Communique #7

Grigor,

I am delighted to know that I will see you soon.

As your apprentice, I have been somewhat remiss in my duties as I have failed to keep you apprised of my studies and progress – instead choosing to focus on local news and the specific tasks you have assigned to me. Allow me to rectify that before you arrive and see what I’ve done to your tower.

As you know I have been studying topics arcane and magical; I have also been studying spell theory and the art of casting. You will be pleased to know that I am progressing well in both areas. In addition to that I have undertaken the pursuit of several fields of study that dove-tail nicely with your instruction.

First please know that I take my role as your librarian very seriously, and have now become proficient in the creation, construction, and binding of books – as well as archival, restoration, and preservation.

I have also developed a keen interest in crafting and alchemy. You mentioned scrolls in a previous letter; I hope you are proud to find that I have scribed an assortment of arcane scrolls for our use.  In addition I have constructed a small stone alchemy lab next to the tower (but not connected as failed experiments have proven to be volatile). From there I have been able to craft several vials of antitoxin, tindertwigs, everburning torches, etc…

I have also expanded my alchemy practice into the creation of magical potions and have a very modest supply representing my efforts. Thanks to Phineas Whooperill I have also discover how to craft enchanted items that are far more wonderous than their mundane counterparts. I am currently working on a set of bracers that provide a magical effect that duplicates wearing armor. Unfortunately my first attempt also immobilized the wearer, BUT HE WAS WELL PROTECTED.

I am now fluent in 5 languages – Valian Common, Gnomish, Celestial, Illmarian Common, and First World Common. I hope to add Elven and Dwarven soon.

Finally my casting abilities have progressed where I can now cast Flaming Sphere – something of a personal triumph.

Your tower has now become, ah, more organized along my particular tastes. This was so that I could fulfill your various research requests more quickly. A minor rearranging of furniture and book organization, nothing huge and easily returned if you wish when you arrive.

I have reconstructed the third floor as you requested – dismantling my jewelry shop to do so, just so you know. Anyway, on to the local news.

Two days ago Nolan arrived from the north. He looked pretty exhausted and asked if he could stay here. As I write this he is down stairs eating lunch. He has not seen anything other than the first floor and has not asked – mainly he’s just been sleeping. He told me he intends to leave tomorrow morning, heading south into Goldmeadow. He inquired after you and the others and I told him you left heading east at the beginning of Winter Waxing. He seemed pleased and left it at that.

Eric Plowman and his son Toby found Nolan’s arrival far too interesting for my tastes.  I attempted to use Detect Thoughts on Toby as he was watching Nolan eat in the Sleeping Dragon.  All I got was “So the High bards continue to meddle in Illmarian affairs,” before Melor’s tunic got caught in the door and caused a commotion. What was most interesting to me was that following the physical comedy of Melor falling etc., Toby locked eyes with me in a way that told me he knew. For Eric’s part he inquired with your Mother about Nolan and the details surrounding his upbringing, who he hung out with, etc…

Just today we received word that the Baron will be coming to visit Halvenspring. The official reason is a managing tour of the Barony, but I think Marc Risus and Pharun’s activities far more likely a reason. He should arrive shortly after you guys, the following day if you keep your schedule.

Yesterday Klaus knocked on the door. He has noticed me testing my alchemical work and asked if he could see my shop. Not knowing what else to do I showed it to him. He politely asked me a few crafting related questions and made a few suggestions, which I was happy to take. We’re going to meet over dinner tonight in his tower and discuss the limitations of potion brewing.

Your brother Dorian has been making forays into the Firnockt, accompanied by Wren and Uval. Do you remember Wren? The Allade girl, Bruno’s daughter? She has been spending time with both Omsythe and Father Theodore, and I suspect picked up a few things with her new divine beliefs. Uval you wouldn’t know – his family migrated from Templemount a month ago. Anyway the three of them have been “exploring” and “patrolling”. I bring it up both to keep you informed and because I want to tell you about the events of last night.

Apparently they encountered a band of Redcaps because they are idiots and were walking at night through the Firnockt by the Tainted wood. They engaged and slew 3 Redcaps before deciding that they were outmatched – by Gwen’s account there were 8 of them – and fleeing. The redcaps gave chase and Dorian’s group ran for the closest building which was Salavic’s shop – he’s a halfling, a new resident who makes toys and baskets.  Anyway the Redcaps stopped and refused to enter the clearing where Salavic’s place is built. Why would they do that? That seems odd. Perhaps there is more to Salavic (note to readers – this sentence is struck through and ends with “Salavic,” as if Osgood thought it was a mistake. The letter resumes) They were just lucky I guess. Gwen’s account of the incident however mentions a figure made of smoke, about man sized, that was with the Redcaps. I wonder if this is the same kind of Tainted One you met on the road between Waymeet and Shadowmount? I asked around, looked into church records, and there has never been mention of any other kind of Tainted One other than Redcaps in the Firnockt.

As I researched that though, I came across an old record (well, old for Halvenspring anyway) mentioning a Redcap leader named Blackbriar. This implies that 1) Recaps are intelligent enough to have and follow leaders, and 2) have a sense of self enough to have names. This revelation is chilling to me. Is there an intelligence behind these seemingly random attacks? Why are things escalating? It is becoming clear to me – something is going on in the Firnockt. Something new – or rather something very old which is doing new things. I will confer with you more on your arrival, but I am of the mind to accompany Dorian and his friends on some of their forays. As with Toby Plowman, it may be time for me to become more than an observer.

Looking forward to your safe return,

Osgood