The Records of the Whitewood Vanguard

[YourMoveHolyMan]

The following are a collection of reports, letters, and important documents of the mercenary company known as the Whitewood Vanguard. The opener, here, is put to ink and parchment by their Captain, and one of its founding members, Michael Dunn. I do not yet know if I shall make this available to Candlekeep in my life. And, should I proceed my wife in death as I suspect I should, I will leave it up to her as to what happens with the contents of this collection.

If it does indeed become part of the collection of tomes and journals there, and is read by anyone who had a hand in its contents, or, were the subject of them, or are just a curious soul chasing a bit of history of the coast, let me begin by explaining what we were, and what we intended to be, from the onset.

(This part is incomplete as of 07/16/26, ic date 17th of Flamerule 1362)

//OOC Disclaimer - there will be a lot of information here. Be entertained by the reading of it, just do not metagame it. IF it involves your character, take heart in that we all as players adore and respect you as fellow players, even when the characters may be at odds or disagree. For those of you who read it, smile at the fond memories, and I adore you all <3. And a special thank you to everyone who had a hand, big or small, in the roleplay of the Whitewood Vanguard in its existence. The echoes of which carry on to this day.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

A collection of brief reports, from the earliest days of the Vanguard. Brief note, here, 'Alexander of Torm' is a reference to Alexander Holgart, a man held in lesser regard, particularly when compared to the Lord Alexander Marshall. There will be multiple references to that Alexander and in most reports he is referred to 'Alexander of Torm' whereas Lord Alexander Marshall, not being nobility at the time, is more oft referred to as Alexander, Alex, or Marshall.

Micar'mizzrym — 11/01/2021
Uktar 1, 1357
The Chionthar is home to a myriad of wildlife, and now too a pair of eyes in paid service to the Vanguard.

Micar'mizzrym — 11/02/2021
Uktar 3, 1357
It is learned that the Zhentarim is attempting to gain audience with the gnomish crafter responsible for the devices put in play at the Arena under the Sons of the Second Dawn's expense. Source states it is possible there are souls involved with the design of the golems.

Uktar 3, 1357
The Radiant Heart is requesting varying factions to join them in emboldening their new outpost along the Chionthar. Requests have been sent to include Darius, Kraak, and more. It is learned that Doron Amar turned joint efforts down.

Michael Dunn
Dunn scribbles a note,

Asked Aaron to include us in his talks.

Micar'mizzrym

Uktar 3, 1357
Nalissa Colds and Edelgarde possess a cube originating from a gnome arcanist, description matches the cube given to my student Mia.

Micar'mizzrym
Uktar 3, 1357
A woman of dark garb, planetouched, fur mantle, short cropped hair, red markings on her cheeks, and tall stature waxed philosophy with Isabella at the eastern Gate farmland fire. The topic predominant of seeking work, adventuring, and correlation of the poor and the weak. Her husband was consumed by a chair mimic. She'd later give her name as Genevieve.

Habitu
Uktar 3, 1357

Came across a Drow female along the road South of Beregost, it was in guise of a sun elf. True Sight allowed me to pierce the guise as it fooled the others there. Michael arrived just behind it, it claims to be a a Half Drow but my eyes saw otherwise. It claims to live only on the surface but I believe that as much as I can swim in my armor. Michael gave it a choice of going to Soubar or the Gate, it chose Soubar. It gave it's name as Rauva Aurel, I will remain it to it but if needs known for the rest of you there it is. It decided to go to Soubar we took it as far as the Reaching Wood before heading on the Road to Soubar so it would not trick any others on the road.

A man named Flint seems to be paid by Drow to hunt other Drow.

Olesya
Uktar 3, 1357

Came across a strange portal at the gnoll camp, the one where their chief rests, in the reaching woods. It lead to a cave seemly empty with a few ritualist marks on the ground along with corpses of mimics and some breed of giant.

Habitu

Adds to the above. The Radiants, Nathan, and some others went into that cavern last eve. I know not much more than that.

Olesya
Uktar 5, 1357

An angel or some other type of celestial being was spotted by Jane casually walking through the farmlands.

Michael Dunn
Uktar 5, 1357

Alexander of Torm, and the church of the Triad, are looking into the matters of social unrest within the Gate. Specifically, they will be recommending the Church of Tyr handle the courts, and the city watch officially step up and relieve the Flaming Fist, Duke Eltan's men, as the city's law enforcement.

Michael Dunn
Uktar 5, 1357

Szarilana has seen Rauva before in Soubar, in the company of another elf at Mag's Winding Way Inn. Asked Szarilana to warn us if this Rauva was ever seen south of Soubar again.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Unsigned reports by my right hand, Micar'Mizzrym. I'll most oft refer to her simply as Mizzrym in future notes.

Uktar 4, 1357
Tristan and I set upon someone who is considering joining after a few days of contemplation, his roles are simplified to the guardianship of Gwenfey and any engineer beneath her purview. Additional roles have been discussed and will be revealed should he accept.
--
A member of another mercenary company is considering joining the Vanguard, anticipation is to also act as delegate to the Rocky Creek. Martial skill is recognized, a history with the individual well known over the past three moons.

Uktar 4th, 1357
We now number officially seven with another seven in pending.
Three structures are identified now as safe havens of assets.
Potential skiff acquisition may come to expedite Chionthar bound ambitions.
Operation territory treaties are underway.
Bounty board is being formalized and prepared for publication to the Vanguard internally.
Research into a unique construction material is underway.
Teleportation circle and jaunt points are being identified.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

An early report penned by one of the Vanguard magi, Olesya.

Uktar 4, 1357
Gwenfey met the Archdruid Emmanuel and after a brief chat was told that at least three organizations have looked for the circle.
It seems everyone wishes to learn how to build in the area along the river while respecting the balance of nature, he confermed to me that the Zhents and Blackrose were among the three.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

Uktar 6, 1357
Access to adamantine forges and architectural engineering available. Gwenfey and Jane will be set upon the role to directly work with the added industrial alliance.

I penned a reply.

Additional note: On any direct conflict with the Zhentarim, Bhor, the individual might aid, but Kraak Helzaak is cautious at best, and at worst, will not participate at this time.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

One of my reports, most of the early reports lacked a proper header or signature.

Uktar 6, 1357

Captain Boots of the Radiant Heart needed some help in the Forest of Wyrms. An unknown man in her company somehow became cursed with a hag's eye in his hand, which was allowing an unknown named witch to see through him.

There is some unknown truce with a spider's den, who oppose the hags. The hags themselves are allied with Sharpteeth Orcs who are in conflict with... well, everyone.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Person of Interest: Tarina Mazir.
-Former member of Candlekeep, House of Spades, and bartender at the Lewd Lyre.
-Currently known as a Zhent.
-Maintains a Malarite shrine in Soubar.
-Widely spread scuttlebutt that Harkonis is grooming Tarina as next Dreadlord.
-Very talented at playing the pity card.
Added by Ko're.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

Uktar 7, 1357

Plans are set in motion regarding asset enumeration and additional weaponization of said assets. Role and new duty has been assigned to three to carry out with planned practice coming expectantly in a few tendays.

Uktar 7, 1357

Plans of removing a known threat to the Coast is to take place outside of Duchal territory to adhere to lawful requisites. Upfront costs are being determined at this time.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

A good time to note, I will include all reports as originally written. And I may return at a later time to provide context to these bodies of work. More Olesya reports.

Uktar 8, 1357

jane met with the former Archdruid Sarisay, she was touched by the fey according to Emmanuel, this event changed her life and she can no longer shift into her dragon form, it is also confirmed that Sarisay is Emmanuel's sister.

According to Sarisay the correct term to refer to Emmanuel's community is "Enclave" because a circle does not allow non druids, so the correct term for this particular faction would be "Druid Enclave".

Sarisay does not deny or confirm the existence of a true druid circle.

Uktar 8, 1357

A knight at the farmlands reported to have fought drows that were killing people near the Boarskyr Bridge.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

8 Uktar 1357

Overheard Blake Hightower and an unknown man in a skull mask by tax office talking of drow trouble.

Rumors of drow and Radiant Heart altercation in the north later in evening, more details needed, will follow up.

-Ko're

[YourMoveHolyMan]

T stands for Tristan, a holy priest of the Three Thunders, Hoar.

Eighth of Uktar, 1357

Addition to Ko're's report of Hearts altercation: Thomas Garlendt a Holy Sword of Torm spoke to me of the above information. Five Radiants came upon two Drow blocking the path at Boarskyr Bridge. The two desired a fight as he said, one of them he called it the mouthy one carried a bunch of scalps, he said things escalated and a fight broke out with Thomas nearly falling to two blows from the Mouth one if not for his compatriots, its seems the Radiants killed one and the Mouthy one had run off.

He believes they will return. They worshipped Lolth and Seveltarm as he stated though what I know about Drow Deities is about as much as I have studied the Arcane. He said they had been highly prepared as well.

viewtopic.php?p=929382#p929382

-T

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Olesya.

9 Uktar 1357

A meeting with the two formers dreadlord of Darkhold Marietta and Bob, It was informed by the pair that not long ago Tarina and a pack of werewolves ambushed a House Blackrose Caravan at the Thundar's Ride but after a long battle were eventually driven off by the guards along with Amos and a tiefeling knowns as Florenna.

Reportedly Tarina may or may not have been sane during the fight. She claims that if people were to leave those cursed creatures alone they would not bother anyone, whatever this may mean.

The source of this information, it seems, come from an elf known as Sirion.

The pair also mentioned that the current Dreadlord is preparing Tarina to become the next Dreadlord of Darkhold, or so it is what the two believe to be the case.

As a title of curiosity i also got the history of all the recent former Dreadlords, it is as follow: Selengil Harkonis, internal transfer. Morgalia Verenach, defected. Marietta Starling, self-demoted. Bob Thairo, honorably resigned. Victoria Thornhart, disapeared probably assassinated. Saffron Miller, also disappeared into thin air, allegedly after being bullied in a ducal court session. Evania Numah, deceased while serving as Dreadlord, unknown causes. Selengil Harkonis, currently serving.

Another curiosity for us to ponder, the Darklord is not the top ranking officer of the Zhentarim, there are higher ranking officers elsewhere or not.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Olesya

10 untar 1357

Jane overheard Celestia talking about her wishes to help drows but that she was also attacked and severely harmed by another drow.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

Mizzrym.

10 Uktar 1357

Doan has been interviewed by a half elf of unknown name in the service of Captain Desrah. In their discussions Doan had been informed the intent is to operate a transport ship.

[YourMoveHolyMan]

11 Uktar, 1357

Derien and I ran into Jenny near Nashkel Mines, she was in company with a Brex another Hin and a Sanguinis some Arcanist. She is trying to recruit Brex and as far as I heard he will be looking for Michael. Beyond that we moved through the Duergars rather fine, dealt with the dark beast within as well. Not too much trouble there either that I noticed.

-T