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

Prepared by Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward

Geography and Importance

The Bogwood is a sprawling swamp region located in the southeastern reaches of the Protectorate of Eastward. It was once a thriving halfling village known for its resourceful people and alchemical expertise. The Dragonborn armies have since occupied the village, turning it into a fortified stronghold. Despite its challenges, the Bogwood remains significant due to its proximity to trade routes and its abundance of rare alchemical resources, including bog iron and medicinal herbs.

Current Situation

The Bogwood is under the control of Dragonborn forces, who have enslaved much of the local halfling population to extract resources and strengthen their grip on the region. A large white dragon, Iskandral the Frost Maw, has taken residence in the village, serving as a fearsome enforcer and symbol of dominance. Meanwhile, a resistance network led by a resourceful halfling continues to operate in secret, striving to liberate their home.

Key Figures

• Valtharix the Scaled Tyrant:
  • A cunning and ruthless Dragonborn warlord who leads the occupation of the Bogwood.
  • Known for his strategic mind and brutal tactics, Valtharix has turned the village into a stronghold.
  • Believed to be coordinating efforts to weaponize the swamp’s alchemical resources and fortify his rule.
• Iskandral the Frost Maw:
  • A massive and ancient white dragon that resides in the heart of the Bogwood village.
  • Serves as an enforcer and symbol of terror for the occupying forces.
  • Fiercely protective of its hoard, which includes stolen relics and resources from the halfling village.
• Lorra Veylan:
  • A brave and resourceful halfling who leads the resistance network within the Bogwood.
  • Known for her sharp intellect and determination, Lorra has established a covert network of safehouses and escape routes through the swamps.
  • Acts as a healer and organizer, rallying the enslaved halflings and coordinating acts of sabotage against the Dragonborn.

Economic Impact

The Bogwood’s once-thriving economy has been devastated by the Dragonborn occupation. The extraction of bog iron and rare herbs continues, but the profits are funneled directly into Valtharix’s war efforts. Local merchants have been driven out or forced into hiding, and trade through the region has slowed to a crawl. This disruption will hamper the Protectorate’s ability to rebuild after the war.

Strategic Concerns

• Occupational Fortifications:
  • Valtharix has transformed the halfling village into a heavily fortified base, using both natural barriers and constructed defenses.
  • Iskandral’s presence adds a significant threat, deterring any direct assault on the region.
• Resistance Network:
  • Lorra Veylan’s resistance poses a growing threat to the Dragonborn occupation. Her network’s sabotage efforts have disrupted supply lines and morale among the occupiers.
  • Supporting the resistance could shift the balance of power but risks retaliation against the enslaved population.

Recommendations

1. Support the Resistance:
   • Provide covert assistance to Lorra Veylan, including weapons, intelligence, and resources.
   • Help establish secure communication channels between the resistance and the Protectorate.
2. Neutralize Iskandral:
   • Develop a plan to deal with the white dragon, either by driving it from the region or using specialized tactics to neutralize its threat.
   • Consider enlisting experienced dragon hunters or leveraging magical resources to even the odds.
3. Sabotage Occupation Efforts:
   • Target supply lines and key infrastructure to weaken Valtharix’s control over the Bogwood.
   • Employ guerrilla tactics to exploit the terrain and minimize the risk of direct confrontation.
4. Gather Intelligence:
   • Deploy spies to gather information on Valtharix’s long-term plans and the layout of the stronghold.
   • Identify weaknesses in the Dragonborn’s defenses and leadership structure.