Proof of Innocence

To the Rightfully Appointed Representatives of The Archipelago,
On this day, the 21st Day of the First Moon, 78 AC, I do attest the following is true to the best to my knowledge:
On the 1st Day of the First Moon, 78 AC, I did hire six individuals to complete a task for me. Those individuals (Daz Nusse, Krathag Vunakukate, Sir Skorpa, Arete Tryphon, Elgin, and Broad Ben), hereby abbreviated as The Party, were offered six hundred gold pieces in exchange for their services. The Party was tasked with:

1. Finding my missing notes and measuring apparatus, assumed to be in the possession of four other adventurers I had hired recently.
2. Use my measuring apparatus from the Chain's Root in the Northern Reach to measure the angular distance between Veraakden and Vendaria, and between Vendaria and Dheg Lhodar.
3. Record these angular distances into my notebook.
4. Return both my notes and the measuring apparatus to me at The Iron Tower.

The Party did complete the first step without issue. On the 11th Day of the First Moon, 78 AC, they reached the Chain's Root in the Northern Ridge. From this observation point, The Party did attempt to gain the required measurements. However, they unknowingly unleashed a then-unknown material implanted within my measuring apparatus. This material did burn away Broad Ben's dominant eye and caused what has come to be called the "Severing of Dheg Lhodar".
Upon later inspection of the device, The Party did find a crystalline structure within it which I have identified to be the heart of a celestial, burnt out and lacking all of its Altir-given Grace. I have retained a piece of the heart for my own research, but The Party has other pieces which they may choose to share with you for your own inspection.
I assert that neither I nor The Party offered any voluntary involvement in the Severing, nor did any of the aforementioned intend for this disaster to take place. They deserve no blame in this, and were unwitting and unwilling pawns in another's vile scheme.
I do recognize that many of the dwarves which now seek refuge in Midport are justifiably furious, seeking some sort of revenge for their fallen friends, family, and holy sites. I see in that fury a willingness to lash out, even at those who were not responsible for their loss. Because the above does involve me in their trauma, I do recognize that I may be viewed in some communities as a viable outlet for their vengeance. As of this writing, I plan to depart Midport for a safer isle where I might avoid any unreasonable violence. I apologize for my absence before the Archipelago, but I believe that my absence is necessary for my safety and survival.
Please offer mercy to The Party. They bravely and honestly told me what had happened, and earnestly wish to discover who is behind this heinous and evil act. They deserve your help, not your derision.
Sincerely, Neskur Xohim, Third Ring of the Arcane Circle, Master of Scientific Studies, Manipulator of Magical Delights