Veil of Shadows

"Veil of Shadows" (C1.S03.1) is a one-shot in the first campaign of The Vanguard.

## Synopsis

In the town of East Haven, the members of the Vanguard Guild are tasked with deciphering a magical ledger. However, their investigation leads them into a deadly mist that shrouds the town, bringing out the worst in those caught within it. They must uncover the truth behind its origin and confront their inner demons to save the town and themselves.

Ten years ago, Eldric, a possessed blind sage, unleashed a shadow demon named Vexor upon himself and the town. Vexor seeks revenge by engulfing East Haven in a corrupting mist, turning its inhabitants into monsters. Eldric, protected by a loyal white dog named Tovid, tries to sacrifice himself to save the town but is prevented by Vexor. The party must face Vexor, defeat him, and ultimately allow Eldric to make his final sacrifice to free East Haven from the Veil of Shadows.

## 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.

> *First mission with the guild had our party sent to the town of East Haven. Our mission was to locate Dorian Windrider to translate a ledger that was entrusted to us. The company consisted of 6 including Vega, Fiddlefingers, Lt. Moog, Craig Rock n' Roller, myself and the venerable Mac. On the way, we were attacked by what I can only describe as my worst nightmare - small people riding small animals in broad daylight. Nevertheless, our party managed to deal with most of the theat before reaching a fog of some kind surrounding the town.*
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> *We met an animal guide. It took to Gribble right away. Tovid was his name and he led us to a hut where we found Eldric. I can only describe him as 'older than reasonably possible for humankind'. Complications arose when we found out the fog was corrupting the townsfolk around us. Eldric delved a bit too deep trying to explore some of the deeper mysteries of the land and unleashed a fiend named Vexor in doing so.*
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> *After helping Eldric vanquish his demon, Gribble adopted Tovid for the guild and we were able to locate Dorian to entrust the ledger to his care for translation.*
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> *On a personal note, the fog seemed to change me. I had told you upon entering the guild that power structures dominated by the will of beings bent on manipulation and control struck a deep chord with me. I've been hard-wired to seek those institutions out and rid this world of people ascending for the sake of enslaving others to their will. This fog... drove that from me somehow. It disturbs me. If it could happen to me, it may have corrupted others. Beware.*
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> *- Valas Dyrr*
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> *After action report, detached duty squad/Easthaven (DDS/E). Eyes only. Gen. Grom ordered DDS/E to Easthaven to bring a ledger to D-- W-- for translation. Squad consisted of troopers Krag, Gribble, Mac, Vega, Lt. Mog, and Valas the drow scout. Halfway to Easthaven, assaulted on road by flying swarm of Fey approaching from rear. Swarm difficult to attack, but sustained only minor injuries and minor damage to Vanguard cart. Lt Mog and drow scout captured 2 fey enemies. Further interrogation determined they were from Fey assassin’s guild Whispers Breath, intent on recovery of Ledger.*
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> Upon arrival at Easthaven, determined it had long been corrupted by presence of mists (see recommendations). Initial probe by dwarf indicated mist not corruptive, however horses would not enter. Dwarf contacted by friendly dog, Torvid, who offered guide services through communications with Gribble. Trip through town showed evidence of long decay. Met dog’s master, Eldric. M. Eldric confirmed corruptive nature of mists as legacy of plane of Shadows due to a ritual he started 10 years ago (see recommendations). Shadow demon Vxr (True Name redacted for safety) was using Eldric to reach into Easthaven and corrupt the villagers. Eldric requested DDS/E assistance to perform new ritual to banish Vxr back to Shadows. After rest, we scouted, assessed the terrain, and planned support to defeat Vxr when summoned again while avoiding damage to corrupted villagers, who presumably could be restored. Prepared during day, light bonfires at night and Eldric performed the ritual. After combat, Vxr defeated, village restored, D- W- contacted and provided ledger. Vega, Valas use of magic proved especially important in Vxr defeat by DDS/E. Team performed above expectations. Eldric lost, sacrificed self to banish shadow demon.
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> Recommendations: Suggest investigation into Whispers Breath to determine likelihood of further threat or escalation of threat against the Company and its goals, and who hired them. Suggest better dissemination of information to Gen. Grom regarding villages covered in ShadowRealm mists, especially with regards to available weaponry for attacking extraplanar adversaries. Suggest future investigations into unknown mists not send a resistant dwarf first.
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> *- Lt. Mog*
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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.