Yesterday, we were able to intercept a coded letter from an agent of the Society of Benefactors. Thanks to people in Travance, we were able to decode it. They are moving a shipment through Auralion. They are aware of Kaladonia's expertise with woodland reconnaissance, and will be using druids and rangers to clear out the animals in the area, either convincing them to not approach the caravan or kill them outright. I want to stop their shipment. Knowing their prior trade involvement, this is likely slaves. I am asking for those interested to meet with me or Sir Reno of Kaladonia so we can come up with a plan to stop this. There will be a copy of the decoded letter for those who are interested provided below.
Thank you all who wish to aid us. Let's stop these bastards.
Ser Kanas Silverfang
As always, you have my aid. Fortunately my team and I had little difficulty decoding the message. With your permission, I can provide our interpretation.
Faithfully,
Consul Verity E. Arkwright
Please do Verity
I can't abide anyone who would kill animals in such a fashion. And the slave thing is reprehensible as well. You have my aid, Kanas.
~Khala Stormbringer
Kanas I will help in any way possible.
Tari
Spelling errors aside, the correspondence reads as follows:
”Move the products through Auralion. Expect sharp eyes and woodland spies. Bring animal speakers with you. Kill or convince any animals you find. Bring protection with you.”
Kanas’s interpretation is sound. If I may advise, it would be in our best interest to run a counter-reconnaissance mission in the forest, to mitigate the number of animal casualties that may result from their incursion on the woods.
With that addressed, it is unconscionable that the Society would deal in the capture and trade of slaves. As lives are at stake, I would consider this incident to be of high priority. Please inform your friends and cohorts, should they be interested in contributing to the counter-effort.
Thank you in advance for your concern and assistance.
Faithfully,
Consul Verity E. Arkwright
Kanas, you have my help. Let me know how you'd like me to aid you when the time comes.
-Sir Wrenton Revlis, First Knight of Albriar, Knight of Wands, Steward of Sagewood.
I'm on my way back.
- Amhrán
As Kanas has stated, they expect rangers and those more rogue-like. I'm hoping to see if we can get a group to infiltrate or scout out ahead to see the size of the shipment and what they are shipping. We should assume it is slaves because it's safer to assume lives are at stake and to act as such. We also should find a way to protect the wildlife since they are lives at stake as well. I think it would be wise to build up a group of those who are more magic and melee combat inclined to face them since they expect people to come out with knives from the bushes, not so much swords and axes. Of course having rogues with us as well because they will be able to aid with knowing where to hide, ambush tactics and things to that nature. Either way having people to aid is incredibly important because the last thing I want is the Society of Benefactors to successfully do anything on Kaladonian soil.
The Baronial Guard stands ready to assist.
- Darius Goldmane, Lieutenant of the Baronial Guard
Kanas and interested parties,
My team has intercepted another communication from the Society of Benefactors. Fortunately, the Society’s encoder neglected to change their methods. This would indicate that they are not yet aware of our watchful eyes. Yet.
If you plan to do any kind of reconnaissance, do so with great caution. We do not want to jeopardize this advantage.
The message reads as follows:
”Slight resistance was met. Problems has [sic] been dealt with.”
Subsequent reports from my team corroborate this. Nearby guardsmembers have gone missing, some found dead.
If anyone has additional insights, I welcome them at this time. I do believe Kanas is still seeking aid for this effort. Continue your outreach.
Faithfully,
Consul Verity E. Arkwright
Thank you all for being willing to assist with this. As Verity's team has figured out, they are still active, and appear relatively unaware of us. And as Reno pointed out, they are more prepared for a stealthy approach. Let's take advantage of that. Stealthy folks among us can help figure out what their group is like. How many soldiers, how many animal speakers, who and/or what they have as their "shipment." The druids and rangers among us help with making sure the animals in the nearby area are safe and out of the way. These people have no remorse killing in order to get their objective. If their "shipment" is slaves, as it likely is, we need a team that can get these people out. Their safety is paramount. And we need a team that can hit the Society hard and fast. That's what I'm looking at. Let me know what you all think. -Kanas
Thalia just spoke to me. She had people investigate this caravan. Her agents were found at dawn murdered, alongside multiple animals. As for the Society, they're on the Aris river by boat. We need to move soon.
I know I am speaking with you already Kanas but pending on where they are travelling on the Aris, we can stop them at the bridges. One is located just off of Gwellyn on Aris and the other just off of Auralion. If they are going south, we don't have very much time.
If they're heading South they are heading towards the Quail Straits. If they're heading North it's likely into Pendarvin. I don't know if they would be able to get through the mountains.
Yeah the likelihood of them going north is slim. Them going towards Quail Straits makes a lot more sense.
Oh imma fight them all. Be there ASAP, possibly with some scaly reinforcements.
(The words on the page are written hurriedly) They’re past Auralion. We found a group of slaughtered Kaladonian guardsmen and animals. I’m tracking them. Move further south. They’re following the river.
— Darius Goldmane
On the river or just following?
They’re on boats.
Ok then they are heading towards the Quail Straits. Best bet is to block their route.