19.0 - Cascades of Life and Death Report
General Summary
The second part of Syl's report, which I dearly wish held more immediate answers. Just what did they awaken at the Riner?
Firstly, I would like reimbursement for my clothing and equipment, if you'd be so kind to expedite that request, Preserver. You can have it all sent to Liv and I'll collect it there while I try to pick up the trail again.
Now, for my report.
I had made my way past debris from—presumably—their battles. Old rusty weapons were strewn about and rotten bodies were slowly sinking back into the muck. No doubt these items and undead were triggered by their entry and excess magic in the area. This would like up with previous investigation reports on Stuurk Swamp.
Continued to carefully pick my way past the magic-gorged relics. Something metallic and wriggling caught my eye. A strange insect-like contraption made of bronze or copper. It does not seem alive, yet its legs were moving and it responded to prodding. Collected in my bag for future study by the Keepers (or you).
And was surrounded by a tribe of grung. My apologies. Though, I did not disturb their natural habitat or culture, in case you were worried. Attempted conversation as they tied me up and dragged me through the mud to their village. Here's a brief transcript:
"Did you see a group of travelers?"
"Mgrlll grlrrr aagrwl!"
"Six of them. A lizardfo—"
"Mrgrl!"
"Right. So did they pass this way?"
(Several of them at once) "Aaaaaughib brgubll rbugrguburgllr!"1
They tied me to a pole in their village, where I had the wonderful opportunity to simmer in the evening humidity. And then a pop of magical pressure. All went silent. The constant life-to-death-to-life cycling ceased on the affected plants and animals. The grung began croaking nervously, but did not lessen their guard on me for until a while later. The ground quaked. And a moment later the shadow of something gigantic; something very powerful and terrifying; something that seemed to both fill me and drain me of energy passed overhead, heading north.
The grung broke into a panic. No longer paying me any heed, I took this opportunity to shake my bonds and leave. Once out of sight of the grung, I picked up my pace, as their camp was farther from the center of the swamp than I had been when captured. It still took me too long. Apologies again.
I reached the Riner just minutes ago, and the sun rises on an empty clearing.[1]I'll send extra payment to Syl to ease their ornery mood.
- Atani
- Corvis
- Holg
- Kallista
- Kilith
- Sil'Ferrous
Report Date
30 Apr 2021
Primary Location
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