[Dossier: The Bogwood](index.php?id=the_bogwood_report), Report 2 

Compiled by: Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward
Sources: Reports from resistance informants within the Bogwood, intercepted Dragonborn communications, and intelligence gathered from merchant movements in the Trial-Woods.

Geographical Overview

The Bogwood is a vast swamp region located in the southeastern reaches of the Protectorate of Eastward. Once a thriving halfling village known for its alchemical expertise, the region has been transformed into a fortified stronghold under Dragonborn occupation. The area’s abundant resources—bog iron, medicinal herbs, and alchemical reagents—make it a strategic asset to those who control it.

Current State of the Bogwood

The village remains under heavy occupation, with Valtharix the Scaled Tyrant tightening his grip over the area. The settlement has been reinforced with defensive structures, and Iskandral the Frost Maw, the fearsome white dragon, continues to be a looming threat.

New Developments:

  1. Increased Military Presence: More Dragonborn warriors have arrived, reinforcing the stronghold.
  2. Escalation of Resistance: Lorra Veylan’s resistance network has been increasingly active, conducting ambushes and sabotage operations.
  3. Marque Trade Consortium’s Plans: The Consortium has begun moving large quantities of pitch and oil into the Trial-Woods with the intent to burn the forest down and drive out Renard Blackthorn’s forces, potentially destabilizing the Blackthorn-Bogwood trade alliance.
  4. Rust Monster Infestation: An increase in rust monsters has begun to affect Dragonborn military assets, damaging weapons and armor.
  5. Valtharix’s Countermoves:
    • Planned Attack: Valtharix is preparing a diversionary strike to delay the Consortium’s fire assault, attempting to shift their focus away from the Bogwood.
    • Bypassing Blackthorn: The Dragonborn are making additional maneuvers to seize critical supplies directly, reducing reliance on Blackthorn’s forces.
    • Requesting Reinforcements: Valtharix has formally requested a large influx of troops from General Innal, promising to restore the trade route back to Agathania’s keep in return for military assistance.
    • Attacking Marque’s Caravans: Valtharix is utilizing Lizardfolk forces to raid Marque's trade caravans in an effort to avoid direct suspicion while disrupting the Consortium’s supply lines. This tactic aims to either aid Blackthorn as an ally or maintain their necessary trade agreement by delaying Marque’s planned inferno.

Key Figures of Interest

Valtharix the Scaled Tyrant

  • Ruthless Dragonborn warlord, overseeing the occupation.
  • Expanding fortifications and military presence in the region.
  • Potential alliance with Renard Blackthorn is at risk if the Trial-Woods are set ablaze.
  • Now seeking to operate independently of Blackthorn, acquiring his own supply lines.
  • Utilizing Lizardfolk forces to attack Marque’s caravans in an effort to delay the burning of the Trial-Woods.

Iskandral the Frost Maw

  • A massive white dragon, acting as both an enforcer and deterrent.
  • Increasingly active patrols, likely to counter resistance efforts.

Lorra Veylan

  • Halfling resistance leader, coordinating attacks and intelligence gathering.
  • Utilizing ancient halfling symbols to communicate covertly with allies.
  • May attempt to exploit the Marque Trade Consortium’s actions for her own advantage.

Claudia Marque & The Trade Consortium

  • Major Estellian merchant and rival to Blackthorn.
  • Has begun moving flammable materials into the Trial-Woods with the intention of clearing out Blackthorn’s forces through fire.
  • If successful, this could weaken Blackthorn’s influence and disrupt his alliance with the Bogwood Dragonborn.

Renard Blackthorn

  • Leader of the Blackthorn Rebellion, a band of displaced fighters entrenched in the Trial-Woods.
  • Currently trading with the Bogwood Dragonborn, exchanging weapons and alchemical supplies.
  • Will be forced into action if the Consortium succeeds in setting the Trial-Woods ablaze.

Strategic Concerns

  • Trial-Woods on Fire: If the Marque Trade Consortium burns the Trial-Woods, it could endanger the Blackthorn-Bogwood supply network, disrupt the region’s ecosystem, and draw in outside factions.
  • Tensions Between the Blackthorn Rebellion & Valtharix: If Blackthorn is forced out of the Trial-Woods, he may become more reliant on the Bogwood Dragonborn or seek alternative allies.
  • Lorra Veylan’s Resistance Gaining Strength: The resistance’s growing influence may push Valtharix to take more extreme countermeasures, increasing the likelihood of mass executions or a renewed crackdown.
  • Rust Monster Plague: The increasing rust monster problem may force the Dragonborn to divert resources, potentially creating an opening for the resistance to exploit.
  • Valtharix’s Expanding Ambitions: With a potential influx of reinforcements from General Innal, Valtharix may be setting up the groundwork for a larger-scale occupation and control over the region.

Recommended Actions

  1. Monitor the Marque Trade Consortium’s Actions

    • Determine the timeline for their planned fire attack in the Trial-Woods.
    • Assess potential collateral damage and who benefits most from the fire.

  2. Exploit the Rust Monster Infestation

    • Use covert tactics to lure rust monsters deeper into the Bogwood to further disrupt the Dragonborn forces.
    • Identify if the infestation is naturally occurring or possibly manipulated by an outside force.

  3. Destabilize the Blackthorn-Bogwood Alliance

    • If Blackthorn is forced from the Trial-Woods, assess whether he would turn against Valtharix for survival.
    • Encourage infighting or a shift in loyalties by spreading misinformation.

  4. Provide Tactical Support to the Resistance

    • Supply weapons and intelligence to Lorra Veylan’s network.
    • Assist in rescue operations to relocate captives or defectors.

Final Thoughts

The Bogwood remains a volatile battleground, with shifting alliances and dangerous escalations on the horizon. The Marque Trade Consortium’s decision to burn the Trial-Woods will have far-reaching consequences, potentially breaking the Blackthorn-Bogwood trade alliance and leaving the region in further chaos. Meanwhile, Lorra Veylan’s resistance is gaining traction, the rust monsters are destabilizing military operations, and Valtharix’s response to these threats will shape the fate of the region.

Decisive action will be required to influence the course of events before larger powers intervene.

Compiled by,
Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward

Associated Pages:
The Bogwood
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