Esteemed Sirs,

Through my studies in conjuration and illusion, I have developed a spell to conjur up a reasonable facsimile of the abberration known as the "Umber Hulk." It is only an illusionary and incomplete version of the real thing, but it effects many of the powers and characteristics of the beast itself. I thought I might offer my services as a possible source of training for new members, so that they might be able to face a conjured, less powerful creature, before having to fight the real thing. Please write back at the Spellguard Tower if you wish to engage said services. Since it is in the best interest of Sanctuary that we all be able to combat the threats that are presented to us, I will of course provide this training tool free of any charge.

For safety and Sanctuary,

Agent Aaron Wrinkle

Agent Aaron Wrinkle,

Though your offer is generous we shall respectfully decline it as the majority of our members are already well-trained to do battle against the fiend that you speak of. Also, I believe the future warriors of the Society would get a better understanding on how to battle the umber hulks by observing our veterans do battle against the real creatures first-hand rather than being faced by a watered-down illusionary creature of the Spellguard, which might lead them to underestimate the true threat that they pose.

There is however another way that you might be of service to us, for we require information on the means by which the Spellguard is able to discern whether or not an individual is under enthrallment. Send us the documents explaining the procedure on this and we shall look more favorably upon the Spellguard.

Furthermore, as those who give their aid to the Society in doing battle against the aberrations often find themselves easily manipulated by their mental attacks, we would be appreciative should the Spellguard offer us a good price on arcane wands that grant clarity of mind.

Sincerely, Ambrose Crownguard Paladin of the Society of the Ordered Mind

Mr. Crownguard,

Apologies for the delayed reply, your letter was buried under a mountain of paperwork rather quickly.

I must offer my most sincere apologies in regards to your request, but I fear that giving you the documents regarding the detection of thralldom is quite out of the question for a number of reasons, elaborated upon below.

Firstly, the detection requires the use of complex divination techniques and years of proper training in the use of advanced machinery. I am under the impression, from looking over the roster of your fine organization, that there is no one among you with the ability to perform the divinations necessary.

Secondly, the machinery itself is incredibly expensive, rare, and innately tied to the wards and enchantments placed upon the Spellguard building itself. It would not function outside of the Spellguard building.

Thirdly, the process itself must remain secret, so that the Illithids do not get ahold of it and find some way to counter it. At this point in time, it has been proved effective on countless occasions. I have been told, though the reports are vague, that an actual Illithid was recently seen inside the Society Chapterhouse, which leads us to believe that your security may not be the most flawless.

Speaking of which, I would appreciate a full report on the matter listed above, when you have the time.

If you have any further questions, feel free to direct them my way. I appreciate your efforts to be polite in our correspondence. It is rather refreshing after your rude and pointless accusation the day we first met.

Agent Aaron Wrinkle.