A Letter to Duke Eltan,

[devildog30]

Duke Eltan, Commander of the Flaming Fist:

My lord, know that while I no longer wear the uniform of the
Flaming Fist, I still serve thee. Therefore I feel it is my duty to
report to you on a matter of grave concern. Twas early this day
that I happen upon a gathering of Weavemasters trading words
with the likes of a vile drow, deep in the Cloakwood. There I did
learn that this drow spoke of a hidden city deep underground not
more then a tenday march from Baldur's Gate. Twould explain
why so many drow have been spotted above the surface.
I did try to apprehend the drow and bring him forth to you Lord,
without the aid of the guildmages however. For they believe that
being a drow is not reason enough to be brought forth to justice.
I need not remind his lordship, the last time such sentimental
reasoning was allowed or the carnage that follow after do I?

Master Nahum and his fabled guild would have allowed this
enemy of the realm to travel freely. Had I not intervene, though I
was able to wound the drow with my bow before he did escape
due to fell sorcery.Had the Weavemasters assisted me, the drow
would now be confined in a prison cell waiting interrogation.
The Weavemasters inaction is a disservice to all who strive so
hard to see these invaders defeated and driven back into the
Underdark from whence they came.

Life is a series of hardships and hard choices for us all Lord.
I pray this further weakness has not brought doom upon us all.

Signed.

Justin Crownsilver
Highknight of Cormyr

[DM Sir Carnifex]

Sir Justin Crownsilver:

It is with much consternation that I read of the events told in your recent letter. Though we do not hold those not of the Flaming Fist to our strict standard, we do require that those within the law of Baldur's Gate and the surrounding lands never obstruct justice. That an association that I have considered an ally would go to means to protect our enemies is very disturbing.

I will look into the matter further.

Duke Eltan

[DM Cephas]

Being summoned before the Duke's presence, Nahum arrives escorted by a few of his Weave Guardians. The Duke questions him regarding Justin's accusations which seems to catch him a little off guard. Nahum has heard rumors of Justin's dislike of the Weave Masters for some time now, but Nahum brushed it off considering the times they have fought together side-by-side. A few of his guildsmen accused the knight of being jealous of the Weave Masters' rise in influence but Nahum would have none of it. But alas, his presence before the Duke seems to be reinforcing the things he has been dismissing. With a slight bow, he responds to the Duke...

"Kind sir, It is of some surprise to me that my guildsmen and I would be accused of such near treachery. I had heard of Justin's dislike for my fellowship for quite some time now, but it seems that I have thought too much of the knight to believe such tales. Was it not my guildsmen and I that fought back Baldur's Gate enemies many times since our arrival? Did we not fight alongside your soldiers when the Thayans charged towards the Gate with their war golems and knights? Rest assured that if drow tried to do the same, my guildsmen and I would rally forces to do the same.

As for this occurrence that Sir Justin describes, he only tells a part of the full story. This drow spoken of in his letter first presented himself to me masked in enchantments and armed with kind words. He spoke of wishing to join my guild and then exposed his true self. Suspicious to say the least, he claimed his integrity by his forthrightness. He even confirmed the suspicions we've had this very year. A drow city indeed exists much nearer to Baldur's Gate than we would wish. He claims it to be a tenday travel from here and goes by the name of Sshamath. He also claims it to be run by a magocracy unlike those fabled in the tomes of old.

He near offered to reveal the passageway he used if it had not been for the knight's brashness and one-minded methods. If anything, it is perhaps my accuser's weakness that has set us back in our defense against any form of drow raiding parties.

As we speak, I am already forming a team of my guildsmen ((all the ones being sent to the UD. LOL)) to locate this city. They will then be assigned to keep an eye on any pending assaults to the surface or help disrupt them if the opportunity arises. We do this, not because we were asked to, but because Baldur's Gate is also our home and its safety is our concern as well.

In short, my kind sir, I would hope that I have gained your trust through our many dealings and that any parley I would have with drow is with good reason. I am well aware of the cunning deceit of drow but even you have shown your wisdom in that there are a rare few that can perhaps be trusted when you accepted tolerance of a drow and a half-drow this very year. At the very least, information can be garnered from them. Rest assured that I do not take such things lightly. Any accusations contrary to this must be taken with a measure of doubt."

The conversation lasts a little longer, but at the conclusion of his conversation with the duke and upon the duke's dismissal, the Weave Exarch gives a slight bow and departs. His heart still troubled by the accusations of a man once thought to be an ally, he returns to his tower. He struggles as to the source of such animosity but dismisses it as he has other things he must deal with. This drow entrance should be found and his guildsmen need to be prepared. Infiltrating a drow city will not be an easy task.