Scouting Report - Winterdark

Draknar, Squire Sharpthorn, and people of Travance,

I would like to set your minds at ease on this eve. I have and continue to be in contact with General Harrison. The General has assured me, beyond a reason of a doubt, that there are no Gaaldron spies in the area and that the information posted here is safe. Your concern is well placed, and your vigilance is admirable, however that level of secrecy is not necessary per the General. Quite the opposite, he wishes for all people who would defend crown and country to share what intelligence they have here so that we all might be armed with this knowledge.

There are those of you I have known for many years, and it is to you that ask for you to place trust in General Harrison. It is his forces and the Travancian people that are all that stand from a Gaaldronian assault on all of Korymire. Now is not the time to squabble amongst one another. Now is the time to play your part, not just for crown, or land, but for your lives and the lives of our children.


With kindest respect,
In service to King Aleric of Kormyre,
Loyal servant of Count Sebastian Everest of Winterdark, Earl of the Marches,

Sir Victor Sylus,
Knight of Winterdark, Shadow of the Dragon

Sir Sylus,

Please do not take this as a show if disrespect, as I do not mean it as such, and mean you only the utmost respect. However, they would not be worthy of the title spy if General Harrison knew of their activities within our lands.

Because you do not see my guards, does not mean they are not watching.
Do not doubt your leaders. They are your leaders for a reason.

For King and Country,
General Joshua Harrison
Loez Royal Guard.

General Harrison, Sir Sylus,

I have taken the last two days to prepare, and in that time, I have calmed considerably. My words were extremely heated, and at the time, I actually WANTED any Gaaldron spies to see that missive. My determination to rescue my family and clan has not lessened, but I realized that going off half-prepared and irrationally angry would only result in failure.

You tell me there are no spies, and as my superiors I will take you at your words. I still intend to leave soon to strike at the occupiers of my Holdings. I will go alone if need be, but judging from the missives I received so far that will not be necessary. I would not presume to demand anything from either of you, but any more information about extra fortifications the occupiers have erected or what sort of patrols they run would be extremely helpful. Obviously I know more about the Holdings themselves, but I would not be surprised if the Gaaldron forces had erected new defenses.

And on a much more personal note: If anyone hears any word of my wife and children, please bring it to me immediately.

For King and Country
Chieftain Winks Sharpthorn, Squire of Drega'Mire

With all due respect, General, I am certain that Sir Sylus overheard the Gaalderon generals tell their troops the same thing even while he was among them. I know I certainly have when I have gone on similar missions in the past. In those cases, such hubris on the parts of our enemies led to Travancian victory.

Leaders are chosen for a reason, but no leader is infallible. If they were, then wars wouldn't be such back-and-forth affairs. This is not a call for the information that has been shared to be removed. More than many do I understand the value widespread information. Neither is this a call for the subjects of Travance to question or doubt their leadership. Rather consider it one of those leaders cautioning all of us, regardless of rank, to never underestimate a foe, and never let our hubris become the lack of vigilance which leads to our downfall.

Subjects of Travance,

The need for secrecy, while understandable, is an acceptable casualty. We need our people to be as well informed as possible, from our top generals, down to our non-armed common folk. If there are spies in out midst then so be it, in fact I'm sure its even likely despite our intelligence, and if they are among us, then they have our intelligence whether they are posted for all to see or not. We will be at open war soon enough and all that will matter is blade against blade and we must prepare to meet these monsters head on and remove them from the very earth that they pollute.

We will not publicly bicker about tactics and methods of war, to do so only forces those who look to question out capabilities and reduce thier personal moral. This borderlines emboldening the enemy and treason. Instead you must unite your efforts and stand solid against this threat, arms locked, with a refusal to waiver in the face of darkness.

Our war tents have been erected, and our banners now fly high around them. All magics upon the Baronial Manor have been removed and by my decree, non will be placed upon it under penalty of death. The Baronial Manor will serve as a haven for those seek shelter from pursute to run to. A common man must feel comfortable that they can enter the building and stand a chance behind its walls and not slam into some invisible barrier and be slaughter outside the door.

Those who are able bodied and battle ready should consider sleeping within the Baronial Manors walls this moon to aid in its protection and the protection of the war camp outside its doors. Ready yourselves and renew your resolve, within the week much blood will be shed, make it mostly theres!

By My Will Be Done,
Count Sebastian Everest of Winterdark
Earl of the Marches