Dossier: Trial-Woods, Report 2

Compiled by: Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward
Sources: Reports from Estellian merchant movements, intercepted communications from Blackthorn’s forces, and intelligence gathered from local scouts.

Geographical Overview

The Trial-Woods lie on the eastern edge of the Protectorate of Eastward, serving as a vital natural border and resource hub. The region consists of dense forests, open glades, and misty marshlands, historically acting as the Barony’s primary lumber source. These woods are now embroiled in a growing conflict between rival factions.

Current State of the Trial-Woods

The region remains in turmoil, with Renard Blackthorn’s displaced fighters entrenched in hidden camps while Estellian-backed forces escalate their response.

New Developments:

  1. Marque Trade Consortium’s Escalation: The Consortium has begun moving large quantities of pitch and oil into the region with the intention of burning the Trial-Woods to drive out Blackthorn’s forces and reclaim their lost supply routes.
  2. Increased Mercenary Presence: Claudia Marque has hired additional mercenaries and bounty hunters to reinforce her burning operations, offering substantial rewards for any confirmed kills on Blackthorn’s fighters.
  3. Blackthorn’s Tactical Shift: In response to the impending destruction, Blackthorn is mobilizing to intercept Marque’s supply shipments, preventing the Consortium from executing their scorched-earth strategy.
  4. Dragonborn Interference: Intelligence suggests Valtharix is secretly directing Lizardfolk raiding parties to attack Marque’s trade caravans, attempting to disrupt the Consortium without directly implicating himself. His motives are uncertain—either to protect Blackthorn or to preserve his own supply chain.
  5. Trade Consortium Fortification: The Marque Trade Consortium has begun constructing a large fortification along the southern wall of the forest to serve as a base of operations for their campaign. This stronghold will allow them to better coordinate their forces and stockpile resources for prolonged engagements.
  6. Summer Court Hunters’ Movements: The Summer Court Fey Hunters have departed from the Estellian camp and are now heading towards the Bogwood. Their ultimate objectives remain unclear, but their movement suggests they may have a larger role to play in the ongoing conflict.

Key Figures of Interest

Renard Blackthorn

  • Leader of the Blackthorn Rebellion, a band of displaced fighters entrenched in the Trial-Woods.
  • Known for his deep knowledge of the terrain, making his forces difficult to dislodge.
  • Has begun targeting Marque’s supply shipments to delay their planned destruction of the forest.

Claudia Marque & The Trade Consortium

  • Wealthy Estellian merchant and rival to Blackthorn.
  • Has launched a full-scale effort to burn down the Trial-Woods, hiring mercenaries and bounty hunters to clear out Blackthorn’s forces.
  • Intensifying pressure from Estellian backers to eliminate Blackthorn and reopen trade routes.
  • Now constructing a major fortification in the southern Trial-Woods, reinforcing their ability to conduct military operations.

Valtharix the Scaled Tyrant

  • Dragonborn warlord and ruler of the Bogwood.
  • Secretly deploying Lizardfolk raiders to attack Marque’s supply convoys, attempting to stall the fire attack without drawing suspicion.
  • His motivations remain unclear—he may be acting to protect Blackthorn as an ally or safeguarding his own supply network.

Lorra Veylan

  • Halfling resistance leader, operating in the Bogwood.
  • Potentially looking to exploit the Marque-Blackthorn conflict to her advantage.
  • May assist Blackthorn’s forces indirectly to weaken both Marque and the Dragonborn.

Summer Court Hunters

  • A group of elite Fey operatives sent by Estellian leadership to bring decisive resolution to the Trial-Woods conflict.
  • Left the Estellian camp and are heading towards the Bogwood, though their intentions remain unclear.
  • Potential motives include intervening in the Blackthorn-Marque conflict, targeting Valtharix’s growing power, or dealing with an unknown Fey-related threat.

Strategic Concerns

  • Impending Destruction of the Trial-Woods: If the Marque Trade Consortium successfully burns the forest, it will displace more people, destroy vital resources, and force Blackthorn into desperate actions.
  • Tensions Between Blackthorn & Valtharix: Blackthorn remains unaware of Valtharix’s indirect interference—if discovered, this could create either a rift or a deeper alliance.
  • Mercenary & Bounty Hunter Surge: The influx of fighters into the region increases the potential for unpredictable engagements and collateral damage.
  • Civilian Impact: Non-combatants in the Trial-Woods are facing increasing threats—forced recruitment, displacement, or potential slaughter.
  • Fortification as a Staging Ground: The new Marque Trade Consortium stronghold will solidify their control over the region if left unchecked, potentially making future resistance significantly harder.
  • Unclear Intentions of the Summer Court Hunters: Their movement towards the Bogwood could completely shift the balance of power in the region, but their exact goals remain unknown.

Recommended Actions

  1. Monitor the Marque Trade Consortium’s Burning Campaign

    • Gather intelligence on the timeline and scope of the fire attack.
    • Identify key supply points and vulnerabilities in Marque’s operation.

  2. Assess Blackthorn’s Countermeasures

    • Observe his tactics for intercepting supply convoys.
    • Determine if a direct alliance with Blackthorn could serve Protectorate interests.

  3. Investigate Valtharix’s Hidden Agenda

    • Confirm whether the Lizardfolk attacks are sanctioned directly by Valtharix.
    • Determine if he intends to replace Blackthorn’s role in the regional trade.

  4. Track the Summer Court Hunters

    • Monitor their path to the Bogwood and attempt to discern their true intentions.
    • Assess whether their presence in the Bogwood will aid or disrupt existing power structures.

  5. Protect Civilian Populations

    • Establish safe routes for neutral parties caught in the crossfire.
    • Prevent forced recruitment and retaliatory violence against locals.

Final Thoughts

The Trial-Woods are on the brink of destruction, war, and shifting alliances. Claudia Marque’s actions could fundamentally reshape the region, while Blackthorn and Valtharix’s strategic responses remain uncertain. With mercenaries flooding the area, Lizardfolk raiders striking trade routes, and civilians caught in the chaos, the next few weeks will determine the fate of the forest and its inhabitants.

The newly constructed Trade Consortium fortification presents an additional challenge, reinforcing their ability to hold the region indefinitely if left unchallenged.

The Summer Court Hunters' movement towards the Bogwood raises further questions about what role they will play in the conflict ahead.

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

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