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22
Flamerule, 1371
Father,
It seems a lifetime ago since last I wrote to you. Indeed, I have
experienced enough to fill many lifetimes. The group I introduced
you to so long ago is still together. We call ourselves "The
Wandsmen," in honor of our mentor Peraus Wands. As we have
discovered, Master Wands is a Chronomancer. It was his skill that
led us to of all places, ancient Netheril, 1700 years in the past!!
Oh, but I am getting ahead of myself. Needless to say our group
has been to many "a far away" place including: Tilverton,
the Vast Swamp, Cormyr, Planar Travel to Sigil, the Outlands, Mount
Celestia, and the Plane of Shadow, Spelljamming to the Rock of Brall
and Garden, Ancient Netheril, and currently Anauroch. Father, the
tales about these wonderful places must be left for another day.
However, I must comment on the recent death of King Azoun IV of
Cormyr.
Our group had the honor of aiding and meeting this great King and
man. We received Friends of Cormyr Rings for our small part in a
battle against a goblin army led by powerful evil creatures called
ghazneths. The Dalelands have lost a valued and skilled leader,
ally, and friend….at a time when an ancient evil has arisen
here in the Anauroch Desert.
About one moon ago, we were given a task by Lord Randal Morn to
pose as an adventuring group, recently hired by the Zhentarim, to
guard a caravan heading into the Desertsmouth Mountains. Our mission
was to find out why this and other caravans were heading there.
It was then we met Deveral, a Harper secret agent who had spent
3 years working his way high into the Zhentarim network. At a great
cost to himself, Deveral managed to forge papers allowing our access
to the Black Network. We were given Minor Harper Pins and deputized
as Harpers.
Since that time we have discovered that the caravans have been
stopping at a Zhent Fortress located in the ruins of an old dwarven
stronghold near the Mines of Tethyamar. The caravans then continue
west into the Anauroch Desert along the "Black Road."
The Zhentarim have established oasis along this desert "road"
for purposes of trade and exploration of ancient Netherese ruins.
Our trek across this very inhospitable place took us to the Gap
of Skulls. Here, we were instructed by our "employer,"
(a Zhent Wizard by the name of Darvin), to clear the Gap of Skulls,
making this a safe route for future Zhent caravans to follow. Little
did we know that we would have to face the remnants of an ancient
Drow house, a faction of the Cult of the Dragon, and followers of
Shar. Add to all of this, a Blue Dragon dracolich, Shadovar from
the City of Shade (an ancient Netherese enclave currently on the
Plane of Shadow), a "good" 1700 year old Netherese Wizard-Lich,
and two Sword Lords… well you get the idea. We felt very overwhelmed.
However, we prevailed and managed to complete our task. Shane, Cedar,
and Kerith had died during various battles while completing our
mission, but thanks to the great healing skill of our Priestess
of Corellon, Primula, they had been brought back to us. That was
nine days ago.
We are currently in a Zhent stronghold at a place called Cloven
Rock Valley. Two days ago as our caravan approached this stronghold,
we witnessed an attack on the stronghold by the Bedine, (the nomadic
people of the Anauroch). To our surprise, Darvin's horse showed
it's true form by changing into a huge red dragon and attacking
the Bedine. After the fight was over, we entered the fortress for
a much needed rest. Earlier today we had an audience with Commander
Trent Noemfor, the Zhent leader in charge here. This "back
end of a horse" of a man accused one of our caravan guards
of being a Bedine spy. He then had him executed and displayed as
a warning to others. Darvin was NOT happy with this. He has since
given us new orders…kill Commander Trent Noemfor. Father, our
group has not enjoyed working for the Zhents. We realize this is
for a greater good, but it is beginning to wear heavy on us all.
However, this latest task is one no one is complaining about.
I need to confess something to you father. Since leaving home,
I have become quite accomplished with the bow. I began my studies
as an Arcane Archer about 5 weeks ago and have found my true calling
as a follower of Solonor Thelandira. I know mother would be proud.
However, while fighting the followers of Shar in the Gap of Skulls,
my quick thoughtless action has made my friends and I a great enemy.
I fear I have placed them in greater danger because I did not follow
one of Solonor Thelandira core tenants… to be sure of your
target because once an arrow is released your action can not be
recalled and an errant shot usually has dire consequences. Though
my arrow struck true, I did not think of what the consequences would
be. You see, my query was Leevoth, Captain and leader of the armies
of the City of Shade. I fear that all of Faerun is in great danger
if this ancient Netherese enclave manages to find its' way back
to this plane from the Plane of Shadow. I have prayed to Solonor
Thelandira for guidance. Perhaps I will find the answers I seek
in Evereska. I have had thoughts of leaving my companions for a
brief time in pursuit of my studies as an Arcane Archer and follower
of Solonor Thelandira.
For the first time since I left home, I feel that I am traveling
the path that was meant for me. Somehow I feel a greater connection
to you and…mother. On that note, I have some important news.
It seems that the bracelet you gave to me from mother has an unique
enchantment. You see about 2 weeks after leaving home, I saw a huge
"manta ray" shaped creature pass across the face of Selune.
The bracelet began to tingle and I felt a strong urge to discover
the creature's identity. Since that time, I have hired a clerk from
the Daggerfalls library by the name of Brother Coal, to research
this mysterious puzzle for me. I have given him the bracelet in
the hopes it may speed his research. Brother Cole did manage to
discover several rather cryptic references to a thing called the
Spelljammer. It is most often described as "a huge manta ray
like ship or beast with a big city on its back." I have a feeling
you are not telling me everything you know about this matter…but
I am sure you have your reasons.
Well father, I must take your leave and retire for the evening.
Please inform Lord Theremen Ulath of the Zhents and Shades activity
here in the Anauroch. Mina says hello and we both wish you well.
Till next we meet.
Your son,
Xan
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