Session 53

DM Notes:

Short session, long rest in the chamber that the party currently deems as safe. Drugs were made and protective incantations cast. Rainier explored her mental map and was able to force herself into the eyes of something lurking in the dark. Times passes (as it does) and the party set back out into the maze, only to find it now seemingly empty. 

Reconnaissance report for Lord Linwood and Lady Kendrick.

My Lord Steward, still no word from the Rustfire clan. Our latest update from the Dwarven merchant group still stands. I took the liberty of paying them a direct visit, discretely ofcourse, although it seems that upper levels are now emptied and that the population has retreated down into their ancient Thaigs. I was able to remain undetected as I delved into the old forges. The fires have been relit and the sound of craftsman now echos louder than we've seen in the last hundred years. It is clear that the Dwarves have found a new sense of purpose, but to what end I am not sure. We cannot learn more without intruding upon our treaties and risking offense to their honour. At this time, I recommend that we hold faith with our allies.
Caer Corwell have been amassing their own forces and are consolidating behind their walls. Many of the people of Gwynneth have tried to return to the capital, but they appear to be turned away. Deirdre is confident that she can match any force that attempts to land in her domain. Unfortunately, she refused any attempt I have made to talk of joining forces. She fears that Alaron has already been compromised and that any effort to do so would only weaken her position. Thus far, I have been unable to convince her otherwise. For now atleast, it seems that we should not expect any aid from Gwynneth.
I have finally been able to locate the missing mercenary group known as the wolf breakers. They have reached the town of Warlsbury, but it has become shrouded in a dark magic and its population seemingly enslaved. This would expain my previous failed attempts to contact them. It was only thanks to a powerful transdimensional travel spell that I was able to track them down at all - yet more interference by their mysterious demonic patron. After reaching the group, I was able to resupply them. They have been deep under Warlsbury keep for some days now, tracking through a maze of tunnels and necrotic magic. The awoken dead sprung upon us as we spoke, a powerful form of necromancy that would take vast knowledge and power to sustain. They carried with them an intricate blade. Something about it seemed familiar to me, I will follow up with the scholars to identify. No sign yet of your scouts or of the surviving men from the Iron Keep. I fear the magic presiding over the people of Warlsbury it yet to reveal its full power. I have one again lost sight of the wolf breakers. Our faith in their abilities will now be put to the test.
For now I rest and prepare for the coming weeks. Keep me updated - you know where to find me.
Ali.