Reconnaissance Report: Elderhearth

Commissioned by: Protectorate of Eastward

Executive Summary

Elderhearth is a ruin teeming with undeath, overrun by the Spawn of Kyuss. These parasites infest the bodies of the fallen, spreading the curse further with every victim. The city's defenses are shattered, and its sacred sites likely defiled. If left unchecked, the infestation threatens to spread beyond the ruins. I have assessed the force disposition, potential assault vectors, and a probable source of the corruption.

1. Enemy Forces & Disposition

Primary Threat: The Spawn of Kyuss

  • Numbers: Unknown, but likely in the hundreds.
  • Composition: Animated dead overtaken by parasitic worms, relentless in their aggression.
  • Capabilities:
    • Regeneration: Destroying them requires overwhelming force or divine magic.
    • Infection: Contact with their worms can spread their curse.
    • Coordination: Though mindless, they exhibit pack-like hunting behavior.

Notable Sightings:

  • Swarms of Spawn congregate in the ruins of the Hearthhall and the Hall of Remembrance, suggesting a significance to these locations.
  • A particularly large and bloated Spawn, possibly a greater variant, was seen near the city's central plaza. It may act as a progenitor for the infestation.
  • Unusual arcane disturbances in the western quarter, possibly remnants of the event that led to Elderhearth’s downfall.

2. Tactical Overview & Assault Strategy

Approach Routes:

  • Northern Approach (Through the Old Trade Route):
    • Advantages: Elevated terrain provides a vantage point. Easier retreat if overwhelmed.
    • Disadvantages: Narrow paths could funnel forces into ambushes.
  • Eastern Approach (Riverside Entry):
    • Advantages: Could use boats to land and avoid the densest infestation zones.
    • Disadvantages: Riverbanks are exposed, and the undead may have submerged threats.
  • Western Approach (Collapsed Streets):
    • Advantages: Rubble and ruins provide cover for a slow, methodical advance.
    • Disadvantages: Choking hazards and unstable ground could be a risk.

Preferred Strategy:
A coordinated pincer movement using the northern and western approaches would be the most effective, with a small elite unit deploying from the east to eliminate key threats and disrupt enemy concentrations. Fire and divine magic should be prioritized to cleanse the undead.

3. Possible Origin of the Infestation

The Hall of Remembrance may be central to this blight. Given its history and importance, it is plausible that something there either awakened or was deliberately used to unleash the Spawn of Kyuss. The greater variant in the central plaza may also hold clues to the outbreak.
Further, the arcane disturbances in the western quarter indicate another possible source—perhaps a failed magical defense, an artifact, or an unholy ritual that went awry.

4. Recommendations & Next Steps

  1. Containment Protocol: Immediate efforts should be made to ensure the infestation does not spread. This may require warding the perimeter or deploying a quarantine force.
  2. Elimination of Key Threats: Focus fire on the greater Spawn and investigate the Hall of Remembrance for answers.
  3. Reinforcements & Divine Aid: Strong magical and clerical support will be necessary to prevent infection and fully eradicate the undead presence.
  4. Recovering Lost History: If possible, artifacts or records from the Hall of Remembrance should be salvaged to preserve Elderhearth’s legacy.

Conclusion:
Elderhearth is lost, but not beyond redemption. A decisive strike, coupled with containment measures, can prevent this scourge from claiming more lives. I stand ready to lead warriors against this blight, should the call be made.

Signed,
Alcaster the Sentinel
Chieftain of the Moving Mountain Clan

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