Palladium War (Ada)

The brown book you see in front of you is brand new freshly made from the wild trees of the Skaljard wildness. If you place your nose near it's cover you can almost still smell the fresh air of the forest. Etched into the front cover is the words "Palladium War". On the back cover at the near the bottom you see a craftsman's insignia of a 'Raindrop'.

Upon opening the book you see the letter 'Ada' behind the front cover along with neatly written and well ordered pages of reports. Suggesting that the author of this book had taken the time to neatly write out this copy unlike the other copies that exist. However should Skaljard ever expand perhaps they could invest in a printing press.

Information Report: Iron Throne/Skal (15-8-150)

Iron Throne:
- Lead by Lady Gloria Castelli and assisted by her brother Benjamin Castelli.
- Originate from Sembia, Faerun
- Owns the isle after purchasing it lawfully from the Hovdig
- Staying on the isle indefinitely
- Interested in the acquisition of Palladium
- The vessel 'The Icebreaker' needs a new captain.

----------------------------

Hovdig and the Militiamen:
- Hovdig sold the isle to Lady Gloria
- Supportive and welcoming of the Iron Throne
- Dislike Adventurers speaking on behalf of the villagers.
- Writs are still assigned to Adventurers like normal.
- Villagers will NOT flee the isle come the big freeze.

       Day 12, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR
       Concerned        

Information Report: The Master's Experiments (15-8-150)

* EACH ENGAGEMENT with the Master's constructs is a FIELD TEST by the master to improve his own creations. *
(Every "x-agon" was once a living creature experimented and turned into a twisted mess of flesh and metal)

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"Humagon"
Human flesh and metal. Very dangerous in Melee combat.
- VERY durable, clad in plate armor.
- Hits VERY hard, favors martial weaponry (Greatsword, ect)
- VERY slow, we could out run it quite easily
- *Possibly* vulnerable to fire magic

Recommended Tactics:  Engage in a large room and force the target to chase while frequently turning to engage it at range.

(Last engaged: Early, Month 8)

------------------------------------

"War Machine" (New Prototype)
Appears as a floating upper body similar to that of the Allips in the Ghostwood.
- Engages in melee combat
- Hits fast and hard
- Much less durable than a humagon
- Easier to hit
- Levitates (no legs)

Recommended tactics: As group focus them down one at time, perhaps employing traps to slow them down or keep them in place.

------------------------------------

"Infiltrator" (New Prototype, no official name yet)
- Can replicate and recreate living skin
- Has learnt how to take memories and recall them
- Memories are ONLY based off what the master might know.
- No longer needs to hide in Stoneskin/Barkskin

(That's all we know about this new unit for the moment.)

Recommended tactics: If you suspect someone you know test them with a personal story only you two would know unrelated to the master.

------------------------------------

"Hinagon"
Hin flesh and metal
- Possibly the previous model of the new 'War Machine'
- Hasn't been seen in months.

------------------------------------

"Minogon"
Minotaur flesh and metal
- Still commonly found in the master's lair
- Still in production but maybe abandoned for Humagons

       Day 10, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR
       Concerned        

Information Report: The Master/Artificer Druids (15-8-150)

Overall:
- Master's goal is the pursuit of 'perfection'. Advancing to a new evolution with the hybrid of flesh and metal.
- No interest in the mainland just the isle.
- Present on the isle long before settlement, researching and experimenting.
- Tolerated the adventurers presence for decades while conducting experiments on his subjects.

Important Information:
- A few adventurers have had their summons TURN ON THEM over the past few months due to the Master. (Animal and elemental so far)
- The master has a new infiltration unit that can replicate skin and recall certain memories.
- The memories remembered are ONLY when the master's forces have been present.

Strategic Locations:
Four facilities setup for his research:
- First: Golem factory under the tower in Skal (Destroyed, Month 4)
- Second:  Ice Road, North of Aundor, south of the Durogar Fortress. Underdark. (Discovered, Operational)
- Third: Glorag Murg (Undiscovered, Operational)
- Fourth: *Unknown*

Military:
- Multiple 'Elders' under his command, one presumably is 'The Kenku'.
- Has various alliances set up in place with the creatures of the isle. (Orcs, Gnolls, Harpies, ect)
- Proposed an alliance to a few major houses in Andunor. (Unknown if it succeeded)
- Because of above quite a few Underdark residents were spotted and ousted on the isle of Skal.

The Experiments:
- The master sends his "x-agon" constructs against adventurers as a method of 'field testing'.
- Three Primary experiments discovered so far: 'Humagon', 'War Machine', ' Infiltrator'  (detailed on another document)

       Day 12, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR
       Concerned        

Intelligence Report: The Master's Allies (15-8-150)

Continued From "The Master's Experiments":

"Metal Golems"
- Steel, Mithril and Adamantium variations. The latter being the toughest of the three.

"Undead Constructs"
- Seen in the Master's Lair.
- The 'Mage' variant can dispel.
- Weak to positive/divine magic
- Strong against negative magic.
- Most likely an abandoned experiment

------------------------------------

The Master's Allies

"The Kenku"
A bird like man.
- Attacks in swarms akin to the tactics of birds.
- Uses it's sharp claws and talons in melee.
- Has been known to have a vast array of harpies under it's command.

------------------------------------

"Gnoll Warbands"
- Originates from the Gnoll Encampment near Elgivar Crossing.
- Keep an eye out for the Shamans
- Champions are their most deadly unit.

------------------------------------

"Harpy Flocks"
- Originate from the harpy lair.
- Standard variations generally seen in the harpy lair.
- Always attacks in large flocks, using swarm tactics.
- Careful of their screams.

------------------------------------

"Orc Pirates"
- Originate from the Harbage
- Generally engage in melee
- Has magic users in their employment
- Axe throwers are also common.

------------------------------------

"Ettins and Bugbears"
- Bugbears are common around the isle
- Ettins usually found in Gnipahellir

       Day 11, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR
       Concerned        

Summary of Ada's last two months

- Lead a team that sucessfully destroyed a factory in the Underdark
- Attacked in Brog by an adventurer construct
- Stalked by the kenku ravens
- Ambushed following tenday by assassins, escaped successfully

- Following tenday another assassination attempt on Ada's life
- Started with the trappers throats being slit
- Two adventurers captured while attempting to fight our way back to Skal.
- One adventurer was magically rescued and promptly had 'Gonne surgery' performed on him.
- Six set out to retrieve the last missing adventurer
- Huge clash in the weald as pirates from Sencliff were called in for reinforcements on the adventurer side
- Overall body count of the weald clash:
* 60+ minogons
* 15+ junior artificers
* 10 advanced minogons
* 6 advanced- prototype minogons
* 1 prototype humagon as tall as a dragon

- Soon after a bounty (no longer active) of 'one million gold pieces' was placed on Ada's head.

- Following tenday Ada hides in the desert.
- Ada and friend are ambushed by the Drow.
- The Drow successfully capture Ada and friend and awarded the bounty.
- People attempt to rescue Ada and friend
- Ada's locked in a special cell and is left behind.
- Promptly shifted to another cell
- Cell-neighbor starts shooting a gonne at the Drow priestess
- Ada gets stabbed in the stomach by a guardsmen as a result
- Ada's portal lense is taken as her cell-neighbor escapes via lense
- Then tortured by the Drow and had a metal construct helmet placed on her head.
- She was then told to go the town and carry out the master's commands
- Except she heard nothing from the master... the helmet was a dud...
- She instead walked into town as everyone watched nervously
- She then thought it funny to announce that she was the Queen of Cordor and that everyone had to bow to her.

       Day 26, Month 11 (Uktar), 150 AR
       Ada Morales        

Palladium War: The Events Part 1

(Year 150)

Iron Throne arrival (Early, Month 2)
- Isle is sold by the Hovdig to Lady Gloria Castelli
- Arrived with a small detachment of guardsmen
- Local populace welcomes them with open arms, adventurers are hesitant.

Druid grove burns down (Late, Month 2)
- Rumours of a true dragon living next door to Skaljard is heard
- Iron Throne investigates in the basis that it could pose a threat to the village
- The dragon is requested to turn into human form so that the rumour can be dispelled and both sides can live in peace.
- Dragon refuses and aggresses, members of the grove come to the defence.
- Many guardsmen are killed.
- Under the presumption that they're battling a 'True Dragon' the use of firebombs are authorised.
- Dragon takes cover in his grove.
- Grove is destroyed in the collateral damage.
- Dragon is revealed to be a human male and is arrested and banished from the Isle.

A source of Palladium is discovered (Early, Month 3)
- Team of adventurers were hired to explore a newly found section of cave
- Source of Palladium is discovered
- Upon acquiring the Palladium sample the team is assaulted by ettin and bugbears.

Artificer druids reveal themselves (Middle, Month 3)
- A team investigating a rumour of a rogue gnoll spotted up in the mountains is engaged by an unknown force.
- This force consisted of multiple variations of harpies.
- A Kenku then reveals himself as the commander of said harpies and confirms the presence of the 'Master' and their hostile stance towards the residents of the isle.

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR
       Anonymous        

Palladium War: The Events Part 2

Destruction under Skaljard's tower (Late, Month 4)
- A team of (mostly) mages is sent to investigate the Master's tower
- Discovered the location of another factory on the mainland
- Forced to participate in the 'Master's Game'
- Upon completion encountered a gnome male who sent multiple waves of hostile golems
- Several Astral Canisters procured on sight but had no means of remote detonation
- One male dwarf by the name of Dagane Stonehammer, Silver Crescent of the 'Shattered Moon' stayed behind and made the ultimate sacrifice for the lives of his team and Skal herself.

The ring of ice unfreezes in Skal (Early, Month 5)

Expedition to Gnipahellir (Middle, Month 5)
- Commissioned by a scholar in Skaljard
- Team ambushed by an infiltrator in their party.
- The infiltrator is revealed to be a construct made of flesh and metal resembling one of the adventurers in town.
- Team is then relentless assaulted by the master's forces and promptly retreats.
- Upon retreat team encounters a Kenku.
- Kenku reveals some facts (stated in another document) and declares war on Skaljard and its people.

Iron Throne requests reinforcements (Late Month 5)
- Learning of the Artificer Druids declaration of war the Iron Throne requests reinforcements from Sembia, Faerun.
- Supplies requested and will be shipped via the vessel known as 'The Icebreaker'

Shipments of Palladium begin (Early, Month 6)
- Shipments from the source of Palladium begin with resistance from the local gnoll population
- Profits from the shipment will be used to raise funds and reinforcements for Skaljard's defense come the following winter.

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR
       Anonymous        

Palladium War: The Events Part 3

Drow Sighted (Middle, Month 6)
- Two drow were spotted roaming in Skal
- Tracked to the trapper's den; a stand-off occurrs, many adventurers mortally wounded, drow unharmed.
- One adventurer made a plea with the drow and in turn rescued all of their comrades.

Meeting in the Weald (Middle, Month 6)
- An adventurer sighted a meeting between a Drow, Kobold, Female Mage and (presumably) the Kenku prior.

Gnolls siege Skaljard (shortly after above, Middle, Month 6)
- A gnoll warband originating from Elgavar Crossing attacked Skaljard
- Their aim is to acquire Palladium to secure an alliance with a Drow and Kobold houses of Andunor.
- Adventurers rose up and quickly defeated the invaders and no Palladium was captured.

Bounty Hunters (Middle, Month 6 - Early -> Month 7)
- A group of bounty hunter approached and threatened a party of adventurers
- The party resisted and was subsequently all critically injured.
- Bounty hunters stole one of the adventure's 'unique' helmets and left.
- Also destroyed all the notes on the previous noticeboard.
- Meanwhile in Arelith two other adventurers were ambushed by bounty hunters and (unconfirmed) had goods taken from them.

(Suspected) Banite Mage Captured (Late, Month 6)
- A mage seen in the company of the Underdark invaders in Skaljard was captured by the Iron Throne
- Known in town for having an unhealthy obsession with palladium.
- They were then placed into service providing free wards to adventurers while under heavy supervision.

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR
       Anonymous        

Palladium War: The Events Part 4

Heartwood Grove, Arelith (Early, Month 7)
- A small detachment of Iron Throne are seen in Heartwood Grove.
- Requesting the assistance of the Arch-Druid to guide the young druids of Skaljard.
(Suspected) Banite Mage Executed (Middle, Month 7)

Admiral of the Icebreaker Killed in Action (Late Month 7)
- Admiral captured by pirate orcs
- A group was dispatched to rescue the admiral
- Admiral was found bloodied and beaten to death
- The Kenku was sighted talking to the Pirate Orcs

Brogdenstien Sends Supplies (Week 1, Month 8)

Talks engage with the Minotaur (Week 1, Month 8)
- An adventurer engages in talks with the minotaur chieftain
- The talks can be summed up as: "We've both suffered many losses, we want no part in this conflict."

Adventurer Rescued (Week 1, Month 8)
- An adventurer was captured by the Master inside his lair.
- A swift and prompt rescue was mounted with success.
- A new version of the Humagon was encountered and defeated.

Underdark Standoff (Week 1, Month 8, shortly after)
- A Drow was discovered in the Troglodyte caves to the north.
- Combined forces from the mainland's Cordor and Dominion rally to capture the Drow.
- The Drow retreats to a encampment hidden inside the Troglodyte caves.
- With only one way in and out the trapped Drow is guarded by small detachment of denizens from the Underdark.
- Notable members present in include a prominent Drow and Kobold faction leaders from Andunor.
- A stand off ensues as the Underdark start wearing down the mainland's forces
- Several hours of a stalemate passes and the Underdark push through the blockade and scatter the mainland's forces.
- The Iron Throne steps in and makes the group from the Underdark yield and they promptly leave the isle.

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR
       Anonymous        

Palladium War: The Events Part 5

Alliance between the Master and Andunor is secured. (Middle, Month 8)

Waters surrounding Skaljard Freeze Over (Early, Month 10)

Ice Road's Minogon Factory is destroyed (Middle, Month 10)
- Skaljard priestess commissions a raid on the minogon factory in the Ice Roads, Underdark
- Mage's Tower and Sencliff Pirates supply the raid team with explosives.
- Team of nine head through the Underdark and successfully destroys the minogon factory
- Underdark master no where to be found
- One adventurer, 'Cola Hallinbern' is murdered by the Masters as a result of her participation.
- Another adventurer is captured and turned into a construct.

'Gonne Surgery' (Middle, Month 10)
- The captured adventurer appear in Brogdenstein as a construct and is promptly defeated by the local populace after she attempted to murder Skaljard Priestess in public view.
- Adventurer-Construct body is recovered and taken to Guldorand.
- The local Mayor of Guldorand through the use of a 'Gonne' and some divine magic brings the adventurer back to her normal state.
- This practice is dubbed the name 'Gonne Surgery' and is later practised in Skaljard.

Ravens flock to Guldorand (Middle, Month 10)
- Ravens arrive in Guldorand on behalf of the Kenku.
- They deliver demands about the handing over of Guldorand's the local mayor and the Skaljard priestess for crimes against the master.
- Mayor responds by saying he will not give into the demands.

Guldorand delegation arrive in Skaljard (Late, Month 10)

Investigation on the Skaljard tower (Late, Month 10)
- Guldorand delegation wished to learn about master, investigate tower
- Delve deep into tower encountering heavy resistance
- The meet the owner a gnome male artificer, lowest rank of the four.
- Seeking mayor of Guldorand and the Skaljard priestess
- Gnome master is killed.

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR
       Anonymous        

Palladium War: The Events Part 6

Beholder in founders cave (Late, Month 10)
- Group trying to dig our rubble from explosion in the Founders Cave find an entrance.
- The entrance leads to a place called 'Oddhall' and was defended by a large beholder
- 'Oddhall' is full of summoning circles
- Pit fiend eventually appeared offering information for people's souls, no one accepted.

Heartwood druids arrive (Early, Month 11)
- Requested to visit Skaljard by the Iron Throne months before
- Local druid populace aren't happy at their arrival

Master ambushes group of adventurer (Early, Month 11)
- Intending to capture the Skaljard priestess.
- Local trappers at the Trapper's Cave are murdered as a team of adventurers coming back from patrol are ambushed.
- Battle ensues as they group fight their way back to Skaljard, two brothers are captured in the process.
- One brother is magically pulled back to town and promptly was put under 'Gonne Surgery'
- The remaining adventurers rally local townsfolk and a counter-attack is mounted in an attempt to recover the second brother.
- Fierce battle ensures as new prototype constructs are deployed
- Pirates from Sencliff are called in as that battle intensifies.
- Arelithian monk involved captures successfully humagon.
- Second brother is never found and is presumed captured.
- Bounty of 1,000,000gp is placed on the Skaljard priestess by Ice Road's factory owner.

Priestess and Sencliff pirate captain are captured (Middle, Month 11)
- Found in the desert monastery by Drow Scriers (non-Andunor drow) and promptly captured.
- Rescue was mounted and recovered two prisoners were recovered but team could not recover the priestess.
- Priestess appears days later in Skaljard with construct helmet on her head.
- Helmet on priestess' head was considered a 'dud' as she could not hear the Master's orders.

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR
       Anonymous        

Palladium War: The Events Part 7

Local Hin and missing brother rescued (Late, Month 11)

- A man clad in construct armour is seen leading an adventurer and local villager

- Confrontation it is revealed he is taking them away to become "perfect" constructs.

- That man is revealed to be the missing brother who was presumed captured tendays earlier.

- Skaljard Priestess and the other brother step in to stop them.

- The missing brother is captured by the two and the hin adventurer is rescued

- Bounty is of 50,000gp is promptly placed on the Skaljard priestess by the Kenku.

The Battle for Skaljard (Early, Month 12)

- Anti-magic field was emitted from the tower, covering the town up to the Western gate.

- Prevented yoinks, wards/enchantments, prayers or spells.

- Gonnes were employed to counteract the anti-magic field to keep people in the fight.

- Attacks primarily came from North and Western gates.

- Local adventurers populace were split with mages primarily on the western gate.

- The Gnoll King defeated and Kenku were defeated.

Skaljard strikes back (Early/Middle, Month 12)

- A note was recovered depicting a hidden sea fortress

- Inside the sea-fortress they found a human machine hybrid also known as the 'perfect' prototype.

- Learnt the tail of Folgrim Coldhammer who used artificing to attempt to save his wife and son

- His depression lead him to push ethical boundaries and further his research.

- The attacking force from Skaljard were subjected through a museum of all his prototypes

- Iron Throne arrived shortly after along with the Sencliff pirates

- Together they defeated Folgrim Coldhammer (the oldest master)

The End

       Day 19, Month 1 (Hammer (Deepwinter)), 151 AR

       Anonymous        

Adventurer Report:  Iron Throne in Heartwood Grove

After speaking with an Iron Throne soldier named 'Anthony' we've learnt these facts:

- Arrived earlier this month (7).

- Iron Throne are requesting the support from the local druids in Heartwood grove

- They're hoping the local druids can journey to Skaljard to build a new grove and bring guidance to the young druids there.

- There is only a small detachment in the area, they're friendly and have no hostile intentions whatsoever.

- They intend to return back to Skal once they've recieved word of the Arch Druids reply.

Hopefully this should dispel any rumors or worries of a takeover/mining operation near Bendir.

       Day 20, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 150 AR

       Concerned        

In regards to your progress:

Your work has been excellent. Alliance has been secured and half of the list of targets have been dealt with. Move on to your remaining assignments. Of priority is the party of Larson. See their Palladium taken. If necessary, see them silenced permamently.

       Day 7, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR

       Kenku        

Tactical Report - 'Tzu'

- First Name: Tzukarakeramine

- Last Name: Ashenmark

- Red Kobold, Female

- Is said to be a "singer with the strength of a dragon"

- Can screech so loud that it can make it hard to concentrate and weakens foes.

- We suspect 'Clarity' potions and wands can be employed to counteract her magic.

Notable Details:

- Leader of the Kobolds in Andunor

- Played death games with the local adventurer populace

----------------------------------------

Petja Paheline

- Human, Female

- Mage, can call upon prismatic dragons

Notable Details:

- Mage Tower apprentice

- Asking around for Palladium

- Was seen in the company of Wenchslayer, Tzu and (presumably) the Kenku prior to gnoll attack on Skal

Couldn't find much else on her either as the Mage Tower faction had dissolved several tendays prior.

       Day 7, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR

       Anonymous        

Tactical Report - 'Wenchslayer'

- First name: Jhaamadath

- Last name: Xuni'vir

- Known Alias: 'Wenchslayer'

- Drow, Male

- Member of "House Xuni'vir", Andunor

- Wields a 'Magically Keen Masterly Damask' Scimitar and shield

- Knows enough about magic to employ 'witch scrolls' and 'witch wands'.

- Resistant to magic due to Drow heritage, can shrug off most if not only the spells from the most powerful mages.

Notable details:  

- Tortures and break his slaves before sacrificing them to Lolth.

- Pirate Captain

- Owns/captains a floating pirate fortress known as 'Dreadnought' (details below)

- Master of his weapons and is known to attack multiple opponents at once with a 'spin'.

- Has lead numerous raids on the surface with mostly success.

- Excellent tactician, know how to employ the terrain to his advantage.

- Currently running for election in Andunour's 'Sharp's district' (details below)

Known Associates:

'Duvain'

- Elf, Female. (non-collared)

- Apart of the Underdark presence in Skal

- Surface Elf with a reputation strong enough to walk freely through Andunor.

- Uses the Moonblade and is also a master with her weapon.

- Known to spin in combat striking multiple foes.

Dreadnought (Pirate Fortress)

- Floating pirate ship made of iron

- Roughly the size of a fort

- Armed with cannons built for grappling other ships

- Cages for prisoner transport

- Large areas for troop transport

- Too big to be grappled by other ships

- Too big to bring into Skal due to the thick ice surrounding the area.

(To counteract above it's suspected Wenchslayer had a witch living on the surface of Skal and brought in his troops via magical means.)

Sharps District Election

- Wenchslayer is currently undercutting an ogre on public support by leading an anti-human movement in Andunor

- This is backed by the face the previous leader of the Sharp's District was human and murdered all his opponents causing large anti-human seniment.

       Day 10, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR

       Anonymous        

Lars' Notes on Glorag Mur Encounter

* a century of work

* youngest 'master' is gnome woman working at Glorag Mur, her love is the 'master' now 'retired' who wrote the diary entries at Glorag Mur.

* their son was killed trying to fix the 'failed experiment'

* there are four masters, five if her love at Glorag Mur rejoins the work

* the others are old, she is the youngest

* others do not leave, she does not leave

* the others send letters and command

* oldest master lost lab (our raid), stays with other in Skal. Oldest is now is angriest

* bird man = messenger bird of oldest/older, he sends bird or it's clones

* the old like stability and control -- when angry they want justice

* youngest made one very tough elven based golem (she built it)

* the youngests factory is in a pipeworks below Glorag Mur

       Day 3, Month 8 (Elasias (Highsun)), 150 AR

       Larson Gener        

Gnoll King

Dispatch this letter to your Pack Alphas and Blackguards. Strike skal and secure a single piece of Palladium, and then pull out. They may devour what they kill. Success wil reward us with an alliance with Andunor's Tzu and Wenchslayer and their legion of killers, granting certain winter victory. Failure will grant grave punishment to you. Do not fail.

       Day 13, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 150 AR

       Kenku        

Adventurer Report: The Facts (so far)

Overall:

- Three major factions on the Isle: Iron Throne, Artificer Druids, Hovdig's Militiamen

- We have until winter to leave the isle else be destroyed by the master's creations (Artificer Druids).

----------------------------

Iron Throne:

- Lead by Lady Gloria Castelli and assisted by her brother Benjamin Castelli.

- Originate from Sembia, Faerun

- Owns the isle after purchasing it lawfully from the Hovdig

- Will be staying on the isle indefinitely

- Interested in the acquisition of Palladium

----------------------------

Hovdig and the Militiamen:

- Hovdig sold the isle to Lady Gloria

- Supportive and welcoming of the Iron Throne

- Dislike Adventurers speaking on behalf of the villagers.

- Writs are still assigned to Adventurers like normal.

----------------------------

The Master/Artificer Druids:

- Overall goal is the pursuit of 'perfection'. Advancing to a new evolution with the hybrid of flesh and metal.

- Threatened everyone, leave the isle before winter or else be destroyed.

- No interest in the mainland just the isle.

- Present on the isle long before settlement, researching and experimenting.

- Tolerated the adventurers presence for decades while conducting experiments on his subjects.

- Has various arrangements set up in place with the creatures of the isle. Notably the arrangement with he gnolls near Elgivar Crossing.

- Multiple 'Elders' under his command.

- Multiple facilities setup to produce golems, one confirm and destroyed in Skal.

- Another facility in the Underdark was said to have been accepting shipments of minogons. (Suspected Location: Ice Road, North of Aundor, south of the Durogar Fortress)

- The master sends his constructs against his adventurers as 'field test'.

- Has successfully infiltrated an adventurer group using his 'Hinagon'.

       Day 3, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report: The Artificer Druids Forces

The Master's Personal Army:

(Firstly it must be stated)

* EACH ENGAGEMENT with the Master's constructs so far has been conducted as a field test by the master to improve his own creations. *

* Recently discovered that the master can infiltrate groups of adventurers using constructs posing as adventurers with wards such as 'Stoneskin' hiding the metal on the flesh. *

- Golems, the master employs golems of Steel, Mithril and Adamantium variations. The latter being the toughest of the three.

- Minogons, the marriage of Minotaur flesh and metal. Harvested from the minotaur lair.

- Humagons, human flesh and metal. Clad in armor plate armor generally and use martial weaponry. (potential infiltrator)

- Hinagon, hin flesh and metal.  (potential infiltrator)

- Undead Constructs, normally seen in the Master's Lair itself. Weak to positive/divine magic strong against negative magic. (Most likely an abandoned experiment)

----------------------------

The Master's Minion Army:

One detail to note that the attacks are generally contextual if an incident happens the monsters living near by will generally be the primary attacking force on behalf of the master.

- Gnoll warbands generally emerging from the Gnoll Encampment near Elgivar Crossing. Usually in warbands, be careful of the Shamans.

- The Kenku, a bird like man. Attacks in vast numbers akin to the tactics of birds, uses it's sharp claws and talons. Has been known to have a vast array of harpies under it's command. Always attacks in large flocks, using swarm tactics.

- The Harpies, standard variations generally seen in the harpy lair. Always attacks in large flocks, using swarm tactics.

       Day 3, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report: Vrok the Gnoll

- A gnoll was captured by the Hovdig's militiamen in the founder's cave whilst in the company of a mage.

- The gnoll named *redacted* was an escaped slave originating from Andunor

- The reason for the escape was merely freedom

- One knight had a rather deep attachment to *redacted* and was ready to lay down his life for the beast.

- It was noted that the gnoll was able to speak the common tongue quite fluently.

- However in front of full view of everyone the gnoll made his escape as several prongs emerged from the ground followed by a loud crack of thunder

- A bounty of 50,000gp was placed on the gnoll's head which prompted a large search by the local adventurers.

- One mage upon learning the name of the gnoll was able to determine through magical means that the gnoll was indeed no longer on the isle.

       Day 23, Month 6 (Kythorn), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report - Destruction of the Master's Tower

- A group of adventurers primarily consisting of  mages entered the Master's Tower in Skal for reasons unknown at this time.

- Tower was guarded by 'minogons', iron/mithril/adamantine golems and shield golems.

- The party discovered a library which one mage spent her time searching for answers and sent the rest of the party deeper into the tower.

- A construct mentioned 'minogons were being transported into the Underdark along the 'ice road', North of Andunor and just south of the Duergar Fortress.

- The party encountered a 'game' designed by 'The Master' which entailed the collecting of colored rods from guardians followed up with a series of riddles.

- Upon completion they entered a laboratory where they encountered a male gnome working in front of some machinery on a warded platform.  - The gnome sent multiple waves of golems quoted as being strong enough to almost kill a silver dragon.

- Defeating the golems the gnome issued a 'decontamination' procedure and the lab suddenly became immersed in water and sharks. - Taking refuge on the platform the room was then immersed in lava and Para-Elementals from the plane of magma.

- Several volatile glowing spheres remained after the battle and they were determined to be 'Astral Cannisters'.

- One of the cannisters detonated resulting in the destruction of the Master's Tower. No adventures party or otherwise were harmed in the explosion.

- The shockwave stirred up a nest of gargoyles living in the tower which resulted in the town being attacked. The gargoyles themselves consisted of the standard variations along with something called a 'Margoyles' (which are akin to that of what Ogres are to orcs)

       Day 23, Month 6 (Kythorn), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report: Expedition to Gnipahellir - Part 2

- With supplies running low (and that man slowly freezing to death) the group decided to call off the expedition and retreated down Gnipahellir.

- Upon entering the crystal cave they were greeted by a Kenku. (Crow-man)

- Talks between the Kenku and the party ensued and the party was able to learn several facts:

* A spy was placed in the expedition team by the Master with the 'Stoneskin' spell instrumental in hiding the spy.

* Each engagement against the Master's constructs so far has been conducted as a field test by the master to improve his own creations.

* Our efforts destroying the golem factory did slow down production however there are several other factories that are still supplying golems.

* The master has no interest in the mainland, just this isle.

* Palladium is the ore these constructs rely on, and because we have been mining it the master can no longer tolerate us on his isle.

* Their overall goal is the pursuit of 'perfection' to advance to a new evolution with the hybrid of flesh and metal and the removal of all flaws. Simply to replace magic with technology.

* These beings will no longer require food, air or water to sustain themselves.

* We have until winter to leave the isle. Otherwise those who remain will be destroyed by the master's creations. (basically a declaration of war)

       Day 15, Month 6 (Kythorn), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report: Expedition to Gnipahellir - Part 1

- Expedition was commissioned by a scholar which resulted in roughly a team of 6 being formed

- The team entered the Master's Lair and searched thoroughly but yielded no results.

------------------------------

- Subsequently second team was directed by a guard to meet with Lady Castelli by a location in Elgivar crossing.

- Approaching the Iron Throne encampment, the team intercepted and defeated a warband of gnolls (roughly 20 in number) intending on taking Lady Castelli's life.

- On Lady Castelli's orders that team was sent to investigate the fate of the expedition team.

------------------------------

- Upon leaving the Masters Lair the expedition team was ambushed by one of their own members.

- Revealing themselves as a hybrid of flesh and metal hidden in plain sight by the spell 'stoneform'. They turned on their comrades and called upon a small force of 'humagons' to aid them.

- This new species known as the 'Humagon' (like that of the minogon) is a marriage of human flesh and metal contained in a suit of plate armour, perhaps designed for infiltration.

- A fierce battle ensued outside to the entry to Master's lair.

- The expedition party was overwhelmed by the traitor and their humagon forces and were forced to flee with one adventurer sustaining a life-threatening wounds.  

- Upon fleeing the second team had emerged and both parties combined their forces and defeated the initial wave of humagons.

- The master then assaulted the group with multiple waves of golems, minogons and humagons alike.

- During the battle the turncoat adventurer was defeated in the process but due to duress of combat their body could not be recovered.

- It should be of note that one man made the ultimate sacrifice of discarding his robe after it had sustained heavy damage during the battle. He was said to have fought valiantly and bravely in naught but his own undergarments.

       Day 14, Month 6 (Kythorn), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report: A New Threat Emerges

A group of adventurers several days ago ventured to Harpy's lair. Upon emerging from the lair, they engaged multiple waves of harpies, moments later a man revealed himself.

His description:

- Average human height

- Wearing earthy coloured

- Helmet formed in the shape of a beak

- Two large dark wings protruding from the creatures back

First-hand accounts say the wings looked very similar to that of a Crow. (Thus labelled 'The Crow-man' until further clarification).

Talks ensued between The Crow-man and the adventurers with the Crow-man letting his intentions known:

"This is our land go back to your land... this land belongs to those who have been here before, before villages, before iron, before you. We have deals, monsters serve, minotaurs serve, become something more. And the lead, they lead all."

"You will not go away from approaching near the Master's land? You begin to understand what they do, but you fail to understand what you should do...

Furthermore: "You have no mages, you have no direction, you will not find it..."

Followed up by a declaration:

"I will call the elders. They will capture your men and kill your women. Is this the comprehension one seeks?"

Talks between both sides soon broke down and multiple waves of harpies engaged the party. One Adventurer fell and was captured by the Crow Mans forces. The party then set upon a rescue deep into the Harpy lair. Upon facing resistance they eventually slew the harpy queen and were able to recover their captured party member.

The man was found with multiple lacerations across his body along with a major laceration particularly around their spine. Upon leaving the lair the party engaged a large flock of Crow-men. Upon success the party promptly left the area and returned home to Skal.

We suspect that was just but a taste of a new threat that emerges.

       Day 23, Month 6 (Kythorn), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Adventurer Report: - Iron Throne

THIS REPORT IS NOT BE READ IN PUBLIC NOR IN THE COMPANY OF THE IRON THRONE, STRICTLY ADVENTURERS ONLY.

What we know about the Iron Throne:

- Originate from the Sword Coast.

- Whole isle was sold by the Mayor 'Hoverdig' to 'Lady Glora Castelli' of the Iron Throne.

- Arrived just few days ago by boat and they intend to stay 'indefinitely'.

- Nothing to do with the mage tower (nor the crazy mage that arrived prior).

- Will be exploiting the islands trees and ores to create weapons and armor for the profit.

- Leader is Lady Gloria Castelli who has a brother who commands their forces named 'Benjamin Castelli'

- Intend to purge "those who shouldn't be on her isle" (unknown who at this point).

- The Mayor will continue his job and hand out writs as usual.

Hidden details we've found:

- They're after something called ' Palladium'

- They're very close to finding it.

- A large amount of labourers are to arrive on the isle shortly (a day or two)

- Guardsmen will escort the labourers, adventureres hired to guard the trade route from site to docks.

- Loggers will remove trees from the forest to reduce the number of wild life.

- Whole operation has been in the works for many years.

Report: Details of an incident with Iron Throne

- Benjamin Castelli was seen at the prison.

- He promptly executed a woman on the basis they were an Amnish spy.

- Words said before executing the spy: " Amn will not get the Palladium first, nor the isle."

- Shortly after A Dark Robed Mage was seen overlooking the town

- Summoned a demon and engaged in combat with several iron guardsmen.

- Benjamin and several adventurers assisted the Iron guardsmen.

- 2-4 guardsmen were killed, one adventurer badly wounded.

- Dark Robed Mage fate: Unknown, escaped through Northern gate.

       Day 6, Month 3 (Ches), 150 AR

       Concerned        

Tactical Report - 'Tzu'

- First Name: Tzukarakeramine

- Last Name: Ashenmark

- Red Kobold, Female

Notable Details:

- Leader of the Kobolds in Andunor

- Played death games with the local adventurer populace

- Was with the Underkdark presence on Skal.

Couldn't dig up much else on her.

Petja Paheline

- Human, Female

Notable Details:

- Mage Tower apprentice

- Asking around for Palladium

- Was seen in the company of Wenchslayer, Tzu and (presumably) the Kenku prior to gnoll attack on Skal

Couldn't find much else on her either as the Mage Tower faction had dissolved several tendays prior.

       Day 6, Month 9 (Eleint), 150 AR

       Anonymous