(enciphered scroll, found in a scrollcase on the belt of a Black Lotus slaver guard in the first game. Decoded with the cipher wheel found on the Bladeling leader in the Automata Underground)

“Guildmaster,

The bearer of this missive is traveling with the latest batch of recruits I scouted for us in Sigil. There are several truly rare and interesting specimens that you'll be able to make use of. The Modron is of a very unusual type, with draconic features. I have no idea how it became this way, but the alchemists in the labs should be interested in studying it before harvesting it for components.

The cleric and the sage both seem to have some knowledge of healing magic, and the sage in particular seems very skilled in anatomic study based on the books he carried. If one or both of them could be convinced to join our cause willingly, they could assist in the Great Work. If not, there are other ways we can put them to work.

The elf has some unusual features, but otherwise seems an unremarkable specimen. He seems to have some magical ability, although whether its useful or not is uncertain. At the very least, he can be put to work as simple labor. There is always more need of that.

I fear our relationship with the innkeeper Sloan has come to an end. His requests for larger and larger cuts of our “profits” are growing tiresome, and I fear he may be realizing our business is more than simple slave trading. The risk of discovery by the local authorities is also growing. It may be time to secure alternate routes for our cargo. I have cut ties and moved on from Rigus. I will make my way back to Sigil and see what new alliances I can make.

May Ascension Reach Us
Your Servant,
Calaban“

(letter found on Bladeling leader in Automata Underground after the battle in the old tavern. Enciphered with the same key found on the first letter, decoded with the same cipher wheel)

“Master Salazar,

Thank you for your kind letter. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship between your company and ours. I have sent my servant Calaban with this message, as he will help you establish yourselves in the Automata Underground.

Regarding your concerns about the Council of Anarchy, our intelligence tells us that the erinyes called Aurach the Fair is the only real threat. I have made personal arrangements to have her removed right before you deploy. The remaining two Council members are nothing your men cannot handle; a githzerai lowlife and a vagrant woman. Drive them out or kill them quickly enough, and the rest of the Underground will fall in line.

Once you are in control, you are free to run the place as you wish. All we request is that you allow our caravans, our agents, and our cargo to pass through the portal freely to and from the Outlands. Naturally, a regular share of our profits will be yours, as thanks for your safeguarding the route.

Lastly, to assist you in keeping control of the Underground, I have arranged for one more small gift; some extra muscle, if you will. Calaban will explain more himself, but I pray you find it useful.

May Ascension reach you,
Guildmaster Bracket”

====

(letter found in Calaban's guest quarters in the Tiger's Claw manor, following his defeat in trial by combat)

Dearest Calaban,

Welcome back to the City of Doors. It hasn't been the same without you. Llamar is a boor, as usual, though our contact is infrequent these days.

Your story concerns me greately, of course. Though it's doubtful these escapees will survive the Bladelings or the Guildmaster's donated pet, I will have my people in the streets keeping eyes open should they appear.

Your business with the Tiger's Claw and the Rise of the Swift is of the utmost importance, of course. But do not tarry there once the deal has been struck. Guildmaster Bracket has ordered a meeting at the Gentlemen's Club the day after your banquet. Try not to be too hungover when you arrive.

Sincerely,
- Scarlett

(excerpt from a Fated Planar Expedition report, relating to a “large black lotus”)

Extracted from a report by Namer Duchal, 2nd Low of the month of Leagueheim, 151st Year of Factol Hashkar's Reign　

First thing I want to report is, that thrice-cursed mephit who runs Parts and Pieces is a bloody liar. His “sure thing” portal to Gehenna may have worked, but instead of taking us to the Teardrop Palace like he said it would, it deposited us in a cave full of Fire Spiders in Chamada. Poor Namer Korwin was the first one through, and they got him before we could escape. (incidentally, the shoebox enclosed with this report contains Namer Korwin's remains. Please give my condolences to his widow).

We made it out of the cave and scaled the mountainside on our way to Nimicri. Thankfully I had a Planar Sextant, so we weren't completely thrown off course. On the third day of our trek, we crossed a basalt bridge over a river of lava pouring down the mountainside. While we were crossing, we saw something unrelated to our mission but nonetheless worthy of report.

Upstream of the lava river was a huge reservoir that it fed from. It was too far to make out any detail, but all the members of my party and I agree we saw something that looked like a massive black lotus flower floating on the lava, perfectly unharmed. It was tethered to the shore to prevent it from flowing away, and from the size of it, it looked as big as a fortress.

I wish we could have investigated further, but it was too far off course and the terrain was too dangerous to justify it. I log it with the Faction library in hopes that other more daring Planeswalkers can discover the dark of it on their own.

(overheard portion of the Black Lotus meeting between Guildmaster Brackett, Lady Scarlet, and Llamar)

Scarlet: …much as it pains me to say it, our problems go beyond Calaban's death. The letter he wrote me says the Bladelings in Automata were in control when he left. If they followed him through that portal, that very likely means the operation in Underground has been shut down.

Brackett: I have eyes on that as we speak. But Scarlett is correct, this is problematic. The loss of operations in Rigus, Automata, and now Sigil are making it more difficult to move cargo.

Llamar: We know who's responsible for this. Why are we sitting around yammering about it? Give me the word, Guildmaster, and I'll have my boys scour the city from top to bottom. Once we find them, I'll make sure they regret crossing us.

B: No, Llamar…

L: But Guildmaster!

B: I have need of your skills elsewhere. Ms. DuBois will be in a foul mood following events with the Tiger's Claw. Her operation in Sylvania is the only reliable cargo route we have left. Even if we can't ferry things through Sigil, we can still move what product they have the long way around. I want you to go and make sure they stick to the schedule. They'll need a firm hand to keep them in line.

L: As you wish, Guildmaster.

B: Scarlett, you take care of these interlopers. Discretely. You know the drill.

S: Boxes within boxes, yes Guildmaster. I have my contacts. And they've given me everything I need to have them dealt with. It will be done.

B: Good. You have your instructions. Follow them, and may Ascension reach you all.

L and S: May Ascension reach us all.

Letters retrieved from the manor of Lady Esma Boyle

Lady Doyle,

I write to you with joyful news. The process on your son has gone marvelously, and he should be returning to Sigil very soon. Just in time for his party, of course. I wish it were possible for me to attend, but the work of our Society keeps me busy. I hope you will accept my apologies.

I must express some disappointment that you and he felt the Erinyes wings were the best choice. I realize that feathered wings are more striking, but the Fleshwarpers were very eager to try the mechanical wings from the stock of Quadrones we've obtained. Your son's last minute change of heart was somewhat of a letdown. But of course, as they say, the customer is always right. And your patronage means the world to me and the Society.

Naturally, I hope our cooperation with the matter of your son will be enough to ensure your continued support. The supplies we require are rare and expensive, but to a woman of your wealth and status, they should be trivial to obtain. Deliveries to the same location in Torch as before are more than suitable.

Gratefully yours, Royce Brackett.

* * *

(business letterhead, symbol of a wagon passing between two portals, known in Sigil as the logo of the Planar Trade Consortium)

Lady Boyle,

Rest assured, we understand the need for discretion. There will be no need to attach your family name to any of the shipping documents. What details that cannot be omitted can be altered creatively to ensure none are the wiser.

The articles you requested are difficult to obtain, but not impossible. However Torch is dangerous territory, and the delivery men are constantly niggling over hazard pay for the journey. Though I'm sure you understand, I must apologize over the need to ask slightly more than standard rates for this work.

To avoid unwelcome questions or examination of ledgers, may we discuss invoicing and payment in person? Perhaps over dinner. Imel's Happy Tongue is a dining experience not to be missed, and of course the Consortium would be happy to treat you.

I look forward to your reply,

Estevan