Hojarath Holdings

"Hojarath Holdings" (C1.S04.2) is a one-shot in the first campaign of The Vanguard.

## Synopsis

Our adventurers set off on a mission to help secure a lucrative silver mine for a wealthy Baron Algoran Hojarath who needs The Vanguard to look into why the mining operations have come to a halt.

Upon reaching the mine, the entrance was heavily guarded and the group had to treat with the head of the guard named Winthrop. He explained that no one is to go in or out of the mine since they had recent deaths that seems unexplained.

Any adventurers going into the mine to help deal with the problem were not to come out alone since the guards believe that the culprit is a shapeshifter of some sorts. The rumor is that the miners have been terrified of a monster that looks and speaks like them but has taken to killing those who work there.

Soon after our troop entered, a body was discovered face down in the dirt with claw marks on the back which also looked singed. In the main cavern the explorers soon discovered a scared woman in a mine cart looking to be spared. After careful investigation however this woman turned out to be a wyrmling Gold Dragon looking to establish a lair. The dragon was named Lham-surr and became belligerent when the party would not leave. She grew in anger accusing the guild and the members of hypocrisy for trying to use magic to kill her or drive her away.

In the end, with the help or So Shoon's druidic forms, the arrows of Flinar, sorcery of Rin Rish and a well placed arrow from Valas, the guild members were successful in dispatching the wyrmling and resting control of the mine back to Baron Algoran Hojarath.

## 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.

> *Our latest dispatch from the guild had us treat with a Baron Algoran Hojarath. He seems to be a property holder of repute that owns silver mines across the land. He also seems to have run into an issue that needs 'handling'. His crews have been missing as of late and bodies were found. There was rumor of a shapeshifter gaining the trust of the miners only to then slaughter them. Our company consisted of Rin Rish, So Schoon, and a newcomer to the guild named Flinar.*
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> *After reaching the mine entrance we were introduced to the piss poor head of operations, Winthrop. He proceeded to blather on about coming out in groups and then let his crew bet on our lives. Money was exchanged as we entered the mine. Shortly after we found the singed body of a miner a few hundred feet from the entrance. Exploring the mine proper we found a scared woman who proceeded to grow wings, a tail and snout as the shapeshifter introduced themselves as Lham-surr a young gold dragon. Bartering back and forth didn't quite work. Dragons are usually smart and metallic dragons from my study usually are not evil. It was looking for a lair calling us hypocrites for using magic and was incensed we would use it on them. A hard fought battle found the dragon dead and with Winthrop lighter in his pockets for doubting The Masked Lord's gifts.*
> I'm starting to waiver. I joined the guild thinking I could point my talents at those contemptable bastards that treat with the Dark Queen's consorts in the Underdark. I've lost that will. I made a promise to the Guild I won't break but my purpose seems changed. Almost twisted by something out of my reach.
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> *- Valas Dyrr*
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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.