The Book of Dawn
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Day 8
Today has been an eventful day, and one that confirmed all which I was sent here for. Firstly, the townsfolk rumours spoke of undead sightings and attacks. Some dared to speak of a +Dracolich+. Further investigation opened some leads, possible activity originated in the deep forest, in the underground crypts, and even in a place all too familiar to me - the Lost City.
I finally managed to get ahold of ~Jerrick~, which I had been pointed to as a notorious personality to speak about the matters, but just when I was establishing a conversation with him, about a score of shadows appeared near the South Gates of Norwick. They were dealt with quickly, but they did nothing but confirm that something is stirring in here. Jerrick himself brought a cart filled with dead bodies of what seemed to be the origin of those shadows. After performing a Ritual of Sending to allow safe passage to the poor souls into their patrons' domains, the druid agreed to have a private chat with me.
Along came ~Tindra~, the cat lady I knew many years ago. It is a relief to me to see that she is accepted in society, and even allowed to use her feral form within the town walls. It is a step forward towards tolerance, that back in the day many weren't ready to take.
As the conversation progressed, I learned many things from Jerrick. For the investigation purposes, he indeed confirmed the presence of a dracolich which may be acting on the will of a greater power, or simply someone that has an upper hand on it. This is a terrible foe that will require the best of efforts to eradicate, so the best I could do is act carefully, and take one step at a time. I learned other things from the druid, less terrible but more disheartening, all of which I will keep off this book for the time being and store only in my mind. Those matters touch me personally and I must try to isolate them not to compromise this mission's success.
I was pleased with the interaction with both Jerrick and Tindra. They struck me as honest and blunt. I couldn't wish for more than that. I do hope I also caused a good impression in them, though I fear I may have lost myself for a moment in there, due to the above mentioned personal references.
All in all, my main focus is the undead infestation, and ultimately, the Dracolich and whatever may be influencing upon it. I mustn't stray from this path, for the Greater Good. May Lathander shine upon my soul and may He guide my steps.
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Day 0
As usual, Rith awoke before the Dawn, so that she could welcome it. Not knowing very well how the past events could have altered the landscape, she finally managed to find a perfect spot in the area near the ferry and the farmlands, on a hill facing the East, with the calm waters for background. She felt filled with joy and decided that this would be for now her new place of spiritual attunement and prayer. And so, as every morning of her life, she whispered her prayer.
- "Strive always to aid, to foster new hope, new ideas, and new prosperity for all humankind and its allies."
"Perfect thyself, and guard ever against pride, for it is a sacred duty to foster new growth, nurture growing things, and work for rebirth and renewal."
"Be fertile in mind and in body. Consider always the consequences of thine actions so that the least effort may bring the greatest and best reward."
"Wherever you go, sow seeds of plants, tend the growing things you find, and plant seeds of hope, new ideas, and plans for a rosy future in the minds of all."
"Whenever possible, see each Dawn."
_She stood still for a few more long minutes, staring at the horizon. As every morning, the emotion to see a new Dawn overwhelmed her. As every morning, her eyes became teary as she acknowledged how fortunate she was. And as every morning, an utter feeling of satisfaction filled and eased her, making both her mind and body ready to face even death itself, if that's what it took to see every word of her prayer fullfilled.
As she walked back to the inn and laid the heavy tome on a desk, she had the chance to glance over a scroll containing the summary of her mission._
@6656d8ae36:
Phase 1 - Assess the threat.
Locate our agent, Dawnbringer Arguyle.
Our agent Thierulf Arguyle was sent initially to scout the area and confirm the rumours, but he hasn't reported back. Attempt to locate him or discover what fate he faced.
Survey the townsfolk for information related to the threat.
Gossip and rumours work well in small towns. Mix with the townsfolk and attempt to receive information regarding the threat. Possible sightings, or even personal testimony of a farmer could be valious information.
Approach possible leaders or notorious characters on the matter.
Approach those who are seen as leaders, whether they are political, ideological or militar nature. Seek counsel with them and explain your motives. They are most prone to have the most accurate and useful information on the threat.
Offer inconditional support and cooperation.
It is our Holy Duty to see undead banished from the face of Toril. It is what we do and do it best than anyone else. Offer your honest and inconditional support so that you may see it fullfilled.
Phase 2 - Pre-emptive measures.
Strengthen the presence of the Morninglord in the area prior to the conflict.
Attempt to gather the exisiting followers of Lathander, and have them work under the Morninglord's banner. Make sure you're sighted often and recognized as Dawnbringer. Earn small victories so that your sole presence can foster hope in the hearts of mere bystanders.
Tend the townsfolk both physical and morally.
It is our Holy Duty to tend the wounds of those in need under any circumstance, but specially in this situation, do not let anyone come to fatal harm in your presence. What is more, do not let anyone fall prey of fear, panic, dissidia or desperation.
Minimize the impact of the undead presence in the area.
Be vigilant, be first to respond to undead threats, or hunt them in the sorrounding areas. Everyone must know what you are there for. If possible, avoid the townsfolk even coming in sight contact with undead creatures. It could cause a terror crisis and have a negative impact on the operation.
Phase 3 - Seek and Destroy.
Locate and isolate the threat.
Learn where does the heart of the threat reside. Be it with scouting or scrying missions. Do not adventure yourself into death's maw without knowing exactly what you are facing and how to destroy it.
If what you are facing is anywhere close to what we've been informed, you will need all the aid you can get. Seek allies of good among the locals. Use your influences both as Dawnbringer and the ones gained with your past deeds and most importantly, they must know your intentions. You only seek to fullfill your duty eliminating a threat to the innocent, and an insult to life itself.
Make sure that everyone in the strike force is correctly informed about what they are facing. Explain every possible weakness of your foe and instruct those that will acompany you in what is possible. Offer moral support and allow them to feel that the only possible result is a victory. Likewise, allow yourself be advised by those that master arts beyond your knowledge. Scouts, strategists, arcanists…
Rith sighed as she finished reading the orders, asking herself why did a lot of it sound so business-like. - "I'll put the heart in it then" she told to herself as she set the scroll aside to continue writing in her journal.
- "Strive always to aid, to foster new hope, new ideas, and new prosperity for all humankind and its allies."
