The Missing Scholar

"The Missing Scholar" (C1.S05.1) is a one-shot in the first campaign of The Vanguard.

## Synopsis

The party finds themselves standing outside a grand mansion nestled in the affluent district of Waterdeep. The mansion belongs to the last known Zephyerian scholar Varix Uthari, a renowned historian known for their vast knowledge of the city's history and culture. The urgency of the situation is evident as they are greeted by a distraught butler Percival Atwater, who quickly ushers them inside. The air is heavy with tension, and the party can hear murmurs of concern from the staff as they pass through the opulent foyer.

The butler leads the party to Varix Uthari's study as it was the last place they were seen. The room is in disarray and it looks as if it's been ransacked. Several pieces of paper are strewn about the floor and most of the paintings that were on the wall are also on the floor. Books that were once on shelves are now thrown about the room. There is a tall closet in the corner of the room. It shows signs of a failed attempt to break the lock but is otherwise undamaged. It is locked and the poison dart trap has been activated. An overturned desk is on the other side of the room.

Inside the closet is a small box containing a pouch with 200 gold and an envelope with the name "Ash Valen" Inside the envelope is a letter. The letters reads:

> To Whom It May Concern,
>
>
> If you find yourself reading this, then fate has conspired against me. The shadows of uncertainty have clouded my path, and I fear that I may have been taken against my will. But fear not, for I have left behind a trail. Woven with secrets and knowledge.
>
>
> Seek out Ash Valen, a halfling rogue. He owes me a life debt and is the only person who would know my fate. He has a scar across his face and a look of distrust in their eyes. Show them this note and speak the words "Zephyr's whisper." and he will answer "Brings the winds of change." Trust in their ability to uncover the veiled truths and untangle the threads of deception.
>
>
> I do hope that this letter is found in time.
>
>
> With hope and purpose,
> Varix Uthari
>
>
>
>

The party discovers a false bottom in the desk activated by pressing the dragon logo under the drawer. Inside are several pieces of paper with Zephyerian writings and diagrams as well as a cipher similar to what the Vanguard previously recovered.

As the party investigates the desk they will find a small book with several names scribbled in it.

* Sonora Tavern -- Home of the Vanguard Guild -- Southern Ward. previous Red Gauntlet Inn.
* The High Council of Waterdeep - keep a watchful eye on.
* Emerald Enclave, The Harpers, Lord's Alliance. Oath of the Gauntlet.
* The Grinning Lion Waterdeep -- A.V. 200gp - for emergencies.

The party then found the Grinning Lion in the North Ward of Waterdeep and convince Ash to help the party. He offered the way to the storage depot where the artifacts are most likely held until they can me properly moved. He said he can also find out who is behind the kidnapping.

After a fight at the storage depot the group located Varix Uthari but upon returning to the guild they find the body of Ash with the following letter pinned to it displaying an ominous seal at the bottom.

> Death to magic, the mystic's craft,
> Erase the spells that shadows cast.
> A world set free from sorcery's grasp.
>
> Tread the path of science, vast.
> Hope and reason, our future's mast.
> To the realm where magic's passed.
>
> Obliterate its ancient art.
> To those who wield their mystic part,
> Henceforth, we bid our swift depart.
>
> End the enchantments, a world doth fell.
> Vanguards rise to break the spell,
> Against the mystic's ancient dwell.
>
> No more sorcery, we proclaim,
> Gone are visions in the flame.
> Unfurled hearts, we seek our aim
>
> All is gone magic's charm,
> Rise twilight's glow, our spirits warmed.
> Dawn of reason, hearts unharmed.
>
>

## Guild Dispatches

The following are messages from the guild members who participated in the mission. They contain valuable information the guild can use to piece together clues.

> *No guild dispatches were found as of yet.*
>
>

1. ↑ Be aware that this is told from the player’s perspective of the adventure. Details and happenings may have been presented with some liberties taken to fill in the blanks from poor memory and scribbled notes. Other players should be asked about their views of what happened, and are also welcome to type their stories to share.