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

6 Nightal 1357, special attention to Michael Dunn

On this evening, a man entered the Lyre dressed in fine silks and jewels claiming to be a "Scion of Siamorphe" from Waterdeep investigating two persons of interest involved in threats against the city's nobility. He mentioned that Rhaeg was higher on his priority list, saying he intimidated lords and nobles with "brutish orcish mannerisms" and seeks to cause sedition and riots. Most of the other patrons in the Lyre either dismissed or refuted the man's beliefs. Carah, Emrys, Oth, Nathan, and Teris were also present. This man says that he already conducted interviews about Rhaeg but refused to say with whom, claims he keeps his sources confidential. He also did not mention who his second suspect is.

Emrys told the man that Rhaeg is popular among the hard working people of the docks, and advised him to go check there and get a good old fashioned Balduran greeting while he is at it. Carah and Nathan stood up for Rhaeg.

-K

7th of Nightal, 1357

Nathan of House Darius has reported to the Vanguard that vampires have been set loose by a Zhentarim ship in the harbor of the Gate. Boris, Zhentarim official unknown rank, became a vampire and became head of a clan of vampires operating as Zhentarim agents.

Those on the ship bore Zhentarim heraldry, and the vampires have been offloaded including their coffins, and quickly dispersed in nearly every direction from the Gate. They are believed to be building up their numbers, either to bolster local Zhent forces or to further the war effort out east.

Of note, the vampires seem equipped with amulets that protect them from the best weapon against vampires, sunlight. Consider silver still to be a weakness of theirs. Currently, Nathan Goldenmane of House Darius has hired us to kill the blackhearts, at one large a 'head' or confirmed kill.

Nathan advised that Lord Selengil has disavowed Boris, and the Zhentarim no longer publicly claim him.

7th of Nightal, 1357

Kiyoshi Konosuba, the knight, has hired us at fifteen large to protect the next village. The caveat is that he intends to come along. I've already explained he doesn't call the shots, we do. We'll see how this works. But getting something in our pockets is better than nothing.

8 Nightal 1357

Per Carah Evenwood, Rhaeg was attacked by one of the Nightgale/Zhent vampyres just last night. He was able to easily fend it off.

She reports that victims of the vampyres have been turning up in the city.

-K

9th of Nightal, 1357

Spoke with Netanya of House Divine. She was informed of the actions of her magi, Lyndsay(sp?), and said that she is a novice to large scale combat, and that Netanya would speak with her. We will thus consider the matter closed, so long as it does not happen again.

If it does happen again on a job or in heated combat. Consider Lyndsay an enemy and take her down accordingly

10th of Nightal, 1357

Kiyoshi Konosuba has hired a scout at the sum of five large for a future scouting mission into the Cloudpeaks. Date pending. Be sure whomever takes up the task to share any information gained by report as we're operating in the same area already.

10 Nightal 1357 Distributed to all Vanguards

If you are attending our wedding on the 13th of Nightal, please show up armored and armed to the Shrine of Hoar in Thundar's Ride, and get the word out to any others who are interested in attending, plus ones, dates, and so on. All are welcome to attend. Boots has warned us that the Zhentarim travel along the Ride and may seek to cause trouble, but we will not let them scare us away from our day.

If our enemies merely wish to observe the ceremony, it our desire that they be allowed to do so; it is the will of the Winsome Rose that all grievances be set aside for ceremonies of love.

Feel free to pack a change of comfortable clothing for the party that follows at the Lewd Lyre.

-K

10th of Nightal 1357,
Tarina has want of audience of a dragon rumored in proximity of "the bridge." She spoke with Althalous at the Eastern Farmlands in length of the topic. Althalous asked also of her regarding a celestial that an agreement was made between her and Alexander regarding communion which involved a celestial whose name was found when Althalous and Tarina visited the library. Althalous made side commentary of something else having been found but decided Tarina and he should remain vague about what it is.

-M'M

A copy of the letter to Captain Vanders:

Captain Vanders,

I write on behalf of Captain Michael Dunn of the Whitewood Vanguard to inform you of vampyres let loose in Bladur's Gate; they bear the insignia of the Zhentarim and the Nightgale Coven, which has been under the thumb of Darkhold for just over a year now. Dreadlord Selengil Harkonis denies that he has anything to do with the coven anymore, and has disavowed the leader, a former Darkhold Commander named Boris. We have several theories:

-That Harkonis is lying and believes that he has plausible deniability, and this was his way of staging a counterattack for the Hellriders' ruination of their fog forts. Some who knew Harkonis say that he would never give up an asset at his disposal.

-That the vampyres were sent to Baldur's Gate by Zhentil Keep, and Harkonis is uninvolved. A classic case of the left hand not knowing what the right is doing.

-That the Black Network is creating more troops for their war with Cormyr by siring more vampyres in the city.

-That Harkonis really did disavow the coven for the liability it posed, and Commander, Boris, who was a hotheaded militant Banite when he was living, and is now on the warpath to foil Darkhold after his second time being kicked out of the Black Network. The first time happened years ago under Dreadlord Verenach, and he was later reinstated under Dreadlord Thornhart.

In any event, be warned that the fort in Triel and any Hellrider outposts may be targets for the Zhentarim and Nightgale vampyres.

Regards,
Ko're Philommeides, Ranger
Whitewood Vanguard

12th of Nightal, 1357

Marietta Thairo has received an invitation to the upcoming 'hags ball'. They've threatened her family and/or the life of her husband, Bob Thairo. Currently she's cooperating with Edelgarde of Candlekeep to stop the hag threat. To that end, she's asked I attend the ball as an additional 'date' of hers, to stack the attendants in favor of those willing/wanting to kill the hags, and any that would take up on their offer of power.

Other known entities who have received an invitation are:
1. Edelgarde, of Candlekeep, unknown escort.
2. Aunrae, a drow of some renown, it is suspected by Marietta that she'll take Kethelis, whom has some unconfirmed ties to Aunrae.
3. Unknown woman, unknown escort. Edelgarde is aware of a third woman but has not disclosed her identity.
4. Tarina is suspected to have been invited, unknown escort. Theories of her bringing Selengil and sacrificing him for hag power abound.

The hag is offering these ladies attend with the intent of sacrificing their male dates in exchange for vague offers of power. Marietta and Bob have a vested interest in keeping their family whole, and if Mariette (or the other invitees) don't cooperate, their 'most cherished loved ones will be slain and the invitee forced to 'feed on their corpse.'

3th of Nightal, 1357

Whitewood Vanguard: Company-wide with a few exceptions.
Location: Cloudpeaks mountains and its surrounding communities
Incident Summary: Cold-weather preparation
Narrative:

The past tenday has been spent with a great deal of preparation by the individuals of the Vanguard. Each has been advised to take personal care to their safety for the work ahead which includes purchasing warm clothes, stockpiling survival gear, and maintaining armaments.

On the subject of clothes, fur lined jackets and clothing, as well as felt lined headgear, boots, pants, and tabards to keep out the cold. Shaeth, our engineer, has developed a simple but effective system of leather strapped snow spikes. Easy to deploy, you simply slip them on the bottom of ones boots or shoes, tighten down the strap, and you're ready. This should aid both in maintaining stance on the rocky ice terrain, but also prevent fatigue from long marching in the cold environment. The shoes of our four horses will also be changed out prior to the journey, with sharp edged horseshoes meant to mimic the same utility as our snow spike contraptions. I have traded in my faded traveller's coat for a fleece jacket, to bear the onset of cold and ice.

For my personal kit I'll be bringing healing supplies aplenty, to treat various injuries including ointments for frostbite or cold related wounds. A hatchet for chopping wood or other general use. Hand held flint and striker, either for campfires or the use of Shaeth's smoke powder bombs. Plenty of bombs, both for use in combat, or for creating a makeshift shelter by blowing up craters in the snow and ice. A personal tent and wool/felt lined sleeping bag. Plenty of pairs of fresh, warm socks - keeping one's feet dry will be of utmost concern on the long march we're due for.

The troops have taken to horseback riding rather well - we've each had our own life experiences with it and while we're no heavy cavalry, it will aid in our movements of both personnel and supplies. Additional felt blankets will be kept on the horses, with an extra two wrapped and bundled with their saddles, to change out as we will our socks, to keep the horses in good health and working condition.

Everyone bearing metal weapons will be supplied with cold weather oil for their maintenance, and to prevent them from sticking or freezing in their sheaths. I will have to make sure to restock on fire-magicked arrows for the trolls themselves, Traegan has likely already done the same, and McGrath should if he's available for the job ahead.

The Vanguard is no stranger to hardship, we'll make the blizzards our ally.

Addendum: Heavy layers of clothing should be worn during riding, or periods of rest or little movement. During marching or combat, these should be shed and or changed out prior to battle

14 Nightal 1357

Alyssia reports that two days ago, on 12 Nightal, she was sitting on the bench by the EF watchtower when a black crow feather appeared at her feet. Yesterday on 13 Nightal it was determined that this is the calling card of an assassin group she does not have the name of but assumes it has something to do with the bird. She remained in the Halls while Boots helped bolster security. Claims the "dress prank" was a lost bet or dare during a game of dice she, Boots, and some others played to take their minds off the situation. She apologized about it.

Does anybody know what the crow's feather means?

-K

15th Nightal, 1357

There are three main forces at play in our campaign in the Cloudpeaks. The Thayan Slaves, the Salamander Cult, and the Troll Forces.

1. On the Thayans, these slavers currently have, or had, some negative impact on the Salamander cultists including the capture of a girl named Lynette. Care should be taken for the rescue of Lynette, whom may be turned over to Carah of the Lyre for safekeeping. All other slaves, if possible, should be freed and given the opportunity for employment in the Vanguard or to go to their lives as they choose.

On the Thayans. Death to the slaveholders.

2. On the Salamander Cultists. Their leaders, of which there may be five, or more, are the force currently suspected of driving on the troll forces. This is a front so that they can persue their own agenda which is hunting down the Thayan sect of slavers, mentioned above. Their leader was said to have 'dead eyes, like an undead being' by a merchant of a book caravan that was attacked by them, whom delivered this description to Edelgarde of Candlekeep.

It seems the cult is behind both the troll attacks, and the burned caravans that we've witnessed. Death to these cultists whom have endangered many for the sake of their schemes.

The leaders bear wooden masks, some bear inscriptions. One such in the possession of Rhaeg has the names 'Matthew' and "Lynette' inscribed inside. This particular cult leader was consumed by flame and is now dead, Matthew was his son, whom was killed by thayans. His daughter Lynette remains in their captivity.

***Note, do not attempt to put on any recovered wooden masks of these cultists. It was reported by Carah that she can hear whispers from it, as if recounting some night of conflict by its original bearer and the loss of his family. Do not attempt to wear the masks, any recovered should be turned over to Morgalia, Mizzrym, or Ophelia for further study.

3. On the trolls, this is obvious but, they're a threat to be put down. If the leadership can be taken down they might disperse on their own or lose all cohesion and become easier to manage.

16th of Nightal, 1357

Valduil of House Vale has reported that mindflayers are attacking caravans in the Troll Claw mountain passes. Unknown how this has affected Kraak Helzaak.

16th of Nightal, 1357

Valduil also reported that Peter, the bard, may know the name(s) of some of the Salamander Cultists, including the intent of their leader. Possibly a man of mixed dragon blood that is seeking out his ancient dragon heritage through this campaign. Including the name of the dragon that intermixed with his bloodline.

Need someone to follow up with Peter - Ophelia might be the best bet.

14 Nightal 1357

Alyssia reports that two days ago, on 12 Nightal, she was sitting on the bench by the EF watchtower when a black crow feather appeared at her feet. Yesterday on 13 Nightal it was determined that this is the calling card of an assassin group she does not have the name of but assumes it has something to do with the bird. She remained in the Halls while Boots helped bolster security. Claims the "dress prank" was a lost bet or dare during a game of dice she, Boots, and some others played to take their minds off the situation. She apologized about it.

Does anybody know what the crow's feather means?

-K

15th Nightal, 1357

There are three main forces at play in our campaign in the Cloudpeaks. The Thayan Slaves, the Salamander Cult, and the Troll Forces.

1. On the Thayans, these slavers currently have, or had, some negative impact on the Salamander cultists including the capture of a girl named Lynette. Care should be taken for the rescue of Lynette, whom may be turned over to Carah of the Lyre for safekeeping. All other slaves, if possible, should be freed and given the opportunity for employment in the Vanguard or to go to their lives as they choose.

On the Thayans. Death to the slaveholders.

2. On the Salamander Cultists. Their leaders, of which there may be five, or more, are the force currently suspected of driving on the troll forces. This is a front so that they can persue their own agenda which is hunting down the Thayan sect of slavers, mentioned above. Their leader was said to have 'dead eyes, like an undead being' by a merchant of a book caravan that was attacked by them, whom delivered this description to Edelgarde of Candlekeep.

It seems the cult is behind both the troll attacks, and the burned caravans that we've witnessed. Death to these cultists whom have endangered many for the sake of their schemes.

The leaders bear wooden masks, some bear inscriptions. One such in the possession of Rhaeg has the names 'Matthew' and "Lynette' inscribed inside. This particular cult leader was consumed by flame and is now dead, Matthew was his son, whom was killed by thayans. His daughter Lynette remains in their captivity.

***Note, do not attempt to put on any recovered wooden masks of these cultists. It was reported by Carah that she can hear whispers from it, as if recounting some night of conflict by its original bearer and the loss of his family. Do not attempt to wear the masks, any recovered should be turned over to Morgalia, Mizzrym, or Ophelia for further study.

3. On the trolls, this is obvious but, they're a threat to be put down. If the leadership can be taken down they might disperse on their own or lose all cohesion and become easier to manage.

16th of Nightal, 1357

Valduil of House Vale has reported that mindflayers are attacking caravans in the Troll Claw mountain passes. Unknown how this has affected Kraak Helzaak.

16th of Nightal, 1357

Valduil also reported that Peter, the bard, may know the name(s) of some of the Salamander Cultists, including the intent of their leader. Possibly a man of mixed dragon blood that is seeking out his ancient dragon heritage through this campaign. Including the name of the dragon that intermixed with his bloodline.

Need someone to follow up with Peter - Ophelia might be the best bet.

16 Nightal 1357

I have resigned from the Halls of Inner Light, effective 14 Nightal 1357. Did not get around to announcing it in the chaos down in the Peaks.

-K

17 Nightal 1357

Carah expresses doubt about Nashkel's mayor. He seems like he is concerned for the safety of his people, but Carah and hers did not directly tell him about the Thayan presence, only that the Salamanders are after something they might take from Nashkel and/or surrounding villages. The mayor also did not mention the Thayan presence, and it is possible that he did not know or have any information to offer about them. This, or maybe the mayor stands to gain something from the Thayans and was banking on the group's ignorance. The latter is Carah's worry.

-K

18th of Nightal, 1357

Peter came upon a few of us at the campfire of Nashkel. Hot on the heels of the report concerning Valduil, we asked him what he knew of the Salamander Cult.

Candlekeep came across a prisoner who they asked Peter to interview. Edelgarde was present for the questioning (or another Candlekeeper whose name starts with an 'E', Peter was unsure).

The prisoner's name was Horrus. The dragon that the Salamander Cult are looking for, or looking for information on, was named Lyvinicus Drycus. The Salamander Cult leader is Favus Morik.

Horrus was part of a caravan that was transporting books from a bronze dragon, meant as a gift for person(s) unknown, possibly Candlekeep. Horrus used to trade with Favus for books on draconic lineage. Horrus believes that Favus attacked the caravan because it was from a dragon, and was looking for additional information. Favus and his men killed the rest of Horrus' caravan.