Prelude 2: Confirming Suspicions

Shando returned to Van'tese and secured an Audience with the Van’tese counsel: Lord Adhmar, Sir Gylliam and Emriss Rosette. Shando warned the counsel of the corrupted Ogroids and the unusual nature of the Ogroid Attacks. Lord Adhmar deferred to his counsel’s judgment, and Sir Gylliam responded by sending a small group of Militia, Van'tese's first ranger Zacariah to substantiate the claims. In addition to this military outfit, Sir Gylliam dispatched an Agent of the Coin and hired a Mercenary named Merrick to ensure his protection.

The cohort followed Shando, who led them to the tainted Ogroid den, where Adrysse and Throgrim awaited him. Zacarriah and the Militia conducted their investigation, while the Agent of Coin responded to the conditions of the Mercenary Contract and compensated Thorgrim and Adrysse for their efforts on behalf of Van’tese and Lord Adhmar.

All returned to Van’tese, where the first ranger and the Mercenaries submitted their reports to Sir Gylliam, substantiating the Sentinel’s claims. Concerned, Sir Gylliam hired Thorgrim, Adrysse and Merick to deliver the reports to Captain Marqius Loroche of Rocheford Garrison. At the garrison the three heroes gave their report to  Captain Marquis who then confirmed that the Ogroids were mobilising in greater numbers, with more sophisticated tactics. The reports of the Witch Marked Ogroids held some merit with the Captain, but he still considered the notion little more than speculation and was far more concerned with the focused Ogroid raids on strategic and sustainable sites: including lumber mills, mines and food stocks. The Captain explained that the Ogroids were previously known for their reckless pillaging and destruction. However, their scouts reported they are delivering pilfered resources into the mountains. Moreover he has reports streaming in from Le’Ghentel, exclaiming that they’re churches and shires are also being targeted.

Mere days before these attacks, the Crystal forge clan who were residing in the Bahra’dol Thane, were forced to leave when Necrophage horde attacked. Many Dwarven warriors and clansmen were lost in the slaughter and those who survived were now wards of Rocheford. Captain Loroche tendered a military treaty for service that obligated the Crystal forge Clan to act in the beneficial aid of Van’tese for as long as they were ward on the Brightlen lands.

Now knowing of an undead presence, Shando discussed the necessity of an investigation into Bahra’dol. Captain Marquis agreed and hired the Mercenaries Adrysse, Thorgrim and Merick, sending them to Bahra’dol on reconnaissance mission, to quantify the presence of the Necrophages and their motivations. After sharing counsel with Oathkeeper Kasper Hirn of the Crystal Forge Clan, Shando left traveling east.

Through Thorgrim, the warband were able to secure Oathkeeper Hambar Boffig a guide who would led them to the entrance of Bahra’dol. The warband successfully infiltrated Bahra’dol, where they witnessed Orc champions conversing with a Necromancer and an entity summoned through the violent slaughter of an orc warrior. This abyssal wished to convey the importance of the priests and their safe deliverance. However, the Mercenaries choose to seize the assumed opportunity to terminate the leaders of this dark plot, revealing their presence in the process. The heroes’ provocation called down a tide of Ghouls, which very nearly killed them in their escape.

The Mercenaries returned to Rocheford and reported their findings to Captain Marquis. The Captain was frustrated at their actions and the resulting developments. Assessing all available information, the Captain dispatched two regiments. One regiment was charged with intercepting any retaliation from Bahra’dol, and another was ordered to occupy and fortify the Dens recently liberated by Thorgrim, Adrysse and the Sentinel. The warband’s mission was ultimately a failure, with only a single success: there was now a  confirmed Necrophage incursion in the underlands.

Rochford Garrison

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