines along the Coast. I've also found most Trader Alliances, Leagues, Guilds what have you in most cities around are able to trade in Silver.

-T

Twenty Seventh of Uktar, 1357

A group of us went out for Salvage to the Frost Giants, just as we were leaving an icy mist rolled in from outside, and it did not feel right one bit. We headed outside and the breeze got stronger, icy as hell and felt like the snow itself was needling what skin it reached of me. The snow waste was met with Winter Wolves and giant crab rock looking single eyestalk ugly as hell creature. Mizzrym called it an Avalancher, think I've seen them near the white but never knew what they were. Anyways we traversed through these up towards the Frost Witch's Temple. As we crested the hill we saw moving against the mountain nearly a small mountain of itself an Ice Elemental. Thing was as tall as the Tower in the Gate Farmlands, while we fought that thing Wolves and those rock crabs, eventually we lowed everything and that uneasy feeling went away. Might have been the cause of the pass being blocked up, if not well it won't make it worse either.

-T

Twenty Seventh of Uktar, 1357

Amos sprung a Caravan guard job on us. Gathered Mizzrym, Doan, Derien to join myself on the venture, all went pretty smooth. The Caravans traveled from Fort Prominence to the Halls of Inner Light. Other than the usual Bugbears and Goblins as we neared the Duchal Lands we had been ambushed by bandits. They were dealt with it was noticed that Amos recovered something from the body but I am not sure what. Will likely need to speak with him if we do want to know.

-T

27 of Uktar 1357

While standing in the farmlands Myself, Dunn, Mizzrym, Tristan, Doan and another woman whom I don't know off hand, were approached by a disgusting heap of rotten flesh and puss with a tail. The thing was asking for coin for it's mother, whom came to pass as Talona. The vile creature caused Tristan to wretch and others to repulse at the mere presence of it. We warned the thing away several times. Even going so far as to try to gain the attention of the Flaming Fist in the area. The Tiefling kept advancing, no matter what warnings were given or promises made. It was then that I acted to protect both myself and the Company from contracting pox or worse from this thing. I then took the things life with my bow.

I remained at the scene with the other Vanguards as Dunn got the Flaming Fist. I explained myself to them and was arrested for murder and bribery. Once at the flaming fist compound it was decided that I would be banished from Ducal lands until such a time as the Dukes themselves pardon me.

In Service,
Traegan Daershun
Ranger of the Whitewood Vanguard

28th Uktar 1357

Met briefly with Captain Desrah Asher of the Leviathan's Blush. Floated the idea of her hiring out our people on a per job basis to fill the holes in her current crew list. However, she is depleted of funds and was very cautious about entering into debt with me, personally.

Also took offense that I said she'd smuggled in the past or implied she might be willing to smuggle our Traegan into and out of the Gate. Though I did not go into detail after she balked.

Recommend one of the Sergeants, or Doan, re-approach her on the subject and/or get in touch with Nathan to see if he's willing to front her coin for the hiring of us for jobs.

28th Uktar 1357

Ran into a large metal man south of Beregost. A Marut is what I learned it to be. Says it's name is Alabaster. Might be interested in joining. It says it'll be in this area for the time being. Might seek him out. Either the Captain or one of the Sergeants. ((Character is Viggisz))

29th Uktar 1357

Had a brief meeting inside the Radiant Heart compound (side note, Aaron has lifted our ban of the premises). Ser Sean, son of Thedran, wanted to meet with me and Derik. The conversation was about the clash between the Flaming Fist and the wood magi. Turns out the Fist say that Silvanus' flock struck first, and caused the whole fallout over failed negotiations. Unknown at this time what this means so far as escalating tensions.

I made it clear to Ser Sean the Vanguard would not be taking up the side of the wood magi, if it comes to conflict. But did drop a vague hint we might work with the Fist. For coin.

29th Uktar, 1357

Runa of the Halls of Inner Light, Eldrath wood magi, has asked us to aid her against a black dragon that is hunting her. According to her description it breaths acid, likely capable of magick.

She's researching the trouble and had few details at this time, will contact us on a future date to iron out the details, including payment.

Being an Eldrath wood magi, I doubt she'll be able to afford payment of coin. Instead, we'll likely coordinate some alternative form of payment.

29th Uktar, 1357 Meeting Notes

1. On Tristan's suggestions: Be sure to do after action reports and try and include information such as 1) how many enemeies, 2) what type of enemies, 3) direction of travel, 4) where was it coming from/where was it going to

2. On Doan's suggestions: Remember what we do will help disrupt the Zhentarim over-arching plans. We're using guerilla tactics to thwart their supply chain, interrupt their patrols, and we should also attack the morale of the enemy. Also, find ways to disrupt their oppression toward their citizens and forced labor initiatives

3. On Ophelia's suggestions: Look for ways to turn freed prisoners, slaves, civilians, into loyal aggressors on our side. A freed group of prisoners might be armed against their captors, and further sow chaos against the foe. Look for ways to allow civilians to aid our efforts in perhaps unlooked to ways.

4. On Ko're: Likely we face troops from Zhentil keep, i.e. - the soldiers aren't conscripts, but trained volunteers. However, we should make great effort to understanding our enemy better. Meaning we're not likely to sway them from their current cause. The disenfranchised that look to promises of power, control, or a way to crush their opposition are the rank and file of the Zhents.

Ophelia's quote, "Where Ko're's insight here is accurate, it describes cult recruitment tactics."

Our opposites, where we join together to pursue freedom for the road, liberty to the oppressed, and come from all walks of life as free folk. They band together to oppress, with promises to fulfil dark desires/thoughts.

Of note Zhentil Keep is separate but allied with Darkhold Keep. Zhentil Keep is currently at war with Cormyr as well.

Offer to any civilian Zhentarim that want to join the cause, a chance to be armed, and equipped with the Vanguard Badge. Either to carry the fight forward on their own, or to be employed by the Vanguard as a growing fighting force.

Additional Note: Consider making a separate designation for these freed folk 'Chainbreakers' with a sigil different from the Vanguard badge.

5. On Aurelien: Look for trade routes used by Zhentarim exclusively, and then sabotage those routes. Destroy bridges, add hazards to dirt roads by digging ditches, fill pathways with water, or even explode them.

Find their rest stops and destroy feed sources for caravan animals.

6. On Mizzrym: Darkhold leadership is currently reyling on the tactic 'But we're there for you in your time of need', i.e. with their current food shipments.

Suggestion to create a false flag operation, like planting non-zhentarim goods onto a Zhent caravan, and try to make them out to be thieves in the process.

If successful, can use Rhaeg as a resource of information to the masses, in turning public opinion against the Zhentarim.

Keep looking for ways of retrieving other forms of cargo, either recovering from bandits, or finding lost caravans.

30th Uktar, 1357

Vampire was sighted earlier this date or yesterday in the Lyre in the Gate. Szarilana knows more and has offered to inform Dunn of it, if the others don't by tomorrow.

30 Uktar 1357

Spoke with Rhaeg yesterday, and he outlined his vision for a free state where all persons are seen as equal and represent themselves in assembly or open court. I asked how this would be organized, and he admitted he does not know and this is not his immediate goal in the city.

Rhaeg claims he does not intend to stoke, incite, or urge sedition or rebellion against the dukes, pointing out that he's aware his personal goals for the population are unfeasible and unrealistic at this time, that small changes towards equality need be made first.

He said his primary focus right now is hunting down Rennek and followers, of which he had no leads. I told him his objectives align with those of the Vanguard on that front, and I'll see what I can do about offering him our group's support but made no promises.

My assessment is that Rhaeg is more level-headed than Alyssia makes him out to be, but he would not mind a revolution if such were to escalate. I suggest that the Whitewood Vanguard joins forces with Rhaeg on the goose chase for Rennek, which would give us a chance to observe what he does, rather than going by mere rhetoric. That way, we can assess if he will be too much of a liability to work with going forward, and it gives us plausible deniability of teaming up against a common enemy if he goes off the deep end and causes a riot.

-K