Black Folio

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*The following, written in a distinctive but unfamiliar copperplate hand is listed in an organized, clear manner.  Topics are underlined, chapters are discerned, and altogether, this small tome weighs no more than half a pound.  The book is bound in a black leather, but is otherwise wholly unremarkable.*

*Notably, this work is not signed.*

To whom it may concern.

The following is a dissertation on potential tactics, mission profiles, and methods which may or may not be implemented in the pursuit of intelligence gathering, security, and threat-removal for the collective free peoples of Mistone and Alindor.

If you are not intended to read this document, please burn immediately.

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Upon the Consideration of the Gathering of Covert Intelligence

This will or may be handled in three (3) primary manners, although upon particular occasion, the specifics may vary.

Principally:  The gathering of information through interviews and debriefings with adventurers and organizations of the same.  These individuals, for whatever reason, tend to be at the forefront of exceptional instances and occurances, and as such should be queried regarding the nature of their experiences in these regards whenever is possible.  Although an individual story may not be complete or seem connected to any other, if a comprehensive level of data collection is maintained, corelations and connections may be discovered.

Advantages: This level of information gathering stands a chance of being both the most simultaneously useful and safe to acquire.  Since it is a recounting of second-hand experiences, the danger to individual data collection agents is minimal, and with some exceptions, the information is often freely shared.  Agents who are themselves of the adventuring sub-culture may be able to relate first-hand experience of these same events for files and later analysis.

Disadvantages:  Particularly in regards to gathering information about the Dragon-Stealers cult/intiative, there is a severe shortage of 'loose' data about these individuals.  Possibility of similar situations occurring, where they believe that the information being sought may be sensitive.  Using personal relations to mine for more data may put at risk the anonymnity of agents.

Secondarily:  Collection of data by means of rumour and hearsay, with listeners in major ports of call, crossroads, etcetera - particularly public houses and baths.  While this is unlikely to detect secret plans, a collection of more general information - things which might not be picked up by the Town Criers, but which may have to do with large movements of people, strange events, etcetera - would be useful in filling out an idea of what major events are happening within the world.

Advantages:  May pick up on details that would otherwise slip through.  Offers a more complete perspective of world happenings, for corelation and comparison in analysis phase.

Disadvantages:  Will likely pick up a lot of chaff with the few grains.

Finally:  In the event that an investigation or file warrants the risk, direct agent investigation will be required.  This may include but is not limited to intervention by force of arms, or more subtle infiltration.

Advantages: A direct method of picking up information about groups which warrant a closer look.  May allow collection of data impossible to acquire by any other means.

Disadvantages:  Significant risk to both operatives and organizational security as a whole.

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Upon the Analysis of, and Consideration Granted to Information Acquired

Information gathered via any method which is relevant to the goals and aims of this organization is due consideration.  This being said, manpower is limited and cannot be expended following up every rumour and lead.  As well, analysis and comparison of reported intelligence may garner insight not explicitly stated elsewhere, by way of overlap.  Although the task of corroboration, corelation, and information-mapping is group-specific, and unlikely to be performed by field researchers, the following is a brief overview of how acquired intelligence is to be organized, maintained, and dealt with.

1. Reporting:  Since no individual agent has an objective perspective or the capacity to follow all open investigations simultaneously, it is essential that acquired information be added to the current folios and to the Black Library for cataloguing.  Folios classifications may include but are not limited to:
- Individuals of particular notoriety, merit, or noteworthiness
- Organizations
- Incidents or affairs
- Objects of particular importance (i.e. Bindstones, Significant Artifacts, or relics of cultural import)
- International affairs

2. Cataloguing:  A 'new' piece of intelligence reported is to be examined for relevance to previous folios or incidents.  In the event of significant cross-classification, a folio will be started in reference to the crossroads of other files.  In the event of a stand-alone 'new' incident, a folio is required to be maintained for a minimum of thirty (30) days.

Incidents of significance will be marked upon the world map, in order to detect, if any exist, geographic corelations.  Profiles of significant individuals and their doings are to be updated as often as possible.

3. Dead Files:  In the event of a 'stand alone' or resolved incident, or an incident-folio which has had no activity for a minimum of ninety (90) days (pending discretion), a file may be marked 'dead' - resolved or unlikely to be further progressed.  In this event, they are to be transferred to the Black Archival Library, accessable to analysis and field agents upon request.  As it is likely that some of what is contained within will be sensitive information, the location of this Archival Library will be kept secure.