"It is imperative upon arriving to first establish an area where you can solidify defenses quickly and effectively, preferably an area with good defensible properties which does not sacrifice access for reinforcements and supplies."

"This should become a place of organisation and efficiency, the central bud from which the future expansion will spread from. But growth should be neither hurried nor forced, it needs time enough to be done safely and effectively: careful consideration needs to be given."

"Uncontrolled epansion will expose delicate flanks to those looking to exploit them."

I fear that negotiations may prove to be fruitless. Fear is likely the only option for protection

Report No. 00139 Name: Zayyid Rashand Rank: Commander of Squadron E, Thayan Mercenary Guard Force, Thain Subject: Fortification of the abandoned guard post along the road leading north from the Thayan enclave. I have lead four expeditions to secure and rebuild the guard post along the southern road that was abandoned by the Bloodguard long ago. This directive was cleared by the esteemed Khazark himself who accompanied us on two of these missions. Given that the soldiers of my squadron were busy with other duties, I was forced to hire some of the local mercenary barbarians for the price of 500 gold pieces for two days and two nights of service. To my surprise, many even volunteered to serve in this duty without payment. With a few exceptions, most served adequately and loyally once the coin was in their purse. The goal of these expeditions were twofold. By day, when the savage land seemed to grow quiet, I put my servants to work clearing the debris that had gathered around the abandoned post as well as gathering much of the rubble from the fallen tower in the hopes that it can be reused by a hired mason in the future to minimize costs. The rubble has been stacked by the tower. The guard post as a whole, though still quite decrepit, is at least a little more orderly thanks to our efforts. By night, I sent scouts into the surrounding area and, once enemies had been found, we set out to destroy them. In many cases, we plunged deep within the surrounding caves to root out the source of these beasts that threaten supply shipments between the Thayan enclave port and the Outpost in Raven's Watch. No fatalities or other costs were incurred. Though I have been on leave for the past four monthes pursuing studies at the behest of Master Paydon and other esteemed wizards, I have now returned to active duty and, until ordered to do otherwise, will continue these mercenary expeditions to secure the guard post for the prosperity and glory of Thay in this barbarous land.

Major Chambers, In my travels to and from the enclave I have noticed regular patrols of Thayan guards at the post along the southern road, the post that I have been hiring mercenary barbarians to secure and refurbish until our regrettable encounter with the dragon of the sea (whose violent activities are rumoured to have calmed significantly, I should report). I wish to inform you that I, as well as others of my squadron, have heard much inane gossip amongst the barbarian locals on issues pertaining to our operations on the south coast. Most such comments are invariably ill-informed and opposed to our presence there, though I have not heard any news of an organized resistance. With the completion of our most recent mission, know that the soldiers of my squadron and myself stand ready for new orders. I know that I have been strictly ordered not to continue operations along the south coast, however, I request permission to at least share with the guards stationed there the detailed knowledge of the area I have gained through the many patrols I lead to originally secure the area. Though I do not know the soldiers who have been stationed there, I trust they have been fully briefed and trained on how to diplomatically deal with the barbarian hordes should our presence face resistance. Yours in service until death takes me, Zayyid Rashand

Squad Leader Zayyid.

Due you the combination of a number of reports that the dragon has not been seen for some time now, it was authorised to station a small group at the post. This is a two-part plan. Firstly it is the first step towards stationing a permanent force. Secondly it is a matter of insurance. If others station guard before we did, we would have lost it unless we took it by force. This would of course have lead to many difficulties. It is my hope that, though there are reports of people questioning the guards there, nobody would dare try to remove them by force. I hope to soon have our occupation permanent.

I will authorise you to continue your work at the post. It would be good for those guards stationed there to see they are not forgotten about so far from 'home'. I would ask however that you do not hire anymore help from the locals. If you are questioned on your work, then tell them that you are making use of something that nobody had interest in. Tell them that by stationing guards there we are increasing security, not cutting off trade or whatever other rumours there are. I will seek to meet with a representative of the Shire's forces soon. I wish to notify know what they think is going on and to set them straight.

Take Khalina with you to help you with the reconstruction efforts. You mentioned previously about finding a mason - such will be required indeed but not for the time being. We are able to put together wooden structures, as we did with the Enclave, under the correct supervision. I'd not like to hire a local for this task if possible.

Any questions or concerns, please notify me / find me immediately.

Regards,

Major Chambers.

Report No. 00193

Name: Zayyid Rashand
Rank: Commander of Squadron E, Thayan Mercenary Guard Force, Thain

Subject: Sighting of unknown creature in the Moribund Bog

On my way to take up command of the forces at the outpost along the southern road, I ventured off the road in the Moribund bog to continue my observations and studies under Master Paydon and Mistress Rathiya. After engaging and defeating two fascinating and powerful undead creatures, I found myself completely paralyzed, unable to move. Before me was the most bizarre and horrific thing I have ever faced in my service to Thay.

It was a roughly spherical mound of flesh sporting a gaping maw of razor sharp teeth and a giant, unblinking eye set right in the middle. Atop this mound were several stalks that swayed and rotated about, each with a single smaller eye mounted on top.

The next thing I remember is a flash of light, then waking up in one of the many fetid pools of that bog, alone except for a solitary bird that flew off into the night. My physical state was extremely weak and so I retreated to the Thayan enclave where I ordered the available soldiers of my squadron to double the guard at the gate in case the creature followed me back.

Though the entire incident seemed completely real to me, I will not rule out some hallucinatory poisoning from one of the walking dead that I battled. I might be more inclined to believe such an explanation were it not for the two perfectly spherical wounds that were found at the base of my neck by those who tended to my wounds. Such wounds were most definitely not caused by the undead I fought prior to the sighting.

I write you this report in case such information changes how you wish to continue to deploy forces to the southern outpost.