Letters and Books
Letter 1
Ludovicus to Adger and Kaela - Found in bandit camp near Waternook
Adger and Kaela,
The instructions I have for you are simple. Stop Waternooks production of lumber at any cost. As long as the lumber isn't getting to Waterdeep, I'll be sending 100gp a week for recruitment and compensation costs. However, I don't want you to overextend your operation. Stick to the lumber, nothing else. My spy says there is only 1 carriage driver, and he's unguarded. Take him and anyone else who takes his place. I want to hit the Masked Lord's, but not too hard. Not yet.
-Ludovicus
Letter 2
Julietta Gledresk to the Dragons of Waterdeep - Received in the Yawning Portal
Greetings adventurers,
I hope this letter finds you well. I was given your names from a colleague of mine. I have a job that needs doing and he fervently recommended you for the task. Earlier this week I was made aware that some citizens were getting sick after consuming grains procured from the local city of Goldenfields. If interested please make your way to Gledresk Manor in the North Ward and we can speak in person. Present this letter to the guard outside and he will let you in.
-Julietta Gledresk
Letter 3
Ludovicus to Tasia - Found in a hidden compartment in Tasia's room
Tasia,
Im relieved to hear youre not willing to let the Masked Lords take advantage of your cities kindness any longer. The poison we discussed is going to be dropped off near the grain silos after dark. However I must warn you, my spy has informed me that a company of adventures is on the way to investigate the recent poisonings. Make yourself scarce and they will eventually lose interest. Or they might end up like the last emmisary Waterdeep sent.
-Ludovicus
Letter 4
Slippery Steve to Vinny and Joey - Found on a desk in a Zhentarim warehouse
Vinny, or Joey. Whoever gets this first
I know both of ya are big shots working with the Zhents in Zhentil Keep now. But I've overheard the Zhents talking about a large sum of money hidden away by some millionaire before he was kicked out of town. Now both the Zhents and the Xanithar are after the gold, making a perfect opportunity for me to slip in, play them both against each other, and steal the gold for the family. It would certainly be a lot easier with the two of you here though. This money could be exactly what we need to finally put the Gambinos on the map.
-You know who
Letter 5
Highsword Stronghammer to Salem - Delivered by courier to the Floppy Hat
Salem,
It is good to hear from you. Unfortunately The Lords Alliance has a strict noninterference policy when it comes to the Black Network. As such all official business needs to be cleared with the council before any action is taken. I will inform Grand Duke Ravenguard and he shall pass the information along to the alliance members. Do not interfere unless absolutely necessary. I will message again when I have further information.
-Thurston Stronghammer
Letter 6
M to Mogilny - Left on the window sill of his room
Mogilny
I'm hearing incredible things about what you and your party have accomplished so far in Waterdeep. And in such little time too. I now know that your dedication to the city and its people are unquestionable. So I have a proposition for you. Attend tomorrow's ceremony, and I have it on good authority that afterwards a job opportunity will present itself. Consider it a final test from my higher ups. Assuming that I am correct, finish the job and I'll explain how you can help not just the city, the but the whole realm.
-M
Letter 7
Ludovicus to Nuzed - Found in Nuzed's footlocker
Nuzed,
I completely understand why you're so angry. I've sent some coin to help with your troubles. Your family will appreciate all the hard work you’ve done once this is all over. I've included the last item I need you to use to complete the ritual. Just strike the tuning fork against any solid surface while standing near the pit and assuming you’ve done the rituals correctly then all your work will be done. I appreciate all that you’ve done for me. Once you’ve completed your task be sure to leave post haste. Join me in the city of Nightstone and we can discuss housing and accommodations for you and your loved ones.
-Ludovicus
Letter 8
Telthuruanik to Pavel - Delivered by hand to the Floppy Hat
Pavel,
Drop by the cathedral when you get the chance. I went to tell you in person but Kayla informed me you were off on another adventure. Your devotion to your faith and the people of Waterdeep have inspired me. I'm joining a group of Hellriders on their next expedition back to Elturel. I'm heading south to reconnect with my friends in the Order of the Gauntlet. That'll do me more good than being cooped up in this temple the rest of my life. When you get to the cathedral, head to my quarters and look for my storage bench. Everything inside is for you, to help you on your journeys. Most of it does not fit anymore anyways. We will see each other again soon, I'm sure of it.
-Telthuruanik
Letter 9
M to Mogilny - Delivered by hand to the Floppy Hat
Just got word you all were back in town. Stop by the Silver Strings after dark.
-M
Letter 10
Ludovicus to the Dragons of Waterdeep - Programed illusion found on Ludovicus' body
I'm assuming the hero's of Waterdeep are the ones hearing this. I have no way to tell, because if you're hearing this than I am more than likely dead. The litch kings curse prevents me from telling you this in person, which is why I'm programing this illusion while his gaze is off me. My master, ruler of Thay and Zulkir of Necromancy, Szass Tam has… Well, had... Sent me on a mission to start a conflict between the kingdoms of the sword coast while secretly collecting a set of ancient artifacts, called the Nether Scrolls. I located one in Nightstone, and the Red Wizards know that another is far to the north somewhere in Icewind Dale. I'm telling you this because once I thought that power and an iron grip was the key to achieving true peace, but I was mistaken. If Szass Tam and ------- finds these scrolls, then there won't be enough power in the world to stop them. We would all be made slaves, just as I am now.
Letter 11
Highsword Stronghammer to Salem - Delivered by paper bird
Salem,
The city of Elturel has fallen, and Grand Duke Ulder Ravenguard is missing. A group of adventurers discovered a plot that could lead to the downfall of Baldur's Gate as well. This is not an order, and your standing in The Watch will not be impacted by your decision, but you and your adventuring groups skills could be useful to The Gate. I hope to see or hear from you soon.
-Thurston Stronghammer
Book 1
Chronicles of the Arcane: Karsus's Gambit
In the land of Netheril, an ancient prophecy foretold of a great calamity that would bring about the downfall of the powerful empire. Karsus, a gifted seer and powerful arcanist, became consumed by fear and desperation upon learning of this grim fate. Determined to change destiny's course, he embarked on a dangerous quest to amass unimaginable power in order to save his people. Based on the greatest historical tale of power and hubris.
Signed Caine D Winstomn
Letter 12
Sergei to his unnamed brother - Found on his brother's body
Dear Brother,
I hope this letter is able to reach you. If I'm correct in where I think you are, then this letter caught you skulking around that awful tavern in Waterdeep. I write to you with great news. I'm leaving Danzanthan for Icewind Dale, and you should too. Word underground is that they've been without sun for almost a year now. It's perfect. No longer shall we have to face the tyranny of the sun. Make your way to Ten Towns. I will find you.
-Sergei
Letter 13
Durth Sunblight to Nildar Sunblight - Found in Nildars study
Brother,
last location was getting too close to being discovered. You can now find me on the frozen ferry in Easthaven. From this new base, the search for chardalyn continues. Soon the day will come when these surface dwellers will be eradicated. Long may Lyudmilla rule over this land!
-Durth