Spysong

The Duchy of Bloodstone's scouting network has quickly become the envy of all the power groups in the Bloodstone Lands. Because of this organization, Gareth Dragonsbane is undoubtedly the best-informed leader in Damara, with a considerable edge over his rivals.

The cornerstone of Spysong's strength is the association of three powerful adventurers, each with abilities that perfectly complement the others'.

With his carpet of flying and his spirit walking abilities, the monk Kane handles most of the long-range missions, especially those into Vaasa.

Witty and resourceful, the magic-user/thief Celedon Kierney keeps an eye on situations closer to home, particularly the doings of the Grandfather of Assassins and his evil clan.

Bringing it all together is Riordan Parnell, the master bard. Parnell meets with his partners to exchange information, usually in the Cave of the Whispering Wind. He transforms their reports into coded songs that will be sung throughout the land. Thus, the news is conveyed to Gareth and Dugald in Bloodstone, and even to the Twilight Riders in the distant south.

The Grandfather of Assassins is particularly worried about Spysong, and has placed a 1,000 gold piece bounty for the head of either Celedon Kierney and Riordan Parnell. In Heliogabalus, Dimian Ree fears Spysong will sabotage his own spy network if they can infiltrate it.

These two would be even more concerned if they understood that, like the Barony it supports, Spysong is growing more elaborate daily. Fifteen bards are working alongside Riordan to convey the coded songs throughout the land.

Celedon Kierney is only one of 50 thieves and fighters searching the Galena and the Earthspurs. As protection, a number of rangers keep as close an eye as possible on the whereabouts of Kierney and the others.

If a ranger reports that one of his people is in trouble, Riordan Parnell has the means to rush to the rescue. A mobile strike force of 100 fighters has been commissioned in Bloodstone City under the bard's exclusive command. The force includes a cavalry of 20 centaurs.

This strike force has no set home base and is being trained in wilderness survival. This will enable them to remain in the vicinity of the expected hot spots.

Spysong's primary mission remains discovery of the location and the defenses of the new Citadel of Assassins. However, two of its chief scouts are engaged in adventures which may prove equally important.

Celedon Kierney has camped on the slopes of Suncatcher Mountain in hopes of learning more about the mysterious cloud that has engulfed the peak.

Meanwhile, Kane is somewhere up along the Great Glacier, acting as an emissary from Bloodstone to the barbarians of White Worm. The monk hopes to recruit the tribe as Bloodstone's allies, but the tribe is difficult to deal with. At the very least, Kane wants White Worm to agree not to interfere with adventurers from the Vaasan Gate on their excursions into Vaasa.