Aftermath

Riordan informed me about his talk with Jalynfein, the self proclaimed "Spider Mage", right after I returned from the meeting with Baron Dragonsbane in Bloodstone Village, which was necessary to answer his questions.

"What do you think?" I asked cousin Riordan. "Can we believe him?"

"I'm not sure." was Riordan's response. "He seems to know much about the internals of House Vandree. And if he tells the truth about himself, he not only knows House Vandree's recent surface operations in Neverwinter but also the dealings of the great Houses in Menzoberranzan."

"On the other hand:" Riordan added after a short pause "I doubt that he really tells us the truth about himself. And if he is lying about his own person, why should we believe his information about House Vandree?"

"Good point." I answered, "But this is a pretty normal situation in our business. I mean, name me a spy of renown that tells the truth about himself! Anyway, we cannot trust this old drow mage, but we should try to get as much out of this connection, as we can."

"Agreed." said Riordan, who knows the rules of our business as well as I do. "And indeed, I can confirm every single statement, he made in my last meeting with him."

"Good to have you back here in Waterdeep, Celedon," continued Riordan "how was the meeting with Gareth?"

"Good news and bad news!" I had to respond "My report ..." (I could tell from Riordan's face that he was about to make a remark, so I corrected my wording) "Our detailed report on the ramifications of the change in House Vandree's alliances, especially about Moredryss Vrinn, was convincing. Baron Dragonsbane has approved that we stay here in Waterdeep and continue our mission."

"However, he cut our budget!" I had do add.

"How much did we get for the next quarter? 50%" Riordan asked.

"Nothing! 0%. Nada!" I could not disguise my disappointment. "We have to find another source of funding."

Introduction of Nobility

Jalynfein - The Spider Mage

Cousin Riordan met with Jalynfein. He calls himself "The Spider Mage". For some reason that he did not tell us, he shared the following information, which gives us an inside look into the recent developments of House Vandree:

The Guild Hall was upgraded by Our revered Matron Mother Anthiela to level 5 on 14 June. In her announcement, Anthiela expressed her gratitude to the dedication, hard work and participation of the guild members. She pointed out that an essential aspect to gain the required resources for the new boon structure, were heroic encounters (HEs) in the stronghold that provide influence. Astral Diamonds (AD) can be earned by doing random queues.

Anthiela asked the member base what boon they consider best so that she could consider the needs of her followers which one to take. Special thanks went to Ozgurefem, Nurse Rachet, Will Chandler, Waeren, Xune, Fireboss and Sterwa for their major donations to the guild coffer!

On 3 July Fini'they, High Priestess of House Vandree announced on behalf of Our revered Matron Mother Anthiela, that the first boon structure, the barracks were built. This unlocks the first guild boon: which is a 3% XP boost! The needed influence came to a large degree from the jubilee trader, which appeared during protectors jubilee.

New Barracks at the Homestead

Anthiela knows that all this would have never happened without the dedication of surface dwellers living and adventuring in Neverwinter. The few drow from Menzoberranzan will not succeed without their help, regardless of race or gender. Therefore she gave up the unique title structure from Menzoberranzan and created hereditary peers following the example of other surface realms to reward those, who contribute to the cause of Lady Lolth.

The major principle underlying the proclamation of Fini'they, High Priestess of House Vandree dated 10 July found legislative expression in the following decree, which legally introduced the nobility, all its privileges, and, as the following excerpt demonstrates, those aspects that seemed particularly reasonable.

Decree Introducing Hereditary Nobility and Titles

1. Our revered Matron Mother Anthiela of House Vandree decrees that hereditary nobility is hereby instituted. Consequently, the former ranks Matron Mother, High Priestess, Weapon Master and House Wizard, etc. are replaced by the titles of Princess / Prince, Marchioness / Duke, Countess / Count, Viscountess / Viscount, Baroness / Baron, Baronet / Dame, which shall be accepted by, respectively bestowed upon, dedicated members of House Vandree's surface operations.
2. Upon recruitment to House Vandree's surface operations, any member is bestowed the initial title of Dame and may choose her coat of arms.
3. The titles of Our revered Matron Mother and Our High Priestess shall not be bestowed upon any group or individual, that is not by her birthright member of House Vandree.  The titles of Excellency, Highness, Eminence, Grace, etc. can under the pretext of the present decree, be used by members of House Vandree's surface operations. Also, the implementation of the provisions related to liveries and coats of arms placed upon carriages may be effected by anyone.
4. The present decree does not apply to other Houses of Menzoberranzan and their staff; they may preserve their liveries and coats of arms.

As of 21 July House Vandree has 148 Accounts / 164 Characters in its member base. The alliance is level 49, which is a significant improvement from level 8 (08 April). Total members are 535, of which a significant share (164) are in House Vandree. The head guild of the Alliance and the sword guilds have about 100 members, whereas the other gauntlet guilds have only about 10 - 20 members.