Report of the Mayor's Office: Emergency O.G.R.E. Repairs - Thornet Day 20

In an earlier scouting mission to the surface, the western O.G.R.E. apparatus was slightly damaged, causing it to begin flashing. I was able to assess and address the immediate issue, then contact who we needed to for repairs.

In addition to the maintenance and repairs, a protective cover for O.G.R.E. and the glass ceiling was quickly devised.

Mayor Thimble and the Dremel Union led a party of adventurers to the surface for these goals. The party consisted of myself, Vermillion Vigil Commander Hilda Crowe, Doctor Barthalomew Roland Atticus Inigo Nostradamus, Mister Basil, Torren, Scout Recruit Iggy Faustina, and Mister Hulden.

At the same time, a party had gone to engage Mist Monsters at the Eastern entrance above Underhaven. We could hear their combat at a distance. The Mist gathered in that area.

After meeting at the Mayor's Office, the party climbed the western catwalks. From there, we accessed the surface. Materials, weapons, rope and slagstones were provided to the party for their use. These materials were obtained graciously from the Rats in the sewers. The party split into two teams.
The building team: Mister Hulden, Mister Basil, Doctor Barthalomew, and myself, harvested nearby trees for wood, and help the Union construct cover over O.G.R.E. We posted beams and secured many of them in place.

The lookout team: Commander Hilda, Iggy, and Torren, watched for the approach of Mist Monsters while we worked.

Almost immediately, Mist Monsters resembling froghemoth tadpoles were spotted. From what I witnessed, they were walking eastwards towards the combat. A few times, the lookout team debated whether to attack the Mist Monsters, ultimately choosing to wait so construction could continue.

When the cover was mostly complete, a Frayed froghemoth joined the other Mist Monsters. At this time, the lookout team had decided to trip the advancing tadpoles with a rope. This was successful. Afterwards, the tree they had been using awoke. A second tree awoke later during combat. Both trees were talked down by Mayor Thimble and Commander HIlda. One tree killed several of the tadpoles.

When combat began, the Frayed froghemoth was observed to command the tadpoles. It's attention targeted Doctor Barthalomew. Iggy and Torren were the first to attack the frayed creatures. The froghemoth was significantly damaged. However, both sets of attacks were enhanced magically. This granted the mist monsters immense speed. Several used this speed to run eastwards towards the other combat. The froghemoth and remaining tadpoles approached Doctor Barthalomew. Mister Hulden and the Doctor quickly killed them.

After this event, the party returned to Underhaven. Mayor Thimble offered payment, which Commander Hilda and I declined. Adventurers were permitted to keep some of the equipment used in exchange for half-pay.

If you would like more detail, I can write more. I can also attach my early report about O.G.R.E. if helpful. Please read my other letters, as time is very short. Materials should be available shortly. - ⚘

A piece of canvas is left in the mushroom park, as close to the camp as she dares...
It was far enough that a flustered, nervous figure returned several times to try and take the note back. Each time she retreated, another piece of honeycomb was left in apology. It was hardly polite to take back gifts. Even ones that were mortifying. Lilinoe should've slept before she'd left it...

"Invited to the Market,
I traveled up the slope.
Greetings by the Last Slice Given,
More kindness than I could hope.

Three rules for the guests were spoken,
None broken, forgotten, or lost.
Then up we fly to the Market,
To learn of trade and cost.

Center sits the tent,
Separate from dolls and sweets.
Within sits Sir Cups,
And with rhymes he greets:
“Effort and work make fine trades!
Secrets call to the heart!
Sit beneath the tent,
Offer what you will,
Cups will take a part.”

Food, research, days and nights were sought.
Memories traced and shared.
Miss Fox and Sir Bear earn shiny boones,
To reflect what they prepared.

Storytellers follow,
Adventures for their wares.
A tale told twice,
A first song sung-
Bring gifts that help each share.

I am honored as I write.
I will do my best.
We will seek many sights and wonders
and share when you return next.

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
to those I haven't seen.
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
to those I left in mournful scene.

You are welcomed to my home,
Under painting, under sky.
You bring me much peace,
Even when I cry."

Dear Miss Maeve and Pitch,

Thank you again for hosting us at the library. With so much going on, it can be hard to remember the resources that are already available. The time you took to identify what issues Underhaven is facing, then finding tomes and documents to help us further discussion is invaluable. I hope it wasn't difficult, given the age of some of the journals reviewed.

I wish I'd spoken more, sooner, because there was so much in front of us that could've been explored deeper. If you don't mind, I look forward to meeting again soon. I'm trying to be more involved, as awkward as it feels. I hope I have a lot to offer you.

I must also thank you for teaching us that... magic. It's terrifying, but I'm glad to know how they work. If you need help creating more in the future, I am happy to try and help. Thank you to Pitch for trusting us and allowing your 'class' to learn by his example.

I don't trust the privacy of written word, so many thoughts will go unshared for now. I wish you rest, and safety. -⚘

Report to Captain Dellen: Emergency Building Repairs - Meadowend Day 6

Led by Chief Broghed, a team comprising of Boone Blackridge, Scum, Gorobal Anvozh, and myself went through the areas of the main battles. Primarily, damage was assessed in the upper, northern region of the Vein.  Areas of damaged masonry, scorch marks, and roof collapse were discovered. The most noticeably damaged buildings underwent emergency repairs.
Please find all buildings I believe were damaged listed below this report. Verification with Chief Broghed and those providing repairs is needed. I am not knowledgeable about these matters.

The Pricklepluck Home: The southern wall of the house was complete destroyed. The immense amount of debris was removed. It received emergency stabilizing repairs.

The Public Bathrooms: Rubble needed to be removed to allow access. No emergency repairs were required.

Vein - 30: Emergency repairs to the lower southern wall were provided to ensure stability.

Numerous traps were found around the Vein, on roofs in particular. These glyphs project a magical attack, identified as 'disintegrate'. It is unclear if the other traps produce the same effect. All discovered traps were destroyed or exposed. Caution is advised.

All identifiable holes, gaps, loose construction and areas of weakness have been marked using charcoal.

Damaged Buildings:
Vein 19 - Light Masonry Damage, Scorch Marks
Vein 20 - Scorch Marks
Vein 21- Light Masonry Damage, One Scorch Mark
Vein 22 - Masonry Damage
Vein-24 - Light Masonry Damage, Assumed Heavy Roof Damage
Vein-25 - Light Scorches Marks, Possible Roof Damage
Vein 26 & 26a - Masonry Damage, Scorch Marks, Heavy Roof Damage
Vein-30 - Masonry Damage, Scorch Marks, Roof Collapse
Vein 31- Masonry Damage, Scorch Marks, Roof Collapse
Vein 32 - Scorch Marks, Masonry Damage, Heavy Roof Damage
Vein 34 - Masonry Damage, Roof Damage
Vein 50 - Masonry Damage, Scorch Marks

I am providing a copy of this report to the Mayor's Office. I can explain more to the best of my abilities upon request. - ⚘

(Shrimp's Group -Bugpit)
[Lilinoe's thoughts- or ramblings, trying to find her state of mind through a splitting headache.]

I-It was... it was...

They were going towards the bug pit. /I hate the bug pit/- and if the corpse beetles were to get infected.... We were maybe going to try to call their attention... Harrus shouted. The ground shook.

The first monster looked- it was a dog? Covered in holes- we watched a flesh eating worm crawl into it's body. Turning, it ran through Púca, ripping into Kal. They defended, Harrus, Púca Kal... I ran towards the bug pit. Miss Morrigan followed, Miss Alice followed- another ran away. /I'm glad she is safe./

I don't think I missed. The creature I approached had many arms, tilted and reaching towards the bug pit. Worms were crawling out to meet it... We attacked them. We attacked it...

It responded when I called to it. It noticed. I didn't have time to call it further. /Why would it respond? Was it not fully lost yet?/

Between the mist above and the creatures between us- I couldn't focus. My head was pounding and pulling me away. /It hurts./ I couldn't hear anymore, I became lost as the battle progressed. /I killed the dog, didn't I? I remember seeing it fall. It fell to my arrows? I didn't leave them aloneIdidn'tIcouldn'tthinkI'msorry./

Further in the Vein, I could think. It took so long... I tried to steer people away. I hate this- when I can see every moment but not make sense of anything.

Why towards the bug pit? Why were they being called? How could it still hear me?

Is everyone okay?

Lilinoe walks along the river, she tries- I try so hard to focus in the waves. The other day was a... horrible day. Every detail, every sound, -the laughter, the shouting, the bells... I still keep it.

The fliers asked for help. I want to help, always. There were many, many present... A construct, a githzerai, a concerning man with wild eyes, Johnson, the Fox...

We were summoned instead of greeted. The raven, Pitch, rushed to us, delivering another cry for help.

It was awful... Poor Miss Maeve was hunched, hands clasped over her ears. Books upon books sat nearby- many languages and many types. We all were concerned, all trying to help. Miss Alyse was by her side immediately... A dark-haired woman walked away- to cast a spell, I think, as the rest tried to talk to Maeve and Pitch.

A clever, beautiful bird, Pitch said one of the books hurt Miss Maeve. There was something about a pattern... Some of us carefully glanced through the books, while Miss- er- Doctor Alyse and a tiefling tried very hard to help her... I didn't... didn't try...

They spoke to her, through her, and channeled what plagued Miss Maeve. Bells tolled.

There was a fight- I didn't want to look, as the bells continued. The construct tried to analyze. Johnson listened- I started too as well. There was... dots... something... I drew it on the ground.

The Risen Fall. Curiosity Is Punished. Those That Seek Answers Must Fight For Them.

Doctor Alyse could read it- she is so calm, observant... Her magic is beautiful. We... didn't interpret it fast enough... the tiefling picked up a book.

Horrible book. Terrible book. Pale and far too soft.

Mostly, it did not call to him.

We were still rather... concerned.

Pitch said it was found near the ruins by Eight. With Miss Maeve still suffering, the man with wild eyes suggested we join the other group, who've been fighting... air? Doctor Alyse looked rather ill- I was sorry to leave her. She helped us so...

It was odd... Everyone... was just grabbing air. Foul smelling air.

I didn't know what to do- I stood away... I could hear Doctor Alyse speaking under her breath....

/"Perhaps it is time for an intermission."/ /"How does this scene end? How is Maeve relieved?"/

Then... the skull. In the midst of the group, a body appeared. Not a bad one- though it was dressed like a performer. I didn't see how it happened. I didn't keep watching once the man with wild eyes started *eating.* I think I missed something important...

/"When will she die?"/

One day. Doctor Alyse told me one day. How horrible. This poor woman.

Was it 'The Fool'? That is what Doctor Alyse said. I wasn't... I don't know.. I know nothing.

/The Fool knows of the mists./

/Involved in murder. It watches. The show must go on-/

It was the book that hurt Maeve, wasn't it? Not the Fool. It only... it only...

/"This world could hope to fight this plague. How do you repel what is, what cannot be contained? Seek the voice in the fog and make it out alive."/

The Skull's mouth opens as Doctor Alyse -speaks- spoke,

/"The show must go on. The curtain shall fall as we fall."/

The Skull croons, "Alas poor-"

We laugh.

Couldn't stop- couldn't stand- all I could hear- everyone could hear- horrible- it echoes- how could I be so awful? Tried to get away. To stop. ImsorryImnotthisIpromise-

I don't know how they stopped it. Doctor Alyse asked me if I was alright... after the disgusting noise. She invited me for tea...

If we don't know what the book is, she suggested we destroy it. Horrible thing. I tried too.

The Fox helped Miss Maeve- at least she could see again. Doctor Alyse and the dark-haired woman left as the rest helped Maeve about town... Things were so confusing after, my head hurts...

We met Miss Ruby at the library. She saved Miss Maeve and the tiefling, thought the book continued to toll. An omen, Miss Ruby said.

They all rushed away... I just kept following... It's unusual, really, I remember every breathe- yet it confuses me so. It's almost like it didn't happen. We went to the theatre and...

Um...

We went to Eight after. There were ruins on the side- I really shouldn't have gone. They found... skin on the walls... Like from mist monsters... It smelled like peanuts, said the Fox.

/"That thing has struck again,"/ The Fox said. I head them tell of a scout being murdered recently and... impersonated.

They found bloody clothes... Trinkets that were removed... then replaced after blood was spilled. The scouts, five scouts, golden cogs... friends...

There wasn't much more... I tried to ask the tiefling to burn the book. The construct also tried, but the tiefling... He- he was upset... The man with wild eyes also... I- it... He scares me.

They didn't... I don't know what they did with that book. I'm sorry.

I feel like I should have done more... I don't want to know... but I... can't leave things like this.