Chapter 1: The Road to Morgansfort
As Wyrran opens the packet and unfolds the page, more shimmering vines appear and slowly fade. The writing is in Elvish, of course, and the writer has elegant, impeccable penmanship.
Master Galaeth,
We trust this message finds you well. We feel we must change the focus of your mission in the human lands. Our friends to the south are becoming even more troublesome than before and we are seeking those worthy of becoming our allies. Duke Helsung of Slateholm seems to have the marks of a worthy ally of the realm, being a man true to his word who has ruled his domain well. But we need to know more before placing our trust in him.
For decades, Helsung's family has held back the vuldrani surging out of the forests to the south of them. Now that task has fallen to Helsung's great-nephew, Halden. He has a reputation as a cunning warrior, but he is very young. The southern forests must be secured for the good of our kingdom and all civilized lands. If he fails, any alliance we might forge with his family will also fail, for they will be overwhelmed.
Therefore we give you two tasks. First, observe the baronet, his inner circle, his warriors and his subjects. Take his measure and theirs. Second, look for opportunities to act against the vuldrani in the area. Historically, scouting and raids by small groups has been the best way to discover their aims and numbers. We have heard reports--little more than rumors, but from reliable sources--that the vuldrani are overwhelming human and elven settlements that were once able to stand against them. Gather allies for yourself and do what you can to discover the truth.
We wish you success, and give our prayers to the gods for your safety.
Amalthea
High Queen and Majestrix of the Elven Courts
"Vuldrani" is a catch-all term elves use for goblinoids, orcs and other humanoid monsters who gather in mass numbers for evil purposes. You also know "our friends to the south" is almost certainly a reference to trouble from the Urdish Imperium on the island of Corvish, which is directly south of the Sunset Islands and the elven capital of Avenrho.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:45, Fri 06 Apr 2018.