Esteemed Order of the Spellguard,

As I have not been given a task by any Agents, as they are undoubtedly very busy, and after my brief conversation with Barkely, I've decided to take the initiative and start working on my own. The following report is a result of that. I do hope it will be useful. Should you require something else - or a formal interview mayhaps, answers can be sent to the Last Stand.

- Aspirant Prestes.

First of Ches, Year 153, Old Sanctuary Filed by: Gregory Prestes, Spellguard Aspirant. Report - Subject: Canal Ward Defenses

Introduction: As it currently stands, the Canal Ward is in the hands of the Montezzi Court. As we no longer have full control over it's activities, it is paramount that we keep an watchful eye on the activities occurring in the place - determining threats and plans of defense should they be needed. This report related to the defensive capacity of the Montezzi - and potential threats perceived in the new inhabitants of the District and is a result of direct observation of the author.

Adressing the subject: The new inhabitants of the district consist of the following:

Mur, Duergar: 6(six) duergar mercenaries wearing the armor with the colors of the Mur Mercenaries. They are seemingly armed with dire maces, with no exception. Spread about throughout the District - they should not be too difficult to avoid while traveling through the area. I assume they were hired by the Prince.

Lobilibop, Kuo-Toa: 1(One) Kuo-Toa, armed with a trident, seemingly a merchant. It seems fairly friendly and represents little threat on it's own. It is seen standing next to a boat - presumably the one he reached the district with.

Unknown, Drow: 2 (Two) armored drow and assumedly armed drow. Where they come from, who they give their allegiance to and why they agreed to get there is unknown. They did not seem to be from Traensyr, nor overly aggressive. They refused to speak to me. They too, stand next to a boat with some crates - assuredly holding in the merchandise they bring with them.

Sslal'teesh, Kobolds: 5 (five) kobolds, four of them holding weapons and one with the look of a merchant, and their leader. When spoken to, the leader of the small group says they should be setting up shop for the Great Shadow Death soon. It seems the Prince has had some deal sorted with the Shadow Dragon.

Conclusion

1) The Montezzis may have received support from outward sources, including the Shadow Death. That does not mean they are not indepedant in their choices - but it might very well be used against them.

2) Any offensive against the Montezzi might mean meddling with the interests and dealing with forces much stronger and influent than the Montezzi themselves.

3) None of these inhabitants pose an imediate threat to the institutions and inhabitants of Sanctuary. However, if action is going to be taken - it'd be fit that it would be taken soon rather than later, when the 'visitors' will have been established and better guarded.

4) And lastly, the Montezzis capability to defend itself against mass invasion from outside, as of yet, is quite limited.