AoA.Lore Endriel's Documents

Endriel's Assignment to Avraathe

Brightcandle Endriel,
Congratulations on your recent promotion. Now that you're officially a Brightcandle, I'll be your main point of contact. Your first assignment will be to set up a more substantial base of operations within Avraathe. My report of your recent work shows you've spent a bit of time there and involved yourself in the quest of Vorothruun, a person of interest to the Harpers. With this experience, I imagine you'll serve quite well further embedding yourself in the community.
There are two particular concerns of note we would appreciate your insight on as you get things up and running.
First, Avraathe's politics grow increasingly isolationist. They have recently made substantial increases to the tariffs placed on imports, even from cities with the Silver March, their longtime allies. As a resident of Silverymoon, I neednt detail how this additional burden on exports to a long term ally would negatively impact your hometown. They have also increased the taxes on exports. With Sundabar's collapse, Avraathe has a firm grip on both raw material and crafted components within the region and their influence continues to spread, thanks in part to the dragonborn brothers with whom you are acquainted.
With these political shifts, the coalition of power for the upper echelon of Avraathe's society and those in elected positions becomes all the more easy to obtain. Obviously this is of a primary concern to the Harpers, for the disenfranchisement of their middle or lower class could not only be a problem worth addressing in its own right, but if ignited could further destabilize the region given its recent struggles.
You will need to walk the fine line of investigating the current political atmosphere and determining whether any reactive measures from the lower and middle classes are justified or beneficial to their longterm well-being. As a Brightcandle, you need not seek further approval on the matter. If you deem recourse necessary, feel empowered to handle the situation as needed and simply file reports as normal.
The second concern which draws the Harper's watchful eye is whispers of a spreading machination of corruption. While no surprise there is potential for abuse of power within a theocracy (which recently lost one of its three branches in a system of checks and balances, no less), the fact that concerns have made their way beyond the walls of Avraathe is a new development which warrants our attention. Tug on any threads of questionable behavior or hidden agendas you may find and report any developments of interest or concern to me.
I've taken the liberty of notifying the Harps who have experience serving on your team to make their way towards Avraathe. They will meet you in the tavern called the Library of Libations two tenday from now. From there you can arrange your new headquarters and set up their posts for gathering intel.
If there is any way I can be of service, especially as you begin setting up your first installation, don't hesitate to let me know. Everlund's teleportation circle could have me there in a tenday if need be.
Tymora's favor,
Wise Owl Zelraun Roaringhorn

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Intel Reports I (AoA.1.1)

Harper Reports

"Hey boss. You wouldn't believe how easy it was to set up a gig in residence in the Garden Ward. Apparently they used to have this magical device playing music for them all the time, but it's been gone for months and they were so desperate for music they signed me on after only a few songs. I'll be performing at Duhza's Drafthouse thrice a tenday. Between sets last night I overheard two women chatting and overheard one of them say their carts headed towards Silverymoon reported bands of orcs out just off of the road. They are considering hiring additional security but seemed worried it might mean another war brewing." | Count Jermyn
"Spending just a few days observing the training of these Talons of Justice has been almost depressing. The men seem broken, downtrodden. They swing their swords without focus or purpose. Whatever happened in Sundabar, its lodged in their minds like a dam upstream. The Scalers, on the other hand, are a ruthless bunch. Certainly seem like the type of folk who take an inch of power and run a mile with it. They are untrained, undisciplined, and for the most part unsupervised. Counter actions might be warranted." | Madlyn the Shield
"I've taken on work with Orin Underfury's crew in the Boulderdown Mines. He's the only mine owner who takes on my type, I'm told. The mines seem to be a pressure point of the city. As the rich grow richer, the miners, at least the ones I work with, are still having to use Orin's subsidized tools and only receive one cold meal a shift. Conditions aren't entirely unbearable, but for how much coin this operation seems to generate, they could certainly be better. Some of the miners I work with, the dwarves in particular, seem better off than the others, getting their choice of which veins to work and what shifts they take. Even so, there ain't none in these mines who is moving out of the Workman's Ward anytime soon." | Durth

Observed Intel

"Always a welcome sight to meet a fellow elf in Avraathe. I find our, perhaps the word is holistic, perspective to be beneficial to the dragonborn and human populations who both often seem in such a hurry to create a legacy. And these strange times are certainly no different. Many clamor for power or authority or even simply a say in things, fewer thinking of the ramifications or outcome of such shifts in the politics or culture of the city." | Professor Balasar Kelceran
"Aye, I've seen you out in the hunting grounds where the Platinum Order patrols. You're a helluva shot, eh? Even when you miss you find something to hit. Would you consider giving a few of our newer members some pointers on which side of the arrow to point towards the enemy? After, well, after the last few months, we've got fresh blood that could definitely benefit from your experience." | Captain Loren Brokenwheel
"This is a lovely cut of meat, I'd recommend seasoning it with a bit of this silver salt and I think in the back I have a sweet peppercorn which should pair well with this Silverymoon herbal spread as well. While I gather these, have you seen any proof of them rumors of increased monster sightings beyond the walls?" | Bryvan Stonewatch
"Not three nights ago the Platinum Scalers dragged a man out of here for doing naught but debating the benefits of working for different mining operations. He wasn't even causing a rucuss, but apparently that's such a sore topic these days they weren't having any of it. Granted, those Scalers were more than a few tankards in themselves, but I'm smart enough not to make a point of slowing them down or asking whether they're on the job or not." | Thendrul

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Intel Repotrs II (AoA.2.1)

Durth's Report

9 Hammer 1488
"First, in speaking to a handful of fellow crew members, I convinced six or seven of them to give the Talons of Justice a shot. The Shield is already aware and I believe training has begun.
That's nothing to speak of the other changes going on around here. The mines seemed to have changed overnight. With the announcement of the Council's investment in the Worker's Ward and the incentives offered for joining the Scalers, there was obviously a huge surge in the Scaler's numbers, but it's also had a ripple effect. More money coming into the ward has lots of folks optimistic. It's opened up jobs in the other mines for half-orcs and dwarves and even some of the refugees now that others have left for the Scalers.
I'm not gonna pretend to be a politician, but it seems this effort by the High Priests has singlehandedly improved their police force, quelled a would-be strike in the mines, solved their refugee crisis, and given the entire city a new sense of optimism. It'd be damned impressive if I didn't have a gut feeling it's a means to some ulterior end.
One other update. It could be nothing, but I snuck a look at the shift boss' master schedule. There's a particular route within the mines only those crews of dwarves in Underfury's inner circle work, even with all the recent changes and promotions." | Durth

Madlyn the Shield's Report

8 Hammer, 1488
"Training goes as expected. The new recruits from the mines will need a bit of work, but they are putting in a good effort, which is commendable. It's a shame the Platinum Keep undermined our incentive plan, because while the Talons are growing, we're certainly not keeping pace with the Scalers.
The Talons and Platinum Order continue to focus their efforts on securing Avraathe's borders, though several units have been moved back into the city given recent events. Reports of merchant carts being waylaid have increased, but as I try to put the evidence together, I can't help but think these don't seem like orc attacks, despite what the empty-handed returning merchants claim.
Finally, a bit of personal news. With a good word from both Parathraaj and Vyodaar, I received an official position in the Talons of Justice as a Captain as of this morning. The newest recruits will be the first of my 20-person unit and I've been tasked with ongoing training for them and others while providing a "fresh perspective" as the Talons look to rebuild. Maybe things are finally looking up, eh? | Madlyn the Shield

Count Jerym's Report

7 Hammer, 1488
"Hey boss, still working on finding a way into the Temple's behind the scenes stuff. But for the time being I'm attending every prayer service and vigil. There's been a few announcements from the High Priests, which I've transcribed and included below." | Count Jerym

High Priest Porath's Speech

6 Hammer, 1488
"As we conclude these services of remembrance and celebrate the welcoming of these three community members and public servants into the radiant light of Endless Mercy, we, your humble servants in the Council, have several announcements to make. Through much reflection and revelation from the Platinum Dragon, we have reached a decision on how to fill the vacancies which have been created by these tragedies.
In ages past, Avraathe has been a house divided with the Barracks, the Temple, and the Keep all moving towards different goals and with insufficient collaboration. Indeed, many of the problems we now face surface from this division and disconnection. With the numerous threats beyond our walls, the ongoing issues we face within the city, and the work still to be done to improve the day to day lives of every citizen of Avraathe, there can be no room for miscommunication nor parties not pulling their equal share of responsibilities.
We have seen visions from the Platinum Dragon of a unified and strong Avraathe. And we have faith the insights given to us will lead us there to the prospering of the city and the glory of Bahamut. Thus, it is with honor and humility I formally announce the declaration of a new position within the council - The Council's Justiciar.
This role will not only serve as the liaison between the three pillars of Avraathe, but will permanently fill the empty position of the Judge of Justice to aid in the peacekeeping in the city on behalf of the Platinum Keep. The Justiciar will also step in as the interim Supreme Commander of the Talons of Justice until our honorable Vergraks of Clan Grarshok is fit to return to his post, at which point the Justiciar will take a secondary role within our venerable armed forces.
With such an important set of responsibilities, it is obviously of the utmost importance this post be filled by a qualified and dutiful member of our community. It is with great honor we announce High Priest Ebrus Bronzeroar will serve as the inaugural Justiciar. May the Platinum Dragon continue to guide him as he takes on these additional duties in service to Avraathe.
With this Season of Mercy, we believe it also an exciting season of change and growth for our blessed city. With this new installation, we believe Avraathe can reach its full potential as a self-sufficient and prosperous community, all thanks to the vision and guidance of Bahamut. With this in mind, as this service concludes, may we go forth in peace and mercy." | High Priest Porath

Justiciar Bronzeroar's Speech

7 Hammer, 1488
"Thank you, Keeper Verhena for those inspiring words and a moment to address our devout community for but a moment. Following yesterday's announcement, I am honored to accept this new position and wanted to let you know that we're already busy with new projects to continue improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the pillars of Avraathe.
Today I am proud to announce the first of these initiatives is already in place and ready to begin. As many of you know, the Platinum Scalers have dutifully filled in as the internal peacekeeping force while our other martial units have focussed on valiantly protecting Avraathe beyond the walls. Yet due to previous structural limitations, we were not able to properly fund nor train these public servants. This insufficiency ends immediately.
As of today, the Platinum Scalers are now opening the recruiting process to any and all interested in becoming a member of this young, but proud organization. The Scalers, which will be directly overseen by myself and agents of my new office, will provide a fair living wage, all necessary equipment and training, and three meals for each day of active service, not to mention an immediate bonus upon registering. Further, while we do not have our own barracks yet, I have secured funding and a partnership between the Temple and the Platinum Keep to offer stipends for improving and increasing housing within the northern wards of the city while simultaneously improving the infrastructure of these crucial wards. Once the first phase of these improvements are made, we then plan on expanding further with additional facilities for the all-important peacekeeping operations within the city.
For all of those interested in pursuing this new and exciting opportunity, please see Scaler Eleri Evensteel in the back of the Temple at the end of this service.
This is indeed an exciting day for Avraathe and but an important first step in bright future. There will be more to come in the days to pass, I assure you. Platinum Dragon guide each of us."

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Intel Reports III (AoA.3.3)

Durth's Reports

12 Hammer, 1488
Not sure where you been the last few days but there's been quite a deal of activity as of late in the Workman's Ward. Mostly good, by Tymora's grace. The refugees that were living between the wall and the mines have been hired for a majority of the new construction jobs. They've already broken ground on the new Scaler's barracks. And I've seen them already setting up to work on putting down actual roads around the ward. Mines seem to have calmed down with the influx of folk who're just glad to have work. Seems most of those who were more upset at the conditions went and snagged the easy jobs of being Scalers in a city that doesn't seem to need as many guards and police as they seem to be employing now.
15 Hammer, 1488
Sure you're already considering this, but one thing I can't get out of my head is where all this coin is coming from. I'm no economist, but you've got a city trying to reduce its external trade that just hired what seems like a small army's worth of Scalers and is starting construction projects left and right. Maybe they had all the coin stored up somewhere? I know I don't see the wealthier parts of town between my cot and the mine and the tavern and back, but it still doesn't sit quite right with me.
19 Hammer, 1488
Figured it worth noting the mineshaft you and the two dragonborn went into has only continued to get busier and busier in the last several days, but with still small shifts of only dwarves working the area. Guess it goes without saying you took care of whatever issue they were having down there and it hasn't resurfaced in the last tenday.

Madlyn the Shield's Reports

9 Hammer, 1488
Today a couple battalion's worth of the Talons have been siphoned off by the new Justiciar to become middling leaders of the Scalers for the purposes of training. I don't know those who were chosen well enough, but it seemed to be specific individuals from across the barracks rather than a single battalion or set of captains. Curious to find out how or why they were picked. Also seems strange to bring in Talons when the Scalers were created specifically because they would rather have the Talons focussing on external threats. Maybe the prospects for leadership weren't as strong as they hoped?
13 Hammer, 1488
This morning over breakfast I overheard some soldiers gossiping, said how the Scalers have been tasked with seeking out Harpers or Harper sympathizers. Didn't catch any more details but I'll keep an ear to the ground for more info.
15 Hammer, 1488
My hope is you're already abreast of the situation by the time you read this, but with your prolonged absence I didn't deem it wise to make assumptions. Seems something has happened with Jerym, as his position and identity have been compromised. Haven't heard any chatter around the barracks about the details, but I know the Scalers are busy taking a victory lap over the uncovering of a Harper presence in the city. I'll be keeping my head down best as I can with work here, but not before sending a word to Durm to make sure he understands the gravity of the situation as well.
18 Hammer, 1488
Things seem to have calmed down a bit since Jerym's dismissal from the city. I doubt the High Priests nor the Scalers truly believe he was the only agent within the walls, but they've had nothing else to go off of so far. Hopefully it stays that way. As for things here, we've completed the first tenday of full-time training my new battalion and I must humbly admit I am proud of the results. I didn't quite know what the expect of the miners-turned-soldiers but it seems they've found familiarity in swinging a pick and wielding an axe. Not a traditional weapon here in Avraathe, I'm told, but it suits our purposes nicely. I'm still trying to get a read on the new Justiciar. He is quite active in the day to day workings of the Barracks. Seems to take a great interest in the individuals. There's a meeting of the captains with him tomorrow and I should have more to report.
19 Hammer, 1488
The captain's meeting with Justiciar Bronzeroar proved to be quite enlightening. Seems the Talons chosen to move over to the Scalers were specifically for training and leading caravan protection for the shipments still coming in and out of the city. At least that's what he said. Bronzeroar also alluded to the Council's growing concern over the orc threat to the north. Says he's gonna double the Talons' numbers beyond the wall and manning the towers. This'll likely be the first time my battalion sees active duty. I'll keep you updated.

Count Jerym's Report

10 Hammer, 1488
Boss, temple's not been nearly as busy the last few days or at least there haven't been that many big speeches like my last couple of messages. Just been the normal services and meetings best I can tell, but are there a lot of services. I'm still trying to figure out how to find my opportunity to get more involved like you told me to, but hopefully them seeing me here frequently will help get me a fast track to the inner workings of the church and the council.
12 Hammer, 1488
Boss, the new High Priest, you know, that Porath guy, spoke during one of the services today all about Bahamut's will for Avraathe. Which you know that seemed normal, but he made it all about reminding people that the High Council and all the parts of the city that keep it running are lined up with Bahamut's will. Said how to keep the city in line with his will is that they need to uproot outside influences and those that would seem the system weakened. I dunno, maybe I'm just being a little paranoid, but do you think he means like us?
14 Hammer, 1488
Boss, I think I found a way to get more involved with the temple like you said I should! They have this musician that always plays during the services and well the musician wasn't there when one of the services started but I'm always ready to play and I had heard the songs they use so many times I could pretty much play them already. So anyways, I offered to fill in and just like I said they would, they recognized that I had been attending a lot lately and knew my face and said they were glad I stepped up. So needless to say the performance went well and I am now gonna get to start playing the middle of the night services a few times every tenday. How exciting! Maybe they'll let me get more involved after a bit and I can start getting more info on all those meetings they have on the second floor.