Chapter 2: Desert of Decay, Part 1

The Amir’s Rest Incident

Penned by Aestaril Leythen

Note: For the foreseeable future I shall be composing reports of Investigations Branch activity.

As is customary, assembly of all attendees took place in the headquarters of Investigations. The following was communicated by Valtire; the company had receivean anonymous letter, sent by a former inhabitant of a settlement in the Alik’r- Amir’s Rest. The sender had returned to find their parents missing, their home destroyed. None in town informed the client on what transpired, in fact, they were hostile regarding the matter. Thus, there are two tasks: locate the missing persons and discern what is plaguing Amir’s Rest. 

Amir’s Rest carried a scent of decay and rot. As the letter indicated, it’s inhabitants were approximately as welcoming as the smell. The first company member to take action was Svetla, whom on the next job I would propose gagging. She had confronted a guardswoman in an attempt to question her and nearly caused an altercation- which was avoided by use of a charm spell. I believe the caster to have been Es’set. The same mer had offered a course of action, which was to locate an inn. And so the band did. Or, attempted to. 

While in search of an inn, an unseeable force had met the group, causing an uncomfortable clawing at the mind and more significantly Valtire and Verrjörð to harm themselves. The use of wards was suggested by Es’set, as evidently threats beyond agitated townspeople did loom. 

The first building the company has approached was not what they sought, but was worthwhile still. A club of sorts was accidentally wandered into, and proved to be the gathering place of those with their wits about them. Though, I suppose I am getting ahead of myself. The initial interactions with this club were as smooth as those with Amir’s Rest itself. I believe someone, Corin, perhaps, attempted to steal a ledger. The reasoning behind this action is wholly unknown to me. As this transpired, Svetla antagonized another townsperson in an attempt to extract information. A technique I’d compare in efficiency to reading a book by setting the pages aflame and spreading the ashes. 

Bakes-With-Cinnamon experienced more success. To the bartender he spoke, receiving the following words, “They all started talking about a bloated one... Saying he was going to change us, make things better for us. Said he would make us powerful. We quickly split into two groups, those who fell for "his" charms, and those of us who did not. We are all that is left of the did-nots.” 

In lieu of this information, the idea to offer a portal to those in the club was conceived by Es’set and endorsed by Svetla. As the logistics of doing so were conversed, a flock of guards descended upon the company. An individual in more ornate armor spoke for the lot, asking the company to come with them. To speak, supposedly. Obviously the guards were met with resistance, which went unchecked. The company was requested to meet them at the temple of Amir’s Rest, then left to do as they will. 

I would like note of a personal observation: the woman in ornate armor had an eldritch aura about her- in the process of some sort of transformation. 

Another note: Corin was seen wandering about the premises during this interaction, however I was unable to catch what she had done. 

Those who took interest in opening a portal for the self-proclaimed ‘did-nots’ to escape again spoke in interest of doing so. I was in agreement and thus requested that Bakes-With-Cinnamon offer the idea of leaving via a portal, and to ensure it can be trusted. It was agreed that this portal would lead to Zeldava’s tavern, the Crimson Retreat, which, admittedly I feel guilty for allowing such use of without her knowledge. I assume she’s reading this. Apologies for that. 

As all this took place, at some point, Ina had investigated a nearby well. A problem, she described her observations as. To add more detail she had found that ‘mind magic’ emanated from this well, and sought to collect a sample for further research. Corin too was on a lone investigation- she had found ‘flesh bits’ in a fountain. Her return to the group was fortunate, as Ina required aid in acquiring that sample she wanted. The well was decided to be unsafe to linger near, so a solution to use telekinetic magic was devised by Corin. Last I heard of this well situation was that Ina shall report her findings on the water. 

The proposal to transport those with their wits still about them out of town was met with acceptance. As instructed I had opened a portal to the Crimson Retreat, which was used by all company members present to depart. 

Thus concludes the report of the first excursion to Amir’s Rest.

Members in Attendance

• Corin Beaufort

• Es'set Telnothi

• Ina Ensinma

• Svetla Ice-Maiden

• Verrjörð Jötunsonr

Council Members in Attendance

• Aestaril Leythen

• Bakes-With-Cinnamon 

• Valtire Leythen