Reconnaissance Report: Elderhearth, Report 2

Prepared by: Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward
Commissioned by: Protectorate of Eastward

Executive Summary

Elderhearth is no longer a simple ruin infested by the Spawn of Kyuss—it is evolving. The party is currently unaware of the full extent of what is transpiring, but a greater conflict has erupted within the city’s ruins. A harbinger of Kyuss, a powerful servant of the Wormgod, has arrived to spread undeath and corruption, bringing forth an army of abominations. However, they are not unopposed. In the heart of Elderhearth, the Demonseed of Orcus has awakened, wielding its unholy influence and seeking to claim dominion over the rising forces of undeath.

The two monstrous entities are now locked in a violent struggle, a war between Kyuss’s parasitic horror and Orcus’s demonic necromantic will. The fate of Elderhearth and possibly the entire region will be determined by the outcome of this conflict. Meanwhile, the ruins remain infested with the Spawn of Kyuss, roaming mindlessly and spreading their corruptive worms to any living beings that enter. The party’s involvement may tip the balance—whether by eliminating both horrors, choosing a side, or seeking to stop this apocalyptic battle before it spills beyond Elderhearth’s borders.

1. Enemy Forces & Disposition

Primary Threats:

  1. The Harbinger of Kyuss

    • A high-ranking servant of Kyuss, either an evolved Spawn or a mortal who has fully succumbed to the Wormgod’s influence.
    • Commands swarms of Spawn of Kyuss and other horrific undead monstrosities.
    • Seeks to claim Elderhearth as the first stronghold of Kyuss’s growing infestation.

  2. The Demonseed of Orcus

    • A failed mortal bound to the Abyss, chosen by Orcus as a vessel for his unholy dominion over undeath.
    • Wields abyssal magic and commands legions of demonic undead.
    • Seeks to claim Elderhearth as a foothold for Orcus’s growing influence in the mortal world.

  3. Spawn of Kyuss (Lesser Threat, Yet Prolific)

    • Mindless undead horrors that infest the ruins, growing in number as they infect the fallen.
    • Are drawn toward the battle between their two monstrous overlords, feeding off the destruction.

2. Tactical Overview & Assault Strategy

Approach Routes:

  • Northern Approach (Through the Old Trade Route):

    • Advantages: Provides a vantage point to observe the battle from afar.
    • Disadvantages: High risk of being caught between the warring factions.

  • Eastern Approach (Riverside Entry):

    • Advantages: Easier to remain unnoticed, using the water and mist for cover.
    • Disadvantages: Potentially exposes the party to unknown aquatic horrors corrupted by Kyuss.

  • Western Approach (Collapsed Streets):

    • Advantages: Can use the ruins as cover and sneak into key positions.
    • Disadvantages: Unstable ground and risk of ambush from both undead and abyssal forces.

Strategic Considerations:

  • Intervening in the Battle: The party may have the opportunity to tip the scales in favor of one faction or attempt to destroy both while they are weakened.
  • Avoiding the Conflict: If the party chooses not to engage directly, they may find hidden paths through the ruins to investigate the source of the corruption.

3. Possible Origin of the Conflict

The ruins of Elderhearth likely hold a source of power that has drawn both the Harbinger of Kyuss and the Demonseed of Orcus to claim dominion over the region. This power could be:

  • A Forgotten Abyssal Relic: A piece of Orcus’s influence that the Demonseed seeks to awaken fully.
  • A Nexus of Necrotic Energy: A convergence point where death magic is strongest, perfect for both factions to harness.
  • A Gateway to the Abyss or the Plane of the Wormgod: The battle itself may be an attempt to open such a portal fully.

4. Recommendations & Next Steps

  1. Gather Intel: The party must learn more before engaging. Observing the battle may provide valuable insight into the weaknesses of both forces.
  2. Contain the Conflict: If the battle continues unchecked, it may spill into the surrounding lands. Cutting off reinforcements or sealing key areas may be necessary.
  3. Choose a Course of Action: Will the party support one side, attempt to destroy both, or take a different path entirely?

Conclusion:
Elderhearth is no longer a mere ruin but a battlefield of cosmic horror. The party’s choices will determine whether this conflict remains contained or escalates into a catastrophe of unthinkable proportions.

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