Dossier: Elderhearth
Prepared by: Darius Quarterling, Spymaster of the Protectorate of Eastward
Overview
Elderhearth, once the heart of the Protectorate of Eastward, now lies in ruin. This city, known for its vibrant community and stronghold of Eastward culture, has been reduced to a ghost town. The destruction of Elderhearth was so complete that its surviving residents either fled with the Baron or scattered into the surrounding regions. Those who remained behind have been transformed into undead monstrosities known as the Spawn of Kyuss, adding a sinister threat to the desecrated land.
Current Situation
Elderhearth’s ruins are now a dangerous and haunted location. The Spawn of Kyuss, grotesque undead creatures animated by parasitic worms, infest the area. These creatures are drawn to the living and pose a significant threat to any who venture too close.
The Hall of Remembrance
The Hall of Remembrance was one of Elderhearth’s most sacred locations, dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and legacy of the Barony of Eastward. Before the city’s destruction, it was an intimate, polished stone chamber connected to the Hearthhall, featuring:
- A Grand Mural: Depicting the first Baron of Whiteclaw’s battle against the Feylord, with the broken blade "Humility" as its centerpiece.
- Enchanted Sconces: Providing a soft glow that imbued the room with a solemn, reverent atmosphere.
The Hall symbolized the Barony’s values of humility, service, and resilience. Though its current condition is unknown, the Hall likely holds remnants of its past significance—and possibly danger, given the undead infestation in the area.
Key Figures
- The Spawn of Kyuss:
- These undead abominations now roam the ruins, driven by the parasitic worms that animate their corpses.
- Each Spawn is a grotesque fusion of decay and writhing parasites, spreading their infection to the living they encounter.
- Survivors and Witnesses:
- Scattered accounts from those who fled describe the terror of the city’s fall and the rise of the undead infestation.
- Some survivors, now living in neighboring regions, may hold key information about the events that led to Elderhearth’s current state.
Strategic Concerns
- Undead Threat:
- The presence of the Spawn of Kyuss makes the ruins highly dangerous. If left unchecked, the infestation could spread to surrounding areas.
- Their ability to infect and transform others into Spawn poses a significant risk to any recovery efforts.
- Cultural Loss:
- Elderhearth was the cultural and historical center of the Protectorate. Its destruction and desecration represent a profound loss to the region’s identity.
Recommendations
- Contain the Threat:
- Deploy skilled adventurers or soldiers to eliminate the Spawn of Kyuss within the ruins.
- Establish quarantine measures to prevent the infestation from spreading to nearby settlements.
- Investigate the Infestation:
- Uncover the source of the Spawn of Kyuss. Understanding how they came to infest Elderhearth may lead to methods of reversing or containing the damage.