Progress Update Addressed to Hold Goodman

[Nil]

A letter addressed to Adept Goodman arrives at the Corps de Grace Headquarters in Sestra:

Adept,

I wanted to update you on my progress relative to the tasks you assigned to me. Recruiting men was initially a challenge (few humans relish the prospect of training under a Halfling), but once I pointed out that scouting provide an essential service to any army, and yet actively discourages one from going toe to toe with an axe-wielding giant, I had all the volunteers I needed.

From the volunteers, I selected the six most able men and began training them in scouting basics. Some basic information about each volunteer is included with this letter.

Training progresses well so far, and the group has successfully tracked goblin and gnoll movement in Viridale, as well as aided in the collection of more materials in the Hills. I believe that the group will be ready for true service within a week. Of course, no amount of scouting will help should the enemy reuse the their last tactic to attack the city.

If you would like a full report on the methods and/or topics I have covered, I would be happy to provide such.

In addition, as previously alluded to, I have obtained more ore and will deliver it at first opportunity.

Sincerely,

Initiate Jennilyn Greyhollow

Also included with the letter are notes on the six scouts currently in training.

[Nil]

Another letter arrives at the Corps headquarters addressed to Hold Goodman, Adept of the Red Blades:

Adept Goodman,

I wanted to make you aware of two things I discovered while scouting the Viridale forest that may potentially impact your efforts to reinforce Sestra.

I was travelling with two acquaintances of mine - an Elven Druid named Fade and an Exigo wizard named Altherion - when we spotted an orc nearby the Legion camp at the forest border. We pursued the creature, and once cornered, it charged and we were forced to put it down. Upon inspection of the corpse, I noticed two things:

1) This was not a local orc. He had none of the similarities of the orcs I’ve found in Viridale or even among orcish hordes in the East.

2) He was travelling light. It is possible that he was a scout of some sort.

I bring this up because of the potential of a new orc tribe upsetting the already very fragile balance of the forest. I will continue to research this will and will update you with any new findings.

The second issue is more than a little strange, and my telling will likely cause you to doubt my credibility, but while we were examining the orc corpse, a small deer approached us, showing none of the skittishness of most of its kind. The deer then proceeded to eat the corpse, bite by bite. After eating part of the corpse, the deer attacked us and we had to kill it. The deer was remarkably resilient and continued to attack after being dealt several terrible blows.

Upon discussion, we agreed to seek the help of more experienced druids and I had the rare honor of being permitted to visit the Druid’s Glade along with Fade, Altherion, and a human named Talaran who stumbled upon us as we dealt with the deer.

The Elder Druid who met us in the Glade examined the beast and with some help from Altherion deduced that the poor creature had been altered by powerful arcane magic. He claimed the magic came from “the City”, but we have no proof that is true. He also connected the magic used to corrupt the deer to the dogs that ravaged a caravan near the Gate of the Sunderer not long ago.

Regardless of the source, it is evident that there is another yet another malevolent force at work in Sundren. I do not know how widespread its influence within the Viridale is. I will keep you updated as I learn more.

Sincerely,

Initiate Jennilyn Greyhollow