Demon Attack

Colonel Bennars,

As I was leaving the village traveling east over the bridge I scented something unseen and then heard what sounded like heavy footsteps. I quickly cast seeing magics which revealed several tanar'ri and a hooded man.

Those known to me were Sorrath, succubus and soul-stealer and Red, a half-tanar'ri bard. With them was a powerful Balor tanar'ri, also hidden from sight. The hooded man is unknown to me, but I have his scent.

I immediately tried to raise the alarm and gave challenge to the invaders. The succubus seemed angry at the loss of surprise and left the battlefield while the others leveled ridiculous demands in a successful effort to stall for time. When my magical sight fell they took the opportunity to summon three more balor tanar'ri. I dispatched one before everything went dark.

I awoke some time later, grievously injured, to find the carnage they wrought in the village. I stumbled upon the reinforcements fighting the remaining two balor tanar'ri and managed to aid in sending them back to the abyss. I failed to stop the attack but my efforts did delay it until after darkness fell, when most villagers would be in their homes.

At the time of this report I am still unable to fly and will be most likely unable to fight for a few days at best.

~Daron 'Vantalti, Dahakoan-Auraj

Supply Lines Patrol

Colonel Bennars,

The patrol to the forward camp in the Wastes was reasonably uneventful.

After seeing the Quartermaster and securing as many supplies as I could reasonably carry (Some six hundred pounds of foodstuffs and medical supplies) I traveled west encountering no resistance on the road until I entered the Drakamyre.

On the climb up the mountain I dispatched the usual mix of undead as well as the expected beasts of Malar and the constructs and lycanthrops that dwell in the gorge. I stopped briefly at House Khalador for personal reasons, however I can report nothing unusual happening there as well.

I continued on clearing the Pass of Ashes and made contact with Lieutenant Rodon at his camp. I delivered his supplies and spent the night continuing at first light. (The Lieutenant seemed a bit distracted, perhaps his post might be rotated between several of the guard in the future)

The bridge to the wastes is in poor repair, loose and missing planks caused me to stumble several times while walking and while defending myself against the elementals that frequent the area. I would recommend repairs be undertaken soon before the bridge becomes impassable.

After clearing the path to the camp I delivered the supplies and mail to the supply wagon and then met with Captain Darienne and delivered your sealed orders.

On returning to Hamley I delivered the mail and new supply requisitions to the Quartermaster and the reports from Captain Darienne accompany this report.

~Daron 'Vantalti, Dahakoan-Auraj

Iron Clan Attack

Colonel Bennars,

On may way back from the Drakamyre today I came across the remains of an Empyrean patrol just past the first rise west of Hamley.

Iron Clan troops were looting the supplies and I was attacked as I approached their position. I dispatched them, and any other Iron Clan in the area and checked on your men. Sadly, all were slain.

I quickly reported to the western gate guards and returned to protect the bodies and supplies as your men organized to recover them.

~Daron 'Vantalti, Dahakoan-Auraj

Western Gate Attack

Allies
- Lionel du'Salva. warrior arcanist and resident of Hamley.

Hostiles
- Red, Tiefling.
- Balor tanar'ri.
- Dune Stalkers.

Neutral Parties
- Fae'allyn, Self-proclaimed monster hunter, Zealot.
- Calleo, ally to Fae'allyn.


Colonel Bennars,

Traveling through the village I noticed the presence of the monster hunter before she noticed me and so to maintain the peace I decided to avoid a confrontation. This, as it turns out, was fortuitous as it forced me to leave by the western gate where I discovered an attack in progress.

I climbed the western ridge and observed the gate guard already dead. Several dune stalkers were fighting amongst themselves with a Balor demon standing near a portal. I cast magical sight and observed the tiefling known as Red apparently orchestrating the attack.

I raised the alarm and those mentioned above aided in the short but bruial battle that followed before Red escaped using the aformentioned portal.

Lionel volunteered to scout through the portal but was badly injured, barely escaping an ambush on the opposite side. At that point it was decided to close the portal to secure the village from further attack. Lionel was successful removing all trace of the tiefling's magic.

~Daron 'Vantalti, Dahakoan-Auraj.

~~~

Note: I have observed Fae'allyn many times over the past few months. She has on several occasions voiced her beliefs that any creature she deems a monster should be killed including beings of the upper planes. Even celestials, the harbingers of light and the epitome of good are not safe from her zealous crusade.

She has voiced the opinion that anyone harboring those she considers "monsters" will also be considered enemies. At this time that includes myself and so I would suggest caution in any dealings you have with her.

Colonel Bennars,


My name is Leonhardt Grauer. I am not officially enlisted with the Empyrean Aurora, but I like to think of myself as a volunteer cadet and an aspiring brother to the esteemed order. I submit this letter at your desk because I have overheard certain talk among the younger guards whom I help patrol the roads and man the barricades against spiders. Apparently the Asabi camp in the Wastes has petitioned the Empyrean crusaders stationed in the deserts for help. I understand, sir, if you are unwilling to commit resources to this task. I recognize that the Empyreans are stretched thin in number by having to defend Hamley as well as commit men and women to the Wastes. My request is that you allow me and some of my family and friends to investigate this matter on your behalf. I ask for your permission because I do not wish to overstep and boundaries or unwittingly interfere with any current investigations already being conducted in the area. If I can help in any capacity, let me know and I shall gladly commit my services.


Respectfully submitted,
Leonhardt Grauer, Empyrean Aspirant

Supplies to Lt. Rodon


Colonel Bennars,


Together with my brother, Huppert Grauer, I volunteered to secure and deliver a couple of crates of supplies (mostly food and medical supplies) to Lieutenant Rodon at his forward post near the bridge to the Wastes.


The journey was not an easy one. We did not stray from the road yet we were beleaguered by undead creatures at every turn. In Drakamyre we encountered a host of ghasts and mohrgs who keep close to the road, no doubt preying upon travelers and caravans. Two caravans or perhaps carts (it was difficult to estimate because the wreckages were burnt beyond identification) were found looted close to the road, no signs of survivors. We climbed the Drakamyre Mountain and pushed toward Drakamyre Gorge, heading in the direction of Khalador's tower. Once more we were attacked by a company of mohrgs and ghasts as well as what appeared to be some manner of golems stitched together entirely from rotting flesh.


Subsequent to climbing the mountain and maneuvering through the gorge, we made our way toward the Pass of Ahses. Like the mountain and the gorge, the Pass of Ashes was teeming with undead creatures, most notably specters and skeletons. We dispatched these as well as a number of impressively-sized golems made of stone and resilient to magic. I am happy to report we found Lieutenant Rodon in good health.


The following supplies were delivered to his tent:


I. Some stacks of healing kits
II. Some dozen potions of healing draught
III. Some dozen potions of antidote
IV. A few scrolls of restoration (which we deemed particularly useful given the presence of undead)


After we delivered the supplies we made our way toward the ramshackle bridge that connects the Pass of Ashes with the Wastes. The bridge is in desperate condition and a man needs to navigate cautiously lest he loses footing and plummets toward certain death. On the bridge we encountered and dispatched a number of air elementals. At least for a borrowed amount of time, Lieutenant Rodon should be safe. We did not make toward Captain Darienne's encampment in the deserts, however we mean to do this very soon. It is still my intention to investigate the Asabi camp to see if what besets them may threaten the security of the Empyrean encampment nearby. If not, it is still the right thing to do to offer help to those who plea for it.


Respectfully submitted,
Leonhardt Grauer, Empyrean Aspirant

Beast Attack


Colonel Bennars,


The incident described in this report didn't occur on my watch so expect some details to be vague. Approximately an hour before dawn I left the temple in Hamley and made directly for the gates to help the guardsmen stationed there keep an eye on the perimiter. However, approaching the gates, an eerie silence greeted me. My sense of foreboding was amplified when I opened the gates: Everyone on duty lay dead on the ground, two Empyrean guardsmen and one Empyrean crusader, limbs and armor torn asunder. I summoned for reinforcements and took some time to examine the wounds. I have some moderate knowledge of medicine and it was easy for me to establish the cause of death: Claws and fangs. I do not know what manner of beast or beasts, exactly, assaulted the guardsmen on duty, but I can rule out spiders with certainty. I estimate the attack must have occured between midnight and dawn. Unfortunately there were no witnesses to the attack so everything written in this report is mere speculation and qualified deduction. I have taken the bodies to the infirmary for further examination. Given the shredded condition of the bodies, resuscitation seems, I am sad to report, beyond skill or spell.

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Rest assured, I shall investigate into this to divulge what creature or creatures attacked the men on duty and why.


With this report I have attached the tags of the fallen so that proper honors may be given and their families notified.


[OOC: Names are invented by me. I will edit out this information if it violates any rule. I have seen the Knaves do it in their reports so I'm just following example]


Empyrean Guardsman Ralph Graubner
Empyrean Guardswoman Wilda Sachs
Empyrean Crusader Sir Gottfried Greiffenberg


May they rest in peace in the embrace of Eternal Light.


Submitted by,
Leonhardt Grauer, Empyrean Aspirant

Beast Attack Investigation


Colonel Bennars,


Approximately 12 hours after the beast attack on Hamley, while the crime scene was still relatively fresh, I called upon my sister and brother to assist with the investigation. Prior to that, I went back to the infirmary to corroborate my suspicion that the deaths of the three Empyreans were caused by beast claw. No autopsy was performed on either of the bodies at the time, but even so the healers could ascertain with certainty that the bodies were torn by claw and fang, approximately 7-10 inches large. Most unusually, residue of stone dust was found in all wounds. Given the size of the claws, I estimate the beast must have been at least 6 feet tall, possibly much taller. The stone residue suggests the beast was either made of stone or under a stoneskin spell. More on this later.


I exited the infirmary and made for the gates where I met with my sister and brother, Hilda and Huppert Grauer. Hilda is an accomplished scout so I asked her to look over the crime scene to see if she could garner anything from it. I cite her findings: the creature was moving as a biped, but the prints it left behind did not belong to a boot or a humanoid foot. Rather it had talons for feet. The creature moved with light movements suggesting it was moving under the guise of stealth. Scattered pebbles and traces of stone dust were uncovered under the grass, once more suggesting the creature was somehow made from stone.

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Hilda suggested we backtrace the prints and so we did. The creature made sure to ruffle its prints in a deliberate attempt to throw off any would-be pursuers, but this did not deter Hilda's tracking even if it made our progress slow and tedious. We followed the tracks South of Hamley and into Watch territory. I cite Hilda's findings: the creature lingered at the RW campfire for an indeterminate amount of time. The movements there were less subtle, suggesting the creature was moving more freely here and therefore likely not hiding. A qualified assumption would be that the Vandals tolerate its presence. For the third time we found traces of stone and stone dust, at which point my brother, Huppert, suggesting we could be dealing with a creature called a gargoyle. A gargoyle is a statue of a demon typically adorning cathedrals and castles. Sometimes these creatures are brought to life by dark magic and given a shred of sentience. My brother also pointed that the only known gargoyles on Thain reside in a cave in Crater Lake, serving as protectors to the snakepeople there also known as Yuan-Ti. Huppert reasoned, and I cite: it is illogical to assume a gargoyle would abandon its duty as sentry to perform a seemingly pointless kill on three Empyreans. Gargoyles do not sustain themselves on meat or plants like many living creatures do, so the killing didn't happen on account of feeding, either. Most perturbing of all, the tracks led further South, well into territory regularly patrolled by the Brotherhood. This knowledge in mind, we are certainly not dealing with a typical nearly mindless gargoyle. Rather, we are dealing with a very cunning and stealthy creature that has an intimate knowledge of the land and the routines of its custodians. My brother suggested it could be a shapeshifter under the guise of a gargoyle, and both Hilda and I find it a plausible explanation.


We continued following the tracks through Brotherhood regulated territory and into the Necropolis. We trudged through graves and bones and followed the trail left by the (assumed to be) shapeshifter into lands which are very familiar to us, the Grauer Süden. The creature made an elobaorate attempt to conceal its tracks here, but no-one knows these lands better than the Grauers, and with some insistent searching Hilda managed to uncover tracks leading up the Grey Mountains and into a cave. At this point we established with absolute certainly that the shapeshifter was moving under the guise of shadow as there were no tracks of battle between the creature and the manticores and gorgons that dwell in Grauer Süden. The shapeshifter must have sneaked past these beasts without drawing notice to themselves (sex unknown). A normal gargoyle would not be capable of this; it is a rather clumsy and noisy creature.


Inside aforementioned cave, we uncovered a series of unsettling facts. The cave serves as a clandestine path to the Underdark. We found a strange item inside the cave, seemingly nothing more than a discarded sea shell. My brother Huppert picked it up to trace it for any magical residue only to be teleported to an underground dungeon. Hilda and I followed. A brief survey of the dungeon revealed it was a maze of sorts, many doors leading nowhere. Finally a door leading to somwhere was discovered and we found ourselves on the precipice of a bridge across a vast void. Skulls were piled on either side of the bridge and a marker was erected. My brother translated the carvings on the marker as duergar runes intended to deter visitors from crossing the bridge. Yet the shapeshifter we were tracking had walked across this exact bridge and so my brother, sister and I determined to do the same. I cannot relay with any coherence or clarity what, exactly, happened afterward. Hilda was the first to walk the bridge and for the first few steps nothing happened. Then something stirred in the depths, something very large and very alien, extending its tentacles to lash at us. We ran, blindly and clumsily and feverishly. Hilda was at the front and so the thing in the depths must have latched its attention onto her first. I don't know if Hilda was taken by the thing under the bridge, if she slipped and fell or if she simply vanished, but when Huppert and I emerged on the other side of the bridge, Hilda was gone. We ran back and looked for her, but there was nothing. She was nowhere to be found and we were left stranded in foreign territory without a tracker and, infinitely worse, without a sister.


Not knowing what else to do, Huppert and I opted to survey the area beyond the bridge. Lots of duergar dwarves were present here, and they were not pleased to see us. Having no option but to press forward, we plunged into the thick of duergar soldiery and fought with sword and spell toward what appeared to be some sort of stairway at the end of the dungeon. The duergar were formidable both in number and tenacity. We identified skirmishers and rogues, scouting ahead for the main body of their army: their soldiers and veteran soldiers. Every soldier was also flanked by a wizard and a priestess, making every encounter a desperate fight for survival on our part. Andarus must have been with us because we made it to that stairway in one piece. We descended the stairs and found ourselves in the most Light-forsaken place of all: a duergar city.

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I cannot put in written words the horrors present there. A huge city sprawled all around us, a merging of black and vile architecture. Closest to us was a market where duergar slavers whipped men and women of all castes and races to stand atop a platform and be sold off like cattle. Beyond that a cruel tower rose in grotesque spires to touch the roof of the Underdark, no doubt some foul temple dedicated to a dark patron. Further still, perched on a lone hill, we glimpsed the silhouette of an impregnable-looking fortress. Everywhere around us duergar dwarves were present in hundreds and thousands. At that point we knew with stark certainty there was no way out except death. We fought off duergars of all kinds, slaying priests and slavers and at least accomplishing to set free a dozen elven slaves before everything went black. I don't know what happened afterwards. Perhaps divine intervention or providence. All I remember was waking up at the stone next to Hamley temple. May Andarus be praised for his mercy and compassion.


In conclusion, it is reasonable to assume that the presumed shapeshifter who attacked and killed three Empyreans has some sort of connection to the duergars. What that connection is, precisely, I do not know. But I intend to find out!


Submitted by,
Leonhardt Grauer, Empyrean Aspirant

Feywood Attack.

After the initial elven attack on Hamley I volunteered to travel to the woods and hear them out so we can better understand the situation. Captain Rothe approved the attempt and I made my way to the Feywood.

As I entered the wood, with no weapon drawn, I was attacked and forced to retreat back to Hamley

End of Report.
Squire Liam Graysteel