Guild Announcements

Our Elder Guild Members will make crucial announcements month to month. You'll find their advice, insight and encouragement critical in unraveling the mysteries and impending threats that face our world.

## Announcement Board

### General Grom - January 22, 2024

> *Esteemed members of the Vanguard, as we delve into the heart of this murky mystery surrounding the demise of our comrade Ash Valen, I present to you a crucial dossier. In our pursuit of truth, understanding the intricate web of Ash's connections and adversaries is paramount. This dossier encapsulates the enigma that was Ash Valen, his shadowy dealings, and the looming figure of Thrax GrimJaw. May it illuminate the path ahead as we seek justice and unravel the dark secrets that threaten our guild. Study it well, for in these pages may lie the key to unveiling the malevolent forces that lurk in the shadows.*
> *You can find Ash Valen's Dossier here.*
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### Izzarina Mimi Whellerton - January 8, 2024

> *Guild Operatives,*
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> *We landed a blow to the organization we face this past week that should make them think twice before underestimating our reach. The result of that action, however, leaves more questions than answers. Recently a team of agents infiltrated a warehouse in Manshaka and what they found was troubling in spades. We have precious little time so here are the facts we have.*
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> *1. We believe the 4th key to the vault is somewhere in the Utter East. There are rumors that this key was given to a Bouleuterion of some sort. Connecting the dots from our previous missions, the artifact Naraxas was thought to be pillaged by The Grand Caliph of Zakhara. We now know this to be false. Whatever he recovered may have its origins in the 4th key but the rest is unclear. We know of the Scouring of the Utter East by Arash bint Sanjar and perhaps some study of this history could provide leads to the 4th key.*
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> *2. It was recently revealed to us that in the warehouse was a box containing something powerful and utterly terrifying. Luckily Algol, who is the son of fine craftsman, identified the chest as Eladrin (specifically Eldorian) in design. The last operatives in Manshaka to interact with the chest saw a large black fragment that paralyzed them. It filled their minds with not only the terrifying nightmares of others but individual horrors specific to their lives. It would seem the interaction warped them in a way not yet known. Some have exhibited odd behavior to the point of speaking out loud with no memory of these utterances. Mention of a powerful reach growing with every passing day. This chest was seen by Valas being removed from the wreckage of the warehouse seemingly unscathed being lifted by two huge constructs.*
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> *3. We’ve recently rescued and offered protection to Thoren of Eldoria, an Eladrin that revealed himself as a sort of 5th key to the vault of Naraxas. We currently hold 3 of 4 physical keys. In exchange for his ongoing cooperation, we’ve promised to help locate his wife and child whose whereabouts are unknown. He has shown his allegiance lies in those he can trust and without him, it would seem that vault will not open. He has made clear in no uncertain terms to Vine and me that he is leaving to recover them with or without us. We may be able to maximize our resources since that chest has been linked to his heritage.*
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> *4. We’ve retrieved evidence that the shipments from Chult were dinosaur eggs. The broker was not discovered on site but was known to be a Bugbear named Bozzuk. We have a lead that needs exploring now into the jungles to find the source and perhaps quantity of eggs delivered so far to the Monomaterial.*
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> *We are taxed my friends. The ShadowHand must make a choice and put our resources into pursuing one of these leads in the coming weeks.*
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> *We may be able to chase other leads in the aftermath of our decision but for now, let us choose one and strike with precision.*
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> *Yours in Shadows,*
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> *Chapter Master House ShadowHand*
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> *Izzarina Mimi Whellerton*
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### Izzarina Mimi Whellerton - November 28, 2023

> *Guild Operatives,*
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> *The shadows have birthed a serpent, and it slithers among us. Valas Dyrr, our skilled operative, has ventured into the den of the MonoMaterial, extracting valuable intelligence about their sinister plans. What we've uncovered demands our immediate attention and a calculated response.*
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> *Summary of Valas Dyrr's Report: The MonoMaterial is a clandestine organization with an insidious agenda. They seek recruits fervently, drawing even those with innate magical abilities into their web of fanaticism. The stolen cargo from our airship, including materials from Rhekiel's tower, is of paramount importance to them. Their sinister plans involve a descendant of Eldorian lineage, held captive in Revel's End. This person is intricately linked to Archmage Aelara and the vault housing the powerful relic, Naraxas. They plan a daring breakout, and the urgency cannot be overstated.*
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> *Call to Action:*
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> *1. Infiltration and Reconnaissance: Valas has paved the way, but we must delve deeper into the shadows of the MonoMaterial. Select operatives with skills in stealth, subterfuge, and information gathering. Infiltrate their ranks, discover their motives, and unveil the threads that tie them to the Eldorian lineage and the imprisoned descendant.*
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> *2. Protect Revel's End: The MonoMaterial's eyes are fixed on Revel's End. We cannot allow them to succeed in freeing their captive. Deploy a team to fortify the prison's defenses and ensure the safety of the Eldorian descendant. This task demands both strength and subtlety.*
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> *3. Intercept the Chult Shipments: Whatever lurks within the incoming Chult shipments is critical to the MonoMaterial's plans. Intercept these shipments discreetly. Discover the nature of their contents and how they contribute to the dark tapestry they're weaving.*
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> *4. Secure Nightstone's Retreat: The cargo we secured at Nightstone's Retreat is a target. Keep a vigilant watch over it. Any attempt to retrieve or interfere must be met with swift and decisive action.*
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> *Operational Secrecy: Our strength lies in secrecy. Share this information only with those directly involved. The fewer who know, the safer our house remains.*
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> *Our success hinges on each operative's commitment to the art of shadows. In the face of this emerging threat, let us be Valiant, Vigilant, and Victorious.*
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> *Remember, the shadows hold our secrets, and in their embrace, we thrive.*
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> *Let the dance of shadows commence.*
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> *Yours in Shadows,*
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> *Chapter Master House ShadowHand*
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> *Izzarina Mimi Whellerton*
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### General Grom - November 7, 2023

> *Greetings, esteemed members of the Vanguard Guild!*
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> *Esteemed members of the Vanguard. The days of peace are no longer with us. This group, who have made themselves known as "MonoMaterial", pose a great threat. I ask all members of this great guild, what did you see while on your mission?*
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> *Gribble, Vega, Bullin, and Nero, you are veteran members and as such we need your insight into what is happening. We have received a few reports but need assistance in gathering information. Any report, no matter how insignificant, is useful so please share what knowledge you have acquired.*
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### Spark Ascendant - October 3, 2023

> *Companions, fellows, friends. As your selected counselor of the Sentinels' Grace, I think it wise to give insight into disquieting recent events. Stars fall from the sky. None of them are wished on, only wished for. Rumors have stepped up patrols among our guild halls, and their whistles sound of truth. A force conspires against us. As allies begin falling around us, gravity conspires against us.*
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> *As many of you have found yourselves confounded by my absence, I explain it by explaining that I have found myself confounded as well. I have found myself medititating in solitutude on a single singlarity. One word standing standing solo, monolithic. "Material".*
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> *With the moonstone that Fellow Grom's team recovered, the Sentinels' Grace has successfully conducted the ritual on Deceased Fellow Ash Valen. We deciphered many of his final memories. Many more memories we found, confoundingly, missing.*
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> *We invite you all to ponder what we know as of now: Fellow Ash Valen resisted multiple attempts to extract information from him. His interrogations were conducted by multiple individuals, all of which appeared human or half-orc, or a more diverse cadre of robed, tattooed individuals. All of the tattooed interrogators appeared deferential to all other participants. All interrogations were observed by a large human male with a long brown beard, cloaked with the pelt of a dire bear. The details of the memory have been removed, but we know that Fellow Ash Valen was released willingly with several names keen on his mind. Fellow Ash Valen returned to headquarters as fast as his wounds would allow.*
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> *Fellow Ash Valen felt relief as he breached from the nearby shadows, returned safe and successful to our home. Friend Ash Valen died with his hand on the door.*
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### General Grom - August 28, 2023

> *Greetings, esteemed members of the Vanguard Guild!*
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> *Today marks a milestone on our journey. Six months ago, we embarked on this noble quest to safeguard Faerun from the shadows that threaten its very heart. And what an extraordinary journey it has been!*
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> *Before I proceed, I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who have rallied to our cause. Your dedication, your unwavering spirit, and your unyielding resolve have shaped this guild into the beacon of hope that it is today.*
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> *In these past six months, we have faced challenges that tested our mettle and pushed us to our limits. From the Blackwater Swamp to the enigmatic Misty Forest, we've discovered secrets long forgotten. We've traveled far north to Rhekiel's Rest to recover his tome after the mage's passing and discovered the origins of Naraxas the Mage Killer deep within a discovered pyramid. We ventured into the depths of the earth, to return stolen relics as well as recently recovered a key from the Warlock Baramba that is believed to be the third of five keys needed to unlock the vault of Naraxas.*
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> *Over twenty times our brave and dedicated guild members have ventured out to help the people of Faerun and twenty times we have returned stronger, ready to take on the next challenge. These adventures bind all of us in a shared experience that has brought us together from all across Faerun and the Forgotten Realms!*
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> *Our ranks have grown with exceptional individuals, whose unique strengths and talents have enriched our guild's tapestry. Each house has gained the tremendous benefits of your extraordinary skill and determination. Because of this, we stand stronger with each passing day.*
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> *At this juncture, I want to acknowledge each victory, every triumph that you, my fellow guild members, have achieved. We've pulled treasure from the depths of the earth and brought light to the hidden corners of our world.*
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> *So, let this celebration be a testament to our unity, to the friendships forged and the battles won. Let it be a reminder that our cause is just, and our purpose unyielding.*
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> *Let us raise our glasses, not just to the past six months, but to the future that lies ahead. Let our actions, guided by our ideals, continue to shine as a beacon of hope in the face of darkness.*
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> *Thank you, each and every one of you, for your contribution to the Vanguard Guild. May our unity remain unbreakable, and may our resolve never waver.*
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### General Grom - July 7, 2023

> *Attention, esteemed members of the Vanguard!*
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> *Gather 'round and lend me your ears, for I bring forth news that strikes at the very core of our guild and the essence of magic itself. Today, I stand before you with a revelation that has sent shivers down my spine. A shadow looms on the horizon, threatening to snuff out the radiant flame of magic that burns within us all.*
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> *Through our tireless investigation into the arcane ledger recovered from Whispers Breath, we have unraveled a tapestry of dark intentions and hidden agendas. There exists an organization, veiled in secrecy, whose true name shall remain shrouded for now. This enigmatic group, with a purpose yet unknown, has set its sights on eliminating magic from our realms.*
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> *Their tendrils reach far and wide, for they have employed the services of the infamous Fey Assassin guild. These skilled agents now dance to the twisted tune of their hidden masters, working tirelessly to further their cause. What that cause is, we have yet to fully comprehend.*
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> *This revelation, my courageous comrades, compels us to stand vigilant and united. We are the Vanguard, entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting the realms from the encroaching darkness. It is upon our shoulders that the weight of this responsibility rests, and we shall not falter.*
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> *The quest for Naraxas, the Mage Killer, takes on new significance. Not only must we prevent this ancient artifact from being misused, but we must also uncover the true motives of this nameless organization. Our path will be treacherous, and the dangers we face will test our mettle. But fear not, for we stand together, drawing strength from our shared purpose.*
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> *As you embark on your quests, keep your senses honed and your instincts sharp. Seek knowledge, gather allies, and tread carefully, for the hidden enemy lurks in the shadows. Though their true name eludes us, their threat is real, and it is our duty to uncover their intentions and put an end to their insidious machinations.*
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> *Trust in your comrades, for within the Vanguard lies a tapestry of diverse talents and unwavering determination. Together, we possess the power to unravel the mysteries that lie before us and protect the magic that courses through our veins.*
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> *May the gods guide our steps and grant us the wisdom to discern friend from foe. Let our actions be a beacon of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Vanguard. We shall confront this nameless adversary, unmask their true identity, and safeguard the realms from their nefarious designs.*
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> *Onward, my brave warriors! Let the echoes of our valor reverberate throughout the realms, inspiring hope and instilling fear in the hearts of those who seek to extinguish the magic that binds our world together.*
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> *Go forth, and let the realms remember our resolve and unwavering spirit!*
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### Valeria Celestine - June 16, 2023

> *Members of the Vanguard Guild, esteemed adventurers, and seekers of knowledge,*
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> *I stand before you as Valeria Celestine, a proud member of the Arcana Profound within our illustrious guild. It is my honor to share with you the remarkable discoveries that our brave companions have made throughout their quests. These findings not only shed light on the mysteries surrounding Naraxas, the Mage Killer, but also hold the key to unraveling the ancient secrets of our realm.*
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> *Firstly, let us rejoice in the acquisition of two arcane keys. These precious artifacts, discovered by the valorous members of our guild, hold great significance in our quest for Naraxas. The legends speak of five keys, each possessing a unique essence that binds them to the fabled vault. With the recovery of these two keys, we have come closer to unlocking the truth and revealing the power that lies dormant within the mage-killing weapon.*
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> *In addition to the keys, our esteemed adventurers have unearthed a remarkable magical map, a true marvel of ancient cartography. This map, shrouded in mystic symbols and enigmatic markings, holds the potential to guide us towards the hidden truths that lie beyond the realm of ordinary perception. But be warned, its secrets remain veiled until we can decipher its intricate code and unlock its true purpose.*
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> *Furthermore, we have acquired a mystical ledger, a tome of bound knowledge that carries the echoes of countless whispers from the realms of the Feywild. Within its pages lie the intricate workings of Whispers Breath, the fey thieves' guild that has long eluded our grasp. This ledger, however, is not easily deciphered. It holds the secrets of their nefarious dealings, their ill-gotten treasures, and perhaps, hidden clues to the whereabouts of Naraxas itself. We must rally our collective intellect and unravel its cryptic contents to unveil the truths that lie within.*
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> *But remember, my fellow adventurers, these artifacts are not mere trinkets or curiosities. They are the keys to a grand tapestry of destiny, woven by the hands of fate itself. Together, we must forge a path, uncover the hidden truths, and stand against the encroaching darkness that seeks to claim these artifacts for their own sinister purposes.*
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> *I implore each and every one of you to lend your skills, your intellect, and your unwavering determination to the Vanguard Guild's cause. Let us stand united, for it is together that we shall uncover the ancient prophecies and safeguard the realms of Faerun from the looming threats that await us.*
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> *May the arcane energies guide us, the knowledge empower us, and our indomitable spirit lead us to triumph. Our journey is far from over, my comrades. Let us march forth with courage and unwavering resolve, for the Vanguard Guild shall prevail!*
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> *To victory and the pursuit of truth!*
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