Elderhearth: Strategic Report

Compiled by Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward

Geographical Overview

Elderhearth, once the vibrant heart of the Protectorate of Eastward, now lies in ruin. The city, known for its stronghold of Eastward culture and traditions, was devastated during the war and became a battleground between forces of undeath. The ruins were previously infested with Spawn of Kyuss, grotesque abominations animated by parasitic worms, as well as demonic forces under the sway of Orcus.

However, recent observations by Eldrous Pith indicate that the conflict between the Harbinger of Kyuss and the Demonseed of Orcus has abruptly ceased, and both armies have seemingly vanished without a trace. The absence of the armies and their leaders has left the ruins ominously quiet and shrouded in mystery.

The Sudden Silence

The disappearance of both factions raises several questions:

  • Where have the forces gone? No signs of retreat or mass destruction remain, and the undead presence has diminished to scattered stragglers.
  • What caused their departure? No evidence of a cataclysm or decisive battle was found. The streets are empty, and the corrupted church no longer pulses with dark energy.
  • Was it intentional? Did one side claim victory and vanish, or did an external force intervene?

Eldrous reported a peculiar incident involving a half-transformed revenant, seemingly affected by an external influence tied to moths and transformation. This single entity appeared to resist its own undeath, caught between life and death, and ultimately collapsed after speaking the cryptic words, "Not yet."

Key Locations

  • Corrupted Church: The dark energy has faded, but the structure remains tainted by its previous role as a spawning ground for the Kyuss undead.
  • Hall of Remembrance: Still overrun by lingering undead, but without a commanding presence. Investigating the hall may reveal clues to the artifact that drove the conflict.
  • Central Plaza: No evidence of a final confrontation. Scattered remains suggest a chaotic withdrawal rather than a pitched battle.
  • Arcane Disturbances: Residual traces of magic in the western quarter remain faint, but the intensity of corruption has diminished.

Recent Developments

  • Both the Harbinger of Kyuss and the Demonseed of Orcus have vanished without explanation.
  • The Spawn of Kyuss presence has significantly diminished, with no new infections reported.
  • A potential moth-related transformation phenomenon was observed, suggesting a third influence or an evolution of the curse.

Strategic Concerns

  • Investigation: Determine the cause of the abrupt cessation of conflict and where the armies have gone.
  • Artifact Recovery: Investigate the Hall of Remembrance and Corrupted Church to locate any catalyst or arcane focus that could explain the transformation or disappearance.
  • Ongoing Threat Assessment: While the active conflict has ceased, the nature of this transformation must be understood to prevent recurrence.
  • Monitor Unnatural Phenomena: The moth-related transformation suggests an arcane or divine influence that warrants further study.

Recommendations

  1. Send Scout Teams: Deploy observers to verify the status of the city and ensure the undead presence does not reignite.
  2. Secure the Hall of Remembrance: Recover any artifacts or remnants that might explain the conflict’s resolution.
  3. Investigate the Transformation Phenomenon: Study the connection between the moths and the revenant, and determine whether the Mothkeeper or a similar force is involved.
  4. Reclaim Elderhearth: If the area is confirmed safe, begin efforts to rebuild and purify the city.

Status Reports

[Dossier: Elderhearth](index.php?id=elderhearth_report)
[Reconnaissance Report: Elderhearth](index.php?id=elderhearth_reconnaissance)
[Reconnaissance Report: Elderhearth, Report 2](index.php?id=elderhearth_f1)
[Briefing on Elderhearth Conflict](index.php?id=elderhearth_report_2)

Eldrous Interlude - Episode 3

Conclusion

Elderhearth’s fate has taken an unexpected turn. The sudden vanishing of both forces leaves the city in an eerie silence, and understanding the transformation that occurred could be key to preventing future threats. Reclaiming the city is now possible but must be approached with caution, ensuring that the underlying cause of this disappearance is addressed.

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