The betrayers blade remains lodged in the skull of the Keeper of Kings, portals that stretch through time continue to open at irregular intervals. Ezekyle and Harkin have been pouring over books, tombs and esoteric lore seemingly trying to narrow in to a particular event or place in time. They say to any who have asked that they don't know EXACTLY what they are looking for but will know when they find it.

 

Meanwhile the town guard and auxiliary under Lord Drachs command have been seen coming back from the woods looking worse for wear, sometimes carrying the wounded or dead. Something within the mountain awakens and marches forth. Rumors abound amongst them of skeletal forces in tattered and frayed uniforms bearing an emblem of a cup and swords, impervious to the usual tricks for slaying the Undead. It is clear a piece has been moved on the board. Those wounded and in hospice mutter of a Kings return, of souls bound, Kingdoms fallen and an Empire of flame and ash.

 

On the surface Lord Drach seems unconcerned, citing that as we get closer to the months of Autumn the veil weakens and these things are to be expected. However the Skien gate has been alight with activity as mages from the Conclave seem to come and go from the fort. These mages are not the only interesting visitors to the Lord. A Pale Drael’Thalan has entered the fort with a large object covered in black silken cloth under his arm.

 

None of these events have slowed the industry of the Mournfall settlement. The Chins continue to try and come up with new and inventive ways of farming groundnuts and providing sustenance to the people. Hunters have moved into the newly built hunting lodge and can be seen in the woods tracking and returning with game animals. Although they require more supplies. The first batches of mead and preservative have been produced by the Apiary, supplying the reinforced Tavern. Construction on its foundation has increased the storage capacity and service to the citizens that partake in the Taverns' hospitable splendor. All the while the sounds of pick and shovel can be heard echoing through the deep road tunnels as the Dwarves rebuild the road to Humblebrag with the assurance of a temporary peace between themselves and their Deep cousins.

 

Meanwhile, more workers continue to go missing by the day. Missing posters litter the trees around the farms and homes.

 

While the settlement continues to grow and its industry expands, it is clear to all that to maintain peace one must prepare for war. In this battle knowledge will be a weapon wielded the same as any blade…

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“I have no idea what to do anymore Peggy. She just stands there looking at the wall all day long. I can’t even get her to eat properly anymore. I’m at my wits end.”

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“Have you heard it at night as well? It’s making it hard to fall asleep. Don’t forget to lock your windows too.”

 

“The Adventurers are helping with the building projects? They’re always saying how poor they are, I’m glad they are finally helping out the small folk like us.” “Don’t be like that. Without them we’d be dragon food or experiment supplies. But I am happy they are helping us.”

 

“Did you hear about the Butterflies?” “Oh the pretty pink and purple ones?” “No the ones that froze Joanis’ crop fields!”

 

“No no, I swear if I drink enough I can cast spells.” “You’ve been at the end of too many bottles tonight. Let's get you home.” “NO I can FEEL it. Wait… Just one more.”

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“We’re getting a black tower?” “Didn’t we already have a black tower?” “No, I think that was called a spire.” “What’s the difference?”

 

“I’ve heard we might be getting some crops from the Ice Elves.” “What do they even grow?” “I don’t know but I’m eager to find out.”

 

“I heard a knocking outside my home. When I asked whose there a voice said, No one. Weird Joke.”

 

“I have fought Undead when I was with the Pride of Lions, I am telling you, those were not like any skeletons I have faced before. What the fuck is going on?!”