📜 Quest Briefing:

Target: Northern Elven Ruins & Frozen Lakes

Difficulty Tier: D (Environmental Survival)

Expected Duration: 14+ Days (7 days travel each way + mapping time)

Background: The high plateau north of Emberdawn is a wasteland of ancient stone, waterfalls, and freezing mist. Recent scouts have reported a persistent, rhythmic "humming" magic resonating from the ruins near the primary icy lakes. The source of this resonance is unknown, and the area remains a void on our current charts.

The Traversal: The journey to the plateau is as dangerous as the destination. The party must choose one of two routes:

1. The Long Circumvention: Avoid the southwestern range by taking a winding, low-altitude path. This is safer but exposes the party to more potential feral predators in the foothills.
2. The Mountaineer’s Pass: A direct ascent through the peaks. This requires Experienced Mountaineering equipment and an Explorer skilled in high-altitude navigation. While faster, the risk of exhaustion and exposure to the elements is severe.

Objectives:

• Cartography: Produce a detailed map of the plateau’s geography, specifically the lake clusters and ruin perimeters.
• Investigate: Locate the source of the "humming" magic. Determine if it is a dormant Elven ward, a recovered artifact, or a signature of the Umbra.
• Secure Intel: Assess the ruins for potential salvage or the feasibility of a future permanent Checkpoint.

Tactical Note: The cold on the plateau is biting and relentless. Your Blessed Branches will provide necessary warmth, but their energy will deplete faster in the sub-zero winds. Manage your light carefully.