Cities Under K'ul Goran - Varis 21/11/19

“For the attention of the Council of Nine.

Further to my recent report, events in Kul Goran have taken an alarming turn. Intending to gather more information on the state of the war, I joined with several adventurers from Port Ffirst who were seeking subterranean cities below the nation of Kul Goran, and answers to their questions about the exsanguinatory effects of the land here. We travelled here in an unofficial capacity, and journeyed two days into the jungle beyond Za’Suul. There we were met by a “contact” - a hobgoblin by the name of Hoth. Hoth purported to be a military officer of The Shunned, a society of monstrous races apparently banished underground by the K’ul Gorani some time ago. Hoth outlined the Shunned plans to take advantage of the current war by attacking both sides and “reclaiming” lands above ground.

The imminent military action was to take place near the agricultural centre of Nrav’Garat, where K’ul Goran prepared to fend off an attack by a force of Frost Giants from the south. To their credit, my companions seemed uneasy about this prospect, and made some efforts to convince Hoth to ally with K’ul Goran in return for territorial concessions, and then more desperately to commit to attacking only the giants in the coming engagement. He was resolute, however, that the Shunned would destroy any who attacked them, also pointing out that he was a military commander of middling rank, and that the negotiation of treaties was outside his purview.

He began leading the others through the gateway into the subterranean realm of his people. It was at this point that I took my leave, unwilling to join in the opportunistic slaughter of people currently engaged in a struggle against annihilation by giants and fiends. I rode with all speed to Za’Suul, making my way to the Admiralty offices and gaining an audience with Admiral Koss, who dispatched a messenger to warn the defenders of Nrav’Garat and arranged magical transport for me to Zot Goran. From there I rode to the front, stopping only to inform Ambassador Girelle of the potential diplomatic incident about to unfold, of which I hope you were appraised.

I was gratified to see on arrival that the civilian population had been evacuated, and reported to Commander Aruul of the Errant Guard, offering my services against the imminent two-front assault. We did not have to wait long for our enemy to show themselves.

A great moving blizzard approached at speed from the mountains to the South-East, and once it enveloped us, we found it concealed a troop of Frost Giants, including several magic users. The Errant Guard fought bravely, but by the time the giants were defeated, were in no shape to match the forces of the Shunned who had joined the battle midway through. The survivors were surrounded and engaged, my attempts to prevent further loss of life futile until one of the adventurers from Port Ffirst, a Tiefling magister named Bliss, made a sufficient show of force to separate both sides and the Guard withdrew, myself going with them. I know not what became of the other adventurers, save that they left with the Shunned.

I’m sure I need not stress the potential calamity of these events. If K’ul Goran perceives the actions of this group to be a statement of intent from all of Daring, we may find ourselves in an untenable position - unable to assist them against their foes and the subject of their ire should they be victorious in this war. Additionally, the involvement of Frost Giants, and the apparent opening of further portals within the mountains suggests that the end of this conflict may be closer than we initially thought. Decisive action needs to be taken soon, or the opportunity to secure victory will be lost forever, and Daring will face the very real possibility of a hostile imperial neighbour, with only the Sea of Tears to separate us from a nation of fiends and giants.

I will remain in Zot Goran for the present - the Errant Guard are keen to employ my services - but Girelle knows how to reach me should you need to contact me.