Briefing on Elderhearth Conflict

Prepared by: Alcaster the Sentinel

To the Party,

I have arrived at Elderhearth and begun my assessment of the unfolding battle. The city is a festering graveyard, its ruins teeming with horrors that should never have been allowed to fester. The Demonseed of Orcus and the Harbinger of Kyuss wage war in an unholy struggle, yet neither truly understands the purpose for which they were set upon this path. Their masters have abandoned them, leaving only blind destruction in their wake.

State of the Battlefield

• Corrupted Church: A former place of worship now stands as a vile monument to undeath. The structure has been overtaken by the influence of Kyuss, its walls pulsing with dark energy. The Spawn of Kyuss seem to emerge from within its desecrated halls, suggesting it may serve as a spawning ground for their numbers. This site must be studied further to determine if it can be sealed—or destroyed.

• The Demonseed’s Nature and Tactics: Though now a vessel of destruction, the Demonseed of Orcus was once a person. There is something unnatural about the way it wields its power—it does not act with the clear intent of a commander but as if driven by the artifact it carries. The more it calls upon its dark magic, the more erratic it becomes, and at times, it seems to lose control over its own undead forces. Its tactics are reckless, relying on brute force and sheer attrition rather than any meaningful strategy. It wages war like a rabid beast, expending its strength wastefully, with no regard for its own forces or longevity. This lack of discipline could be exploited.

• Daylight Influence: The Demonseed of Orcus appears unaffected by the light of day, continuing its campaign of destruction without pause. However, the Spawn of Kyuss seem to recede during daylight hours, their numbers thinning before surging again when darkness falls.

• Undead Contagion: The influence of Kyuss spreads like wildfire, the cursed spawn endlessly multiplying as the fallen are repurposed as hosts.

• Abyssal Corruption: The Demonseed's forces are fewer, but they wield dark power that strengthens their grip over the battlefield, raising abominations that defy the natural order.

Recommended Course of Action

Our goal should be to allow this war to reach its natural conclusion while ensuring it does not spill beyond these ruins. Neither of these forces can be allowed to claim victory. To that end, I propose the following:

1. Seizing a Resource for Fire Purge

   • The Marque Trade Consortium is preparing to burn the Trial-Woods to root out Blackthorn's fighters. Their oil and pitch, if intercepted, could serve a greater purpose in Elderhearth.
   • By diverting this resource, we could turn it against the undead scourge, cleansing large sections of the ruins while denying Marque the means to execute their plan.

2. Containment Measures

   • The corruption must not spread. If left unchecked, Kyuss’s infection could reach the outskirts and beyond. We must find ways to restrict their movement and reinforce barriers that keep the battle contained.
   • The abyssal forces are fewer in number but no less dangerous. We must weaken them in such a way that they do not become a lingering threat.

3. Manipulating the Conflict

   • We must subtly guide the battle to ensure neither side gains the upper hand for long. Striking at key moments—perhaps eliminating lieutenants or driving them toward confrontation—may allow us to hasten their mutual destruction.
   • If either faction appears to be gaining decisive momentum, we should intervene to tilt the scales back toward balance until both are sufficiently weakened.

4. Locating the Catalyst

   • There is an object of significance within this conflict—an imitation of a relic tied to undeath’s dominion. While it lacks the power of its predecessor, it may yet be the key to understanding who set this conflict in motion.
   • If we find it first, we can disrupt whatever plan may still be unfolding.

Final Thoughts

This battle is a symptom of a greater scheme. The true enemy has already moved on, but we are left to deal with what remains. I will continue my reconnaissance and provide further reports as I uncover more. If we are decisive, we can ensure that Elderhearth remains a tomb rather than the first chapter of something far worse.

Steel in battle, stone in resolve.

Alcaster the Sentinel