Sergeant,

Due to the civility you have shown me in the recent past, I wish to inform you that Clan Mithrilsoul is about to enter a state of war against House Montezzi.

It seems that this tyrant has instructed me to beg for my life for some imagined slight that I am unaware of. You can be sure that the warriors of my clan will not tolerate a murderer making this type of threat to an Elder of their Clan.

Know further that any type of formal arrangement between Clan Mithrilsoul and the Watch to defend the Canal Ward has evaporated due to the foolish words of Councilor Dentra for questioning our honor. I had hoped otherwise, but the die is now cast.

Faenor Watchever

Honored Faenor,

Do not let these fickle and transient bureaucrats work their mischief against you. Those that continuously comport themselves to the highest standards of respectibility and honor will find ready allies within the Watch.

Morndinsamman be with you in this battle and in all battles.

Respectfully,

Albrect von Asch Sergeant, Sanctuary Watch

On plain white paper, and in a hand unfamiliar to Sergeant von Asch, the following appears.

This dark, a half-orc approached me and provided me with a Seeker decoder ring. He asked me to provide him with 1000 gold, but settled for 100 from my personal coffer. This half orc stated that yesterdark, he escorted a child to House Montezzi’s fort. Once they were inside, this child polymorphed into Agent Ramana. The agent met with House Montezzi staff, while the Half Orc stood guard at the door. During this meeting, Agent Ramana stated that the spellguard fully supported House Montezzi’s actions, and Officer Barkley offered some sort of deal with the bonus of bringing House Montezzi more Seekers.

The Half Orc approached the Spellguard Tower and relayed this information to one inside. He was provided with 100 coins and employment oppertunties if he was to forget about what he heard. He acknowledged and walked out the door.

This information pertaining to Spellguard involvement with House Montezzi was confirmed prior by Seeker Myria before she died. She stated to me in passing that she seen and overheard discussions, but was seeking to finish up a last mission before she accomplished any paperwork.

Along with the note, a well-prepared file is enclosed in yet another written hand.

Montezzi Organisation Here's the details of what we learn about how the Montezzi forces are organized.

We must consider hiring outside help with bringing in more information here.

Montezzi Members and numbers Upper Echelon Montezzi brother 1 - Jacques Montezzi brother 2 - Rinaldo Waylon Spitworth The General - Cleric of the Red Knight

Rank-and-file The-Scantily-Clad-Woman Wizard Vrish the Orc Other halforc Gorgrave Blackearth Pyotr - Wizard and thief Silas - Warrior Ghyyrt the Goblin Banjo the Dwarf Tiefling Keron Rogers

Need names and more numbers on these. We must consider hiring outside help on bringing in more information here.

Montezzi Tactics The Montezzis fight well, and are seemingly well trained. Roughly their forces can be divided in two parts, according to my observations, which then can be divided into other sub-parts.

The "Upper Echelon" is made up of the higher members of the Montezzi forces. These members as a rule have a greater tactical insight, or are better equipped - they thus often lead the fight, and often do so from the front lines. The tactical insight of the Montezzi brothers and the General are not in doubt - thought the Spitworth character must be considered to be "upper echelon" solely by force of arms and not his brains.

The rank-and-file troops are usually made up of two cathegories: the frontliners and the spellcasters. The frontliners do just that - they follow the orders and instructions of the Montezzi upper echelon, and unless ordered otherwise will usually just charge their enemies. The rear rank and file - usually spellcasters - hang back and merely support the frontliners.

Main traits of Montezzi tactics These, as per my observation, hold intelligent simplicity and adaptability. While seeming thugs on first glance, Montezzi forces appear to fight highly coordinated and using good equipment. They have no fear of leaping into the fray when necessary, and are easily controlled by their commanders - there appears to be no animosity within their ranks, and whoever is in charge actually leads. Tactics per se vary depending on situation, though the Montezzis appear to be highly legalistic and regularized in their way of thinking - as has been demonstrated by their actions. They are thus likely to fight in more strict formation and in accordance to strict strategems - at least before a battle is commenced.

One thing which stands out about the Montezzis is that they appear to rely heavily on their own spellcasters or ability to cast spells; much less on supplies and potions - which may be due to being somewhat cut off from the Upper markets of brewing. Whatever the cause, this means that their spellcasters make for prime targets - they themselves are "soft" and easy to slay, and without them the Montezzi warriors will loose much of their potency.

Strengths: * Organization * Coordination * Adaptability * Manpower * Superior equipment * Warlike * Impervious to conventional assault

Weaknesses: * Vulnerability to guerilla warfare * Vulnerability to irregular tactics * Vulnerability to irregular weaponry * Lack of constructive initiative * Warlike * Reliant on spellcasters

The Montezzi Base The Montezzi Lower Fortress is not suited to resisting assault. Despite it's name, it is actually a rather poor excuse for such. While it is impressive, it offers little to no vantage points from which to assault incomming attackers and, in return, plenty of cover for incoming forces. That having been said, I expect one would need a force ratio of at least 2:1 to complete a succesful assault on this building.

The lower area is divided into two main halves, with beggars working on construction on the right-hand half. Access to the upper levels is unrestricted, though other smaller areas are off limits.

Sergeant,

I have been remiss in reporting an attack and murder of the merchant Krovus whom we have hired to represent our trade allies here in Sanctuary.

A dwarf, now known to our people as Banjo Kinslayer, was hired by the goblin Ghyrrt. Both are of House Montezzi. An ambassador of our ally heard the commotion, and followed the murderer to the Montezzi fortress under invisibility.

Enclosed is the written testimony of the witness to the crime. He also overheard the murderer receive payment for the job immediately after the murder occurred:

Some crazed kin, or possibly a foul Duergar as he was helmed and covered, attacked the area today. He slayed Krovus, though I managed to fend him off.

After laying down our kinsman Krovus, I followed these two into the Lower Ward under guise of invisibility. There I did see the halforc speak with a dwarf, before a goblin came out of that Montezzi fortress. They were speaking about payment for a job. I'll leave the rest to you, kinsmen.

The orcblood has green skin, blue and black armour and cloak. Fights with a shield and a morningstar.

The tainted kinsman who aided him has an eyepatch, is bald, and wears dark armour and employs a heavy shield and axe in combat.

The goblin uses a warhammer, and works with the Montezzi scum. Seems to be the ringleader.

- Ambassador Ironbark, Khazlun Holdfast

I hope that this report of murder in Sanctuary on ground patrolled by the Watch will be responded to appropriately.

We would be happy to lend our axes to the might of the Watch if necessary, but rest assured there will indeed be a response from Clan Mithrilsoul.

It is up to you to determine what the nature of that response will be.

Honor to you and yours,

Faenor Watchever Clan Mithrilsoul

Without a word, a note is given to the guard at the Watch House by a dwarven woman in fine half-plate armor and a blue cloak.

Sergeant,

I have reported the murder of Krovus to Agent Noble of the Spellguard. Do you work together in these situations? As a courtesy, I thought it would be helpful for you to be prepared if he contacts you.

Also, I sent you the information about Agent Ramana, and the Montezzis. It occurred to me that the sender was not included in those packages. It is most troubling to me that the Spellguard has been caught in collusion with these thugs.

Here is a report from one of my sources:

The Agents of the Spellguard have arranged immunity to the Montezzi laws while traveling through Lower, and are currently negotiating with the Prince to ensure that the two factions remain on good terms. The Agents are being sent there as emissaries from their officer Barkely, to ensure that no war mongering actions are taken by either part.

I severely doubt that the Agents of the Spellguard are actually working together with the House to forward any of the House's own interests, but rather they cooperate to protect the plans and inhabitants of both districts.

Prince Rinaldo Montezzi has ordered me to beg for his mercy for a minor matter, which of course I will not do. He is a tyrant and a murderer, whose soul is surely damned.

He now promises war, and plainly states will murder my brothers and sisters, all citizens of good standing in Sanctuary. Here is one of his letters as evidence:

Breena of the Mithril Souls,

I write to you as a stranger, but I believe you would benefit from my words.

First, I am disappointed that you have as of yet not begged for my pardon. We are well aware that some time ago, you assisted and aided in a brutal and murderous assault upon a number of my guards. You are not alone in this, and we intend on being merciful, but it is important that you apologize before it is too late.

Second, I am further disappointed that you and your clan plot my doom. I certainly had nothing to do with the murder of the dwarf known as Krovus. Whoever killed him, was not a member of my Guard. If the murderer is found, it may be that we shall punish him ourselves. If there is to be a quarrel between us, it will be one that you have started.

Third, you have no chance against us. Your every movements are reported to me. En masse, your dwarves stand no chance against my legions. Apart, your individual dwarves will find themselves disappearing mysteriously. Your only hope is my merciful nature.

If you wish to prevent war, if you wish to save your clan, I suggest you come to the Fortress Montezzi, beg my forgiveness for your actions against me thus far, and discuss terms.

Prince Rinaldo Montezzi

Finally, I will include in a seperate letter, our latest intelligence on the makeup of House Montezzi. This comes from a source with first hand information.

May your loyalty and honor bear you well in this dangerous assignment.

Faenor Watchever

Sergeant - here is the report:

the following is penned in Breena's own hand

The Count however has issued an order for all his monster slaves. They are supposed to find and slay all of your kinsmen, taking their gold and equipment and bringing them to the Fortress, where they will be piled.

I encase also in this envelope a list of those retainers of the House which I am currently aware of, and their skills. Should you wish any more information, let me know somehow.

The Court

Prince Rinaldo Montezzi - The Prince is a trained warrior, and a tactically skilled general. He is trained mostly to fight with a rapier and a shield, but he is also adapt at using divine wands of many sorts, and is known of being greatly supplied with both such wands, and potions of all possible kinds, ranging from invisibility and haste, to blurring and strength.

Count Jacques Montezzi - A fierce warrior on the offense, yet a defensively vulnerable character, the Count fights with a greatsword, often wearing naught but a tunic. This tunic is highly magical, a reward from Bane himself, after a quest the House performed for him. The Count is adapt at casting many sorts of arcane magics, granted to him by shrewd rituals of blood. He can cast, amongst others, haste, blur, invisibility, strengthening, weapon enchanting and mind warding. He is capable of making use of arcane wands, and will be the prime enchanter of the forces, as his wands are those of the best qualities.

Duke Waylon - A brute with little to no brain, Waylon relies completely on his strength and savage bravery to win battles. He is using an enchanted axe, and is capable of easily dropping his foes while being guarded by magic of the Count.

Guardian Cross - Much like the Duke, Vick Cross is a brutish fighter, yet he holds intelligence beyond that of Waylon. He also fights with a greataxe, and he is the official captain of the Prince's bodyguards. You will probably have to go through him if you intend to slay the Prince.

General Nikandros - The General is a tactical mastermind, but compared to the other members of the Court, he is not one to fear when it comes to battle, personally. He is more defensively capable than the brutes, yet you should not have to fear him if you find him charging you alone. He is a priest of some god, and holds divine magic which he will use to enchant his fellows.

Pyotr Ignatiev - The Master of Whispers, this man is generally the Prince's spymaster. He is of no use in a battle, but he is currently gathering information from many parts of the city, and daily gives reports to the Prince. His information is given to him by secret informers, and I doubt even the Prince knows their names.

The Guard

Pergalush - A half-orc of little to none intelligence, he is still a very loyal warrior. He fights offensively with great strength, but without magic from others and orders from the Prince or General, he will fall easily when outnumbered.

Urok - Another half-orc, fighting with a greatsword and only slightly the greater of Pergalush when it comes to the mind. He is very easily manipulated, and holds no magic of his own, but if he is not targeted, he will easily drop any enemy quickly.

Rob - A human lowersman, fighting often with two handaxes. He is loyal, but holds deep superstition about leaving Lower. He is very tough, but should crack under tension. He does not have any magical powers.

Jack - I am unsure of this man, as I have yet to see him fight or cast any magic. He should pose little threat in a fight however, unless he proves to be a great surprise.

Elizabeth Ravenlock - An arcane caster who provides some basic enhancements to the warriors of the guard. This human female possess some offensive magics, but prefers to stay hidden and avoids engagement at all costs.

Gorgrave Blackearth - An arcane caster inspired by his music. He casts magic much like that of Ravenlock, and will pose less threat martially than through the enchantments he offers.

Keron - He is a sorcerer, identified by his ascension cloak and spear. He constantly keeps himself enchanted, and he is the one the Prince assigned to run the Shrine of the Ascension after it was sacked. He is the House's only scource of enchantments such as "Flame Weapon" or other purely arcane magics.

The Monsters

Ghyrrt - A goblin, the foremost of them all. He was the first of the monsters to enter the Prince's service, and is a very savage fighter, though easily intimidated. His meagre appearance is only a facade, behind it hides magical potential, great fighting skills, aswell as huge supplies of wands and potions which will make him a terrifying opponent in a fight.

Xiffy - A kobold, newly entered into the Prince's service. He is a self-proclaimed trap master, and will likely flee should there be a battle. I would put no weight on him, as it is best invested elsewhere.

Dekkin - A kobold, claiming to be a monk. He fights with his fists, but should pose no threat, offensively or otherwise.

I hope this information will be helpful to you in your investigation.

Faenor Watchever